UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 [X][X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 201726, 2020

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 1-5039

WEIS MARKETS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

PENNSYLVANIAPennsylvania
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

1000 S. Second Street
P. O. Box 471

24-0755415
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Sunbury, Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (570) 286-4571

17801-0471
(Zip Code)

Registrant's web address: www.weismarkets.com

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

Title of each class

Trading symbol

Name of exchange on which registered

Common stock, no par value

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

Name of each exchange on which registeredWMK

New York Stock Exchange

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 [ ]No [X]

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X]No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”filer”, “smaller reporting company,”company”, and “emerging"emerging growth company”company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [ ]

Accelerated filer [X]

Non-accelerated filer [ ]

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company [ ]

Emerging growth company [ ]

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. [X]

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

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant is approximately $464,000,000$459,000,000 as of July 1, 2017June 27, 2020 the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

Shares of common stock outstanding as of March 15, 201811, 2021 - 26,898,443.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Selected portions of the Weis Markets, Inc. definitive proxy statement dated March 15, 201811, 2021 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-K

Page

Part I

Item 1. Business

1

Item 1a. Risk Factors

3

Item 1b. Unresolved Staff Comments

56

Item 2. Properties

6

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

6

Information about our Executive Officers of the Registrant

7

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

8

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

9

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

10

Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

1918

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

2019

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

4540

Item 9a. Controls and Procedures

4540

Item 9b. Other Information

4540

Part III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

4641

Item 11. Executive Compensation

4641

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

4641

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

4641

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

4641

Part IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

4742

Item 15(c)(3). Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

4944

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

4944

Signatures

5045

Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Exhibit 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification - CEO

Exhibit 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification - CFO

Exhibit 32 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1.Business:

Weis Markets, Inc. is a Pennsylvania business founded by Harry and Sigmund Weis in 1912 and incorporated in 1924. The Company is engaged principally in the retail sale of food in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. There was no material change in the nature of the Company's business during fiscal 2017.2020. The Company’s stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 1965 under the symbol “WMK.” The Weis family currently owns approximately 65% of the outstanding shares. Jonathan H. Weis serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Company's retail food stores sell groceries, dairy products, frozen foods, meats, seafood, fresh produce, floral, pharmacy services, deli products, prepared foods, bakery products, beer and wine, fuel and general merchandise items, such as health and beauty care and household products. The store product selection includes national, local and private brands including natural, gluten-free and organic varieties. The Company advertises its products and promotes its brand through weekly and monthly newspaper circulars; radio ads; e-mail blasts; and on-line via its web site, social media and mobile applications. Printed circulars are used extensively on a weekly basis to advertise featured items.  The Company promotes by usingutilizes marketing programs such as Everyday Lower Price, Low Price Guarantee, Low, Low Price and utilizes a loyalty marketing program, “Weis Club Preferred Shopper,” which enables customers to receive discounts, promotions and fuel rewards. The Company currently owns and operates 205197 retail food stores many of which have on-line order and pick up customer service. The Company’s operations are reported as a single reportable segment. The majority of the Company’s revenues are generally not seasonal in nature. However, revenues tend to be higher during the major holidays throughout the year. Additionally, significant inclement weather systems, particularly winter storms, tend to affect sales trends.

The following table provides additional detail on the percentage of consolidated net sales contributed by product category for fiscal years 2017,  20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2020

2019

2018

Center Store (1)

57.2 

%

57.0 

%

57.5 

%

57.7 

%

56.1 

%

56.9 

%

Fresh (2)

30.5 

 

30.3 

 

29.7 

 

30.5 

30.5 

30.4 

Pharmacy Services

8.9 

 

9.5 

 

9.4 

 

8.7 

9.5 

9.0 

Fuel

3.2 

 

3.0 

 

3.2 

 

2.9 

3.6 

3.6 

Other

0.2 

 

0.2 

 

0.2 

 

0.2 

0.3 

0.1 

Consolidated net sales

100.0 

%

100.0 

%

100.0 

%

100.0 

%

100.0 

%

100.0 

%

____________________

(1) Consists primarily of groceries, dairy products, frozen foods, beer and wine, and general merchandise items, such as health and beauty care and household products.

