0001193125-12-143662.txt : 20120330 0001193125-12-143662.hdr.sgml : 20120330 20120330161958 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-12-143662 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B3 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120330 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120330 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Tops Holding Corp CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001483173 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-GROCERY STORES [5411] IRS NUMBER: 261252536 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B3 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-168065 FILM NUMBER: 12729491 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TOPS MARKETS LLC STREET 2: P.O. BOX 1027 CITY: BUFFALO STATE: NY ZIP: 14240-1027 BUSINESS PHONE: 716-635-5000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL PARTNERS STREET 2: 1585 BROADWAY, FLOOR 39 CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10036 424B3 1 d324893d424b3.htm 424B3 424B3
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)

File Number 333-168065

Prospectus Supplement No. 6

(To prospectus dated November 1, 2010)

 

LOGO

Tops Holding Corporation

Tops Markets, LLC

$350,000,000

10.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2015

This prospectus supplement No. 6 supplements and amends the prospectus dated November 1, 2010, as supplemented and amended by prospectus supplement No. 1 dated November 22, 2010, prospectus supplement No. 2 dated April 1, 2011, prospectus supplement No. 3 dated June 7, 2011, prospectus supplement No. 4 dated August 30, 2011 and prospectus supplement No. 5 dated November 22, 2011 (the “Prospectus”). This prospectus supplement should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, as previously supplemented, and may not be delivered or utilized without the Prospectus.

On March 29, 2012, Tops Holding Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

The date of this prospectus supplement is March 30, 2012.


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333-168065

 

 

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   26-1252536

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

6363 Main Street,

Williamsville, New York 14221

 
(716) 635-5000
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)   (Telephone Number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

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

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

As of March 29, 2012, 144,776 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

 

 

 


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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

  
    ITEM 1.    BUSINESS      2   
    ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS      5   
    ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS      12   
    ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES      12   
    ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS      12   
    ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES      12   
PART II   
    ITEM 5.   

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

     13   
    ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA      14   
    ITEM 7.   

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     15   
    ITEM 7A.   

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     28   
    ITEM 8.   

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     29   
  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     30   
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011

     31   
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010

     32   
  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010

     33   
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010

     34   
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     35   
    ITEM 9.   

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     64   
    ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES      64   
    ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION      65   

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)

 

PART III

  
    ITEM 10.   

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

     65   
    ITEM 11.   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     67   
    ITEM 12.   

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     76   
    ITEM 13.   

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

     77   
    ITEM 14.   

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     78   
PART IV   
    ITEM 15.   

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     79   
SIGNATURES      82   

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or 10-K, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” and “Holding” refer to Tops Holding Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, including its wholly owned subsidiary, Tops Markets, LLC. In this 10-K we may identify our fiscal years by reference to the calendar year ended nearest to the end of that fiscal year. For example, “Fiscal 2011” refers to our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Basis of Presentation” in Item 7, Part II of this 10-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

This 10-K includes forward-looking statements, which are generally statements about future events, plans, objectives and performance. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations, based on currently available information, and are not guarantees. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations could prove inaccurate as such statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or other risks or uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial, materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Important factors relating to these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following:

 

   

risks of claims relating to the Penn Traffic acquisition that may not have been properly discharged in the bankruptcy process;

 

   

the severity of current economic conditions and the impact on consumer demand and spending and our pricing strategy;

 

   

pricing and market strategies, the expansion, consolidation and other activities of competitors, and our ability to respond to the promotional practices of competitors;

 

   

our ability to effectively increase or maintain our profit margins;

 

   

the success of our expansion and renovation plans;

 

   

fluctuations in utility, fuel and commodity prices which could impact consumer spending and buying habits and the cost of doing business;

 

   

risks inherent in our motor fuel operations;

 

   

our exposure to local economies and other adverse conditions due to our geographic concentration;

 

   

risks of natural disasters and severe weather conditions;

 

   

supply problems with our suppliers and vendors;

 

   

our relationships with unions and unionized employees, and the terms of future collective bargaining agreements or labor strikes;

 

   

increased operating costs resulting from rising employee benefit costs or pension funding obligations;

 

   

changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, laws and governmental regulations applicable to the operation of our pharmacy and other businesses;

 

   

the adequacy of our insurance coverage against claims of our customers in connection with our pharmacy services;

 

   

estimates of the amount and timing of payments under our self-insurance policies;

 

   

risks of liability under environmental laws and regulations;

 

   

our ability to maintain and improve our information technology systems;

 

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events that give rise to actual or potential food contamination, drug contamination or food-borne illness or any adverse publicity relating to these types of concerns, whether or not valid;

 

   

threats or potential threats to security;

 

   

our ability to retain key personnel;

 

   

risks of data security breaches or losses of confidential customer information;

 

   

risks relating to our substantial indebtedness;

 

   

claims or legal proceedings against us;

 

   

decisions by our controlling shareholders that may conflict with the interests of the holders of our debt; and

 

   

other factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this 10-K.

We caution that one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We disclaim any intention, obligation or duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

We are a leading supermarket retailer in our Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania markets. Holding was incorporated on October 5, 2007 and commenced operations on December 1, 2007. Introduced in 1962, the Tops brand is widely recognized as a strong retail supermarket brand name in our markets supported by strong customer loyalty and attractive supermarket locations. The Company is headquartered in Williamsville, New York.

On January 29, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all assets and certain liabilities of The Penn Traffic Company and its subsidiaries, or Penn Traffic, including Penn Traffic’s 79 retail supermarkets, in exchange for cash consideration of $85.0 million. Twenty-four of the acquired supermarkets were closed or sold during 2010. In August 2010, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, issued a Proposed Order that required us to sell seven of the retained supermarkets. On June 30, 2011, the FTC approved a modified Final Order requiring the sale of the seven supermarkets and our retention of a divestiture trustee to market the supermarkets subject to the Final Order. Also on June 30, 2011, the FTC approved our application to sell three of these supermarkets to Hometown Markets, LLC. The sale of these supermarkets closed during July and August 2011. On September 27, 2011, as the divestiture trustee was unable to identify a potential buyer for three of the remaining supermarkets subject to the Final Order, control of these supermarkets reverted to us. We continue to operate two of these supermarkets, while the third supermarket was closed on October 15, 2011. Also on September 27, 2011, the FTC approved a 90-day extension for the divestiture trustee to market the remaining supermarket subject to the Final Order. During November 2011, a petition was filed by the divestiture trustee with the FTC for approval of a proposed divestiture of this remaining supermarket. This petition was approved by the FTC during January 2012. The sale of the supermarket closed on January 30, 2012.

The Company’s revenues are earned and cash is generated as consumer products are sold to customers in its supermarkets. The Company earns income predominantly by selling products at price levels that produce revenues in excess of its costs to make these products available to its customers. These costs include procurement and distribution costs, facility occupancy and operational costs and overhead expenses.

EMPLOYEES

We employ approximately 12,500 associates. Approximately 91% of these associates are members of United Food and Commercial Workers, or UFCW, District Union Local One, or Local One, or two other UFCW unions that represented certain of the employees from the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets. All other associates are non-union serving primarily in management, field support, or pharmacist roles. We were a party to five collective bargaining agreements with Local One that expired between April 2011 and July 2011. New agreements have been ratified by Local One that expire between April 2014 and July 2014. One of the two non-Local One UFCW collective bargaining agreements expired in March 2012, while the remaining agreement expires in April 2013. The agreement that expired in March 2012 covers 200 associates and is in negotiations.

 

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STORE PROFILE AND LOCATION

As of December 31, 2011, we operated 125 supermarkets with an additional five supermarkets operated by franchisees.

Substantially all of our supermarkets are either freestanding or located in small neighborhood shopping centers. The Company believes that its stores are strategically positioned and clustered in an efficient and targeted manner, focusing on key regions in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

Our corporate supermarkets are located in the following markets:

 

Market

   Number
of Stores
 

Buffalo, NY

     54   

Syracuse / Mid State, NY

     31   

Rochester, NY

     24   

Northern Pennsylvania

     16   
  

 

 

 

Total supermarkets

     125   
  

 

 

 

We have a variety of store sizes that are tailored to the specific needs of the local communities in which we operate. The majority of supermarkets are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The following summarizes the number of stores by size categories:

 

Square Feet

   Number
of Stores
 

75,000 and above

     22   

50,000 to 74,999

     38   

25,000 to 49,999

     50   

Under 25,000

     15   
  

 

 

 

Total

     125   
  

 

 

 

The Company may continue to look for opportunities to further optimize its store profile. This could involve, among other things, acquisitions, disposals, or closings of additional stores and other restructuring initiatives.

COMPETITION

The supermarket industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with various types of retailers, including local, regional and national supermarket retailers, convenience stores, retail drug chains, national general merchandisers and discount retailers, membership clubs, warehouse stores and independent and specialty grocers. Some of the Company’s larger national competitors may have an advantage through stronger buying power and greater capital resources. In addition, other national or international supermarkets or comparable store operators could enter our markets.

SEGMENTS

The Company operates one supermarket format where each supermarket offers the same general mix of products with similar pricing to similar categories of customers. The Company has concluded that each individual supermarket is an operating segment. The Company’s retail operations, which represent substantially all of its consolidated sales, earnings and total assets, are its only reportable segment.

These operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment because, in the Company’s judgment, the operating segments have similar historical economic characteristics and are expected to have similar economic characteristics and long-term financial performance in the future. The principal measures and factors the Company considers in determining whether the economic characteristics are gross profit percentages, capital expenditures, competitive risks and employee labor agreements. In addition, each operating segment has similar products and customers, similar methods of distribution, and a similar regulatory environment.

MERCHANDISING

Our supermarkets offer a wide variety of high quality nationally advertised food and non-food products, local specialties and quality private label items. In addition, the Company offers services such as full-service in-store butchers, home meal replacement items, delicatessens, bakeries, organic products, floral departments, greeting cards and a wide variety of health and beauty care items. The Company’s merchandising strategy has created strong brand recognition in the markets in which we operate. The Company positions Tops supermarkets as “one-stop shops,” including such services as pharmacies, Tops branded fuel stations, in-store banking and Tim Hortons full-service restaurants or self-service coffee and donut kiosks. As of December 31, 2011, 76 of the Company’s supermarkets offered pharmacy services and 38 offered fuel centers. We are the only conventional supermarket chain to offer gasoline in the Company’s Buffalo, New York and Rochester, New York markets. Additionally, the Company drives customer loyalty through successful bonus card programs. These programs provide loyalty incentives through price discounts and special promotions, including discounts on gasoline prices at the Company’s gas stations. These loyalty card programs also provide the Company with valuable data used to identify customer shopping patterns, preferences and demographics, and to optimize merchandising and inventory management.

 

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SOURCES OF SUPPLY

For Fiscal 2011, approximately 61% of the Company’s products were supplied by C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., or C&S. Although there are a limited number of distributors that can supply its stores, the Company believes that other suppliers could provide similar products on comparable terms.

In November 2009, the Company entered into a new supply agreement with C&S whereby C&S agreed to provide warehousing, logistics, procurement and purchasing services in support of the Company’s entire supply chain. This agreement, which expires on September 24, 2016, provides that the actual costs of performing the services will be reimbursed to C&S on an “open book” or “cost-plus” basis, whereby the parties will negotiate annual budgets that will be reconciled against actual costs on a periodic basis. The parties will also annually negotiate services, specifications and performance standards that will govern warehouse operations. The agreement defines the parties’ respective responsibilities for the procurement and purchase of merchandise intended for use or resale in our stores, as well as the parties’ respective remuneration for warehousing and procurement/purchasing activities. In consideration for the services it provides under the agreement, C&S will be paid an annual fee and will have incentive income opportunities based upon its cost savings and increases in retail sales volume.

As a result of the acquisition of Penn Traffic in January 2010, all of Penn Traffic’s arrangements with C&S were replaced with the Company’s existing arrangements with C&S as described above. Due to the acquisition of incremental supermarkets, the amount of the management fee payable by the Company under its existing supply agreement with C&S increased commensurate with the supermarkets acquired from Penn Traffic. However, this fee payable decreased as some of those acquired supermarkets were subsequently sold, liquidated or closed.

Effective December 1, 2010, the Company extended the term of its existing supply contract with McKesson Corporation through January 31, 2014 for the supply of substantially all of the Company’s prescription drugs and other health and beauty care products requirements. We are required to purchase a minimum of $400.0 million of product during the period from December 1, 2010 to January 1, 2014. The Company purchased $146.7 million and $11.2 million of product under this contract during Fiscal 2011 and December 2010, respectively.

LICENSES AND TRADEMARKS

The Company’s stores require a variety of licenses and permits that are renewed on a periodic basis. Payment of a fee and adherence to the licensing agency’s requirements are generally the conditions to maintaining such licenses and permits. The Company maintains registered trademarks for nearly all its store banner tradenames and private label brand names, including Tops and Tops Friendly Markets. The Company licenses the BONUSCARD trademark from Ahold IP, Inc. This license will expire November 30, 2012. Trademarks are generally renewable on a 10-year cycle. In connection with the Penn Traffic acquisition, the Company also acquired trademarks from Penn Traffic. All of the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets have been converted to the Tops banner. The Company considers trademarks an important way to establish and protect its brands in a competitive environment.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

The Company is subject to regulation by a variety of governmental authorities, including federal, state and local agencies that regulate trade practices, building standards, labor, health and safety matters. The Company is also subject to the oversight of government agencies that regulate the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, tobacco products, milk and other agricultural products and other food items. The Company believes that its operations are in material compliance with these laws and regulations. The Company’s compliance with these regulations may require additional capital expenditures and could materially adversely affect the Company’s ability to conduct its business as planned.

 

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to underground storage tanks, the release or discharge of regulated materials into the air, water and soil, the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation and disposal of regulated materials, the exposure of persons to regulated materials, remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater and the health and safety of its employees.

Certain environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, impose strict, and under certain circumstances, joint and several, liability on the owner and operator as well as former owners and operators of properties for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of contamination, and also impose liability for any related damages to natural resources. In addition, under CERCLA and similar state laws, as a person who arranges for the transportation, treatment or disposal of regulated materials, the Company also may be subject to similar liability at sites where such regulated materials come to be located. The Company may also be subject to third-party claims alleging property damage and/or personal injury in connection with releases of or exposure to regulated materials at, from or in the vicinity of current or formerly owned or operated properties or off-site waste disposal sites.

The Company is required to make financial expenditures to comply with regulations governing underground storage tanks which store gasoline or other regulated substances adopted by federal, state and local regulatory agencies. Pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has established a comprehensive regulatory program for the detection, prevention, investigation and cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks. State or local agencies are often delegated the responsibility for implementing the federal program or developing and implementing equivalent or stricter state or local regulations. The Company has a comprehensive program in place for performing routine tank testing and other compliance activities which are intended to promptly detect and investigate any potential releases. In addition, the Federal Clean Air Act and similar state laws impose requirements on emissions to the air from motor fueling activities in certain areas of the country, including those that do not meet state or national ambient air quality standards. These laws may require the installation of vapor recovery systems to control emissions of volatile organic compounds to the air during the motor fueling process.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risk factors below highlight risks and uncertainties that could affect our business. Other risks and uncertainties are described throughout this 10-K. Any of these risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may be subject to and adversely affected by claims that were not properly discharged in the bankruptcy court order authorizing the Penn Traffic acquisition, amounts that we may owe in connection with the Penn Traffic acquisition, an inability to recover amounts owed to us in connection with the Penn Traffic acquisition or other post-bankruptcy operational risks.

Notwithstanding the terms of, and injunctions provided for in, the bankruptcy court order dated January 25, 2010 authorizing and approving the Penn Traffic acquisition, a creditor (including any governmental agency) of Penn Traffic or any of its subsidiaries, or the Penn Traffic Debtors, may attempt to assert against us or the assets we acquired an existing lien, claim, interest, or encumbrance. Circumstances in which such claims and obligations that arose prior to the bankruptcy court order may not have been properly discharged include, but are not limited to, instances where a claimant had inadequate notice of the bankruptcy filing.

The Penn Traffic Debtors’ assets are being liquidated and the proceeds will be distributed to their creditors in accordance with the terms of the confirmed plan. There can be no guarantee that any potential outstanding obligations of the Penn Traffic Debtors will be fully satisfied. In addition, the Penn Traffic purchase agreement does not provide for indemnification of losses or liabilities we may incur as a result of the Penn Traffic acquisition. Accordingly, we may not be compensated for losses we may suffer as a result of the foregoing.

Notwithstanding the terms of the bankruptcy court order or the applicable provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, it is possible that parties-in-interest in the Penn Traffic Debtors’ bankruptcy cases may later attempt to challenge the terms or validity of the Penn Traffic acquisition.

 

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General economic conditions that impact consumer spending could adversely affect us.

The retail food business is sensitive to changes in general economic conditions. Recessionary economic cycles, increases in interest rates, higher prices for commodities, fuel and other energy, inflation, high levels of unemployment and consumer debt, high tax rates and other economic factors that affect consumer spending or buying habits may materially adversely affect the demand for products we sell in our supermarkets. The United States economy has recently experienced volatility due to uncertainties related to energy prices, credit availability, difficulties in the banking and financial services sectors, decreases in home values, high unemployment and falling consumer confidence. As a result, consumers are more cautious. This may lead to additional reductions in consumer spending, to consumers trading down to a less expensive mix of products or to consumers trading down to discounters for grocery items. Food deflation could reduce sales growth, while food inflation, combined with reduced consumer spending, could reduce gross profit margins.

Furthermore, we may experience additional reductions in traffic in our supermarkets or limitations on the prices we can charge for our products, either of which may reduce our sales and profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

The significant competition in the supermarket industry could adversely affect us.

The supermarket industry, including within our market areas in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania, is highly competitive. We compete with various types of retailers, including local, regional, national and international supermarket retailers, convenience stores, retail drug chains, national general merchandisers and discount retailers, membership clubs, warehouse stores and “big box” retailers and independent and specialty grocers. We compete on the basis of location, quality of products, service, price, product variety and store condition and face pressure from existing competitors and the threatened entry of new competitors. Some of our competitors have attempted to increase market share through expanding their footprint and discount pricing, creating a more difficult environment in which to consistently increase year-over-year sales. Some of our competitors have greater resources and purchasing power than us. Additionally, some of our competitors are not unionized, resulting in potentially lower labor and benefit costs. Any future consolidation within the supermarket industry could exacerbate these concerns. We also face competition from restaurants and fast food chains.

The low profit margins in the grocery industry could adversely affect us.

Profit margins in the grocery industry are very low. In order to increase or maintain our profit margins, we use various strategies to reduce costs, such as productivity improvements, shrink reduction, increased distribution center efficiencies and energy efficiency programs. Our inability to effectively implement these strategies or otherwise manage costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and performance.

Unsuccessful expansion and remodeling plans could adversely affect us.

We have spent, and intend to continue to spend, significant capital and management resources on the development and implementation of our remodel and expansion plans. These plans, even if fully implemented, may not be successful and may not improve operating results. The level of sales and profit margins in our existing stores may not be duplicated in new stores and expenditures to remodel existing stores may not generate a return on the capital spent, depending on factors such as prevailing competition, development cost and our market position in the surrounding community.

Increases in utility, fuel and commodity prices could adversely affect us.

We are dependent on the use of trucks to distribute goods to our markets. Therefore, fluctuations in the price of fuel affect our overall cost of doing business. Additionally, increases in the cost of utilities affect the cost of operating our stores and warehouse and distribution facilities, and the cost of goods sold or used by us, including plastic bags, can be significantly impacted by increases in commodity prices. We may not be able to recover these rising costs through increased prices charged to our customers and our results of operations and cash flows could therefore be materially adversely affected.

Increases in wholesale and retail gasoline prices could adversely affect us.

Crude oil and domestic wholesale petroleum markets are volatile. General political conditions, acts of war or terrorism, instability in oil producing regions and disasters could significantly impact crude oil supplies and wholesale petroleum costs. Significant increases or volatility in wholesale petroleum costs could result in significant increases in our retail price of gasoline and could have an adverse effect on our total gasoline sales (both in terms of dollars and gallons sold), the profitability of gasoline sales, and our plans to develop additional fuel centers. Retail gas price volatility could also diminish customer usage of fueling centers and, thus reduce customer traffic at our stores. We obtain gasoline and diesel fuel from a number of different suppliers for fuel stations at 42 of our store locations (including four franchise locations).

 

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The geographic concentration of our supermarkets creates a heavy exposure to the risks of the local economy and other adverse local conditions.

Our headquarters and primary warehouse and distribution facility that services us and all of our stores are located in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania and therefore are vulnerable to economic downturns in those regions. As a result, we are more susceptible to regional economic and other conditions than the operations of more geographically diversified competitors and any unforeseen events or circumstances that affect our operating area could also materially adversely affect our revenues and profitability. These conditions include, among other things, adverse changes in the local economy, unfavorable demographics and population loss.

Severe weather, natural disasters and adverse climate changes may materially adversely affect our business.

Severe weather conditions and other natural disasters in areas in which we have stores or distribution facilities or from which we obtain products may materially adversely affect our results of operations. Such conditions may result in physical damage to our properties, closure of one or more of our stores or distribution facilities, inadequate work force in our markets, temporary disruption in the supply of products, delays in the delivery of goods to our stores, and a reduction in the availability of products in our stores. In addition, adverse climate conditions and adverse weather patterns, such as drought or flood, that impact growing conditions and the quantity and quality of crops may materially adversely affect the availability or cost of certain products within the grocery supply chain. Any of these factors may disrupt our business.

Our reliance on a principal supplier for a substantial amount of our products could adversely affect our business.

Pursuant to the terms of a supply agreement, we acquire substantially all of our grocery, frozen and perishable merchandise requirements from C&S. During Fiscal 2011, products supplied from C&S accounted for approximately 61% of our inventory purchases. See “Business—Sources of Supply” in Item 1 of Part I of this 10-K. Although we have not experienced difficulty in the supply of these products to date, supply interruptions by C&S could occur in the future. Any significant interruption in this supply stream, could have a material adverse effect on our business. We are therefore subject to the risks of C&S’s business, including potential labor disruptions at C&S’s facilities, increased regulatory obligations and distribution problems which may affect C&S’s ability to obtain products. Other suppliers that could provide similar products are limited in number and there is no assurance that we would be able to secure an alternative supplier on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, a change in suppliers could cause a delay in distribution and a possible loss of sales.

Prolonged labor disputes with unionized employees and increases in labor costs could adversely affect us.

Our largest operating costs are attributable to labor costs and, therefore, our financial performance is greatly influenced by increases in wage and benefit costs, including pension and health care costs, a competitive labor market and the risk of labor disruption of our unionized work force.

Approximately 91% of our employees are represented by unions and covered by collective bargaining or similar agreements that are subject to periodic renegotiation. We are a party to a collective bargaining agreement with a union that expired in March 2012, and another agreement that expires in April 2013. The agreement that expired in March 2012 covers 200 associates and is in negotiations.

We have commenced negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement expiring in 2012. Negotiations may not prove successful, may result in a significant increase in labor costs, or may result in a disruption to our operations.

We currently contribute to an underfunded multiemployer pension plan for employees represented by Local One.

Our contribution obligations to the Local One multiemployer pension will likely increase, and although we do not intend to withdraw from the Local One plan, we are contingently liable for withdrawal liability to the extent we withdraw, either completely or partially.

We understand, based on information provided to us by the plan administrator that as of January 1, 2011, the Local One plan was underfunded on a current liability basis. Specifically, we received notice from the plan administrator that, for purposes of the federal laws regulating multiemployer pension plans, the Local One plan was in “critical status” for the plan year beginning January 1, 2009, and continues to be in critical status for the plan year beginning January 1, 2011. To comply with the rehabilitation plan adopted by the trustees of the Local One plan, under Tops’ current collective bargaining agreements, we have agreed to annual 7.5 percent increases in contribution rates to the Local One Plan through 2014. The trustees of the Local One plan updated the rehabilitation plan effective January 1, 2011, to provide that upon the expiration of any applicable collective bargaining agreements, we and other contributing employers will be subject to a five percent increases for each following year. There is no assurance that the rehabilitation plan will be sufficient to remove the Local One plan from critical status, and contribution increases and benefit reductions greater than those set forth in the rehabilitation plan may be required in future years.

 

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Although we do not intend to withdraw from the Local One plan, if we were to withdraw, either completely or partially, we would incur withdrawal liability with respect to our share of the Local One plan’s unfunded vested benefits. The actuary for the Local One plan has estimated that, as of December 31, 2010, our withdrawal liability would be approximately $241.6 million in the event of our complete withdrawal from the Local One plan during the 2011 plan year. We have not yet received the year-end 2011 actuarial estimates for the Local One plan. We anticipate that the liability estimates for withdrawals occurring in 2012 will increase from the 2011 estimates noted above. Any withdrawal liability assessed against us in connection with a complete or partial withdrawal would generally be payable to the Local One plan over an amortization schedule under which our aggregate annual payments would be capped based on a formula that takes into account our highest contribution rates in the last ten years. These withdrawal liability payments would be in addition to pension contributions to any new pension plan adopted or contributed to by us to replace the Local One plan.

As noted above, although we have no intention to withdraw from the Local One plan, if we did withdraw, there is a risk that our complete withdrawal could be considered a mass withdrawal, in which case our aggregate withdrawal liability obligations could be higher than those described above. Adverse changes to pension laws and regulations could increase the likelihood and amount of our liabilities arising under the Local One plan.

Various aspects of our business are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations. The impact of these regulations and our compliance with them may require additional capital expenditures and could materially adversely affect our ability to conduct our business as planned.

We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to zoning, land use, environmental protection, work place safety, public health, community right-to-know, alcoholic beverage sales, tobacco sales and pharmaceutical sales. New York and Pennsylvania and several local jurisdictions regulate some of the products and services offered within our stores, including alcoholic beverages. The production and sale of milk, including the price of raw milk, is regulated through federal market orders and price support programs. We are also subject to laws governing our relationship with employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, working conditions, disabled access and work permit requirements. A number of federal, state and local laws impose requirements or restrictions on business owners with respect to access by disabled persons. Compliance with, or changes in, these laws or new laws could require significant capital expenditures, impact our remodel plans and otherwise materially adversely affect our business.

Our pharmacy business is subject to certain government laws and regulations, including those administered and enforced by Medicare, Medicaid, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and local regulators in the states in which we operate. In order to dispense pharmaceutical products, including controlled substances, we are required to register or license our pharmacies and pharmacists and to comply with security, recordkeeping, inventory control and labeling standards. Changes in these regulations may require operational changes or otherwise adversely affect our business. Our pharmacy sales may be reduced if various prescription drugs are converted to over-the-counter medications or if the rate at which new prescription drugs become available slows or prescription drugs are withdrawn from the market. Changes in third party reimbursement levels for prescription drugs, including changes in Medicare or state Medicaid programs, could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, our pharmacy business is subject to state and federal prohibitions against certain payments intended to induce referrals of patients or other health care business. Failure to properly adhere to these and other applicable regulations could result in the imposition of civil, administrative and criminal penalties including: suspension of payments from government programs; loss of required government certifications; loss of authorizations to participate in, or exclusion from, government reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; loss of licenses; significant fines or monetary penalties for anti-kickback law violations, submission of false claims or other failures to meet reimbursement program requirements. Our pharmacy business is also subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, including its obligations to protect the confidentiality of certain patient information and other obligations. Failure to properly adhere to these requirements could result in the imposition of civil as well as criminal penalties. Ultimately, compliance with each of these regulations could impact our operations and any non-compliance could materially adversely affect our business.

Certain risks are inherent in providing pharmacy services, and insurance may not be adequate or available to cover any claims against us.

Pharmacies are exposed to risks inherent in the packaging and distribution of pharmaceuticals and other health care products, such as risks of liability for products which cause harm to consumers. Although our general liability policies cover pharmacy professional liability, the coverage limits under our insurance programs may not be adequate to protect us against future claims, and we may not be able to maintain this insurance on acceptable terms in the future, or at all. Our business may be materially adversely affected if in the future our insurance coverage proves to be inadequate or unavailable, or there is an increase in the liability for which we self-insure, or we suffer harm to our reputation as a result of an error or omission.

 

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If the number or severity of claims for which we are self-insured increases, or we are required to accrue or pay additional amounts because the claims prove to be more severe than our recorded liabilities, we may be materially adversely affected.

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance to cover potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, automobile and general liability, property insurance and employee health care benefits. We estimate the liabilities associated with the risks retained by us, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic and severity factors and other actuarial assumptions which, by their nature, are subject to a degree of variability. Any actuarial projection of losses concerning workers’ compensation and general and automobile liability is subject to this variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors affecting future inflation rates, discount rates, litigation trends, legal interpretations, benefit level changes and actual claim settlement patterns.

Some of the many sources of uncertainty in our reserve estimates include changes in benefit levels, medical fee schedules, medical utilization guidelines, vocation rehabilitation and apportionment. If the number or severity of claims for which we are self-insured increases, or we are required to accrue or pay additional amounts because the claims prove to be more severe than our original assessments, our business may be materially adversely affected.

Compliance with and potential liability under environmental laws could have a material adverse effect on us. The storage and sale of petroleum products could cause disruptions and could expose us to potentially significant liabilities.

Our operations are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the storage, management, disposal and cleanup of hazardous materials. Some environmental laws, such as CERCLA and similar state statutes, impose strict, and under certain circumstances joint and several, liability for costs to remediate a contaminated site, and also impose liability for damages to natural resources. Third-party claims in connection with releases of or exposure to hazardous materials relating to our current or former properties or third-party waste disposal sites can also arise. In addition, the presence of contamination at any of our properties could impair our ability to sell or lease the contaminated properties or to borrow money using any of these properties as collateral. The costs and liabilities associated with any such contamination could be substantial, and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Refined petroleum products are stored in underground storage tanks at our warehouse and at some of our retail locations in connection with our sales of these products. Our operations are subject to related hazards and risks, including fires, explosion, spills, clean-up obligations, personal injury or wrongful death claims, property damage and potential fines and penalties. Insurance is not available for these operational risks, and there is no assurance that insurance will be adequate to fully compensate us for any liability. The occurrence of a significant event that is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Compliance with environmental laws may require significant capital expenditures in the future. For example, we are required to make financial expenditures to comply with regulations governing underground storage tanks adopted by federal, state and local regulatory agencies. In addition, the Federal Clean Air Act and similar state laws impose requirements on air emissions from motor fueling activities in certain areas of the country, including those that do not meet state or national ambient air quality standards. The extent to which changes in these rules or new rules regarding greenhouse gas emissions may impact our operations and results cannot be determined at this time.

We may not have identified all of the environmental liabilities at our current and former locations, material environmental conditions not known to us may exist, and future laws or regulations may impose material environmental liability or compliance costs. Furthermore, new laws, new interpretations or new administration of existing laws or other developments could require us to make additional capital expenditures or incur additional liabilities. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Any difficulties we experience with respect to our information technology systems could lead to significant disruption to our business.

We have large, complex information technology systems that are critical to our business operations. We could encounter difficulties developing new systems or maintaining and upgrading existing systems. These difficulties could lead to significant disruption in our business operations.

We have outsourced our information technology services to HP Enterprise Services, LLC (formerly known as Electronic Data Systems, LLC), or HP. Our information technology hub is located in North Carolina. Any disruption in our relationship with HP or its ability to perform services, including by reason of financial distress, adverse weather conditions, legal actions affecting HP, or other factors could result in disruption to our business.

 

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Food and drug safety concerns and related unfavorable publicity may adversely affect us.

We could be materially adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of the food supply chain. Adverse publicity about these concerns, whether or not ultimately based on fact, and whether or not involving products sold at our stores, could discourage consumers from buying our products. The real or perceived sale of contaminated food products by us or our suppliers could result in a loss of consumer confidence and product liability claims. To the extent that we are unable to maintain appropriate sanitation and quality standards in our stores and distribution facilities, food safety and quality issues could involve expense and damage to our various brand names. Additionally, concerns about the safety or effectiveness of certain drugs or negative publicity surrounding certain categories of drugs may have a negative impact on our pharmacy sales.

Threats or potential threats to security may adversely affect us.

Data theft, information espionage or other criminal activity directed at the retail industry or computer or communications systems may adversely affect our businesses by causing us to implement costly security measures in recognition of actual or potential threats, by requiring us to expend significant time and expense developing, maintaining or upgrading our information technology systems or by causing us to incur significant costs to reimburse third parties for damages. These activities may also adversely affect our business by reducing consumer confidence in the marketplace and by modifying consumer spending habits. Despite our efforts to secure and maintain our computer network, security could be compromised, confidential information including customer information could be misappropriated or system disruptions could occur. This could lead to disruption of operations, loss of sales or profits or cause us to incur significant costs to reimburse third parties for damages.

We are heavily dependent on our key personnel.

Our success is largely dependent upon the efforts and skills of our senior management team and other key managers. The loss of the services of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we compete with other potential employers for employees, and we may not succeed in hiring or retaining the executives and other employees that we need. Our inability to hire or retain key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If we experience a data security breach and confidential customer information is disclosed, we may be subject to penalties and experience negative publicity, which could affect our customer relationships and have an adverse effect on our business.

We and our customers could suffer harm if customer information was accessed by third parties due to a security failure in our systems. The processing of transactions in our stores require us to receive and store a large amount of personally identifiable data. This type of data is subject to legislation and regulation in various jurisdictions. Data security breaches suffered by well-known companies and institutions have attracted a substantial amount of media attention, prompting state and federal legislative proposals addressing data privacy and security. If some of the current proposals are adopted, we may be subject to more extensive requirements to protect the customer information that we process in connection with the purchases of our products. We may also become exposed to potential liabilities, including fines and penalties, with respect to the data that we collect, manage and process, and may incur legal costs if our information security policies and procedures are not effective or if we are required to defend our methods of collection, processing and storage of personal data. Investigations, lawsuits or adverse publicity relating to our methods of handling personal data could result in increased costs and negative market reaction.

Our substantial indebtedness impacts our business flexibility.

As of December 31, 2011, we had $530.7 million of indebtedness outstanding (inclusive of $172.5 million of capital leases), and $70.4 million of unused commitments under our revolving asset-based facility (the “ABL Facility”) (after giving effect to $13.1 million of letters of credit outstanding thereunder). Our substantial indebtedness has important consequences for our business. For example, it could:

 

   

limit our ability to borrow additional funds, or to sell assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes;

 

   

increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for operations, future business opportunities or other purposes, such as funding our working capital and capital expenditures;

 

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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the business and industry in which we operate;

 

   

impact our ability to service our indebtedness;

 

   

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to any less leveraged competitors; and

 

   

prevent us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase outstanding notes tendered to us upon the occurrence of certain changes of control, which would constitute a default under the indenture governing our outstanding notes.

Litigation may materially adversely affect our businesses.

Our operations are characterized by a high volume of customer traffic and by transactions involving a wide variety of product selections. These operations carry a higher exposure to consumer litigation risk when compared to the operations of companies in many other industries. Consequently, we may be a party to individual personal injury, bad fuel, products liability and other legal actions in the ordinary course of our business, including litigation arising from food-related illness. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. The cost to defend litigation may be significant. There may also be adverse publicity associated with litigation that may decrease consumer confidence in our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity, or MSPE, and private equity affiliates of HSBC Private Equity Advisors LLC, or HSBC, own the majority of our capital stock, which allows them to have significant influence over substantially all matters requiring stockholder approval.

Various funds affiliated with MSPE and HSBC hold 71.6% and 19.9%, respectively, of our issued and outstanding capital stock. As a result of this equity ownership and our Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement dated as of January 29, 2010 with MSPE, HSBC and other stockholders, MSPE and HSBC have the power to significantly influence the results of stockholder votes, including transactions involving a potential change of control of us. MSPE also controls the election of our Board of Directors. So long as HSBC retains sufficient ownership of our voting power, it has board observer rights, as well as consent rights in connection with certain major company actions including changes to policies and organizational documents, dispositions and financing activity.

The interests of MSPE and HSBC, as our controlling stockholders, could conflict with our debtholders’ interests, especially if we encounter financial difficulties or are unable to pay our debts as they mature. MSPE and HSBC may also have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, financings or other transactions that would enhance the value of their equity even though these transactions involve risks to the debtholders. Corporate opportunities may arise that may be attractive to us as well as to MSPE, HSBC or their affiliates, including potential acquisitions. These issues could intensify if an affiliate of MSPE or HSBC were to enter into or acquire a business similar to our business. MSPE, HSBC or their affiliates may direct relevant corporate opportunities to other entities they control rather than to us. Further, neither MSPE nor HSBC has any obligation to provide us with any equity or debt financing in the future in excess of certain capital calls up to a cap.

Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control, and we may not be able to generate the cash required to service our indebtedness.

Our ability to make payments on and refinance our indebtedness and to fund our operations will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our historical financial results have been, and our future financial results are expected to be, subject to substantial fluctuations, and will depend upon general economic conditions and financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. If we are unable to meet our debt service obligations or fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt before maturity, seek additional equity capital, reduce or delay scheduled expansions and capital expenditures or sell material assets or operations. We may not be able to pay our debt or refinance it on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or to fund our liquidity needs.

If for any reason we are unable to meet our debt service obligations, we would be in default under the terms of the agreements governing our outstanding debt. If such a default were to occur, the lenders under the ABL Facility could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility immediately due and payable, and the lenders would not be obligated to continue to advance funds under the ABL Facility. If the amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility were accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the money owed to our other debtholders.

 

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of December 31, 2011, the Company operated 125 supermarkets and five supermarkets were operated by its franchisees. Of these operated supermarkets, the Company leased 113 and owned 12.

OWNED PROPERTIES

As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned nine supermarkets in Bath, Buffalo, Camden, Canastota, Fayetteville, Frewsburg, Pulaski, Randolph and Sherrill, New York, and three supermarkets in Bradford, Sheffield and Youngsville, Pennsylvania.

LEASED PROPERTIES

The Company leases most of its supermarkets, which is typical of companies in the retail industry. The Company believes its longstanding presence in many of its locations provides it with the advantage of relatively low rents. The average remaining term on the Company’s leases, including options to renew, is 27 years.

The Company entered into an arrangement with the Town of Lancaster Industrial Development Agency, or IDA, relating to the Company’s warehouse and distribution facility in Lancaster, New York, to effectively maintain its ownership of this facility in a tax efficient manner. Under this arrangement, the facility was conveyed to the IDA and leased back to the Company pursuant to a lease agreement, which expires on December 31, 2017, unless terminated earlier. The lease agreement provides that, upon its termination for any reason, title to the facility will be conveyed back to the Company in exchange for $1.00 plus any outstanding amounts due and payable under the lease agreement. The lease agreement requires the Company to make a series of payments to the IDA which are effectively rent payments. Pursuant to the Company’s current supply agreement with C&S, the facility is subleased to a C&S affiliate, and operated by C&S on the Company’s behalf. The facility consists of a food distribution warehouse with refrigerated areas and ancillary buildings and comprises 906,600 square feet. Under the supply agreement, the Company is required to allow C&S to use the facility to service its supermarkets so long as the agreement is in place.

The Company leases its corporate offices and centralized mail distribution center. Its corporate offices are located in Williamsville, New York. The Company believes it has adequate facilities and space for its current and future activities. The Company’s mail center is located in Depew, New York and is the central depository for all mail to the corporate offices and store facilities.

LOCATIONS

Substantially all of the Tops supermarkets are either freestanding or located in neighborhood shopping centers where it is the marquee tenant. The Company believes that its stores are strategically positioned and clustered in an efficient and targeted manner, focusing on key regions of Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. See “Business—Store Profile and Location” in Item 1 of Part I of this 10-K for more information on the locations of the Company’s stores.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

 

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PART II

 

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

There is currently no established public trading markets for the Company’s common stock. The number of holders of the Company’s common stock is six.

Refer to the discussion in Notes 9 and 12 of the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K for information regarding cash dividends declared on the Company’s common stock and restrictions on the Company’s ability to pay these dividends.

Refer to the discussion of the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan in Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K for information regarding compensation plans under which the Company’s common stock is authorized for issuance.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal
2011
(52 weeks) (4)
    Fiscal
2010
(52 weeks) (4)
    Fiscal
2009
(53 weeks)
    Fiscal
2008
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal
2007
Successor
Period
(4 weeks)
           Tops Markets,  LLC
Fiscal
2007
Predecessor
Period
(48 weeks) (5)
 
                
                
                
                
                

Statements of Operations Data:

                  

Inside sales

   $ 2,151,299      $ 2,107,524      $ 1,579,448      $ 1,542,054      $ 126,079            $ 1,406,794   

Gasoline sales

     204,193        150,012        116,160        158,178        10,732              119,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

 

 

 

Net sales

     2,355,492        2,257,536        1,695,608        1,700,232        136,811              1,526,760   

Operating income (loss)

     68,825        10,633        34,490        28,779        4,786              (6,812

Net income (loss)

     5,832        (26,954     (25,693     (10,844     984              (52,097

Balance Sheet Data:

                  

Total assets

     647,212        680,351        592,848        619,694        641,102              N/A   

Long-term liabilities, including obligations under capital lease and financing obligations

     543,256        561,931        486,305        400,313        407,103              N/A   

Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity

     (59,464     (65,511     (38,801     87,729        100,581              N/A   

Supermarket Operating Data:

                  

Number of supermarkets at end of fiscal period

     125        127        71        71        71              71   

Average weekly inside ID sales per supermarket (1) (3)

   $ 325,739      $ 418,465      $ 418,511      $ 416,434      $ 442,668            $ 411,752   

Inside ID sales increase (1) (2)

     1.4     0.1     0.5     1.2     N/A              N/A   

Number of gas stations at end of fiscal period

     38        35        31        28        26              26   

Motor fuel gallons sold (in thousands)

     61,180        57,079        52,540        50,124        3,668              45,793   

Other Financial Data:

                  

Net cash provided by (used in):

                  

Operating activities

   $ 68,651      $ 49,458      $ 66,813      $ 81,067      $ 24,572            $ 21,677   

Investing activities

     (45,209     (113,933     (36,693     (56,237     (298,172           (6,988

Financing activities

     (21,680     62,172        (40,717     (28,437     307,526              (30,141

Total depreciation and amortization

     67,053        77,315        65,285        55,530        3,760              42,368   

Capital expenditures

     45,575        49,663        28,080        35,298        198              7,201   

 

(1) We define “inside ID sales” as the change in year-over-year inside sales (net sales excluding gasoline sales), excluding franchise revenue, for “ID stores.” We include a supermarket in the “inside ID sales” base after its thirteenth full period of operation.

 

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(2) To calculate the “Inside ID sales increase” for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, we have used the most comparable 52-week periods. When comparing Fiscal 2009 to Fiscal 2008, we have excluded the 53rd week of Fiscal 2009. When comparing Fiscal 2010 to Fiscal 2009, we have excluded the 1st week of Fiscal 2009.
(3) The decrease in average weekly inside ID sales per supermarket in Fiscal 2011 is due to the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets that were acquired in January 2010, which are generally much smaller in size and have lower average sales volumes, becoming ID stores during early Fiscal 2011.
(4) Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 includes the operating results of the acquired Penn Traffic supermarkets from the date of acquisition, January 29, 2010.
(5) The Fiscal 2007 Predecessor Period operating results represent those of Tops Markets, LLC under the ownership of Koninklijke Ahold N.V.

 

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this 10-K.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We are a leading supermarket retailer in our Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania markets. Introduced in 1962, our Tops brand is widely recognized as a strong retail supermarket brand name in our markets supported by strong customer loyalty and attractive supermarket locations. We are headquartered in Williamsville, New York and have approximately 12,500 associates.

On January 29, 2010, we completed the acquisition of substantially all assets and certain liabilities of Penn Traffic and its subsidiaries, including Penn Traffic’s 79 retail supermarkets, in exchange for cash consideration of $85.0 million. Twenty-four of the acquired supermarkets were closed or sold during 2010. In August 2010, the FTC issued a Proposed Order that required us to sell seven of the retained supermarkets. On June 30, 2011, the FTC approved a modified Final Order requiring the sale of the seven supermarkets and the retention of a divestiture trustee to market the supermarkets subject to the Final Order. Also on June 30, 2011, the FTC approved our application to sell three of these supermarkets to Hometown Markets. The sale of these supermarkets closed during July and August 2011. On September 27, 2011, as the divestiture trustee was unable to identify a potential buyer for three of the remaining supermarkets subject to the Final Order, control of these supermarkets reverted to us. We continue to operate two of these supermarkets, while the third supermarket was closed on October 15, 2011. Also on September 27, 2011, the FTC approved a 90-day extension for the divestiture trustee to market the remaining supermarket subject to the Final Order. During November 2011, a petition was filed by the divestiture trustee with the FTC for approval of a proposed divestiture of this remaining supermarket. This petition was approved by the FTC during January 2012. The sale of the supermarket closed on January 30, 2012.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

We operate on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Our fiscal years include 13 four-week reporting periods, with an additional week in the thirteenth reporting period for 53-week fiscal years. Our first quarter of each fiscal year includes four reporting periods, while the remaining quarters include three reporting periods. The period from January 2, 2011 to December 31, 2011 (“Fiscal 2011”) included 52 weeks. The period from January 3, 2010 to January 1, 2011 (“Fiscal 2010”) included 52 weeks. The period from December 28, 2008 to January 2, 2010 (“Fiscal 2009”) included 53 weeks.

RECENT EVENTS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND THE COMPARABILITY OF REPORTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Acquisition of Penn Traffic

On January 29, 2010, we completed the Penn Traffic acquisition, including Penn Traffic’s 79 retail supermarkets. We have currently retained 50 of the acquired supermarkets. Three supermarkets were sold during late July and early August 2011, one supermarket was closed in October 2011, and one supermarket was sold in January 2012. The remaining 24 supermarkets were closed or sold during 2010. Net sales and operating loss for these 24 supermarkets were $33.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively, during Fiscal 2010. Also included in our results during Fiscal 2010 were integration costs of $23.3 million and one-time legal and professional fees related to the Penn Traffic acquisition of $5.3 million. Additionally, we incurred $0.7 million and $2.1 million of legal expenses associated with the FTC’s review of the acquired supermarkets during Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010, respectively. Additional depreciation and amortization of $0.7 million was incurred during Fiscal 2011, as compared to Fiscal 2010, associated with acquired property, equipment and intangible assets as a result of operating the acquired supermarkets for four additional weeks during Fiscal 2011.

 

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The excess of net assets acquired over the purchase price of $15.7 million has been recognized as a bargain purchase in the consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2010. This bargain purchase was attributable to the distressed status of Penn Traffic due to poor historical operating results, which led to its November 2009 bankruptcy filing.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010

Summary

The results of operations during Fiscal 2011 when compared with Fiscal 2010 were primarily impacted by a 1.4% increase in same store sales, the additional four weeks of operating results for the acquired and retained Penn Traffic supermarkets during Fiscal 2011, as well as one-time acquisition and integration costs of $28.6 million associated with the Penn Traffic acquisition incurred during Fiscal 2010.

Net Sales

The following table includes a comparison of the components of our net sales for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
     $ Change      %
Change
 
           

Inside sales

   $ 2,151,299       $ 2,107,524       $ 43,775         2.1

Gasoline sales

     204,193         150,012         54,181         36.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net sales

   $ 2,355,492       $ 2,257,536       $ 97,956         4.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Inside sales increased during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 due to a 1.4% increase in same store sales, the operation of the acquired and retained Penn Traffic supermarkets for four additional weeks, as well as incremental inside sales associated with new stores opened since 2010. These factors were partially offset by the impact of the sale or closure of 28 of the acquired Penn Traffic supermarkets.

Gasoline sales increased during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 due to a 27.0% increase in the retail price per gallon. Additionally, the number of gallons sold increased 7.2%, primarily due to the addition of seven new fuel stations since April 2010.

Gross Profit

The following table includes a comparison of cost of goods sold, distribution costs and gross profit for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    % of
Net Sales
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    % of
Net Sales
    $
Change
    %
Change
 
              

Cost of goods sold

   $ (1,650,166     70.1   $ (1,579,016     69.9   $ 71,150        4.5

Distribution costs

     (44,189     1.9     (44,829     2.0     (640     (1.4 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

   $ 661,137        28.1   $ 633,691        28.1   $ 27,446        4.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 due to the higher proportion of gasoline sales versus inside sales, as gasoline sales occur at higher cost of goods sold percentages. This was partially offset by a higher cost of goods sold percentage on inside sales during Fiscal 2010 due to promotional activities associated with the rebannering and grand re-openings of the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets, price optimization efforts during Fiscal 2011, as well as a higher percentage of private label merchandise sales during Fiscal 2011.

Distribution costs remained consistent during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010. The decline in distribution costs as a percentage of net sales was primarily driven by the increase in the retail price per gallon on gasoline sales.

 

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Operating Expenses

The following table includes a comparison of operating expenses for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
     % of
Net Sales
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
     % of
Net Sales
    $
Change
    %
Change
 

Wages, salaries and benefits

   $ 317,738         13.5   $ 310,800         13.8   $ 6,938        2.2

Selling and general expenses

     103,153         4.4     104,841         4.6     (1,688     (1.6 )% 

Administrative expenses

     79,780         3.4     102,754         4.6     (22,974     (22.4 )% 

Rent expense

     18,856         0.8     19,135         0.8     (279     (1.5 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     51,205         2.2     62,353         2.8     (11,148     (17.9 )% 

Advertising

     18,789         0.8     23,175         1.0     (4,386     (18.9 )% 

Impairment charges

     2,791         0.1     —           N/A        2,791        N/A   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 592,312         25.1   $ 623,058         27.6   $ (30,746     (4.9 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Wages, Salaries and Benefits

As a percentage of net sales, the decrease in wages, salaries and benefits during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 was largely attributable to the more effective utilization of labor, particularly in the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets as a result of significant increases in sales levels in these stores. The decrease also reflects the higher proportion of gasoline sales versus inside sales, as gasoline sales require relatively less labor support. These factors were partially offset by lower vacation expense of $6.4 million during Fiscal 2010 related to a policy change for union associates that modified the period over which vacation time is earned and a $1.5 million increase in bonus expense in Fiscal 2011 due to improved performance against bonus metrics.