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

In 2016, Weis Markets acquired five Mars Super Market locations in Baltimore County, MD, 38 Food Lion stores throughout Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, and a Nell's Family Market in East Berlin, PA.  The completion of these individual acquisitions expanded the Company's footprint into Virginia and Delaware, and increased its store count by 25 percent.  Beginning August 1, 2016, the Company converted the 44 stores to Weis Markets stores in 96 days ending in November, during which it interviewed and hired more than 2,000 associates who were previously employed at the acquired locations.  In 2017, the acquired store group is providing a positive cash flow for the Company as management continues to develop the stores using its business model.  Although there are no pending acquisitions, the Company continues to investigate acquisition opportunities as well as grow its existing store base organically.

On March 9, 2017, the Company opened its new 65,000 square-foot prototype store next to a major competitor in Enola, PA.  Designated the “Community Market” format, the store features a brand new store layout and unique features to elevate the shopping experience including a pub, grill and ice cream parlor, featuring the Company’s own ice cream.  The store contains a Pennsylvania foods section and more than 1,900 organic and gluten-free products, along with a mix-and-match pick K-cup 12-packs section and a Chobani Yogurt Bar.  The Company plans to review the success of the new features and utilize them where appropriate in other stores.

At the end of 2017,2020, Weis Markets, Inc. operated 4 stores in Delaware, 5149 stores in Maryland, 56 stores in New Jersey, 9 stores in New York, 121117 stores in Pennsylvania, 139 stores in Virginia and 2 stores in West Virginia, for a total of 205196 retail food stores operating under the Weis Markets trade name. Since the end of 2020, the Company opened one store location, bringing the current total store count to 197.


1


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 1.Business: (continued)

All retail food store locations operate as conventional supermarkets. The retail food stores range in size from 8,000 to 70,00071,000 square feet, with an average size of approximately 48,00049,000 square feet. The Company’s store fleet includes a variety of sizes with a few locations in operation since the 1950’s; all stores are branded Weis Markets and provide the same basic offerings scaled to the size of each store. The new Weis prototype averages approximately 65,000 square feet.  The following summarizes the number of stores by size categories as of year-end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

2016

2020

2019

Square feet

Number of stores

% of Total

Number of stores

% of Total

Number of stores

% of Total

Number of stores

% of Total

55,000 to 70,000

60 

 

29% 

 

58 

 

28% 

 

Over 55,000

61

31%

62

31%

45,000 to 54,999

70 

 

34% 

 

70 

 

34% 

 

70

35%

68

34%

35,000 to 44,999

53 

 

26% 

 

53 

 

26% 

 

47

24%

48

24%

25,000 to 34,999

17 

 

8% 

 

18 

 

9% 

 

13

7%

15

8%

Under 25,000

 

3% 

 

 

3% 

 

5

3%

5

3%

Total

205 

 

100% 

 

204 

 

100% 

 

196

100%

198

100%

The Company believes that opening new stores and remodeling current stores are vital for future Company growth. The location and appearance of its stores are important components of attracting new and retaining current customers. On an average basis, the Company has five to eight new stores in the process of being developed and dedicates a quarterone third of its capital budget to new stores annually, excluding acquisitions. Generally, another fifteen to twenty percent of the capital budget is dedicated to store remodels while the remainder is attributable to smaller in-store sales-driven projects, store maintenance and store support function expenditures. See the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section included in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more details regarding the Company’s capital expenditures.

The following schedule shows the changes in the number of retail food stores, total square footage and store additions/remodels as of year-end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Beginning store count

204 

 

163 

 

163 

 

165 

 

163 

 

198 

202 

205 

204 

163 

New stores (1)

 

44 

 

---

 

 

 

2

1

2

2

44

Opened relocated stores

---

 

---

 

 

 

---

 

---

---

---

---

---

Closed stores

(1)

 

(3)

 

---

 

(3)

 

(2)

 

(4)

(5)

(5)

(1)

(3)

Closed relocated stores

---

 

---

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

---

 

---

---

---

---

---

Ending store count

205 

 

204 

 

163 

 

163 

 

165 

 

196 

198 

202 

205 

204 

Total square feet (000’s), at year-end

9,867 

 

9,777 

 

8,215 

 

8,202 

 

8,211 

 

9,568 

9,642 

9,800 

9,867 

9,777 

Additions/major remodels

 

 

16 

 

 

12 

 

13 

12 

____________________

(1) In the second half of 2016, Weis Markets acquired five former Mars Super Market stores located in Baltimore County, Maryland; 38 former Food Lion Supermarket stores located in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware; and one former Nell’s Family Market store located in East Berlin, Pennsylvania.