Selling and General Expenses

As a percentage of net sales, the decrease in selling and general expenses during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 was largely due to a $2.7 million decrease in utility costs, primarily attributable to lower commodity costs for electricity. Additionally, $0.7 million of Penn Traffic integration costs were classified in selling and general expenses during Fiscal 2010 that were not incurred in 2011. We also benefitted from the renegotiation of certain cleaning contracts during Fiscal 2011. These positive factors were largely offset by a $1.1 million increase in repairs and maintenance expense, and a $1.4 million increase in credit and debit card transaction fees due to increases in usage and fee rates.

Administrative Expenses

The decrease in administrative expenses during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 was primarily attributable to a combined $21.7 million of Penn Traffic integration costs, legal and professional fees related to the Penn Traffic acquisition and higher legal expenses associated with the FTC’s review of the acquired supermarkets recorded in Fiscal 2010. Additionally, we experienced a $5.1 million decrease in information technology, or IT, costs in Fiscal 2011, largely resulting from our renegotiated IT services contract. These items were partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in depreciation related to recent IT equipment capital expenditures, a $2.1 million increase in bonus expense due to improved performance against bonus metrics, a $0.5 million increase in share-based compensation expense due to stock option forfeitures that reduced our recorded expense during Fiscal 2010, normal wage rate increases and severance expense related to corporate headcount reductions during early 2011.

Rent Expense, Net

Rent expense reflects our rental expense for our supermarkets under operating leases, net of income we receive from various entities that rent space in our supermarkets under subleases. Rent expense remained relatively consistent during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010.

Depreciation and Amortization

The decrease in depreciation and amortization during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 was largely attributable to a significant amount of assets that became fully depreciated near the conclusion of Fiscal 2010, partially offset by incremental depreciation and amortization of $0.7 million associated with assets acquired as part of the Penn Traffic acquisition, and 2010 and 2011 capital expenditure activity.

 

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Advertising

The decrease in advertising during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 was due to $5.2 million in costs associated with the communication of the Penn Traffic acquisition to our customers and the promotion of the grand re-openings related to the rebannered supermarkets during Fiscal 2010. This was partially offset by investments in additional advertising initiatives during Fiscal 2011.

Impairment Charges

On June 30, 2011, the FTC approved our application to sell three supermarkets acquired as part of the Penn Traffic acquisition to Hometown Markets. The sale of these supermarkets closed in late July and early August 2011. As a result of the sale, we recorded a $1.9 million impairment within the consolidated statement of operations during Fiscal 2011, representing the excess of the carrying value of assets over the fair value of assets.

During November 2011, we executed an agreement to sell the remaining acquired Penn Traffic supermarket subject to the Final Order from the FTC. As a result of the pending sale that closed during January 2012, we recorded a $0.9 million impairment within the consolidated statement of operations during Fiscal 2011, representing the excess of the carrying value of assets over the fair value of assets.

Bargain Purchase

The excess of $15.7 million of the estimated fair value of Penn Traffic net assets acquired over the purchase price has been recognized as a gain in the consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2010. This bargain purchase was attributable to the distressed status of Penn Traffic due to poor historical operating results, which led to its November 2009 bankruptcy filing.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

On January 29, 2010, we entered into a $25.0 million bridge loan and an $11.0 million term loan, and capitalized related financing costs. As both the bridge loan and term loan were repaid in full on February 12, 2010 with the proceeds from the issuance of the additional $75.0 million of Senior Notes, unamortized costs of $0.7 and $0.3 million, respectively, were recorded as a loss on debt extinguishment in our consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2010.

Interest Expense, Net

The $0.5 million increase in interest expense during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 was primarily attributable to incremental interest expense related to the $75.0 million Senior Notes issued on February 12, 2010 that were outstanding for all of Fiscal 2011.

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

The income tax expense during Fiscal 2011 primarily reflects our income before income taxes, the benefit of federal tax credits, and the reversal of valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets. The overall effective tax rate was 18.2%. The effective tax rate would have been 38.0% without the impact of federal tax credits and adjustments to the valuation allowance.

The income tax benefit during Fiscal 2010 was primarily attributable to the reversal of $10.3 million of the valuation allowance established during Fiscal 2009. The reversal of the valuation allowance was the result of recording a deferred tax liability that resulted from the bargain purchase associated with the Penn Traffic acquisition. The timing of taxable income resulting from the amortization of the gain for tax purposes provides sufficient future taxable income to support the future deductibility of the Company’s deferred tax assets. The overall effective rate for Fiscal 2010 was 25.0%. The effective tax rate would have been 39.9% without the impact of adjustments to the valuation allowance, the bargain purchase, and discrete charges.

Net Income (Loss)

Our net income (loss) improved to net income of $5.8 million during Fiscal 2011 compared with net loss of $27.0 million during Fiscal 2010.

 

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Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009

Summary

The results of operations during Fiscal 2010 when compared with Fiscal 2009 were impacted primarily by the Penn Traffic acquisition. Fifty-five supermarkets acquired in the Penn Traffic acquisition had been retained and operated through the end of Fiscal 2010.

Net Sales

The following table includes a comparison of the components of our net sales for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
     $ Change      % Change  

Inside sales

   $ 2,107,524       $ 1,579,448       $ 528,076         33.4

Gasoline sales

     150,012         116,160         33,852         29.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net sales

   $ 2,257,536       $ 1,695,608       $ 561,928         33.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Inside sales increased 33.4% in Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009, primarily due to net sales of $560.8 million related to new supermarkets, including the acquired Penn Traffic supermarkets. Excluding the 53rd week in Fiscal 2009, same store sales increased 0.1%. Net sales for the 24 acquired supermarkets that were closed, sold or liquidated during Fiscal 2010 were $33.9 million during Fiscal 2010.

Gasoline sales increased 29.1% in Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009 due to an 18.9% increase in the retail price per gallon. The number of gallons sold increased 8.6%, primarily due to the addition of four new fuel stations during Fiscal 2010, and a full-year of operation for three fuel stations added during Fiscal 2009.

Gross Profit

The following table includes a comparison of cost of goods sold, distribution costs and gross profit for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    % of
Net Sales
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
    % of
Net Sales
    $
Change
     %
Change
 

Cost of goods sold

   $ (1,579,016     69.9   $ (1,185,344     69.9   $ 393,672         33.2

Distribution costs

     (44,829     2.0     (33,852     2.0     10,977         32.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

   $ 633,691        28.1   $ 476,412        28.1   $ 157,279         33.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold, distribution costs and gross profit remained consistent for Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009.

 

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Operating Expenses

The following table includes a comparison of operating expenses for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
     % of
Net Sales
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
     % of
Net Sales
    $
Change
     %
Change
 

Wages, salaries and benefits

   $ 310,800         13.8   $ 224,958         13.3   $ 85,842         38.2

Selling and general expenses

     104,841         4.6     73,474         4.3     31,367         42.7

Administrative expenses

     102,754         4.6     65,013         3.8     37,741         58.1

Rent expense

     19,135         0.8     13,219         0.8     5,916         44.8

Depreciation and amortization

     62,353         2.8     52,727         3.1     9,626         18.3

Advertising

     23,175         1.0     12,531         0.7     10,644         84.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 623,058         27.6   $ 441,922         26.0   $ 181,136         41.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Wages, Salaries and Benefits

As a percentage of net sales, the increase in wages, salaries and benefits for Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009 is largely attributable to investments in labor during the rebannering and re-openings of the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets, as well as the lower average sales base of these supermarkets. The comparative percentage is also impacted by the fact that none of the acquired Penn Traffic supermarkets had fuel stations, for which gasoline sales require less labor expense than inside sales. Furthermore, we experienced a 10% year-over-year increase in pension and health and welfare costs, as required by our collective bargaining agreements.

Selling and General Expenses

As a percentage of net sales, selling and general expenses increased for Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009 due to $0.7 million of Penn Traffic integration costs included in selling and general expenses during Fiscal 2010, as well as an increase of $10.8 million in electricity costs due to the warmer temperatures in 2010 and higher commodity prices.

Administrative Expenses

The increase in administrative expenses for Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009 was primarily attributable to a combined $22.4 million of Penn Traffic integration costs, one-time legal and professional fees related to the Penn Traffic acquisition and non-recurring legal expenses associated with the FTC’s review of the acquired supermarkets. Furthermore, we incurred additional labor expense of $12.8 million related to 2010 head count additions to accommodate increased corporate activities following the Penn Traffic acquisition, combined with normal wage rate increases.

Rent Expense

As a percentage of net sales, rent expense remained relatively consistent for Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009.

Depreciation and Amortization

The increase in depreciation and amortization from Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009 was largely attributable to $7.4 million associated with assets acquired from Penn Traffic, as well as incremental depreciation related to Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 capital expenditures.

Advertising

The increase in advertising expenses for Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009 was primarily attributable to $5.2 million in costs associated with the communication of the Penn Traffic acquisition to our customers and the promotion of the re-bannered supermarkets. Additionally, we incurred increased circular costs of $6.4 million due to enhancements made to our circulars, our increased store base and expanded geographic area, as well as duplicative costs of producing circulars under the P&C, Quality Markets and Bi-Lo banners subsequent to the Penn Traffic acquisition. In early Fiscal 2010, we incurred costs of $1.7 million associated with our Monopoly® promotion. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in media production.

 

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Bargain Purchase

The excess of $15.7 million of the estimated fair value of Penn Traffic net assets acquired over the purchase price has been recognized as a gain in the consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2010. This bargain purchase was attributable to the distressed status of Penn Traffic due to poor historical operating results, which led to its November 2009 bankruptcy filing.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

On January 29, 2010, we entered into a $25.0 million bridge loan and an $11.0 million term loan and capitalized related financing costs. As both the bridge loan and term loan were repaid in full on February 12, 2010 with the proceeds from the issuance of the additional $75.0 million of Senior Notes, unamortized costs of $0.7 and $0.3 million, respectively, were recorded as a loss on debt extinguishment in our consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2010.

In connection with prepayments of $20.0 million related to our previous first lien credit agreement during Fiscal 2009, $0.8 million of additional debt was forgiven. This amount, net of the write-off of $0.3 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, was recorded as a gain on debt extinguishment in our consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2009. Effective October 9, 2009, we issued $275.0 million of Senior Notes and simultaneously entered into the $70.0 million revolving ABL Facility. The proceeds from the Senior Notes and the ABL Facility were used, in part, to retire the outstanding balances related to our previous first lien credit agreement and warehouse mortgage. In connection with these retirements, we wrote off unamortized deferred financing costs of $7.0 million and incurred additional costs of $0.3 million, which were recorded as a loss on debt extinguishment in our consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2009.

Interest Expense, Net

The $13.2 million increase in interest expense during Fiscal 2010 compared with Fiscal 2009 reflects an $18.7 million increase in interest on our outstanding indebtedness as a result of our October 2009 and February 2010 financing activities, as well as an increase of $1.3 million attributable to deferred financing fees and bond discount amortization (net of premium amortization). These factors were partially offset by a $6.6 million decrease in interest expense related to our interest rate swap that was settled in October 2009.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

The change from the income tax expense of $5.4 million in Fiscal 2009 to the income tax benefit of $9.0 million in Fiscal 2010 is primarily attributable to the higher pre-tax loss in Fiscal 2010, combined with the non-taxability of the bargain purchase related to the Penn Traffic acquisition. Additionally, we established a $13.9 million valuation allowance during Fiscal 2009 related to our deferred tax assets, compared to an additional valuation allowance of $11.9 million during Fiscal 2010. The resulting effective tax rate for Fiscal 2010 was 25.0% compared to an effective tax rate for Fiscal 2009 of (26.5)%.

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities reflect temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities, including net operating loss carryforwards, for financial and tax reporting. Such amounts are adjusted as appropriate to reflect changes in the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is established for any deferred income tax asset for which realization is uncertain.

Based on an assessment of the available positive and negative evidence, including our historical results for the preceding three years, we determined that there are uncertainties relating to our ability to utilize the net deferred tax assets. In recognition of these uncertainties, we have provided a valuation allowance of $13.9 million on the net deferred income tax assets as of January 2, 2010, representing a charge to income tax expense during Fiscal 2009. During Fiscal 2010, we established an additional valuation allowance of $11.9 million, with an offsetting charge to income tax expense. If we were to determine that we could realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance.

Net Loss

The increase in net loss from $25.7 million in Fiscal 2009 to $27.0 million in Fiscal 2010 is attributable to the factors discussed above.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

On October 9, 2009, we issued $275.0 million of Senior Notes, bearing annual interest of 10.125%. We received proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes, net of a $4.5 million original issue discount, of $270.5 million. The Senior Notes mature October 15, 2015 and require semi-annual interest payments on April 15 and October 15. The Senior Notes are collateralized by (i) first-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions, in our warehouse distribution facility in Lancaster, New York, certain owned real property acquired by us following the issue date of the Senior Notes, intellectual property, equipment, stock of subsidiaries and substantially all of our other assets (other than leasehold interests in real property), other than assets securing the ABL Facility (as defined below) on a first priority basis (collectively, the “Notes Priority Collateral”), and (ii) second-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, in our assets that secure the ABL Facility on a first-priority basis, including present and future receivables, inventory, prescription lists, deposit accounts and certain related rights and proceeds relating thereto (collectively, the “ABL Priority Collateral”).

Also effective October 9, 2009, we entered into the ABL Facility, which expires on October 9, 2013. The ABL Facility allowed a maximum borrowing capacity of $70.0 million, including a sub-limit for the issuance of letters of credit, subject to a borrowing base calculation. The ABL Facility was amended on January 29, 2010 to increase the maximum borrowing capacity to $100.0 million. As of December 31, 2011, the unused availability under the ABL Facility was $70.4 million, after giving effect to $13.1 million of letters of credit outstanding thereunder. As of January 1, 2011, $12.5 million of letters of credit were outstanding. Revolving loans under the ABL Facility, at our option, bear interest at either i) LIBOR plus a margin of 350 to 400 basis points, determined based on levels of borrowing availability, or ii) the prime rate plus a margin of 250 to 300 basis points, determined based on levels of borrowing availability. As of December 31, 2011, the effective interest rate on borrowings under the ABL Facility was 5.75%. The ABL Facility is collateralized primarily by (i) first-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions, in the ABL Priority Collateral and (ii) second-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions, in the Notes Priority Collateral.

On January 29, 2010, we completed the Penn Traffic acquisition. In addition to cash consideration of $85.0 million paid to Penn Traffic, we recorded $23.3 million of integration costs and $2.1 million of legal expenses associated with the FTC’s review of the acquired supermarkets during Fiscal 2010, and $5.3 million and $1.1 million of transaction costs during Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. We received proceeds from the sale of Penn Traffic stores acquired assets of $1.3 million and $20.8 million during Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010, respectively.

On February 12, 2010, we issued an additional $75.0 million of Senior Notes on the same terms as the October 2009 issuance. We received proceeds of $76.1 million from this issuance, including a $1.1 million original issue premium. The proceeds were used, in part, to repay in full short-term borrowings that were entered into in order to finance the Penn Traffic acquisition. We incurred $4.7 million of financing costs related to the additional Senior Notes issuance, which were capitalized in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet during Fiscal 2010.

The Senior Notes and ABL Facility contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, type of business, acquisitions, investments, sale or transfer of assets, payment of dividends, transactions involving affiliates, change in control and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. Failure to meet any of these covenants would be an event of default.

On January 29, 2010, we received $30.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of 44,776 shares of common stock to certain shareholders of Holding.

On July 26, 2010, we paid a dividend to our shareholders totaling $30.0 million, or $207.22 per share of common stock outstanding.

Our primary sources of cash are cash flows generated from our operations and borrowings under our ABL Facility. We believe that these sources will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures and scheduled debt payments for at least the next twelve months. Our ability to satisfy debt service obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures and to make acquisitions will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the grocery industry and financial, business, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

 

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Cash Flows Information

The following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated types of activities:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Cash provided by (used in):

      

Operating activities

   $ 68,651      $ 49,458      $ 66,813   

Investing activities

     (45,209     (113,933     (36,693

Financing activities

     (21,680     62,172        (40,717

Cash provided by operating activities during Fiscal 2011 increased $19.2 million compared with Fiscal 2010 due to a $49.3 million increase in earnings, adjusted for non-cash income and expenses. Operating cash flows for Fiscal 2010 included $31.4 million of integration costs and one-time legal and professional fee cash expenditures related to the Penn Traffic acquisition. Changes in operating assets and liabilities represented a use of cash from operating activities of $13.3 million during Fiscal 2011, compared to a source of cash of $16.8 million during Fiscal 2010. This period-over-period change was primarily attributable to the timing of vendor payments and the resulting changes in accounts payable during the respective periods.

Cash provided by operating activities during Fiscal 2010 decreased $17.4 million compared with Fiscal 2009 due to cash expenditures of $31.4 million related to integration efforts, legal expenses associated with the FTC’s review of the acquired supermarkets and other one-time legal and professional fees related to the Penn Traffic acquisition. These cash expenditures were partially offset by a $14.8 million improvement in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities due to the more effective management of working capital, despite incremental working capital investment requirements related to the acquired Penn Traffic supermarkets. Additionally, Fiscal 2010 reflects incremental cash flows generated by the acquired Penn Traffic supermarkets.

Cash used in investing activities during Fiscal 2011 decreased $68.7 million compared with Fiscal 2010, primarily due to cash consideration paid in connection with the Penn Traffic acquisition during Fiscal 2010, net of proceeds from the subsequent divestiture of Penn Traffic stores. Cash paid for property and equipment totaled $45.6 million and $49.7 million during Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010, respectively. We expect to invest $35 million to $40 million in capital expenditures during the next 12 months.

Cash used in investing activities during Fiscal 2010 increased $77.2 million compared with Fiscal 2009, primarily due to cash consideration paid as part of the Penn Traffic acquisition, net of proceeds from the subsequent divestiture of certain acquired stores. Cash paid for property and equipment totaled $49.7 million and $28.1 million during Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively.

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities decreased $83.9 million during Fiscal 2011 compared with Fiscal 2010 as a result of the issuance of an additional $75.0 million of Senior Notes and the proceeds of $30.0 million from the issuance of additional common shares during Fiscal 2010. This was partially offset by a $30.0 million dividend paid to our shareholders during Fiscal 2010, the change in net borrowings and repayments related to our ABL Facility, as well as $5.8 million of deferred financing costs incurred during Fiscal 2010.

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities during Fiscal 2010 changed $102.9 million compared with Fiscal 2009 as a result of the issuance of an additional $75.0 million of senior secured notes and proceeds of $30.0 million from the issuance of additional shares of common stock during Fiscal 2010, as well as prepayments made on our previous senior secured credit facility during Fiscal 2009. These factors were partially offset by the dividend to our shareholders and financing costs incurred in connection with our Fiscal 2010 financing activities.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth a summary of our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Payments due by Period  
     2012      2013      2014      2015      2016      Thereafter      Total  

Long-term debt:

                    

Notes(1)

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 350,000       $ —         $ —         $ 350,000   

Other long- term debt

     434         7,290         280         165         —           —           8,169   

Interest(2)

     53,670         51,560         49,438         39,249         9,947         26,480         230,344   

Operating leases(3)

     25,822         25,471         25,610         25,445         26,038         111,329         239,715   

Capital leases(3)

     12,701         15,812         17,100         12,219         16,454         98,229         172,515   

Purchase obligations(4)

     161,173         110,286         15,328         15,118         15,038         14,911         331,854   

Other liabilities(5)

     56,121         60,143         60,886         734         692         2,784         181,360   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 309,921       $ 270,562       $ 168,642       $ 442,930       $ 68,169       $ 253,733       $ 1,513,957   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) No principal amounts are due on the Senior Notes until October 15, 2015. Assumes aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million of Senior Notes are outstanding until maturity.
(2) Amount primarily includes contractual interest payments related to the Senior Notes, capital leases and other long-term debt.
(3) Some of our lease agreements provide us with an option to renew. We have not included renewal options in our future minimum lease amounts for renewals that are not reasonably assured. Our future operating lease obligations will change if we exercise these renewal options and if we enter into additional operating or capital lease agreements.
(4) In addition to the purchase obligations reflected in the table above, we enter into supply contracts to purchase products for resale in the ordinary course of business. This category of contracts covers a broad spectrum of products and sometimes includes specific merchandising obligations relative to those products. These supply contracts typically include either a volume commitment or a fixed expiration date, pricing terms based on the vendor’s published list price, termination provisions, and other standard contractual considerations. Our obligation related to these contracts is typically limited to return of unearned allowances and therefore no amounts have been included above. Purchase obligations above relate to the outsourcing of a major portion of our information system functions and pharmacy inventory procurement through long-term agreements, as noted below:

 

   

In July 2010, we extended our existing IT outsourcing agreement with HP through December 31, 2017 to cover a wide range of information systems services. Under the agreement, HP provides data center operations, mainframe processing, business applications and systems development to enhance our customer service and efficiency. The charges under this agreement are based upon the services requested at predetermined rates.

 

   

Effective December 1, 2010, we extended the term of our existing supply contract with McKesson through January 1, 2014 for the supply of substantially all of our prescription drugs and other health and beauty care products requirements. We are required to purchase a minimum of $400 million of product during the period from December 1, 2010 to January 1, 2014.

 

(5) Other liabilities consist of health and welfare benefits and multiemployer pension plan contributions under collective bargaining agreements, as well as other pension and post-retirement benefits.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

We contribute to the Local One plan, a defined benefit multiemployer pension plan, under our collective bargaining agreements with Local One. The Local One plan generally provides retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The actuary for the Local One plan has estimated that, as of December 31, 2010, our withdrawl liability would be approximately $241.6 million in the event of our complete withdrawal from the Local One plan during the 2011 plan year. During Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010, we made contributions of $8.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively, to this plan.

 

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We will be required to increase our annual contributions to the Local One plan pursuant to our collective bargaining agreements and the Local One plan’s rehabilitation plan. We are also contingently liable for withdrawal liability in the event that we withdraw from the Local One plan. In accordance with applicable accounting rules, our contingent withdrawal liability is not included in our consolidated financial statements. We have no intention to withdraw from the Local One plan.

In addition, at the time our supply arrangement was entered into with C&S, certain of our warehouse personnel became employees of C&S, with C&S assuming our obligations under several multiemployer pension plans. Although we are not a sponsoring employer of, and make no contribution payments to any of these other multiemployer pension plans, we have certain contractual indemnification obligations for withdrawal liability that may arise in the event of C&S’s withdrawal from such plans, or upon termination of the supply agreement. According to estimates of the actuary for the multiemployer plan for which we indemnify C&S, the withdrawal liability for a withdrawal from such plan in 2011 would have been $130.6 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than our operating leases and contingent multiemployer pension liabilities previously discussed, and letters of credit, we are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, net sales, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Inflation

Product cost inflation could vary from our estimates due to general economic conditions, weather, availability of raw materials and ingredients in the products that we sell and their packaging, and other factors beyond our control.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. We have provided a description of all of our significant accounting policies in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. We believe that of these significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment or complexity.

Vendor Allowances

We receive allowances from many of the vendors whose products we stock in our supermarkets. Allowances are received for a variety of merchandising activities, which consist of the inclusion of vendor products in our advertising, placement of vendor products in prominent locations in our supermarkets, introduction of new products, slotting fees, exclusivity rights in certain categories of products and temporary price reductions offered to customers on products held for sale. We also receive vendor allowances associated with buying activities such as volume purchase rebates and rebates for purchases made during specific periods.

We record a receivable for vendor allowances for which we have fulfilled our contractual commitments but have not received payment from the vendor. When payment for vendor allowances is received prior to fulfillment of contractual terms or before the programs necessary to earn such allowances are initiated, we record such amounts as deferred income or vendor allowances received in advance, respectively, which are classified within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Once all contractual commitments have been met, we record vendor allowances as a reduction of the cost of inventory. Due to system constraints and the nature of certain allowances, it is sometimes not practicable to apply allowances to the item cost of inventory. In those instances, the allowances are applied as a reduction of merchandise costs using a rational and systematic methodology, which results in the recognition of these incentives when the inventory related to the vendor consideration received is sold based on an inventory turns calculation. Accordingly, when the inventory is sold, the vendor allowances are recognized as a reduction of the cost of goods sold. The amount and timing of recognition of vendor allowances, as well as the amount of vendor allowances remaining as deferred income or vendor allowances received in advance, requires management judgment and estimates. Management determines these amounts based on estimates of current year purchase volume using forecasted and historical data and review of average inventory turnover. These judgments and estimates impact our reported operating earnings and accrued deferred income.

 

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Inventory Valuation

We value inventories at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out, or LIFO, method. Our inventory balances consist primarily of finished goods. Inventory costs include the purchase price of the product and freight charges to deliver the product and are net of certain cash or non-cash consideration received from vendors.

Cost is determined using the retail method. Under the retail method, the valuation of inventories, and the resulting gross margins, is determined by applying a cost-to-retail ratio for various groupings of similar items to the retail value of inventories. Inherent in the retail inventory method calculations are certain management judgments and estimates which could impact the ending inventory valuation at cost, as well as the resulting gross margins. Our cost to retail ratios contain uncertainties as the calculation requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment regarding inventory mix, inventory spoilage and shrink. Because of the significance of the judgments and estimation processes, it is likely that materially different amounts could be recorded if we used different assumptions or if the underlying circumstances were to change.

Physical inventory counts are taken on a cycle basis. We record an estimated inventory shrinkage reserve for the period between each store’s last physical inventory and the consolidated balance sheet date.

Valuation of Tradename

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” or ASC 350, we do not amortize the Tops tradename, which is deemed to have an indefinite useful life.

The Tops tradename is tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred, or at least annually, in accordance with ASC 350. We have identified December 1 as the impairment test date for the Tops tradename. Our impairment review is based on a relief from royalty method that requires significant judgment with respect to future volume, revenue growth assumptions, and the selection of the appropriate discount and royalty rates.

We use estimates based on expected trends in making these assumptions. An impairment loss, if necessary, is recorded as the excess of the carrying value over the net present value of estimated cash flows, which represents the estimated fair value of the asset. We did not recognize any losses during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 or Fiscal 2009. In connection with our December 1, 2011 Tops tradename impairment review, the fair value of the tradename was approximately 70% greater than the carrying value.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets

It is our policy to review our long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important, and which could trigger an impairment review, include the following:

 

   

significant under-performance of a store in relation to expectations;

 

   

significant negative industry or economic trends; and

 

   

significant changes or planned changes in our use of the assets.

We determine whether the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the foregoing or other indicators of impairment. We determine if impairment exists relating to long-lived assets by comparing future undiscounted cash flows to the asset’s carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The projected cash flows for each asset group considers multiple factors including store sales over its remaining lease term, including sales trends, labor rates, commodity costs and other operating cost assumptions. Because of the significance of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets and the judgments and estimates that go into the fair value analysis, we believe that our policies regarding impairment are critical. As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.8 million during Fiscal 2011. There were no impairment charges recorded during Fiscal 2010 or Fiscal 2009.

 

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Leases

We lease buildings and equipment under operating and capital lease arrangements. In accordance with ASC 840, “Leases,” we classify our leases as capital leases when the lease agreement transfers substantially all risks and rewards of ownership to us. For leases determined to be capital leases, the asset and liability are recognized at an amount equal either to the fair value of the leased asset or the present value of the minimum lease payments during the lease term, whichever is lower. Leases that do not qualify as capital leases are classified as operating leases, and the related lease payments are expensed on a straight-line basis (taking into account rent escalation clauses) over the lease term, including, as applicable, any rent-free period during which we have the right to use the asset. Determining whether a lease is a capital or an operating lease requires judgment on various aspects that include the fair value of the leased asset, the economic life of the leased asset, whether or not to include renewal options in the lease term and determining an appropriate discount rate to calculate the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Self-Insurance Programs

We are primarily self-insured for costs related to workers’ compensation and general liability claims. As of December 31, 2011, our workers’ compensation and general liability reserves were $13.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The liabilities represent our best estimates, using generally accepted actuarial reserving methods, of the ultimate obligations for reported claims plus those incurred but not reported for all claims incurred through the balance sheet date. We establish case reserves for reported claims using case-basis evaluation of the underlying claim data which is updated as new information becomes known.

For both workers’ compensation and general liability claims, we have purchased stop-loss coverage to limit our exposure to any significant exposure on a per claim basis. We are insured for covered costs in excess of established per claim limits. We account for the liabilities for workers’ compensation and general liability claims on a present value basis utilizing a risk-adjusted discount rate.

The assumptions underlying the ultimate costs of existing claim losses are subject to a high degree of unpredictability, which can affect the liability recorded for such claims. For example, variability in inflation rates of health care costs inherent in these claims can affect the amounts realized. Similarly, changes in legal trends and interpretations, as well as a change in the nature and method of how claims are settled, can affect ultimate costs. Our estimates of liabilities incurred do not anticipate significant changes in historical trends for these variables, and any changes could have a considerable effect on future claim costs and currently recorded liabilities.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, NOL carry forwards and federal tax credits, and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. The Company uses the provisions of ASC 740 to assess and record income tax uncertainties. In relation to recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of temporary differences, make certain assumptions regarding whether book/tax differences are permanent or temporary, and if temporary, the related timing of expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not more likely than not, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets. Alternatively, we may make estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease our valuation allowances. The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions when we believe that such tax positions do not meet the more likely than not threshold. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit or the lapse of the statute of limitations. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to the reserves that are considered appropriate.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—Not Yet Adopted

Recent Accounting Pronouncements are included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We do not utilize financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, nor do we utilize leveraged financial instruments.

We use derivative financial instruments from time to time primarily to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and, to a lesser extent, adverse fluctuations in commodity prices and other market risks. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. As a matter of policy, all of our derivative positions are intended to reduce risk by hedging an underlying economic exposure. Because of the high correlation between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure, fluctuations in the value of the instruments generally are offset by reciprocal changes in the value of the underlying exposure. The interest rate derivatives we use are straightforward instruments with liquid markets.

We manage our exposure to interest rates and changes in the fair value of our debt instruments primarily through the strategic use of variable and fixed rate debt, and interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2011, we did not have any outstanding interest rate swaps designated as fair value or cash flow hedges. During Fiscal 2009, we terminated a cash flow interest rate swap with a notional amount of $140.0 million that was entered into during 2007.

The table below provides information about our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2011. The amounts shown for each year represent the contractual maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital leases, as of December 31, 2011. Interest rates reflect the weighted average rate for the outstanding instruments. The variable component of each variable rate debt instrument is based on the weighted average of LIBOR using the forward yield curve and the prime rate as of December 31, 2011. The Fair-Value column includes the fair-value of our debt instruments as of December 31, 2011. Refer to Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K for information about our accounting policy for financial instruments.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Expected Fiscal Year of Maturity  
     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016      Thereafter      Fair Value  

Debt

                

Fixed rate

   $ 434      $ 2,290      $ 280      $ 350,165      $ —         $ —         $ 369,357   

Average interest rate

     7.1     3.5     7.1     10.1     N/A         N/A      

Variable rate

   $ —        $ 5,000      $ —        $ —        $ —         $ —         $ 5,000   

Average interest rate

     N/A        5.75     N/A        N/A        N/A         N/A      

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

We purchase products that are impacted by commodity prices and are therefore subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions and other factors, which are not considered predictable or within our control.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The following are set forth below:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     30   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011

     31   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, January  1, 2011 and January 2, 2010

     32   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the years ended December  31, 2011, January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010

     33   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, January  1, 2011 and January 2, 2010

     34   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     35   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Tops Holding Corporation

Williamsville, New York

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tops Holding Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011, and January 2, 2010. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedules 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011, and January 2, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Williamsville, New York

March 29, 2012

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 31, 2011     January 1, 2011  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,181      $ 17,419   

Accounts receivable, net (Note 3)

     55,987        57,044   

Inventory, net

     115,309        117,328   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     12,990        14,093   

Assets held for sale

     —          650   

Income taxes refundable

     285        200   

Current deferred tax assets (Note 11)

     1,971        2,265   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     205,723        208,999   

Property and equipment, net (Note 4)

     358,263        378,575   

Intangible assets, net (Note 5)

     72,125        79,072   

Other assets (Note 6)

     11,101        13,705   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 647,212      $ 680,351   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 75,608      $ 93,311   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 7)

     74,677        79,123   

Current portion of capital lease obligations (Note 8)

     12,701        11,095   

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)

     434        402   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     163,420        183,931   

Capital lease obligations (Note 8)

     159,814        172,216   

Long-term debt (Note 9)

     355,240        365,262   

Other long-term liabilities

     23,893        21,099   

Non-current deferred tax liabilities (Note 11)

     4,309        3,354   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     706,676        745,862   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

    

Shareholders’ deficit:

    

Common shares ($0.001 par value; 300,000 authorized shares, 144,776 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011) (Note 12)

     —          —     

Paid-in capital

     (1,528     (2,668

Accumulated deficit

     (56,675     (62,507

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (1,261     (336
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ deficit

     (59,464     (65,511
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit

   $ 647,212      $ 680,351   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Net sales

   $ 2,355,492      $ 2,257,536      $ 1,695,608   

Cost of goods sold

     (1,650,166     (1,579,016     (1,185,344

Distribution costs

     (44,189     (44,829     (33,852
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     661,137        633,691        476,412   

Operating expenses:

      

Wages, salaries and benefits

     (317,738     (310,800     (224,958

Selling and general expenses

     (103,153     (104,841     (73,474

Administrative expenses (inclusive of stock-based compensation expense of $1,140, $715, and $1,085)

     (79,780     (102,754     (65,013

Rent expense, net

     (18,856     (19,135     (13,219

Depreciation and amortization

     (51,205     (62,353     (52,727

Advertising

     (18,789     (23,175     (12,531

Impairment charges (Note 10)

     (2,791     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (592,312     (623,058     (441,922

Operating income

     68,825        10,633        34,490   

Bargain purchase

     —          15,681        —     

Loss on debt extinguishment

     —          (1,041     (6,770

Interest expense, net

     (61,698     (61,231     (48,028
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     7,127        (35,958     (20,308

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (1,295     9,004        (5,385
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 5,832      $ (26,954   $ (25,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

 

                   Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
    Total
Shareholders’
(Deficit) Equity
 
                 
     Common Stock           
     Shares      Amount           

Balance at December 28, 2008

     100,000       $ —         $ 100,532      $ (9,860   $ (2,943   $ 87,729   

Net loss

     —           —           —          (25,693     —          (25,693

Reclassification adjustment on interest rate swap, net of tax expense of $1,861

     —           —           —          —          2,838        2,838   

Retirement obligations adjustments, net of tax expense of $157

     —           —           —          —          240        240   
              

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

     —           —           —          —          —          (22,615
              

 

 

 

Dividend

     —           —           (105,000     —          —          (105,000

Stock-based compensation

     —           —           1,085        —          —          1,085   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 2, 2010

     100,000         —           (3,383     (35,553     135        (38,801

Net loss

     —           —           —          (26,954     —          (26,954

Retirement obligations adjustments

     —           —           —          —          (471     (471
              

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

     —           —           —          —          —          (27,425
              

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

     44,776         —           30,000        —          —          30,000   

Dividend

     —           —           (30,000     —          —          (30,000

Stock-based compensation

     —           —           715        —          —          715   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2011

     144,776         —           (2,668     (62,507     (336     (65,511

Net income

     —           —           —          5,832        —          5,832   

Retirement obligations adjustments

     —           —           —          —          (925     (925
              

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     —           —           —          —          —          4,907   
              

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

     —           —           1,140        —          —          1,140   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

     144,776       $ —         $ (1,528   $ (56,675   $ (1,261   $ (59,464
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Cash flows provided by operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 5,832      $ (26,954   $ (25,693

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     67,053        77,315        65,285   

Impairment charges

     2,791        —          —     

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     2,661        2,367        1,304   

LIFO inventory valuation adjustments

     1,333        2,055        249   

Deferred income taxes

     1,249        (9,199     5,351   

Share-based compensation expense

     1,140        715        1,085   

Bargain purchase

     —          (15,681     —     

Loss on debt extinguishment

     —          1,041        6,770   

Interest rate swap settlement

     —          —          5,613   

Interest rate swap interest paid

     —          —          3,146   

Impact of interest rate swap on deferred tax assets

     —          —          2,070   

Change in fair value of interest rate swap

     —          —          (1,256

Other

     (87     988        860   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     1,664        (7,382     (9,411

Decrease (increase) in inventories

     187        (6,239     (594

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,103        1,796        (4,517

(Increase) decrease in income taxes refundable

     (85     560        (760

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable

     (18,080     24,267        13,482   

Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     389        917        3,733   

Increase in other long-term liabilities

     1,501        2,892        96   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     68,651        49,458        66,813   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

      

Cash paid for property and equipment

     (45,575     (49,663     (28,080

Cash paid for intangible assets

     (1,527     —          —     

Proceeds from sale of assets

     1,284        20,753        —     

Proceeds from insurable loss recovery

     609        —          —     

Acquisition of Penn Traffic assets (Note 2)

     —          (85,023     —     

Interest rate swap settlement

     —          —          (5,613

Interest rate swap interest paid

     —          —          (3,146

Other

     —          —          146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (45,209     (113,933     (36,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:

      

Borrowings on ABL Facility

     612,900        348,737        76,600   

Repayments on ABL Facility

     (622,900     (347,737     (62,600

Principal payments on capital leases

     (11,161     (9,294     (7,287

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

     —          112,125        270,474   

Repayments of long-term debt borrowings

     (409     (36,377     (200,936

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —          30,000        —     

Dividend to shareholders

     —          (30,000     (105,000

Deferred financing costs incurred

     (57     (5,769     (12,011

Change in bank overdraft position

     (53     487        43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (21,680     62,172        (40,717
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1,762        (2,303     (10,597

Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of year

     17,419        19,722        30,319   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents-end of year

   $ 19,181      $ 17,419      $ 19,722   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. THE COMPANY, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company

Tops Holding Corporation (“Holding” or “Company”), formerly known as Hank Holding Corporation, is the parent of Tops Markets, LLC (“Tops Markets”). Holding was incorporated on October 5, 2007 and commenced operations on December 1, 2007. Holding is owned by various funds affiliated with Morgan Stanley Private Equity, an affiliate of Morgan Stanley (“Morgan Stanley”), HSBC Private Equity Partners (“HSBC”), two minority investors and a company employee. Holding has no other business operations as its sole purpose is the ownership of Tops Markets. The Company operates as a food retailer in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania under the banner Tops.

On January 29, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all assets and certain liabilities of The Penn Traffic Company, or Penn Traffic, and its subsidiaries, including Penn Traffic’s 79 retail supermarkets, in exchange for cash consideration of $85.0 million. Twenty-four of the acquired supermarkets were closed or sold during 2010. In August 2010, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, issued a Proposed Order that required Tops to sell seven of the retained supermarkets. On June 30, 2011, the FTC approved a modified Final Order requiring the sale of the seven supermarkets and the retention by the Company of a divestiture trustee to market the supermarkets subject to the Final Order. Also on June 30, 2011, the FTC approved the application by Tops to sell three of these supermarkets to Hometown Markets, LLC. The sale of these supermarkets closed during July and August 2011. On September 27, 2011, as the divestiture trustee was unable to identify a potential buyer for three of the remaining supermarkets subject to the Final Order, control of these supermarkets reverted to the Company. The Company continues to operate two of these supermarkets, while the third supermarket was closed on October 15, 2011. Also on September 27, 2011, the FTC approved a 90-day extension for the divestiture trustee to market the remaining supermarket subject to the Final Order. During November 2011, a petition was filed by the divestiture trustee with the FTC for approval of a proposed divestiture of this remaining supermarket. This petition was approved by the FTC during January 2012. The sale of the supermarket closed on January 30, 2012.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company operated 125 supermarkets with an additional five supermarkets operated by franchisees.

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The Company’s fiscal years include 13 four-week reporting periods, with an additional week in the thirteenth reporting period for 53-week fiscal years. The Company’s first quarter of each fiscal year includes four reporting periods, while the remaining quarters include three reporting periods. The period from January 2, 2011 to December 31, 2011 (“Fiscal 2011”) included 52 weeks. The period from January 3, 2010 to January 1, 2011 (“Fiscal 2010”) included 52 weeks. The period from December 28, 2008 to January 2, 2010 (“Fiscal 2009”) included 53 weeks.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The most significant estimates used by management are related to the accounting for vendor allowances, valuation of long-lived assets including intangible assets, acquisition accounting, lease classification, self-insurance reserves, inventory valuation, and income taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand that is highly liquid with original maturities at the date of purchase of 90 days or less. The costs of these investments are equivalent to fair market value. As of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, outstanding checks in excess of cash balances with the same institution totaled $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded as a bank overdraft and classified as accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets and as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

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The following table presents additional cash flow information for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 
        

Cash paid during the year for:

        

Interest

   $ 58,800       $ 56,933       $ 37,222   

Income taxes

     190         151         435   

Non-cash items:

        

Unpaid capital expenditures

     1,718         6,107         2,349   

Assets acquired under capital leases

     365         5,349         5,759   

Impact of SERP liability adjustment on property and equipment

     —           —           1,999   

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash in commercial banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), up to $250,000 per depositor. At times, such cash in banks exceeds the FDIC insurance limit. At December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, the Company had cash in banks exceeding the FDIC insurance limit of $2.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are carried at net realizable value. Allowances are recorded, if necessary, in an amount considered by management to be sufficient to meet future losses related to the collectability of accounts receivable. The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on the age of the receivable and knowledge of customers’ financial positions. At December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establish a framework for measuring fair value and a hierarchy that categorizes and prioritizes the sources to be used to estimate fair value as follows:

Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2 – inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs); and

Level 3 – unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s determination of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs are developed based on the best information available, including the Company’s own data.

The fair value of the Company’s senior secured notes is based on quoted market prices. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of total debt excluding capital leases was $374.4 million, compared to a carrying value of $355.7 million. At January 1, 2011, the fair value of total debt excluding capital leases was $408.4 million, compared to a carrying value of $365.7 million.

Inventory

The Company values inventory at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. As of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, the LIFO balance sheet reserves were $10.7 million and $9.4 million, respectively. The Company’s inventory balances consist primarily of finished goods. Inventory costs include the purchase price of the product and freight charges to deliver the product and are net of certain cash or non-cash consideration received from vendors (see “Vendor Allowances”).

 

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Cost is determined using the retail method for inventory. Under the retail method, the valuation of inventory at cost and the resulting gross margins are determined by applying a cost-to-retail ratio for various groupings of similar items to the retail value of inventory. Inherent in the retail inventory method calculations are certain management judgments and estimates which could impact the ending inventory valuation at cost, as well as the resulting gross margins.

Physical inventory counts are taken on a cycle basis. The Company records an estimated inventory shrinkage reserve for the period between each store’s last physical inventory and the latest consolidated balance sheet date.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at historical cost or, if acquired in a business acquisition, at fair value at the acquisition date, less accumulated depreciation and impairments. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the item, including shipping charges and sales tax. Interest incurred during the construction period is capitalized as part of the related asset. Expenditures for betterments are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease terms. The estimated useful lives of the principal categories of property and equipment are as follows:

 

Asset

 

Useful Lives

Land and land improvements   Indefinite
Buildings   30 – 40 years
Leasehold improvements   Lesser of 7 – 20 years or remaining lease term
Equipment   2 – 10 years
Automobiles   3 – 10 years
IT software and equipment   3 – 5 years

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, the Company compares the carrying value of the asset or asset group to the estimated, undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the long-lived asset or asset group, as required by the provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” Impairment charges are recorded as the excess of the net book value over its fair value, which is calculated using the discounted cash flows associated with that asset or assets. As discussed in Note 10, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.8 million during Fiscal 2011. There were no impairment charges recorded during Fiscal 2010 or Fiscal 2009.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets include favorable/unfavorable lease rights, tradenames, franchise agreements and customer relationships. The franchise agreements consist of two franchisees which own five stores, and the customer relationships represent a source of repeat business for the Company. The fair values of the Company’s franchise agreements and customer relationships were estimated using an excess earnings income approach. The principle behind the excess earnings income approach is that the value of an intangible asset is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable to that intangible asset. Customer relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis based upon the level of expected attrition.

The fair values of the tradenames were estimated by utilizing the “relief from royalty” method. This method involves determining the present value of the economic royalty savings associated with the tradenames and revenue projections attributed to the tradenames. The acquired Penn Traffic tradenames are being amortized on an accelerated basis based upon a brand obsolescence assumption, and the Tops tradename is not amortized due to its indefinite life.

For intangible assets, the Company amortizes the assets as presented in the table below:

 

Asset

   Weighted
Average
Amortization
`Period

Tradename – indefinite

   Indefinite life

Customer relationships

   8.4

Favorable/unfavorable lease rights

   9.5

Franchise agreements

   11.0

Tradenames – finite

   8.5

Other

   5.0

 

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Deferred Financing Costs

The Company records deferred financing costs incurred in connection with entering into its debt obligations. These costs are capitalized and included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense over the terms of associated debt on a straight-line basis or using the effective interest method, as appropriate.

Leases

Classification

The Company leases buildings and equipment under operating and capital lease arrangements. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 840, “Leases,” the Company classifies its leases as capital leases when the lease agreement transfers substantially all risks and rewards of ownership to the Company. For leases determined to be capital leases, the asset and liability are recognized at an amount equal either to the fair value of the leased asset or the present value of the minimum lease payments during the lease term, whichever is lower. Leases that do not qualify as capital leases are classified as operating leases, and the related lease payments are expensed on a straight-line basis (taking into account rent escalation clauses) over the lease term, including, as applicable, any rent free period during which the Company has the right to use the asset. For leases with renewal options where the renewal is reasonably assured, the lease term used to (i) determine the appropriate lease classification, (ii) compute periodic rental expense and (iii) depreciate leasehold improvements (unless their economic lives are shorter) includes the periods of expected renewals. Determining whether a lease is a capital or an operating lease requires judgment on various aspects that include the fair value of the leased asset, the economic life of the leased asset, whether or not to include renewal options in the lease term and determining an appropriate discount rate to calculate the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Operating Leases

Store lease agreements generally include rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions for a percentage of sales in excess of specified levels. Most of the Company’s lease agreements include renewal periods at the Company’s option. The Company recognizes rent holiday periods and scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning with the date the Company takes possession of the leased space for construction and other purposes. The Company records tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays as deferred rent liabilities which are amortized over the related lease terms to rent expense. The Company records rent liabilities for contingent percentage of sales lease provisions when it is probable that the specified levels will be reached during the fiscal year.

Lease Incentives

The Company recognizes rent starting when possession of the property is taken from the landlord, which normally includes a construction period prior to store opening. Payments made to the Company representing incentives to sign a new lease or representing reimbursements for leasehold improvements are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease as reductions of rent expense.

Rental Income

For certain properties, the Company subleases either a portion or all of the property. The sublease income of the properties is recognized as rental income. In certain cases, the Company subleases store locations to third parties. Rental income was $3.5 million, $3.4 million and $3.5 million for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, and is recorded as an offset to rent expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets (i.e., gas tank removal and removal of store equipment upon store closure). These liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and the related asset retirement costs are capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related assets by the same amount as the liability in accordance with the provisions of ASC 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations.” Asset retirement costs are subsequently depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company records changes in the ARO liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows. The Company derecognizes ARO liabilities when the related obligations are settled. The ARO liabilities recognized at December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011 were $2.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Accretion expense attributable to ARO liabilities was $0.2 million during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 (see Note 15).

 

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Guarantees

The Company has been party to a variety of contractual agreements under which it may be obligated to indemnify the other party for certain matters. Additionally, the Company guarantees certain other contractual arrangements. Under these agreements, the Company may provide certain routine indemnifications relating to representations and warranties (i.e., ownership of assets and environmental or tax indemnifications). The terms of these indemnifications range in duration and may not be explicitly defined.

The Company has applied the provisions of ASC 460, “Guarantees” to its agreements that contain guarantee or indemnification clauses. These provisions require the Company to recognize and disclose certain types of guarantees, even if the likelihood of requiring the Company’s performance is remote. Historically, the Company has not been required to make payments related to its agreements that contain guarantee or indemnification clauses.

Insurance Programs

The Company is insured by a third-party carrier, subject to certain deductibles and self-insured retentions ranging from $0.1 million to $1.0 million. The Company maintains an insurance program covering primarily fleet, general liability inclusive of druggist liability, workers’ compensation, property, environmental and other executive insurance policies. The Company accrues an estimated ultimate liability for its insurance programs based on known claims and past claims history. These accruals are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Employee Benefits

The Company accounts for its participation in a multiemployer pension plan by recognizing as net pension cost the required contributions for the period and recognizing as a liability any contributions due and unpaid (see Note 14).

Revenue Recognition

The Company generates and recognizes revenue at the point of sale in its stores, net of sales tax collected. Discounts, earned by customers through agreements or by using their bonus or loyalty cards, are recorded by the Company as a reduction of revenue as they are earned by the customer. Franchise revenue consists of net revenue on wholesale sales to franchisees, and income from franchise fees and administrative fees. Franchise revenues were $4.1 million, $3.8 million and $4.6 million for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010, and Fiscal 2009, respectively, and are included in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations.

For certain products or services, such as the sales of lottery tickets, third-party prepaid phone cards, third-party gift cards, stamps and public transportation tickets, the Company acts as an agent. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“ASC 605”), the Company records the amount of the net margin or commission in its net sales. Commission income was $2.2 million, $2.0 million and $1.8 million for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010, and Fiscal 2009, respectively, and is included in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company records a deferred revenue liability when it sells gift cards, recording revenue when customers redeem the gift cards. These gift cards do not expire. The Company has completed an analysis of the historical redemption patterns of gift cards. As a result of this analysis, the Company has determined that the likelihood of redemption after two years is remote. Therefore, the Company reduces the liability and recognizes “breakage” income for the unused portion of gift cards after two years. The Company recognized pre-tax gift card breakage income of $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively.

Cost of Goods Sold and Distribution Costs

Cost of goods sold and distribution costs include the purchase price of products sold and other costs incurred in bringing inventories to the location and condition ready for sale, including costs of purchasing, storing and transportation. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 605, cash consideration received from vendors is recognized as a reduction of cost of goods sold. During Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, depreciation expense of $3.4 million, $3.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, is included in distribution costs.

Vendor Allowances

The Company receives allowances from many of the vendors whose products the Company buys for resale in its stores. Allowances are received for a variety of merchandising activities, which consist of the inclusion of vendor products in the Company’s advertising, placement of vendor products in prominent locations in the Company’s stores, introduction of new products, exclusivity rights for certain categories of products and temporary price reductions offered to customers on products held for sale. The Company also receives vendor funds associated with buying activities such as volume purchase rebates and rebates for purchases made during specific periods.

 

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The Company records a receivable for vendor allowances for which the Company has fulfilled its contractual commitments but has not yet received payment from the vendor. When payment for vendor allowances is received prior to fulfillment of contractual terms or before the programs necessary to earn such allowances are initiated, the Company records such amounts as deferred income or vendor funds received in advance, respectively, which are classified within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Once all contractual commitments have been met, the Company records vendor allowances as a reduction of the cost of inventory. Accordingly, when the inventory is sold, the vendor allowances are recognized as a reduction of the cost of goods sold.

The amount of vendor allowances reducing the Company’s inventory (“inventory offset”) as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011 was $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

Selling and General Expenses

Selling and general expenses consist of repairs and maintenance charges, utilities, supplies, real estate taxes, insurance, bank and credit card fees and other general expenses. During Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, depreciation expense of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, is included in selling and general expenses.

Administrative Expenses

Administrative expenses consist of charges for services performed by outside vendors, salaries and wages of support office employees, rent and depreciation of support offices and assets, and other administrative expenses. During Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, depreciation expense of $11.5 million, $10.4 million and $9.1 million, respectively, is included in administrative expenses.

Effective October 27, 2009, following the $105.0 million dividend payment (see Note 12), the Company awarded bonuses to the holders of outstanding stock options of $450 per share. The bonus payments are expected to total $3.1 million and are payable 33% per year commencing on the third anniversary of the stock options grant dates and are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company has recorded $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $1.2 million of expense related to these bonuses in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively.

Effective December 1, 2007, in connection with Holding’s acquisition of Tops Markets, a transition services agreement (“TSA”) was entered into with Ahold to provide support services for finance, human resources, legal, retail operations, information technology, sales and marketing, tax and accounting processing. Substantially all services under the TSA ceased during early 2009. The Company recognized expense of approximately $4.8 million under the TSA during Fiscal 2009.

Advertising

Advertising includes newspaper inserts, direct mail and radio commercials, promotional prizes, as well as the expenses of the Company’s advertising department. The Company recognizes advertising expenses as incurred.

Income Taxes

Tops Markets is a single member LLC whose operations are included in the Holding tax return, as Tops Markets is a disregarded entity for income tax purposes. The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC 740 “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, including net NOL carry forwards, and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. The Company uses the provisions of ASC 740 to assess and record income tax uncertainties. In relation to recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of temporary differences, make certain assumptions regarding whether book/tax differences are permanent or temporary and if temporary, the related timing of expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company must increase its provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that the Company estimates will not ultimately be recoverable. Alternatively, the Company may make estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease its valuation allowances. The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves for uncertain tax positions when it believes that such tax positions do not meet the more likely than not threshold. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit or the lapse of the statute of limitations. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to the reserves that are considered appropriate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation

The Company applies the Black-Scholes valuation model at the date of grant to determine the fair value of stock options granted to participants. The fair value of stock options are then amortized on a straight-line basis to compensation expense over the applicable vesting period, which is generally between three and five years. Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeiture estimates based on the Company’s historical experience and future expectations. The Company’s outstanding stock options represent non-qualified stock options for income tax purposes. As such, the stock option grants result in the creation of a deferred tax asset until the time that such stock option is exercised.

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Comprehensive income (loss) for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 includes other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to actuarial gains and losses related to the Company’s SERP and post-retirement benefit plans (see Note 14) of $(0.9) million, $(0.5) million and $0.2 million, respectively. Comprehensive loss for Fiscal 2009 includes other comprehensive income related to amortization to interest expense of $2.8 million, net of tax benefit, of amounts previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the Company’s interest rate swap.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2011-05 requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, eliminating the option to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. Under either choice, items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income are required to be presented on the face of the financial statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This amendment is effective for the Company beginning in the fiscal year ending December 29, 2012 and will be applied retrospectively. This amendment will change the manner in which the Company presents comprehensive income.

Segments

As of December 31, 2011, the Company operated 125 supermarkets with an additional five supermarkets operated by franchisees. The supermarkets which offer grocery, produce, frozen, dairy, meat, floral, seafood, health and beauty care, general merchandise, deli and bakery goods. The Company operates one supermarket format where each supermarket offers the same general mix of products with similar pricing to similar categories of customers. The Company has concluded that each individual supermarket is an operating segment. As of December 31, 2011, 79 of the supermarkets offer pharmacy services and 41 fuel centers were in operation, inclusive of the franchise locations. The Company’s retail operations, which represent substantially all of the Company’s consolidated sales, earnings and total assets, are its only reportable segment.

These operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment because, in the Company’s judgment, the operating segments have similar historical economic characteristics and are expected to have similar economic characteristics and long-term financial performance in the future. The principal measures and factors considered in determining whether the economic characteristics are similar are gross profit percentages, capital expenditures, competitive risks and employee labor agreements. In addition, each operating segment has similar products and types of customers, similar methods of distribution and a similar regulatory environment.

 

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The following table presents sales revenue by type of similar product (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 
   Amount      % of
Total
    Amount      % of
Total
    Amount      % of
Total
 
                 

Non-perishables (1)

   $ 1,335,913         56.7   $ 1,307,304         57.9   $ 966,297         57.0

Perishables (2)

     624,490         26.5     605,684         26.8     438,607         25.9

Fuel

     204,193         8.7     150,012         6.6     116,160         6.9

Pharmacy

     174,437         7.4     179,518         8.0     160,868         9.5

Other (3)

     16,459         0.7     15,018         0.7     13,676         0.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,355,492         100.0   $ 2,257,536         100.0   $ 1,695,608         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Non-perishables consist of grocery, dairy, frozen, general merchandise, health and beauty care and other non-perishable related products.
(2) Perishables consist of produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, floral, prepared foods and other perishable related products.
(3) Other primarily consists of franchise income and service commission income, such as lottery, money orders and money transfers.

2. BUSINESS ACQUISITION

On January 29, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all assets and certain liabilities of Penn Traffic, including Penn Traffic’s 79 retail supermarkets. In addition to the cash consideration of $85.0 million paid to Penn Traffic, the Company incurred $6.3 million of transaction costs, of which $5.3 million and $1.1 million have been recorded in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. The acquisition is accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.”

During Fiscal 2010, the Company liquidated and closed 13 supermarkets and sold an additional 11 supermarkets and certain other acquired assets for proceeds of $20.8 million. During Fiscal 2011, the Company closed an additional supermarket, and sold three of the acquired supermarkets for proceeds of $1.3 million. No gain or loss was recognized on the sale of these supermarkets. An additional acquired supermarket was sold in January 2012.

The Company believes the acquisition creates significant strategic value due to the complementary nature of the Company’s supermarket bases and those of Penn Traffic. The acquisition presented a significant opportunity for the Company to acquire a large number of supermarkets in a single transaction with minimal incremental general and administrative expenses.

The fair values of buildings, personal property and site improvements, all of which are included in property and equipment in the succeeding table, were determined using the cost approach. The fair value of land was determined using the market approach. The fair values of intangible assets were primarily determined using the income approach which, for the tradenames, is based upon a present value of the economic royalty savings associated with the tradenames and revenue projections attributed to the tradenames. For the customer relationships, the fair value is based upon an excess earnings approach which is equal to the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows. The amortization period is seven to nine years and eleven years for the tradenames and customer relationships, respectively. Tradenames are being amortized on an accelerated basis based upon a brand obsolescence assumption, while the customer relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis based upon the level of expected attrition.

 

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The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the transaction date (dollars in thousands):

 

Assets acquired:

  

Inventory

   $ 30,872   

Accounts receivable

     205   

Prepaid expenses

     2,354   

Property and equipment

     53,782   

Favorable/unfavorable lease rights

     7,023   

Tradenames

     4,200   

Customer relationships

     1,700   

Assets held for sale

     22,631   
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     122,767   

Liabilities assumed:

  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     6,362   

Liabilities held for sale

     1,450   

Deferred tax liability

     10,288   

Other long-term liabilities

     231   

Capital lease obligations

     3,732   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

     22,063   
  

 

 

 

Bargain purchase

     (15,681
  

 

 

 

Acquisition price

   $ 85,023   
  

 

 

 

The difference between the book basis and tax basis of the net assets acquired resulted in a deferred tax liability of $10.3 million. The excess of net assets acquired over the purchase price of $15.7 million has been recognized as a bargain purchase in the consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2010. This bargain purchase was partially attributable to the distressed status of Penn Traffic due to its poor historical operating results, which led to its November 2009 bankruptcy filing.

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The following table summarizes the Company’s unaudited pro forma operating results for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 
    

Net sales

   $ 2,266,927      $ 2,257,232   

Operating income

     12,814        3,097   

Net loss

     (47,843     (70,194

This pro forma financial information is not intended to represent or be indicative of what would have occurred if the transactions had taken place prior to the beginning of the periods presented and should not be taken as representative of the Company’s future consolidated results of operations. This pro forma financial information does not contemplate the cost savings expected to be realized from the achievement of synergies, including, without limitation, purchasing savings by leveraging the Company’s relationships with its suppliers and the reduction of duplicative selling, general and administrative expenses. This financial information includes pro forma results to give effect to the acquisition, including only the 55 supermarkets that were retained by the Company as of the end of Fiscal 2010, as well as the October 2009 and February 2010 refinancing activities, as if they had occurred on December 28, 2008.

 

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3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2011
    January 1,
2011
 

Vendor receivables

   $ 28,034      $ 32,202   

Credit and debit card receivables

     10,692        9,097   

Pharmacy receivables

     8,364        8,610   

Other receivables

     9,751        7,788   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (854     (653
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accounts receivable, net

   $ 55,987      $ 57,044   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2011
    January 1,
2011
 

Land

   $ 9,973      $ 10,211   

Land improvements

     9,440        10,913   

Buildings

     57,465        58,627   

Leasehold improvements

     93,989        77,016   

Equipment

     174,372        153,166   

IT software and equipment

     36,363        34,667   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total at cost

     381,602        344,600   

Accumulated depreciation

     (170,559     (128,924
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     211,043        215,676   

Property, equipment and automobiles under capital leases, net of accumulated depreciation

     147,220        162,899   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   $ 358,263      $ 378,575   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included in property and equipment are the following assets under capital leases (dollars in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2011
    January 1,
2011
 

Land

   $ 48,829      $ 48,829   

Building

     145,829        145,829   

Equipment

     8,116        7,948   

Automobiles

     2,634        2,606   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total at cost

     205,408        205,212   

Accumulated depreciation

     (58,188     (42,313
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital lease assets, net

   $ 147,220      $ 162,899   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was approximately $58.4 million, $67.0 million and $57.7 million during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. Depreciation expense includes $16.0 million, $15.9 million and $14.7 million related to assets under capital leases during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively.

 

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5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

December 31, 2011

   Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
     Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
 

Tradename—indefinite

   $ 41,011       $ —        $ 41,011         Indefinite life   

Customer relationships

     28,591         (19,643     8,948         8.4   

Favorable/unfavorable lease rights

     17,789         (6,610     11,179         9.5   

Franchise agreements

     11,538         (4,288     7,250         11.0   

Tradenames—finite

     4,310         (1,504     2,806         8.5   

Other

     1,168         (237     931         5.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 104,407       $ (32,282   $ 72,125         9.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2011

   Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
 

Tradename—indefinite

   $ 41,011       $ —        $ 41,011   

Customer relationships

     27,751         (15,231     12,520   

Favorable/unfavorable lease rights

     21,392         (7,902     13,490   

Franchise agreements

     11,538         (3,242     8,296   

Tradenames—finite

     4,200         (700     3,500   

Other

     497         (242     255   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 106,389       $ (27,317   $ 79,072   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Tops tradename is reviewed for impairment annually on December 1 or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Based on the Company’s assessment, no impairment was recorded during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 or Fiscal 2009.

Amortization expense was approximately $8.7 million, $10.3 million, and $7.6 million in Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, and is included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

As of December 31, 2011, expected future amortization of intangible assets is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

2012

   $  6,998   

2013

     6,281   

2014

     5,459   

2015

     4,171   

2016

     2,902   

Thereafter

     4,842   

6. OTHER ASSETS

Effective October 9, 2009, the Company issued $275.0 million of Senior Notes, and entered into the ABL Facility (see Note 9). The proceeds from the Senior Notes and the ABL Facility were utilized to repay the outstanding debt related to the Company’s previous senior secured credit facility and its warehouse mortgage, pay a dividend to the Company’s owners, settle the Company’s outstanding interest rate swap arrangement, and pay fees and expenses related to the financing transactions. Unamortized deferred financing costs of $6.8 million associated with the Company’s previous senior secured credit facility and warehouse mortgage were expensed and reported as loss on debt extinguishment in the Fiscal 2009 consolidated statement of operations. Costs associated with the Senior Notes of $9.9 million were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the agreement using the effective interest method. Costs associated with the ABL Facility of $1.8 million were capitalized and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. On January 29, 2010, the Company entered into a $25.0 million bridge loan facility (the “Bridge Loan”) with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., and Banc of America Bridge LLC. Additionally, the Company’s ABL Facility was amended on January 29, 2010 to increase its borrowing capacity by up to $41.0 million, consisting of an increase in the amount available under the revolving credit facility of $30.0 million and a new term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) of $11.0 million. Costs associated with the Bridge Loan and Term Loan of $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were initially capitalized and were being amortized over the terms of the agreements using the effective interest method. As the Bridge Loan and Term Loan were repaid in full on February 12, 2010, unamortized costs of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, have been recorded as a loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statement of operations for Fiscal 2010. Costs associated with the $30.0 million increase in the revolving ABL Facility of $0.8 million were capitalized and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

 

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On February 12, 2010 the Company issued an additional $75.0 million of Senior Notes under the same terms as the October 9, 2009 issuance. Costs associated with the additional Senior Notes of $3.9 million were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the agreement using the effective interest method.

Amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and amounted to $2.7 million, $2.4 million and $1.3 million in Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. At December 31, 2011, other assets include deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $5.5 million, totaling $11.1 million. At January 1, 2011, other assets include deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $2.8 million, totaling $13.7 million.

7. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2011
     January 1,
2011
 

Wages, taxes and benefits

   $ 21,779       $ 18,918   

Lottery

     10,124         10,083   

Interest payable

     7,846         8,318   

Gift cards

     4,517         4,271   

Self-insurance reserves

     3,468         1,406   

Union medical, pension and 401(k)

     3,226         4,598   

Money orders

     3,133         3,651   

Repairs and maintenance

     2,271         2,054   

Utilities

     2,192         2,980   

Property and equipment expenditures

     1,718         6,107   

Professional and legal fees

     1,538         3,640   

Sales and use tax

     964         2,101   

Other

     11,901         10,996   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 74,677       $ 79,123   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

8. LEASES

The Company has a number of leases in effect for store properties and equipment. The initial lease terms generally range up to twenty-five years and will expire at various times through 2031, with options to renew for additional periods. The majority of the store leases provide for base rental, plus real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance and other operating expenses applicable to the leased premises. Some leases contain escalation clauses for future rents and contingent rents based on sales volume.

As of December 31, 2011, future minimum lease rental payments applicable to non-cancelable capital and operating leases, and expected minimum sublease rental income, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Capital
Leases
    Operating
Leases
     Future Expected
Sub-lease Income
 

2012

   $ 30,865      $ 25,822       $ 4,280   

2013

     31,892        25,471         3,275   

2014

     31,078        25,610         1,722   

2015

     24,182        25,445         1,285   

2016

     26,401        26,038         811   

Thereafter

     124,709        111,329         2,099   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

     269,127      $ 239,715       $ 13,472   
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less amounts representing interest

     (96,612     
  

 

 

      

Present value of net minimum lease payments

     172,515        

Less current obligations

     (12,701     
  

 

 

      

Long-term obligations

   $ 159,814        
  

 

 

      

The Company incurred rental expense related to operating leases associated with its supermarkets of $22.3 million, $22.5 million and $16.7 million, net of sublease rental income of $3.5 million, $3.4 million and $3.5 million during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, that is included in rent expense in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company incurred rental expense related to equipment recorded in selling and general expenses of $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. The Company also incurred rental expense related to equipment and office rent recorded in administrative expenses of $2.1 million, $2.1 million and $1.7 million during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively.

 

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9. DEBT

Long-term debt is comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2011
    January 1,
2011
 

Senior Notes

   $ 350,000      $ 350,000   

Discount on Senior Notes, net

     (2,495     (2,914

ABL Facility

     5,000        15,000   

Other loans

     2,219        2,400   

Mortgage note payable

     950        1,178   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

     355,674        365,664   

Current portion

     (434     (402
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 355,240      $ 365,262   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

On October 9, 2009, the Company issued $275.0 million of senior secured notes, bearing interest of 10.125% (the “Senior Notes”). The Company received proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes, net of a $4.5 million original issue discount, of $270.5 million. The Senior Notes mature October 15, 2015 and require semi-annual interest payments on April 15 and October 15. The Senior Notes are collateralized by (i) first-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions, in the Company’s warehouse distribution facility in Lancaster, New York, certain owned real property acquired by the Company, Tops Markets and the guarantors, Tops PT, LLC and Tops Gift Card Company, LLC, following the issue date of the Senior Notes, intellectual property, equipment, stock of subsidiaries and substantially all other assets of the Company, Tops Markets and the guarantors (other than leasehold interests in real property), other than assets securing the Company’s asset-based lending facility (the “ABL Facility”) on a first priority basis (collectively, the “Notes Priority Collateral”), and (ii) second-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, in the assets of the Company, Tops Markets and the guarantors that secure the ABL Facility on a first-priority basis, including present and future receivables, inventory, prescription lists, deposit accounts and certain related rights and proceeds relating thereto (collectively, the “ABL Priority Collateral”).

Also effective October 9, 2009, the Company entered into the revolving ABL Facility, which expires on October 9, 2013. The ABL Facility allowed a maximum borrowing capacity of $70.0 million, including a sub-limit for the issuance of letters of credit, subject to a borrowing base calculation. The ABL Facility was amended on January 29, 2010 to increase its borrowing capacity by up to $41.0 million, consisting of an increase in the amount available under the revolving credit facility of $30.0 million and a term loan of $11.0 million, in each case subject to a borrowing base calculation. The term loan was repaid in full with the proceeds from the $75.0 million of Senior Notes issued on February 12, 2010, as further described below. Based upon the borrowing base calculation as of December 31, 2011, the unused availability under the ABL Facility was $70.4 million, after giving effect to $13.1 million of letters of credit outstanding thereunder. As of January 1, 2011, $12.5 million of letters of credit were outstanding. Revolving loans under the ABL Facility will, at the Company’s option, bear interest at either i) LIBOR plus a margin of 350 to 400 basis points, determined based on levels of borrowing availability, or ii) the prime rate plus a margin of 250 to 300 basis points, determined based on levels of borrowing availability. As of December 31, 2011, the effective interest rate on borrowings under the ABL Facility was 5.75%. The ABL Facility is collateralized primarily by (i) first-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions, in the ABL Priority Collateral and (ii) second-priority interests, subject to certain exceptions, in the Notes Priority Collateral.

The proceeds from the Senior Notes and ABL Facility were utilized to repay the outstanding debt related to the Company’s previous senior secured credit facility and its warehouse mortgage, pay a $105.0 million dividend to the Company’s shareholders, settle the Company’s outstanding interest rate swap arrangement, and pay fees and expenses related to the financing transactions.

On February 12, 2010, the Company issued the additional $75.0 million of Senior Notes on the same terms as the October 2009 issuance. The Company received proceeds of $76.1 million from this issuance, including a $1.1 million original issue premium.

The instruments governing the Senior Notes and ABL Facility impose customary affirmative and negative covenants on the Company, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, type of business, acquisitions, investments, sale or transfer of assets, payment of dividends, transactions involving affiliates, and change in control. Failure to meet any of these covenants would be an event of default.

 

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Principal payments required to be made on outstanding debt as of December 31, 2011, excluding capital leases, is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

2012

   $ 434   

2013

     7,290   

2014

     280   

2015

     350,165   

2016

     —     

Thereafter

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 358,169   
  

 

 

 

Interest expense, inclusive of capital lease interest of $20.1 million, was $61.7 million during Fiscal 2011. Interest expense, inclusive of capital lease interest of $21.5 million, was $61.2 million during Fiscal 2010. Interest expense, inclusive of capital lease interest of $21.7 million, was $48.0 million during Fiscal 2009.

10. IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

On June 30, 2011, the FTC approved the Company’s application to sell three supermarkets acquired as part of the Penn Traffic acquisition to Hometown Markets. The sale of these supermarkets closed in late July and early August 2011. As a result of the sale, the Company recorded a $1.9 million impairment within the consolidated statement of operations during Fiscal 2011, representing the excess of the carrying value of assets over the fair value of assets.

During November 2011, the Company executed an agreement to sell the remaining supermarket acquired from Penn Traffic subject to the Final Order from the FTC. As a result of the pending sale, the Company recorded a $0.9 million impairment within the consolidated statement of operations during Fiscal 2011, representing the excess of the carrying value of assets over the fair value of assets.

11. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense (benefit) for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 30      $ 192      $ —     

State

     16        3        34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

     46        195        34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     1,526        (19,476     (7,068

State

     (506     (1,624     (1,477

Change in valuation allowance

     229        11,901        13,896   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred

     1,249        (9,199     5,351   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 1,295      $ (9,004   $ 5,385   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliations of the statutory federal income tax expense (benefit) to the effective tax expense (benefit) for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Statutory federal income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 2,494      $ (12,585   $ (7,108

Benefit of federal tax credits

     (1,107     (1,182     (889

State income tax benefit, net of federal benefit

     (496     (1,622     (938

Valuation allowance

     229        11,901        13,896   

Non-deductible expenses

     143        170        338   

Non-taxable gain on bargain purchase

     —          (5,489     —     

ASC 740 adjustment

     —          192        81   

Other

     32        (389     5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,295      $ (9,004   $ 5,385   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2011
    January 1,
2011
 

Current deferred tax assets:

    

Inventory and other reserves

   $ 313      $ 104   

Prepaid taxes, insurance and service contracts

     3,826        1,096   

Accrued vacation and bonus compensation

     48        442   

Other assets

     2,511        2,828   

Valuation allowance

     (4,727     (2,205
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current net deferred tax assets

     1,971        2,265   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current deferred tax (liabilities) assets:

    

Capital leases

     10,091        8,567   

Property and equipment depreciation

     755        (11,231

Intangible assets

     (13,938     (16,078

Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and federal credits

     19,308        38,472   

Valuation allowance

     (21,299     (23,592

Other

     774        508   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current net deferred tax liabilities

     (4,309     (3,354
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (2,338   $ (1,089
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company has U.S. federal and state net operating losses of $40.6 million and $44.2 million, respectively, which expire beginning in 2027. In addition, the Company has federal tax credits of $3.2 million which expire beginning in 2027.

The Company has performed the required assessment of positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of the net deferred income tax assets in accordance with ASC 740. The Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income and recent financial operations, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of a net deferred income tax asset. Judgment is used in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence. In arriving at these judgments, the weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence is commensurate with the extent to which such evidence can be objectively verified. In evaluating the objective evidence provided by historical results, the Company considers the past three years.

Based on an assessment of the available positive and negative evidence, including the Company’s historical results, the Company determined that there are uncertainties relating to its ability to utilize the net deferred tax assets. In recognition of these uncertainties, the Company provided a valuation allowance of $13.9 million on the net deferred income tax assets as of January 2, 2010, representing a charge to income tax expense during Fiscal 2009. During Fiscal 2010, the Company established an additional valuation allowance of $11.9 million with an offsetting charge to income tax expense. If the Company determines that it can realize its deferred tax assets in the future, the Company will make an adjustment to the valuation allowance.

During 2007, the Company adopted new standards for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As of the adoption, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, including positions impacting only the timing of tax benefits, was $0.9 million. In connection with the completion of the IRS’s examination of the Company’s federal income tax returns for the 2007 and 2008 tax years, this unrecognized tax benefit was settled during Fiscal 2010, with no resulting income tax amounts payable. As part of the settlement, the Company paid interest and penalties of $0.2 million, which was accrued during Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2009. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next twelve months.

 

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Beginning balance

   $ —         $ 947      $ 947   

Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year

     —           (755     —     

Settlements

     —           (192     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ —         $ —        $ 947   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns and income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for tax years 2010 and 2009 remain subject to examination by the IRS. State returns remain subject to examination for tax years 2007 and beyond depending on each state’s statute of limitations.

12. SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Effective October 9, 2009, the Company paid a dividend to its shareholders totaling $105.0 million, or $1,050 per common stock share outstanding.

Effective January 27, 2010, the Board of Directors increased the number of common shares that the Company has the authority to issue from 200,000 shares to 300,000 shares. On January 29, 2010, the Company received $30.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of 44,776 shares of common stock to its shareholders. On July 26, 2010, the Company paid a dividend to its shareholders totaling $30.0 million, or $207.22 per share of common stock outstanding.

Effective January 24, 2008, the Company adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (“Stock Plan”) pursuant to which the Company’s Board of Directors, or a committee appointed by the Board of Directors (“Committee”), may grant at its discretion non-qualified stock options to directors, employees, consultants or independent contractors of the Company. Under the terms of the stock options granted to date, options that have not vested prior to a participant’s termination of employment with the Company are forfeited.

Stock options generally vest over a period of three to five years, and expire ten years from the grant date. Awards granted may be subject to other vesting terms as determined by the Committee. For stock options granted to date, the payments of the option prices are to be made in cash. In addition, an option holder will be required to satisfy the tax liability associated with the exercise of stock options by a method provided in the Stock Plan, as directed by the Committee.

Effective October 27, 2009, following the October 9, 2009 dividend, the Company reduced the exercise price of all outstanding stock option grants at that date by $600 per share. No other terms of the awards were modified. This exercise price reduction resulted in an expected $3.8 million of incremental stock-based compensation expense, of which $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $1.6 million was recorded during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. The remaining $0.9 million is expected to be recorded over the remaining vesting periods of the awards.

On October 5, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment to the Stock Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock of the Company reserved for issuance under the Plan to 13,600 shares.

 

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The following table summarizes the status and changes of stock options outstanding under the Stock Plan (dollars in thousands):

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
     Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

(In Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
 

Outstanding—December 27, 2008

     7,250      $ 1,000         

Granted

     300        1,333         
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

Outstanding—January 2, 2010

     7,550        413         

Granted

     4,470        1,040         

Forfeited

     (555     400         
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

Outstanding—January 1, 2011

     11,465        658         

Forfeited

     (125     1,040         
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

Outstanding—December 31, 2011

     11,340        654         
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expected to vest—December 31, 2011

     8,473        692         4.1       $ 3,542   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options exercisable—December 31, 2011

     2,867      $ 542         
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

(1) The intrinsic value is calculated based on the difference between the weighted average exercise price per share and the fair market value of our common stock as of December 31, 2011 of $1,110 per share.

Compensation expense recognized in connection with the Stock Plan amounted to $1.1 million, $0.7 million and $1.1 million for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, and is included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company determines the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires a number of complex and subjective variables. Key assumptions in the Black-Scholes option pricing model include the value of the common stock, the expected life, expected volatility of the stock, the risk-free interest rate, and estimated forfeitures. The value of the common stock related to the current year option grants was determined by management with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm. The estimated life was equal to the award’s expected term which was estimated using the simplified method. Expected stock price volatility was based on the expected volatility of a peer group that had actively traded stock during the period immediately preceding the share-based award grant. The risk-free rate of interest was based on the zero coupon U.S. Treasury rates appropriate for the expected term of the award. Estimated forfeitures are based on historical data, as well as management’s current expectations, the Company does not expect any forfeitures.

For options granted during Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, the weighted average fair values of the stock options granted, estimated on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, were $407.07 and $269.40, respectively, using the following assumptions.

 

     Fiscal 2010     Fiscal 2009  

Estimated life in years

     6.2        5.0   

Expected volatility

     37.6     38.5

Expected dividends

     —          —     

Risk-free rate

     1.6     1.8

The Company’s outstanding stock options represent non-qualified stock options for income tax purposes. As such, the stock option grants result in the creation of a deferred tax asset until the time that such stock option is exercised.

The total unrecognized non-vested stock-based compensation expense relating to the options is $2.2 million at December 31, 2011, with $1.1 million to be recorded as compensation expense in Fiscal 2012 related to these grants. The remaining weighted average vesting period for the stock options is 2.5 years at December 31, 2011.

13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During 2009, the Company made a five-year loan to an executive for $0.2 million in connection with the executive’s relocation in 2008. During 2010, the loan balance and related accrued interest was forgiven upon approval by the Company’s Board of Directors. Additionally, the Company reimbursed the executive for the personal tax impact of the loan forgiveness. This loan forgiveness and related tax reimbursement were recorded in administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations during Fiscal 2010.

 

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On January 29, 2010, the Company entered into a $25.0 million Bridge Loan with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. (an affiliate of MSPE) and Banc of America Bridge LLC. This Bridge Loan was repaid in full on February 12, 2010. Also on January 29, 2010, the Company received $30.0 million from the issuance of common stock to related parties, as discussed in Note 12.

Effective November 30, 2007, the Company entered into a Transaction and Monitoring Fee Agreement with MSPE and HSBC. In consideration of services provided, the Company pays an annual monitoring fee of $0.8 million to MSPE and $0.2 million to HSBC, on a quarterly basis. Monitoring fees of $1.0 million were paid during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009. These fees are included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

14. RETIREMENT PLANS

Defined Benefit Plans

Certain former members of management of Tops receive benefits under a nonqualified, unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”). In addition, Tops maintains post-employment benefit plans providing life insurance, disability and medical benefits for certain employees which are included in other post-retirement plans.

The components of net pension cost related to the SERP and other post-retirement plans are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

SERP:

        

Interest cost

   $ 214       $ 234       $ 276   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net pension cost

   $ 214       $ 234       $ 276   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Post-Retirement Plans:

        

Interest cost

   $ 111       $ 112       $ 181   

Service cost

     3         3         3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net pension cost

   $ 114       $ 115       $ 184   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Estimated future benefit payments related to the SERP and other post-retirement plans are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     SERP      Other
Post-Retirement
Plans
 

2012

   $ 599       $ 259   

2013

     573         254   

2014

     546         249   

2015

     515         219   

2016

     482         210   

Subsequent five years

     1,870         914   

As these plans are unfunded, estimated contributions are expected to equal estimated benefit payments.

The changes in benefit obligation related to the SERP and other post-retirement plans are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     SERP     Other
Post- Retirement
Plans
 

Benefit obligation—January 2, 2010

   $ 5,094      $ 2,327   

Interest cost

     234        112   

Service cost

     —          3   

Actuarial loss

     207        194   

Total disbursements

     (667     (146
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation—January 1, 2011

     4,868        2,490   

Interest cost

     214        111   

Service cost

     —          3   

Actuarial loss

     620        309   

Total disbursements

     (650     (256
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation—December 31, 2011

   $ 5,052      $ 2,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The benefit plans have no plan assets and have unfunded status equal to their benefit obligations, which have been classified in the consolidated balance sheets as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     SERP      Other Post-Retirement Plans  
     December 31, 2011      January 1, 2011      December 31, 2011      January 1, 2011  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 599       $ 623       $ 259       $ 246   

Other long-term liabilities

     4,453         4,245         2,398         2,244   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liability

   $ 5,052       $ 4,868       $ 2,657       $ 2,490   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Additionally, net actuarial losses of $1.4 million and $0.8 million related to SERP were included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, respectively. Net actuarial gains of $0.2 million and $0.5 million related to other post-retirement plans were included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, respectively.

Discount rate assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:

 

SERP

 

Other Post-Retirement Plans

December 31, 2011

 

January 1, 2011

 

December 31, 2011

 

January 1, 2011

3.40%

  4.70%   4.10%   4.70%

Discount rate assumptions used to determine net pension cost are as follows:

 

     Fiscal 2011     Fiscal 2010     Fiscal 2009  

SERP

     4.70     4.90     5.90

Other post-retirement plans

     4.70     5.20     6.00

The measurement date for the SERP and other post-retirement plans was December 31, 2011.

For guidance in determining the discount rate, the Company calculates the implied rate of return by matching the cash flows from the plans to a yield curve of returns available on high-quality corporate bonds at the measurement date. The discount rate assumption is reviewed annually and revised as deemed appropriate. After the purchase of Tops by Holding, the Company ceased participation in the SERP and other post-retirement plans.

Assumed health care cost trend rates used in the calculation of benefit obligations related to the medical benefits portion of other post-retirement plans are as follows:

 

     December 31, 2011     January 1, 2011  

Initial health care cost trend rate

     7.00     7.50

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

     5.00     5.00

Year to reach ultimate trend rate

     2016        2016   

Other Benefit Plans

In February 2008, the Company established a defined contribution 401(k) plan that provides that under certain circumstances the Company will make matching contributions of up to 100% of the first 3%, and 50% of the next 2%, of a participant’s eligible compensation. The Company incurred $2.5 million, $2.1 million and $1.7 million of expense related to this 401(k) plan during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively.

 

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Multiemployer Pension Plans

The Company contributes to the Local One plan, a defined benefit multiemployer pension plan, covering union-represented employees under our collective bargaining agreements with Local One. The Local One plan generally provides retirement benefits to participants based on their years of service to contributing employers. The retirement benefits provided by the Local One plan are generally not negotiated by participating employers. During Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, the Company made contributions of $8.9 million, $8.3 million and $5.7 million, respectively, to this plan. The contributions for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 reflect the Acquisition as the majority of employees from the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets are covered by collective bargaining agreements with Local One.

The risks of participating in a multiemployer pension plan are different from a single-employer pension plan in the following respects:

 

a) Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;

 

b) If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers; and

 

c) If the Company stops participating in the multiemployer pension plan, it may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The Company’s participation in this plan during Fiscal 2011 is outlined in the following table. All information in the table is as of January 1, 2011, unless otherwise indicated. The “EIN / Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number, or EIN, and the Plan Number. The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status available in 2011 and 2010 is for the Local One plan’s years ending December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively. The zone status is based on information that the Company received from the plan. Among other factors, generally, plans in critical status (“red zone”) are less than 65 percent funded, plans in endangered or seriously endangered status (“yellow zone” or “orange zone”, respectively) are less than 80 percent funded, and plans at least 80 percent funded are said to be in the “green zone.” The “FIP/RP Status Pending / Implemented” column indicates plans for which a funding improvement plan, or FIP, or a rehabilitation plan, or RP, is either pending or has been implemented by the trustees of the plan.

 

EIN / Plan Number

   Pension Protection
Act Zone Status
   Tops 5% of Total
Contributions
   FIP/RP
Status
Pending /
Implemented
   Surcharge
Imposed
  

Expiration

Dates of

Collective-

Bargaining

Agreements

   2011    2010    2011    2010         

16-6144007 / 001

   Red    Red    Yes    Yes    Implemented    No    March 30, 2014 –August 2, 2014

15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Purchase Commitments

On November 12, 2009, the Company entered into a supply contract with C&S whereby C&S provides warehousing, logistics, procurement and purchasing services in support of the majority of the Company’s supply chain. The agreement expires on September 24, 2016. The agreement provides that the actual costs of performing these services shall be reimbursed to C&S on an “open-book” or “cost-plus” basis, whereby the parties will negotiate annual budgets that will be reconciled against actual costs on a periodic basis. The parties will also annually negotiate services specifications and performance standards that will govern warehouse operations. The agreement defines the parties’ respective responsibilities for the procurement and purchase of merchandise intended for use or resale at the Company’s stores, as well as the parties’ respective remuneration for warehousing and procurement/purchasing activities. In consideration for the services it provides under the agreement, C&S will be paid an annual fee and will have incentive income opportunities based upon the Company’s cost savings and increases in retail sales volume.

Effective December 1, 2010, the Company extended the term of its existing supply contract with McKesson through January 31, 2014 for the supply of substantially all of the Company’s prescription drugs and other health and beauty care products requirements. The Company is required to purchase a minimum of $400 million of product during the period from December 1, 2010 to January 1, 2014. The Company purchased $146.7 million and $11.2 million of product under this contract during Fiscal 2011 and December 2010, respectively.

 

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Effective July 24, 2010, the Company extended its existing IT outsourcing agreement with HP Enterprise Services, LLC (formerly known as Electronic Data Systems, LLC), or HP through December 31, 2017 to provide a wide range of information systems services. Under the agreement, HP provides data center operations, mainframe processing, business applications and systems development to enhance the Company’s customer service and efficiency. The charges under this agreement are based upon the services requested at predetermined rates.

The costs of these purchase commitments are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The changes in the Asset Retirement Obligations are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Balance—January 2, 2010

   $ 1,734   

Obligations of acquired Penn Traffic supermarkets

     231   

Accretion of liability

     183   

Incremental obligations incurred

     188   
  

 

 

 

Balance—January 1, 2011

     2,336   

Accretion of liability

     212   

Incremental obligations incurred

     83   
  

 

 

 

Balance—December 31, 2011

   $ 2,631   
  

 

 

 

Environmental Liabilities

The Company is contingently liable for potential environmental issues of some of its properties. As the Company is unable to determine the amount of any potential liability, no amounts were accrued as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

The Company employs approximately 12,500 associates. Approximately 91% of these associates are members of United Food and Commercial Workers, or UFCW, District Union Local One, or Local One, or two other UFCW unions that represented certain of the employees from the retained Penn Traffic supermarkets. All other associates are non-union serving primarily in management, field support, or pharmacist roles. The Company was a party to five collective bargaining agreements with Local One that expired between April 2011 and July 2011. New agreements have been ratified by Local One that expire between April 2014 and July 2014. One of the two non-Local One UFCW collective bargaining agreements expired in March 2012, while the remaining agreement expires in April 2013. The agreement that expired in March 2012 covers 200 associates and is in negotiations.

Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in legal proceedings arising from the daily operations of its business, including general liability claims, unemployment claims and workers’ compensation claims which are covered by reserves and insurance. The Company believes that the ultimate resolution of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Such legal proceedings, however, are subject to inherent uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters are not predictable. It is possible that the Company could be required to make expenditures, in excess of established provisions, in amounts that cannot reasonably be estimated. As the Company is unable to determine the amount of any potential liability, no amounts were accrued as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011.

16. GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The obligations of Holding and Tops Markets under the Senior Notes (the “Guaranteed Notes”) are jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Tops Gift Card Company, LLC and Tops PT, LLC (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”), both of which are 100% subsidiaries of Tops Markets. Tops Gift Card Company, LLC was established in October 2008, while Tops PT, LLC was established in January 2010. Tops Markets is a joint issuer of the notes and is 100% owned by Holding. Separate financial statements of Holding, Tops Markets and of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented as the guarantees are full and unconditional and the Guarantor Subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable.

The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on a condensed consolidating basis, balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011 for Holding and Tops Markets, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, and for the Company, and statements of operations and statements of cash flows for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009. Within such condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company has corrected the 2010 presentation to reflect an income tax allocation for Tops Markets.

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops  Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets,
LLC
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
           

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —        $ 18,351      $ 830       $ —        $ 19,181   

Accounts receivable, net

     —          44,809        11,178         —          55,987   

Intercompany receivables

     —          3,800        15,556         (19,356     —     

Inventory, net

     —          79,972        35,337         —          115,308   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     —          10,654        2,336         —          12,990   

Income taxes refundable

     —          285        —           —          285   

Current deferred tax assets

     —          1,363        —           608        1,971   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     —          159,234        65,237         (18,748     205,723   

Property and equipment, net

     —          282,207        76,056         —          358,263   

Intangible assets, net

     —          63,146        8,979         —          72,125   

Other assets

     —          27,687        3,041         (19,627     11,101   

Investment in subsidiaries

     (54,493     110,306        —           (55,813     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ (54,493   $ 642,580      $ 153,313       $ (94,188   $ 647,212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

   $ —        $ 58,359      $ 17,249       $ —        $ 75,608   

Intercompany payables

     3,800        15,556        —           (19,356     —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     1,171        57,537        16,713         (744     74,677   

Current portion of capital lease obligations

     —          12,348        353         —          12,701   

Current portion of long-term debt

     —          434        —           —          434   

Current deferred tax liabilities

     —          —          11         (11     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,971        144,234        34,326         (20,111     163,420   

Capital lease obligations

     —          156,456        3,358         —          159,814   

Long-term debt

     —          358,281        —           (3,041     355,240   

Other long-term liabilities

     —          20,262        3,631         —          23,893   

Non-current deferred tax liabilities tax liabilities

     —          17,033        1,692         (14,416     4,309   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,971        696,266        43,007         (37,568     706,676   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity

     (59,464     (53,686     110,306         (56,620     (59,464
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity

   $ (54,493   $ 642,580      $ 153,313       $ (94,188   $ 647,212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

JANUARY 1, 2011

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops  Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets, LLC     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
          

Assets

          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —        $ 16,689      $ 730      $ —        $ 17,419   

Accounts receivable, net

     —          43,696        13,348        —          57,044   

Intercompany receivables

     —          2,850        13,091        (15,941     —     

Inventory, net

       80,060        37,268        —          117,328   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     —          11,445        2,648        —          14,093   

Assets held for sale

       —          650        —          650   

Income taxes refundable

     —          200        —          —          200   

Current deferred tax assets

     —          1,657        —          608        2,265   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     —          156,597        67,735        (15,333     208,999   

Property and equipment, net

     —          309,856        68,719        —          378,575   

Intangible assets, net

     —          68,048        11,024        —          79,072   

Other assets

     —          26,681        3,041        (16,017     13,705   

Investment in subsidiaries

     (62,118     104,799        —          (42,681     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ (62,118   $ 665,981      $ 150,519      $ (74,031   $ 680,351   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity

          

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable

   $ —        $ 69,881      $ 23,430      $ —        $ 93,311   

Intercompany payables

     2,850        13,091        —          (15,941     —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     543        62,099        17,224        (743     79,123   

Current portion of capital lease obligations

     —          10,754        341        —          11,095   

Current portion of long-term debt

     —          402        —          —          402   

Current deferred tax liabilities

     —          —          11        (11     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     3,393        156,227        41,006        (16,695     183,931   

Capital lease obligations

     —          168,743        3,473        —          172,216   

Long-term debt

     —          368,303        —          (3,041     365,262   

Other long-term liabilities

     —          17,941        3,158        —          21,099   

Non-current deferred tax liabilities

     —          16,078        (1,917     (10,807     3,354   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,393        727,292        45,720        (30,543     745,862   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity

     (65,511     (61,311     104,799        (43,488     (65,511
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity

   $ (62,118   $ 665,981      $ 150,519      $ (74,031   $ 680,351   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FISCAL 2011

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets, LLC     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —        $ 1,774,927      $ 581,858      $ (1,293   $ 2,355,492   

Cost of goods sold

     —          (1,260,068     (390,098     —          (1,650,166

Distribution costs

     —          (31,638     (12,551     —          (44,189
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     —          483,221        179,209        (1,293     661,137   

Operating expenses:

          

Wages, salaries and benefits

     —          (228,947     (88,791     —          (317,738

Selling and general expenses

     —          (73,186     (31,260     1,293        (103,153

Administrative expenses

     (2,718     (57,080     (19,982     —          (79,780

Rent expense, net

     —          (9,707     (9,149     —          (18,856

Depreciation and amortization

     —          (38,812     (12,393     —          (51,205

Advertising

     —          (13,292     (5,497     —          (18,789

Impairment charges

     —          —          (2,791     —          (2,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (2,718     (421,024     (169,863     1,293        (592,312

Operating (loss) income

     (2,718     62,197        9,346        —          68,825   

Interest expense, net

     —          (61,469     (229     —          (61,698

Equity income from subsidiaries

     8,550        5,507        —          (14,057     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     5,832        6,235        9,117        (14,057     7,127   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     —          2,315        (3,610     —          (1,295
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 5,832      $ 8,550      $ 5,507      $ (14,057   $ 5,832   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 58 -


Table of Contents

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FISCAL 2010

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets, LLC     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —        $ 1,704,977      $ 553,742      $ (1,183   $ 2,257,536   

Cost of goods sold

     —          (1,208,582     (370,434     —          (1,579,016

Distribution costs

     —          (31,899     (12,930     —          (44,829
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     —          464,496        170,378        (1,183     633,691   

Operating expenses:

          

Wages, salaries and benefits

     —          (223,276     (87,524     —          (310,800

Selling and general expenses

     —          (71,629     (34,395     1,183        (104,841

Administrative expenses

     (2,208     (81,425     (19,121     —          (102,754

Rent expense, net

     —          (9,493     (9,642     —          (19,135

Depreciation and amortization

     —          (55,005     (7,348     —          (62,353

Advertising

     —          (15,819     (7,356     —          (23,175
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (2,208     (456,647     (165,386     1,183        (623,058

Operating (loss) income

     (2,208     7,849        4,992        —          10,633   

Bargain purchase

     —          —          15,681        —          15,681   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     —          (1,041     —          —          (1,041

Interest expense, net

     —          (61,125     (106     —          (61,231

Equity (loss) income from subsidiaries

     (23,994     18,631        —          5,363        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (26,202     (35,686     20,567        5,363        (35,958

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (752     11,692        (1,936     —          9,004   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (26,954   $ (23,994   $ 18,631      $ 5,363      $ (26,954
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 59 -


Table of Contents

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FISCAL 2009

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets, LLC     Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —        $ 1,696,015      $ 546      $ (953   $ 1,695,608   

Cost of goods sold

     —          (1,185,344     —          —          (1,185,344

Distribution costs

     —          (33,852     —          —          (33,852
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     —          476,819        546        (953     476,412   

Operating expenses:

          

Wages, salaries and benefits

     —          (224,958     —          —          (224,958

Selling and general expenses

     —          (74,176     (251     953        (73,474

Administrative expenses

     (2,036     (62,923     (54     —          (65,013

Rent expense, net

     —          (13,219     —          —          (13,219

Depreciation and amortization

     —          (52,727     —          —          (52,727

Advertising

     —          (12,531     —          —          (12,531
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (2,036     (440,534     (305     953        (441,922

Operating (loss) income

     (2,036     36,285        241        —          34,490   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     —          (6,770     —          —          (6,770

Interest (expense) income, net

     —          (48,279     251        —          (48,028

Equity (loss) income from subsidiaries

     (24,033     297        —          23,736        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (26,069     (18,467     492        23,736        (20,308

Income tax benefit (expense)

     376        (5,566     (195     —          (5,385
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (25,693   $ (24,033   $ 297      $ 23,736      $ (25,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Fiscal 2011

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets, LLC     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (950   $ 48,437      $ 21,164      $ —        $ 68,651   

Cash flows used in investing activities:

          

Cash paid for property equipment

     —          (25,405     (20,170     —          (45,575

Cash paid for intangible assets

     —          (1,527     —          —          (1,527

Proceeds from sale of assets

     —          —          1,284        —          1,284   

Proceeds from insurable loss recovery

     —          —          609        —          609   

Change in intercompany receivables position

     —          (950     (2,464     3,414        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (27,882     (20,741     3,414        (45,209
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

          

Borrowings on ABL Facility

     —          612,900        —          —          612,900   

Repayments on ABL Facility

     —          (622,900     —          —          (622,900

Principal payments on capital leases

     —          (10,838     (323     —          (11,161

Change in intercompany payables position

     950        2,464        —          (3,414     —     

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

     —          —          —          —          —     

Repayments of long-term debt borrowings

     —          (409     —          —          (409

Deferred financing costs incurred

     —          (57     —          —          (57

Change in bank overdraft position

     —          (53     —          —          (53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     950        (18,893     (323     (3,414     (21,680
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     —          1,662        100        —          1,762   

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

     —          16,689        730        —          17,419   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—end of year

   $ —        $ 18,351      $ 830        —        $ 19,181   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Fiscal 2010

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets, LLC     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (950   $ 37,783      $ 12,625      $ —        $ 49,458   

Cash flows used in investing activities:

          

Acquisition of the Penn Traffic Company

     —          —          (85,023     —          (85,023

Cash paid for property equipment

     —          (28,081     (21,582     —          (49,663

Proceeds from sale of assets

     —          —          20,753        —          20,753   

Investment in subsidiaries

     —          (85,023     —          85,023        —     

Change in intercompany receivables position

     —          (950     (10,786     11,736        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (114,054     (96,638     96,759        (113,933
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by financing activities:

          

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

     —          112,125        —          —          112,125   

Repayments of long-term debt borrowings

     —          (36,377     —          —          (36,377

Borrowings on ABL Facility

     —          348,737        —          —          348,737   

Repayments on ABL Facility

     —          (347,737     —          —          (347,737

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     30,000        30,000        —          (30,000     30,000   

Dividend

     (30,000     (30,000     —          30,000        (30,000

Principal payments on capital leases

     —          (9,004     (290     —          (9,294

Deferred financing costs incurred

     —          (5,769     —          —          (5,769

Capital contribution

     —          —          85,023        (85,023     —     

Change in intercompany payables position

     950        10,786        —          (11,736     —     

Change in bank overdraft position

     —          487        —          —          487   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     950        73,248        84,733        (96,759     62,172   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     —          (3,023     720        —          (2,303

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

     —          19,712        10        —          19,722   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—end of year

   $ —        $ 16,689      $ 730      $ —        $ 17,419   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Fiscal 2009

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Tops Holding
Corporation
    Tops Markets, LLC     Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (950   $ 67,881      $ (118   $ —        $ 66,813   

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:

          

Cash paid for property and equipment

     —          (28,080     —          —          (28,080

Interest rate swap settlement

     —          (5,613     —          —          (5,613

Interest rate swap interest paid

     —          (3,146     —          —          (3,146

Change in intercompany receivables position

     —          (950     118        832        —     

Dividend

     105,000        —          —          (105,000     —     

Other

     —          146        —          —          146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     105,000        (37,643     118        (104,168     (36,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:

          

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

     —          270,474        —          —          270,474   

Repayments of long-term debt borrowings

     —          (200,936     —          —          (200,936

Dividend

     (105,000     (105,000     —          105,000        (105,000

Borrowings on ABL Facility

     —          76,600        —          —          76,600   

Repayments on ABL Facility

     —          (62,600     —          —          (62,600

Deferred financing costs incurred

     —          (12,011     —          —          (12,011

Principal payments on capital leases

     —          (7,287     —          —          (7,287

Change in intercompany payables position

     950        (118     —          (832     —     

Change in bank overdraft position

     —          43        —          —          43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (104,050     (40,835     —          104,168        (40,717
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     —          (10,597     —          —          (10,597

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

     —          30,309        10        —          30,319   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—end of year

   $ —        $ 19,712      $ 10      $ —        $ 19,722   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

17. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Fiscal 2011

   16-week
period ended
April 23, 2011
    12-week
period ended
July 16, 2011
    12-week
period ended
October 8, 2011
    12-week
period ended
December 31, 2011
 

Net sales

   $ 717,259      $ 559,514      $ 538,606      $ 540,113   

Gross profit

     202,352        154,982        152,925        150,878   

Operating income

     17,570        14,908        20,742        15,605   

Income tax expense

     (367     (318     (305     (305

Net (loss) income

     (2,088     293        6,440        1,187   

 

Fiscal 2010

   16-week
period ended
April 24, 2010
    12-week
period ended
July 17, 2010
    12-week
period ended
October 9, 2010
    12-week
period ended
January 1, 2011
 

Net sales

   $ 665,015      $ 541,833      $ 519,859      $ 530,829   

Gross profit

     193,759        150,633        146,901        142,398   

Operating (loss) income (1)

     (2,882     5,373        6,448        1,694   

Income tax benefit (expense) (2)

     9,913        (214     397        (1,092

Net income (loss) (3)

     3,294        (8,915     (7,556     (13,777

 

(1) The operating (loss) income for the 16-week period ended April 24, 2010, 12-week period ended July 17, 2010, 12-week period ended October 9, 2010 and 12-week period ended January 1, 2011 include integration costs, legal expenses associated with the FTC’s review of the acquired supermarkets and other one-time legal and professional fees related to the Acquisition totaling $17.4 million, $5.9 million, $5.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
(2) The income tax benefit for the 16-week period ended April 24, 2010 includes a $10.3 million reversal of valuation allowance that was established in Fiscal 2009 as a result of the recognition of a deferred tax liability that resulted from the bargain purchase associated with the Acquisition.
(3) The net income for the 16-week period ended April 24, 2010 includes a $15.7 million bargain purchase related to excess of net assets acquired over the purchase price associated with the Acquisition.

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of December 31, 2011, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, together with certain designated members of the finance and accounting organization, evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2011.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the 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 December 31, 2011.

 

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This 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding its internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of March 29, 2012. Our executive officers and directors serve a term of office that ends when their successor is elected and qualified or their earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Directors and executive officers

   Age     

Principal occupation or position

Gary S. Matthews

     54       Chairman

Frank Curci

     60       President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Kevin Darrington

     44       Chief Operating Officer

William R. Mills

     55       Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

John Persons

     45       Senior Vice President, Operations

Lynne Burgess

     62       Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Jack Barrett

     65       Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Assistant Secretary

Eric Fry

     45       Director

Eric Kanter

     37       Director

Gregory Josefowicz

     59       Director

Stacey Rauch

     54       Director

Gary S. Matthews. Mr. Matthews has served as Chairman since December 2007. Mr. Matthews is a Managing Director and Operating Partner of MSPE. He has led several private equity backed companies and public company business units, including Simmons Bedding Company from November 2006 to June 2007, Sleep Innovations, Inc. from August 2005 to October 2006, Bristol-Myers Squibb World Wide Consumer Medicines from 2001 to 2005 and Derby Cycle Corporation from 1999 to 2001. He also served as Managing Director UK for Diageo/Guinness Limited and as President and CEO of Guinness Import Company between 1996 and 1999 and held senior management positions at PepsiCo from 1991 to 1996 and McKinsey & Company from 1986 to 1991. Mr. Matthews held the title of Chief Executive Officer at Sleep Innovations, Inc. from August 2005 to October 2006. Approximately two years later, on October 3, 2008, Sleep Innovations, Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Mr. Matthews serves as acting Chairman of ReachOut Healthcare America, Inc. from December 2010 to present and as a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive and Compensation & Benefits Committees from December 2010 to present. He also sits on the Board of Directors and Compensation & Governance Committees of Learning Care Group and the Board of Directors of Van Wagner. Mr. Matthews began his career at Procter & Gamble after receiving a B.A. from Princeton University. He also holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Frank Curci. Mr. Curci has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director since December 2007. Mr. Curci has more than 35 years of experience in the supermarket industry. From April 2005 to September 2006, he served as Chief Operating Officer for Alabama-based Southern Family Markets, a subsidiary of C&S, where he led the start-up of two chains emphasizing the neighborhood grocery store format. From June 2004 to March 2005, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Farmer Jack, a supermarket chain based in Michigan. While at Ahold from July 1995 to June 2003, Mr. Curci was Chief Executive Officer of Tops Markets, and held senior leadership positions at the BI-LO chain in South Carolina and Edwards Super Food stores on the East Coast. Mr. Curci also spent nine years from May 1987 to July 1995 at Mayfair Supermarkets, which operated as Foodtown in New Jersey. He is a certified public accountant and holds an M.B.A. and a B.A. from Rutgers University.

Kevin Darrington. Mr. Darrington has served as Chief Operating Officer since March 1, 2010. From March 2010 to December 2010 he was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from March 2008 to March 2010. Prior to joining the Company, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Pathmark stores from May 2006 to February 2008, Chief Financial Officer at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy from September 2005 to April 2006 and Vice President and Corporate Controller at Foot Locker Inc. from June 2002 to September 2005. He is a certified public accountant and holds an M.B.A. from Temple University and a B.S. in accounting from Indiana University.

 

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William R. Mills. Mr. Mills has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since December 1, 2010. From November 1, 2010 to December 1, 2010, he was Senior Vice President. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mills was founder and owner of William R. Mills Consulting, which advises owners of small and mid-market companies in connection with value enhancement, from August 2009 to October 2010. Between 1992 and July 2009, he was with Weis Markets, Inc., a chain of supermarkets located in Pennsylvania and surrounding states, where he was most recently Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Mills holds a B.S.A. from the University of Louisville and is a certified public accountant.

John Persons. Mr. Persons has served as Senior Vice President of Operations since December 2007. He was Vice President of Operations from November 2000 to December 2007. Mr. Persons has worked for Tops Markets for 26 years, holding positions of increasing responsibility in operations over that time. He holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Lynne Burgess. Ms. Burgess has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since September 2010. Prior to joining the Company, she was with Asbury Automotive Group, where she was Vice President and General Counsel from September 2002 to March 2009 and Secretary from February 2005 to March 2009. From July 2001 to September 2002, Ms. Burgess served as General Counsel and Secretary to the Governance Committee for Oliver, Wyman & Company, LLC, an international strategy-consulting firm. Prior to joining Oliver, Wyman & Company, she was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Entex Information Services, Inc., a national personal computer systems integrator, from May 1994 until June 2000. Ms. Burgess holds a B.A. from William Smith College and a J.D. from Fordham Law School.

Jack Barrett. Mr. Barrett has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources and a member of the Tops Executive Committee since 2000. He has worked for Tops Markets for over 40 years. Mr. Barrett’s areas of responsibility have included compensation and benefits, labor/associate relations, training and development, communications, diversity, legal compliance and employment. Mr. Barrett was appointed the Vice President of Labor Relations in 1987 and Vice President of Human Resources in 1996. He holds a B.S. from Canisius College.

Eric Fry. Mr. Fry has served as Director since September 2009. Mr. Fry is a Managing Director of MSPE. He joined Morgan Stanley in 1989 and Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in 1991. He was promoted to Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in 2001. Mr. Fry was a founding partner and Managing Director of Metalmark Capital from September 2004 until he rejoined Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in August 2007. He is a former member of the Investment Committees of Morgan Stanley Global Emerging Markets fund, Morgan Stanley Capital Partners III and Morgan Stanley Capital Partners IV and Metalmark Capital Partners I. Mr. Fry has served on the Boards of Directors of various Morgan Stanley Capital Partners portfolio companies and currently sits on the Boards of Directors of Learning Care Group and ReachOut Healthcare America, Inc. Mr. Fry holds a B.S. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Eric Kanter. Mr. Kanter has served as Director since September 2009. Mr. Kanter is an Executive Director of MSPE. Mr. Kanter joined Morgan Stanley in August 2003 in the Investment Banking division, working in the Mergers and Acquisitions group. He joined MSPE in July 2007. Mr. Kanter serves on the Board of Directors of ReachOut Healthcare America, Inc. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Mr. Kanter was an associate at Ryan Enterprises Group from September 1998 to July 2001, the private equity firm for the Patrick G. Ryan family. He began his career at A.T. Kearney where he was a management consultant from September 1996 to September 1998. Mr. Kanter holds a B.A. from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Gregory Josefowicz. Mr. Josefowicz has served as Director since January 2008. From 1999 to July 2006, Mr. Josefowicz served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Borders Group. Thereafter, until January 2008, Mr. Josefowicz was an advisor to Borders’ Board of Directors. Before joining the Borders Group, Mr. Josefowicz served as chief executive officer of the Jewel/Osco division of American Stores Company until its merger with Albertson’s, Inc. After the merger, he became president of Albertson’s Midwest region. Mr. Josefowicz served as the lead director and member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., from December 2006 to March 2012, when the company was acquired by Bi-Lo. Mr. Josefowicz is the lead director and chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors of PETsMART, Inc., director and member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of United States Cellular Corp. and a member of the Board of Directors of True Value Company. He has previously served as a director of Ryerson Inc. and Spartan Stores. He holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

 

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Stacey Rauch. Ms. Rauch has served as Director since October 2010. From 1986 to September 2010, Ms. Rauch was with McKinsey & Company, from which she retired in 2010. She currently serves as Director Emeritus of McKinsey. Ms. Rauch was a leader in McKinsey’s Retail and Consumer Goods Practices and served as the head of the North American Retail and Apparel practice. Her areas of expertise include strategy, marketing, merchandising, multi-channel management, global expansion, retail store operations and organization. During her 24 years at McKinsey, Ms. Rauch led engagements for a wide range of retailers, apparel wholesalers and consumer goods manufacturers. Prior to joining McKinsey, she spent five years in product management for the General Foods Corporation. Ms. Rauch serves on the Board of Directors and is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Ann, Inc. and the Board of Directors of Land Securities Group PLC. She holds a B.S. in Economics and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Our audit committee is currently comprised of Mr. Matthews and Mr. Kanter. We are a privately held company and do not have equity securities listed on any securities exchange. Though not formally considered by our Board of Directors, we believe that Mr. Matthews is an “audit committee financial expert” under the rules of the SEC; however, we do not believe that Mr. Matthews or Mr. Kanter would be considered “independent” under the NASDAQ Listing Rules that are applicable to audit committee members because of their relationships with certain funds that hold significant interests in the Company.

CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all of our employees and a code of ethics that applies to all senior executives including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. The code of ethics that applies to all employees includes provisions covering compliance with laws and regulations, insider trading practices, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, protection and proper use of our assets, accounting and record keeping, fair competition and fair dealing, business gifts and entertainment, payments to government personnel and the reporting of illegal or unethical behavior. The code of ethics that applies to senior executives is included as Exhibit 14.1 to this 10-K.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

What is our compensation philosophy?

Our guiding philosophy is to provide a total compensation package that enables us to attract and retain highly talented executives necessary to sustain our current and long-term success. We design our compensation to motivate our executive officers to create value for our stakeholders through the achievement of our short-term and long-term business objectives while maintaining our commitment to our core values of honesty, integrity, and respect.

Our compensation programs are designed to achieve these objectives by:

 

   

providing our executives with competitive base salaries, defined contribution and health and welfare plan benefits, severance and change of control protections, and limited perquisites,

 

   

an annual performance-based cash incentive plan based on the attainment of financial, operational and personal objectives, and

 

   

long-term equity awards that link a portion of compensation to long-term financial and business results.

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our compensation program for our executive officers, including our named executive officers, and the basis for decisions regarding their compensation for Fiscal 2011. Our named executive officers for Fiscal 2011 are Messrs. Curci, Darrington, Mills, Persons, and Ms. Burgess.

What is the process for establishing executive compensation?

The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) oversees our executive compensation program. Our chief executive officer (“CEO”) evaluates the performance and reviews compensation for our executive officers, including the named executive officers, but excluding himself and makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee makes its recommendations to the Board of Directors for all executive officers, including the CEO based on several factors, including individual performance, business results, and general information related to compensation at other private companies. The Board of Directors discusses compensation issues and, based on the recommendations of the CEO and the Compensation Committee and its own independent review and evaluation, makes the final decisions regarding compensation elements for the executive officers, including base salary, benefits, bonus opportunities, incentive plan design and award levels.

 

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What are the key principles that influenced our Fiscal 2011 compensation decisions?

We use the following core principles and practices to set the pay of our executive officers:

 

   

Our Compensation Committee considers individual and company-wide performance, business results and general information related to compensation at other private companies in formulating its recommendations to the Board of Directors for the compensation levels of the executive officers, including the named executive officers.

 

   

We use both subjective and objective measures of performance in making our recommendations for the annual incentive compensation for the executive officers. The primary objective measures we use are adjusted EBITDA and cash flows generated from operating activities. Discretionary adjustments to annual incentive compensation may be made based on business considerations or individual performance as described below.

What are the components of our compensation program?

Our compensation program consists of the following components:

 

   

Base salary;

 

   

Annual short-term incentive-based bonus plan (non-equity performance-based cash incentive pay);

 

   

Long-term equity incentive awards;

 

   

Participation in broad-based defined contribution, health and welfare benefits;

 

   

Severance and change of control protections; and

 

   

Limited perquisites.

We do not provide special retirement arrangements or significant personal benefits for our executive officers, including the named executive officers.

How do we determine the portion of total compensation allocated to base salary?

An executive officer’s base salary is a fixed component of compensation and does not vary depending on the level of performance achieved. This element of total compensation is intended to attract and retain talented executives. Base salaries are determined for each executive based on his or her position and responsibilities. We review the base salaries for each executive annually as well as at the time of any promotion or significant change in job responsibilities, and we consider individual and Company performance over the course of the year. Effective May 2011, the Board of Directors approved base salary increases for each of our executive officers, all of which resulted in increases of three percent or less.

How did we determine the amount of the annual cash bonus for Fiscal 2011 that we paid to each of our named executive officers?

The annual cash bonus plan for named executive officers is designed to reward these executives for the achievement of Company-wide annual financial goals.

For Fiscal 2011, the Board of Directors determined that the target annual cash bonus for each named executive officer, with the exception of the CEO and COO, would be 60 percent of his or her actual Fiscal 2011 base salary. The Board of Directors further determined that the target annual cash bonus for the CEO would be 100 percent of his actual Fiscal 2011 base salary and the target annual cash bonus for the COO would be 75 percent of his actual Fiscal 2011 base salary. The percentage of the target bonus that is paid is determined in part pursuant to objective Company-wide performance measures (described below) and in part pursuant to subjective discretionary considerations by the Board of Directors (described below). In Fiscal 2011, 60 percent of our named executive officers’ bonus realization was determined based on objective financial performance measures and 40 percent of their bonus realization was determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors. Named executive officers were then paid a percentage of their target bonus amounts based on these objective and subjective considerations.

 

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In administering the Fiscal 2011 bonus program for the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee considered objective performance measures and target achievement levels for those measures to determine the bonus levels for Fiscal 2011. The objective performance measures used for Fiscal 2011 were 1) adjusted EBITDA, which represents earnings before interest, incomes taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to exclude certain one-time and non-cash expenses, and 2) the change in our cash position, net of borrowings related to our ABL Facility, during comparable year-over-year six-week periods. We selected these metrics on which to base the annual bonus for Fiscal 2011 because we believe they represent the primary measures that created value for shareholders in Fiscal 2011.

The target achievement levels in Fiscal 2011 were adjusted EBITDA of $143,314,380 and a change in our net cash position of $27,900,000. Our actual Fiscal 2011 results produced $144,279,872 in adjusted EBITDA and a $33,500,000 change in our net cash position. Based on these results, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, determined that the objective portion of each executive officer’s annual bonus would be paid at 110 percent of the target amount. The Board of Directors then determined that the discretionary portion of each named executive officer’s annual bonus should be paid at 110 percent of the target amount. The decision to pay the discretionary portion of the bonus was based on the efforts required to achieve the 2011 financial and operational objectives. Accordingly, each named executive officer was awarded 110 percent of their target bonus amount. The annual cash incentive bonus amount paid to each named executive officer for Fiscal 2011 is reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

What types of long term incentive programs do we maintain for our named executive officers?

Our primary vehicle for offering long-term incentives is the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 Stock Plan”), under which we have granted discretionary stock options to certain key executives and directors. We believe that granting Company stock options is the best method for motivating our executive officers to manage our Company in a manner that is consistent with the interests of our Company and our stockholders. We also regard our equity program as a key retention tool. Retention is an important factor in our determination of the number of shares to be issued upon exercise of each option grant and the vesting schedules and other terms of these grants.

We did not make any stock option awards during Fiscal 2011.

What other benefits or perquisites are offered to our named executive officers?

Retirement and Other Benefits. Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan, which is available to all of our non-union employees. We do not offer any additional retirement benefits to our named executive officers. Our benefits package for our named executive officers includes health, welfare, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance benefits, all of which are also available to other non-union employees. These elements of total compensation are designed to be market competitive to attract and retain talented executives, given that most of our competitors provide a 401(k) plan and similar health, welfare, disability and life insurance benefits. We also offer our named executive officers the use of a company car, a company-paid supplemental long-term disability plan, and reimbursement of moving expenses in connection with their hire.

Severance and Change of Control Arrangements. The severance and change of control arrangements in place for each of our named executive officers represent amounts that we believe are necessary to retain our executives in light of market and other uncertainties and are consistent with market practices. Messrs. Curci, Darrington, Mills, Persons, Barrett and Ms. Burgess are entitled to certain severance benefits in the event of their termination of employment without cause under their respective employment agreements. In addition, our 2007 Stock Plan provides that upon the Company’s change of control, all unvested equity awards outstanding under the plan will automatically vest. We also have special cash retention bonus agreements with Messrs. Curci, Darrington, Persons, and Barrett which permit the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, to accelerate the payment of any unvested portion upon the Company’s change of control. We believe that these arrangements are necessary to retain the services of our executive officers and to afford them reasonable severance protection so that they can focus on realizing value for shareholders in the event of a change of control and other circumstances that could result in a loss of employment. The Compensation Committee and Board of Directors periodically review these arrangements and adjust them to take into account market information and our evolving business goals.

Compensation Committee Report

We have reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on this review and discussion, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this 10-K.

Gary Matthews, Chair

Eric Fry

Eric Kanter

Gregory Josefowicz

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The table below shows the compensation of our CEO, our CFO and the next three executive officers with the highest total compensation paid or earned for Fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 (the “Named Executive Officers”).

2011 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year      Salary
($)
     Bonus
($)(1)
     Stock
Awards
($)
     Option
Awards
($)(2)
     Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
     Change in
Pension

Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)
     All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
     Total
($)
 
(a)    (b)      (c)      (d)      (e)      (f)      (g)      (h)      (i)      (j)  

Frank Curci

President, Chief Executive

Officer and Director

    

 

 

2011

2010

2009

  

  

  

    

 

 

531,857

516,341

500,000

  

  

  

    

 

 

450,000

—  

—  

  

  

  

    

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

    

 

 

—  

282,519

—  

  

  

  

    

 

 

589,041

389,544

400,000

  

  

  

    

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

    

 

 

40,373

43,331

31,431

  

  

  

    

 

 

1,611,271

1,231,735

931,431

  

  

  

Kevin Darrington

Chief Operating Officer

    

 

 

2011

2010

2009

  

  

  

    

 

 

355,720

339,423

300,000

  

  

  

    

 

 

250,050

—  

254,916

  

  

  

    

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

    

 

 

—  

181,420

—  

  

  

  

    

 

 

295,967

194,775

144,000

  

  

  

    

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

    

 

 

32,309

219,125

20,489

  

  

  

    

 

 

934,046

934,743

719,405

  

  

  

                          
                          

William R. Mills

     2011         278,595         —           —           —           185,129         —           61,345         525,069   

Senior Vice President,

     2010         42,308         —           —           438,513         25,000         —           15,473         521,294   

Chief Financial Officer

                          

John Persons

     2011         280,391         166,650         —           —           186,943         —           28,780         662,764   

Senior Vice President,

     2010         262,882         —           —           147,453         122,429         —           27,498         560,262   

Operations

     2009         240,000         —           —           —           115,200         —           16,261         371,461   

Lynne Burgess

     2011         278,595         —           —           —           185,129         —           40,516         504,240   

Senior Vice President,

     2010         79,327         55,000         —           248,327         37,671         —           55,754         476,079   

General Counsel and Secretary

                          

 

(1) The Fiscal 2011 amounts reflect cash paid pursuant to Bonus Award Agreements effective October 27, 2009. Mr. Darrington’s Fiscal 2009 bonus amount represents the Company’s forgiveness of a five-year loan that the Company made to Mr. Darrington in 2009 in connection with his relocation expenses. The Board of Directors discretionarily decided to forgive this loan and any interest accrued thereon based on Mr. Darrington’s performance and service during 2009. This decision was formalized under a March 2010 board resolution. Ms. Burgess’ Fiscal 2010 bonus represents a signing bonus received by her in connection with her hire.
(2) Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards. The fair value of each option grant is estimated based on the fair market value on the date of grant and using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For a more detailed discussion on the valuation model and assumptions used to calculate the fair value of our options, refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
(3) These amounts represent cash paid in respect of our annual short-term incentive based cash bonus plan for performance in the applicable fiscal year.
(4) These amounts represent health and welfare premiums, life insurance premiums, short-term disability premiums, long-term disability premiums, 401(k) matching contributions and the Company’s incremental cost of the named executive officers’ use of a company car, taxable relocation expenses, and certain tax gross up payments. Mr. Darrington’s Fiscal 2010 amount includes a payment of $186,879 to compensate him for taxes that he was expected to incur as a result of the loan forgiveness reported in 2009. Mr. Mills’ Fiscal 2010 amount includes a relocation tax gross up in the amount of $2,511. Ms. Burgess’ Fiscal 2010 amount includes a relocation tax gross up in the amount of $5,003 and a sign on bonus tax gross up in the amount of $32,187.

 

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2011 EQUITY AND NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS

The table below sets forth equity and non-equity compensation awards granted to our named executive officers during Fiscal 2011:

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

      Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
     All Other
Option Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
     Option
Exercise
Price
($)
     Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards
($)
 

Name

   Threshold
($) (1)
     Target
($) (1)
     Maximum
($) (1)
          
  (a)    (b)      (c)      (d)      (e)      (f)      (g)  

Frank Curci

     —           535,492         —           —           —           —     

Kevin Darrington

     —           269,061         —           —           —           —     

William R. Mills

     —           168,299         —           —           —           —     

John Persons

     —           169,948         —           —           —           —     

Lynne Burgess

     —           168,299         —           —           —           —     

 

(1) Represents annual incentive award targets under our annual cash bonus plan. The awards for named executive officers did not have threshold or maximum amounts.

2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

We maintain one equity incentive plan, the 2007 Stock Plan, under which the Board of Directors may grant stock option awards to directors, eligible employees, consultants and independent contractors. There are 13,600 shares of common stock reserved under the 2007 Stock Plan, which shares remain issuable until utilized pursuant to a participant’s exercise of a stock option. The terms of any stock option granted under the 2007 Stock Plan are generally set forth in an option agreement with the grantee; nonetheless, the exercise price for stock options awarded under the plan must equal or exceed the fair market value on the date of grant and the term of any option granted may not exceed ten years. Upon a participant’s exercise of a stock option, he or she is required to comply with the Shareholders’ Agreement (described in Note 12 of our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this 10-K). The Board of Directors is required to adjust outstanding stock options in an equitable manner in the event of a corporate transaction, equity restructuring or change in the capitalization of the Company.

The 2007 Stock Plan provides that upon a change of control of the Company, any outstanding unvested awards granted under the plan will automatically vest and become exercisable on the effective date of change of control. A change of control generally includes (i) a change in the ownership of 50 percent or more of the total voting power of the Company’s voting securities; (ii) a merger or consolidation of the Company that would result in a change in more than 50 percent of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or a surviving entity; (iii) the consummation of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets; (iv) the transfer by the Morgan Stanley Investors of 80 percent or more of their then-owned shares of stock to anyone other than a permitted transferee or (v) any other event that the Board of Directors determines to be a change of control and sets forth in an option agreement. A change of control does not include any acquisition of securities or voting power due to a public offering.

 

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The following table gives information on option awards and stock-based awards that were outstanding for each named executive officer at January 1, 2012:

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2011 FISCAL YEAR-END

 

     Option Awards  

Name

   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexerciseable
    Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards: Number
of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned Options
     Option
Exercise
Price
($)
    Option
Expiration
Date
 
(a)    (b)     (c)     (d)      (e)     (f)  

Frank Curci

     1,000 (1)      2,000 (1)      —           400 (7)      1/24/2018   
     176 (2)      531 (2)      —           1,040         10/5/2020   

Kevin Darrington

     555 (3)      1,112 (3)      —           400 (7)      3/3/2018   
     113 (2)      341 (2)      —           1,040         10/5/2020   

William R. Mills

     —          1,000 (4)      —           1,040         11/1/2020   

John Persons

     370 (5)      741 (5)      —           400 (7)      2/14/2018   
     92 (2)      277 (2)      —           1,040         10/5/2020   

Lynne Burgess

     —          555 (6)      —           1,040         9/13/2020   

 

(1) Stock options granted on January 24, 2008 that are scheduled to vest in three equal annual installments on January 24, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
(2) Stock options granted on October 5, 2010 that are scheduled to vest in four equal annual installments on October 5, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
(3) Stock options granted on March 3, 2008 that are scheduled to vest in three equal annual installments on March 3, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
(4) Stock options granted on November 1, 2010 that are scheduled to vest in three equal annual installments on November 1, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
(5) Stock options granted on February 14, 2008 that are scheduled to vest in three equal annual installments on February 14, 2011, 2012, 2013.
(6) Stock options granted on September 13, 2010 that are scheduled to vest in three equal annual installments on September 13, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
(7) The exercise price of these stock option awards was decreased from $1,000 to $400 as of October 27, 2009 in connection with a refinancing and related extraordinary dividend paid by the Company to its shareholders in October 2009. This modification was enacted in order to equitably adjust awards in order to preserve the aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options immediately after the recapitalization transaction. For more information regarding the recapitalization and the adjustment of the stock option grants, see Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this 10-K.

RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

We do not provide special retirement benefits to our named executive officers. Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in the Tops Markets, LLC 401(k) retirement savings plan, which is available to all of our non-union employees, and which is described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K.

 

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

As of December 31, 2011, all of our named executive officers are party to employment agreements or other similar agreements with Tops Markets, LLC.

Frank Curci

Mr. Curci’s employment agreement became effective on December 1, 2007, and is subject to automatic one-year renewals on December 1 of each year (unless notice of non-renewal is provided by either party within ten days prior to the expiration of the term). Under Mr. Curci’s agreement, he is entitled to an annual base salary and an annual bonus opportunity based on a percentage of his base salary. If we terminate Mr. Curci’s employment without cause, he is entitled to severance payments in the amount of his annual base salary and continued coverage under our welfare and benefit plans during the “severance period,” which would end on the one-year anniversary of his termination date. He may also receive a discretionary pro-rated bonus amount in the year of his termination of employment. Mr. Curci is prohibited from providing services or engaging in activities with a competitor of us during employment and for a period of one year after his termination of employment and will not disclose the Company’s confidential information. During that same period, Mr. Curci is also prohibited from soliciting our customers, suppliers and other employees. We may extend the non-competition/non-solicitation period for up to one additional year if we continue to pay Mr. Curci his annual base salary over the course of such year.

William R. Mills

Mr. Mills’ employment agreement became effective on November 1, 2010. Under Mr. Mills’ agreement, he is entitled to an annual base salary and an annual bonus opportunity based on a percentage of his base salary. For 2010, Mr. Mills was guaranteed an annual bonus of at least $25,000. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Mills was also entitled to a grant of stock options that will vest ratably on November 1, 2013, November 1, 2014 and November 1, 2015. In the event of a change of control, the vesting of these stock options will be accelerated. Mr. Mills employment agreement does not provide for a set term of employment, but if we terminate his employment without cause, he is entitled to severance payments in the amount of his annual base salary and continued coverage under our welfare and benefit plans for a period of one year after his termination date. Mr. Mills is prohibited from providing services or engaging in activities with a competitor of us during employment and for a period of one year after his termination of employment and will not disclose the Company’s confidential information. During that same period, Mr. Mills is also prohibited from soliciting our customers, suppliers and other employees.

Kevin Darrington

Mr. Darrington’s employment agreement became effective on March 3, 2008. Under Mr. Darrington’s agreement, he is entitled to an annual base salary and an annual bonus opportunity based on a percentage of his base salary. Pursuant to his employment agreement, on March 3, 2008, Mr. Darrington was also granted stock options exercisable into 1.5% of the then-issued and outstanding shares of the Company, which stock options vest ratably on March 3, 2011, March 3, 2012 and March 3, 2013. In the event of a change of control, the vesting of these stock options will be accelerated. Mr. Darrington’s employment agreement does not provide for a set term of employment, but if we terminate his employment without cause, he is entitled to severance payments in the amount of his annual base salary and continued coverage under our welfare and benefit plans for a period of one year after his termination date. Mr. Darrington is prohibited from providing services or engaging in activities with a competitor of us during employment and for a period of one year after his termination of employment and will not disclose the Company’s confidential information. During that same period, Mr. Darrington is also prohibited from soliciting our customers, suppliers and other employees.

John Persons

Mr. Persons’ employment agreement became effective on May 2, 2010. Under Mr. Persons’ agreement, he is entitled to an annual base salary and an annual bonus opportunity based on a percentage of his base salary. Mr. Persons employment agreement does not provide for a set term of employment, but if we terminate his employment without cause, he is entitled to severance payments in the amount of his annual base salary and continued coverage under our welfare and benefit plans for a period of one year after his termination date. Pursuant to his existing stock option agreement, Mr. Persons is prohibited from providing services or engaging in activities with a competitor of us during employment and for a period of one year after his termination of employment and will not disclose the Company’s confidential information. During that same period, Mr. Persons is also prohibited from soliciting our customers, suppliers and other employees.

 

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Lynne Burgess

Ms. Burgess’ employment agreement became effective on September 13, 2010. Under Ms. Burgess’ agreement, she is entitled to an annual base salary and an annual bonus opportunity based on a percentage of her base salary. Pursuant to her employment agreement, Ms. Burgess was also entitled to a grant of stock options, which stock options vest ratably on September 13, 2013, September 13, 2014 and September 13, 2015. Ms. Burgess also received a signing bonus in an after-tax amount of $55,000. In the event of a change of control, the vesting of these stock options will be accelerated. Ms. Burgess’ employment agreement does not provide for a set term of employment, but if we terminate her employment without cause, she is entitled to severance payments in the amount of her annual base salary and continued coverage under our welfare and benefit plans for a period of one year after her termination date. Ms. Burgess is prohibited from providing services or engaging in activities with a competitor of us during employment and for a period of one year after her termination of employment and will not disclose the Company’s confidential information. During that same period, Ms. Burgess is also prohibited from soliciting our customers, suppliers and other employees.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL

We have entered into certain agreements and maintain certain plans that will require us to provide compensation to our named executive officers in the event of termination of their employment or a change of control of Tops Markets, LLC. The amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer in each situation is listed in the table below, based on the assumption that the triggering event took place on January 1, 2012:

 

     Severance
($) (1)
     Value of
Unvested
Equity-
Based
Awards

($) (2)
     Value of
Unvested
Special
Cash
Retention
Bonus
Awards
($) (3)
     Present
Value
of Health /
Welfare
Benefits
($) (4)
     Other
Compensation
or

Payments ($)
(5)
     Total
($)
 

Involuntary without cause

                 

Frank Curci

     535,492         —           —           7,475         —           542,967   

Kevin Darrington

     358,748         —           —           10,619         —           369,367   

William R. Mills

     280,498         —           —           11,159         —           291,657   

John Persons

     283,246         —           —           11,493         —           294,739   

Lynne Burgess

     280,498         —           —           3,467         —           283,965   

Death and disability

                 

Frank Curci

     —           —           900,000         3,737         263,326         1,167,063   

Kevin Darrington

     —           —           500,100         5,309         174,954         680,363   

William R. Mills

     —           —           —           5,579         135,829         141,408   

John Persons

     —           —           333,300         5,746         137,203         476,249   

Lynne Burgess

     —           —           —           1,733         135,829         137,562   

Termination without cause within one year after a change of control (6)

                 

Frank Curci

     535,492         1,420,000         900,000         7,475         —           2,862,967   

Kevin Darrington

     358,748         789,047         500,100         10,619         —           1,658,514   

William R. Mills

     280,498         —           —           11,159         —           291,657   

John Persons

     283,246         525,873         333,300         11,493         —           1,153,912   

Lynne Burgess

     280,498         —           —           3,467         —           283,965   

 

(1) Includes one times the annual base salary. The Company may also, at its discretion, pay a termination-year bonus prorated to correspond with the portion of the year ending at termination.
(2) Unvested equity-based awards are calculated based on the fair market value of our common stock as of January 1, 2011 of $1,040 per share. The treatment upon termination for each type of equity award is further described under the heading “2007 Stock Incentive Plan” following the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table.
(3) Includes the accelerated payment of the unvested portion of the special cash retention bonus awards.

 

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(4) Includes the estimated value of allowing continued participation in our health and welfare plans for a period of one year. These benefits may be terminated within one year if the named executive officer obtains coverage from a new employer.
(5) Represents an arrangement under which, if a named executive officer terminates employment due to disability, the Company will pay the executive an amount equal to the difference between the benefits received by the executive under the Company’s short-term disability program and his or her full salary amount until the Company’s long-term disability insurance coverage begins. Payments listed in this column apply only in the event of the named executive officer’s termination due to disability.
(6) If the named executive officer’s employment is terminated within one year after a change of control, then the unvested special cash bonus amount must be paid. On the other hand, the Board of Directors has the discretion to pay unvested bonus amounts upon a change of control to the extent the change of control constitutes a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or of a sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Board of Directors makes such payments under all similar plans or arrangements.

2011 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Name

   Fees Earned
Or Paid in  Cash

($) (1)
     Bonus
$ (2)
     Total ($)  
  (a)    (b)      (c)      (d)  

Gary Matthews

     —           —           —     

Eric Fry

     —           —           —     

Gregory Josefowicz

     60,000         37,500         97,500   

Eric Kanter

     —           —           —     

Stacey Rauch

     60,000         —           60,000   

 

(1) External Directors receive an annual cash retainer of $60,000.
(2) This amount reflects cash paid pursuant to a Bonus Award Agreement effective October 27, 2009.

Director Compensation

Compensation for non-employee directors who are not employees of MSPE (“External Directors”) generally consists of an annual cash retainer and an initial equity grant. In Fiscal 2011, Mr. Josefowicz and Ms. Rauch were the only directors who received compensation for their service on the Board of Directors.

Annual Compensation

The only annual compensation paid to External Directors is a cash retainer of $60,000, which is payable in quarterly installments of $15,000.

 

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

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of outstanding shares of common stock as of March 29, 2012 by (a) any person or group who beneficially owns more than five percent of such stock, (b) each of our directors and executive officers and (c) all directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Name of beneficial owner

   Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
     Percentage of
Outstanding Shares
 

Various funds affiliated with Morgan Stanley Private Equity

     103,671         71.6

1585 Broadway, 39th Floor

     

New York, NY 10036

     

HSBC Equity Partners USA, LP

     23,019         15.9

c/o HSBC Capital (USA) Inc.

     

452 Fifth Avenue

     

New York, NY 10018

     

HSBC Private Equity Partners II USA, LP

     5,791         4.0

c/o HSBC Capital (USA) Inc.

     

452 Fifth Avenue

     

New York, NY 10018

     

Turbic, Inc.

     7,239         5.0

P.O. Box No. 7776

     

New Providence, Bahamas

     

Begain Company Limited

     4,477         3.1

46/F, Sun Hung Kai Centre

     

30 Harbour Road

     

Wanchai, Hong Kong

     

Gary Matthews (1)(2)

     0         *   

Frank Curci (1)

     579         *   

Kevin Darrington (1)

     0         *   

William R. Mills (1)

     0         *   

Lynne Burgess (1)

     0         *   

John Persons (1)

     0         *   

Jack Barrett (1)

     0         *   

Eric Fry (1)(2)

     0         *   

Eric Kanter (1)(2)

     0         *   

Gregory Josefowicz (1)

     0         *   

Stacey Rauch (1)

     0         *   

All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) (1)

     579         *   

 

* Less than 1%
(1) The address for each of our directors and executive officers is c/o Tops Markets, LLC, 6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York, 14221.
(2) Mr. Matthews and Mr. Fry are managing directors and Mr. Kanter is an executive director of MSPE. See table above for information on the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock by Morgan Stanley Private Equity. Messrs. Matthews, Fry and Kanter expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.

 

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

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Policy with Respect to Approval of Related Party Transactions

The terms and conditions of all transactions between us and any employee, officer, director and certain of their family members and other related persons required to be reported under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K are reviewed and approved by directors who do not have a direct or indirect interest in such transaction. We have not adopted written policies and procedures with respect to the approval of related party transactions. Generally, under the agreements governing the senior secured notes and the ABL Facility, we are prohibited from entering into transactions with affiliates except upon terms that, taken as a whole, are materially not less favorable to us than could be obtained, at the time of such transaction, in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a person that is not such an affiliate.

Transaction and Monitoring Fee Agreement

Effective November 30, 2007, we entered into a Transaction and Monitoring Fee Agreement with MSPE and HSBC. We are required to pay annual monitoring fees of $0.8 million to MSPE and $0.2 million to HSBC, payable on a quarterly basis. If we do not pay the monitoring fees in a given year, such fees accrue interest at a rate of 10%, compounded quarterly until paid in full. In addition, MSPE has the right to defer payment under the agreement and receive interest at a rate of Prime plus 2% until MSPE demands payment. All amounts deferred must be paid within 30 days of MSPE’s demand. MSPE can also elect, upon or in anticipation of an initial public offering or change of control, to receive a lump sum in the amount of the present value of all current and future monitoring fees.

MSPE and HSBC are entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses associated with the services under the agreement, including fees and disbursements to professionals, costs of outside services or independent contractors, regulatory filing fees and transportation, per diem, word processing and similar expenses associated with ordinary operations.

Shareholders’ Agreement

Tops Holding Corporation is a party to an Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement dated as of January 29, 2010 (the “Shareholders’ Agreement”), among MSPE, HSBC and certain other persons named therein. Pursuant to the Shareholders’ Agreement, MSPE is permitted to designate all of the members of the Board of Directors of Tops Holding Corporation. Certain actions of the Board of Directors, however, require the prior written consent of HSBC. The Shareholders’ Agreement also provides certain tag-along rights, drag-along rights, preemptive rights, a right of first offer and registration rights, each as is customary for agreements of this type.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

We have no securities listed for trading on a national securities exchange or on an automated inter-dealer quotation system of a national securities association which has requirements that a majority of its Board of Directors be independent. For purposes of complying with the disclosure requirements of this 10-K, we have adopted the definition of independence used by the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”). Though not formally considered by our Board of Directors, we believe that each of our five non-employee directors, Messrs. Matthews, Fry, Kanter, Josefowicz and Ms. Rauch may qualify as an independent director based on the definition of independent director set forth in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. In this regard, we note that we do not believe that the payments we have made to MSPE in our last three fiscal years have exceeded 5% of MSPE’s consolidated gross revenue in any of those years. Our compensation committee is comprised of Messrs. Matthews, Fry, Kanter and Josefowicz, all of whom may qualify as independent directors under the NASDAQ’s definition of an independent director. Note that under Rule 5615(c) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules, we would be considered a “controlled company” because more than 50% of our voting power for the election of directors is held by another entity. Accordingly, even if we were a listed company on NASDAQ, we would not be required to maintain a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors.

 

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Deloitte & Touche LLP served as the independent registered public accounting firm for Tops Holding Corporation for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010.

Fees

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to Tops Holding Corporation by Deloitte & Touche LLP and its affiliate, Deloitte Tax LLP, for services rendered for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 (dollars in thousands), all of which were pre-approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors in compliance with its policy.

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
     Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
 

Audit fees

   $ 788       $ 1,120   

Audit-related fees

     —           430   

Tax fees

     8         11   

All other fees

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 796       $ 1,561   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Audit Committee considered whether the provision by Deloitte & Touche LLP and Deloitte Tax LLP of non-audit services for the fees identified above was compatible with maintaining Deloitte & Touche LLP’s independence.

Audit Fees.  Fees shown for audit services include fees for services performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP to comply with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) related to the audit and review of Tops Holding Corporation’s financial statements.

Audit-Related Fees.  Fees shown for audit-related services include fees for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by independent auditors. The audit-related fees were incurred in connection with general non-audit accounting consultation concerning financial reporting, disclosure matters and new accounting pronouncements.

Tax Fees.  Fees shown for tax services include fees for services performed by Deloitte Tax LLP, except those services related to audits, which were performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP. The tax fees were incurred in connection with the preparation of Tops Holding Corporation’s tax returns and corporate tax consultations.

All Other Fees.  We did not engage Deloitte & Touche LLP or Deloitte Tax LLP for other services for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010.

The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding the pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditors. The Audit Committee will, on an annual basis, consider and approve the provision of audit and non-audit services by Deloitte & Touche LLP (other than with respect to de minimus exceptions permitted by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(c) of SEC Regulation S-X). Thereafter, the Audit Committee will, as necessary, consider and, if appropriate, approve the provision of additional audit and non-audit services which are not encompassed by the Audit Committee’s annual pre-approval and are not prohibited by law. The Audit Committee may delegate the authority to pre-approve, on a case-by-case basis, non-audit services to be performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP which are not encompassed by the Audit Committee’s pre-approval and not prohibited by law. A member with delegated authority must report back to the Audit Committee at the first Audit Committee meeting following any such pre-approvals. None of the services described above provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP or Deloitte Tax LLP were approved by the Audit Committee under the de minimus exception rule.

 

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Item 15. EXHIBITS

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report.

 

  (1) Consolidated Financial Statements: See Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K.

 

  (2) Financial Statement Schedules.

 

  a. Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of Tops Holding Corporation

 

  b. Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

  c. All other schedules are omitted because they are not required or do not apply, or the required information is included elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(b) Exhibits are incorporated herein by reference or are filed with this report as indicated below.

 

Exhibit No. *

   
2.1(a)   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2010, by and between Tops Markets, LLC (or its assignee(s)) and The Penn Traffic Company and its affiliated entities.
2.2(a)   Amendment, dated as of January 29, 2010, of Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2010, by and among Tops Markets, LLC (or its assignee(s)) and The Penn Traffic Company and its affiliated entities.
3.1(a)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Tops Holding Corporation.
3.2(a)   Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Tops Holding Corporation.
3.3(a)   By-Laws of Tops Holding Corporation.
3.4(a)   Articles of Organization of Tops Markets, LLC.
3.5(a)   Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Tops Markets, LLC.
3.6(a)   Articles of Organization of Tops PT, LLC.
3.7(a)   Operating Agreement of Tops PT, LLC.
3.8(a)   Articles of Organization of Tops Gift Card Company, LLC.
3.9(a)   Operating Agreement of Tops Gift Card Company, LLC.
4.1(a)   Indenture, dated October 9, 2009, between Tops Holding Corporation and Tops Markets, LLC, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.


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4.2(a)   First Supplemental Indenture, dated January 29, 2010, among Tops Holding Corporation and Tops Markets, LLC, the guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
4.3(a)   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated February 12, 2010, among Tops Holding Corporation and Tops Markets, LLC, the guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
4.4(a)   Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 9, 2009 between Tops Holding Corporation, Tops Markets, LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.
4.5(a)   Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 12, 2010 between Tops Holding Corporation, Tops Markets, LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Banc of America Securities LLC.
4.6(a)   Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2009, by and among Bank of America, N.A., as Initial ABL Agent, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by Tops Holding Corporation, Tops Markets, LLC, and the other persons signatory thereto.
4.7(a)   Supplement to the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010, by and among Bank of America, N.A., as Initial ABL Agent, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by Tops Holding Corporation, Tops Markets, LLC, and the other persons signatory
4.8(a)   The Security Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2009 among the Issuers, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent.
4.9(a)   Supplement No. 1 to the Security Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010 among the Issuers, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent.
4.10(a)   Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2009, among Tops Markets, LLC , as grantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent.
4.11(a)   Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010, among Tops PT, LLC, as grantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent.
4.12(a)   Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010, among Tops Holding Corporation and the shareholders identified therein.
10.1(a)   Credit Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2009, among Tops Markets, LLC, as borrower, the guarantors party thereto, the various lenders and agents party thereto and Bank of America N.A., as administrative agent.
10.2(a)   Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010, among Tops Markets, LLC, as borrower, the guarantors party thereto, the various lenders and agents party thereto and Bank of America N.A., as administrative agent.
10.3(a)   Joinder Agreement to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010, between Tops PT, LLC and Bank of America N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer under the Credit Agreement.
10.4†(c)   The Supply Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2009 between Tops Markets, LLC and C&S Wholesale Grocers and the other parties thereto.


Table of Contents
10.5(a)   Tops Holding Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, dated as of January 24, 2008.
10.6(a)   Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 27, 2009, of Tops Holding Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, dated as of January 24, 2008.
10.7(a)   Form of Stock Option Agreement of Tops Holding Corporation.
10.8(a)   Form of Bonus Award Agreement of Tops Holding Corporation.
10.9(a)   Independent Director Compensation Policy of Tops Holding Corporation.
10.10(a)   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2007, between Tops Holding Corporation and Frank Curci.
10.11(a)   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2008, between Tops Markets, LLC and Kevin Darrington.
10.13(b)   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2010, between Tops Markets, LLC and John Persons.
10.14(b)   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2010, between Tops Markets, LLC and Jack Barrett.
10.15(b)   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2010, between Tops Markets, LLC and Lynne Burgess.
10.16(d)   Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 5, 2010, of Tops Holding Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, dated as of January 24, 2008.
10.17(e)   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2010, between Tops Markets, LLC and William R. Mills.
10.18(f)   Separation Agreement, Waiver and General Release, dated as of October 21, 2010, by and among Tops Holding Corporation, Tops Markets, LLC and Patrick Curran.
12.1   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
14.1   Code of Ethics.
21.1(a)   List of Subsidiaries (as of July 9, 2010).
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


Table of Contents
101    The following financial information from the annual report on Form 10-K of Tops Holding Corporation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statement of Operations, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Portions of this Exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of an application for confidential treatment pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(a) Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on July 12, 2010.
 b) Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on September 3, 2010.
(c) Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on September 30, 2010.
(d) Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2010.
(e) Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 14, 2010.
(f) Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 27, 2010.

 

 

* This prospectus supplement does not contain the exhibits filed with the Company’s annual report for the period ended December 31, 2011. Exhibits 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.10, 10.11, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, 10.16, 10.17, 10.18, 12.1, 14.1, 21.1, 31.1, 31.2, 32.1, 32.2 and 101 are not filed with and should not be deemed a part of this prospectus supplement.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ William R. Mills

 

William R. Mills

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

March 30, 2012

 


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities indicated on March 30, 2012.

 

Signature   

Title

/s/ Frank Curci

   Chief Executive Officer and Director
Frank Curci   

/s/ William R. Mills

   Chief Financial Officer
William R. Mills   

/s/ David Langless

   Chief Accounting Officer
David Langless   

/s/ Gary Matthews

   Chairman
Gary Matthews   

/s/ Eric Fry

   Director
Eric Fry   

/s/ Gregory Josefowicz

   Director
Gregory Josefowicz   

/s/ Eric Kanter

   Director
Eric Kanter   

/s/ Stacey Rauch

   Director
Stacey Rauch   


Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

Schedule I

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31, 2011     January 1, 2011 (1)  

Assets

    

Investment in subsidiary

   $ (54,493   $ (62,118
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ (54,493   $ (62,118
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit

    

Current liabilities:

    

Intercompany payable

   $ 3,800      $ 2,850   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     1,171        543   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,971        3,393   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,971        3,393   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ deficit

     (59,464     (65,511
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit

   $ (54,493   $ (62,118
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The Company has corrected the 2010 presentation so as to reallocate certain tax benefits from subsidiaries to the holding company.

 

 

- 1 -


Table of Contents

Schedule I

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks) (1)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Equity income (loss) from subsidiary

   $ 8,550      $ (23,994   $ (24,033

Operating expenses

      

Administrative expenses

     (2,718     (2,208     (2,036
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (2,718     (2,208     (2,036
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     5,832        (26,202     (26,069

Income tax (expense) benefit

     —          (752     376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 5,832      $ (26,954   $ (25,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The Company has corrected the 2010 presentation so as to reallocate certain tax benefits from subsidiaries to the holding company.

 

 

- 2 -


Table of Contents

Schedule I

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
    Fiscal 2009
(53 weeks)
 

Net cash used in operating activities

   $ (950   $ (950   $ (950

Cash flows provided by investing activities:

      

Dividend

     —          —          105,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

     —          —          105,000   

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

      

Proceeds form issuance of common stock

     —          30,000        —     

Dividend

     —          (30,000     (105,000

Change in intercompany payable position

     950        950        950   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     950        950        (104,050

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     —          —          —     

Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents-end of period

   $ —        $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 3 -


Table of Contents

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Schedule II

TOPS HOLDING CORPORATION

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
     Additions
Charged to Costs
and Expenses
     Deductions     Balance at
End of
Period
 

Fiscal 2009

          

Self-insurance reserves

   $ 5,899       $ 4,712       $ (2,308   $ 8,303   

LIFO inventory valuation reserve

     7,066         249         —          7,315   

Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets

     —           13,896         —          13,896   

Fiscal 2010

          

Self-insurance reserves

     8,303         6,028         (2,598     11,733   

LIFO inventory valuation reserve

     7,315         2,055         —          9,370   

Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets

     13,896         11,901         —          25,797   

Fiscal 2011

          

Self-insurance reserves

     11,733         7,169         (3,179     15,723   

LIFO inventory valuation reserve

     9,370         1,333         —          10,703   

Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets

     25,797         229         —          26,026   

 

- 1 -

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