Utilizing its own centrally located distribution center and transportation fleet, Weis Markets self distributes approximately 67%68% of product with the remaining being supplied by direct store vendors. In addition, the Company has three manufacturing facilities which process milk, ice cream and fresh meat products. The corporate offices are located in Sunbury, PA.

The Company strives to be good stewards of the environment and makes this an important part of its overall mission. Its sustainability strategy operates under four key pillars: green design, natural resource conservation, food and agricultural impact and social responsibility. The goal of the sustainability strategy is to reduce the Company’s overall carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the impact on climate change. The Company set a goal in 2008 to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% by the year 2020.  In 2016, the company exceeded this goal with a carbon reduction of 22%.  The Company continues to be a member of the EPA GreenChill program for advancing environmentally beneficial refrigerant management systems andsystems. The Company currently has teneleven stores registered under this program.  Additional corporate sustainability goals are: reducing energy usage by 2% each year, replacing 50%program and plans to expand this program to more stores. Since 2016, the Company has replaced 100% of the truckits tractor fleet with fuel efficient tractors within three yearsmore fuel-efficient and increasinglower-emission tractors. The Company continues to emphasize recycling 5% each year.  In 2017,in all areas, most recently noting a decrease in store waste where the Company recycled 73,000has diverted 39 thousand tons of materials, representing a corporate wide recycling ratewaste from landfills. These statistics and more can be found in the Company’s most recently published sustainability report, linked below in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 66%. Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


2


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 1.    Business: (continued)

The Company operates in a highly competitive market place. The number and the variety of competitors vary by market. The Company’s principal competition consists of international, national, regional and local food chains, as well as independent food stores. The Company also faces substantial competition from convenience stores, membership warehouse clubs, specialty retailers, supercenters and large-scale drug and pharmaceutical chains. This competition is augmented by the food retail industry’s expansion into the online market in recent years. The Company continues to effectively compete by offering a strong combination of value, quality and service.service, as well as offering Weis 2 Go curbside pickup and delivery; further enhancing service offerings and providing additional convenience to customers.

Human Capital. The Company believes that talent is a business differentiator and is committed to creating a sustainable competitive advantage through the selection, development and promotion of talented, highly motivated people. The Company believes that establishing a learning culture supports its commitment to be an employer of choice and helps drive customer engagement with its associates. Improvements in the Company’s talent management and development will help drive business impact while providing internal career opportunities. The Company continues to grow leaders at every level throughout the organization by creating a culture of mentoring, coaching and leveraging on-the-job assignments for continued development. The Company believes that a strong employment brand is necessary to attract and retain top talent and affects its ability to compete and execute strategic plans. The Company will continue to assess and upgrade underlying technologies to support human capital development as a strategic imperative for future growth.

The Company currently employs approximately 23,00024,000 full-time and part-time associates. Approximately 98% of Weis Markets associates are paid an hourly wage.

Trade Names and Trademarks. The Company has invested significantly in the development and protection of “Weis Markets” both as a trade name and a trademark and considers it to be an important asset. The Company is the exclusive licensee of nearly 100 trademarks registered and/or pending in the United States Patent and Trademark Office from WMK Holdings, Inc., including trademarks for its product lines and promotions such as Weis, Weis 2 Go, Weis Wonder Chicken, Weis Great Meals Start Here, Weis Gas-n-Go and Weis Nutri-Facts. Each trademark registration is for an initial period of 10 years and may be renewed so long as it is in continued use in commerce.

The Company considers its trademarks to be of material importance to its business and actively defends and enforces its rights.

The Company maintains a corporate web site at www.weismarkets.com.www.weismarkets.com/investor-relations. The Company makes available, free of charge, on the “Financial”“Investor Relations” page of the “Corporate Information” section of its web site, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material or furnishes it to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by clicking on the “SEC Information” link.

The Company’s Corporate Governance materials can be found on the”Governance” page of the “Corporate Information” section of its web site. These materials include the Corporate Governance Guidelines; the Charters of the Audit, Compensation and Disclosure Committees; and both the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics for the CEO and CFO. A copy of the foregoing corporate governance materials is available upon written request to the Company’s principal executive offices.

Item 1a.Risk Factors:

In addition to risksCompetitive and uncertainties in the ordinary course of business common to all businesses, important factors are listed below specific to the Company and its industry, which could materially impact its future performance.Reputational Risks

The Company’s industry is highly competitive. If the Company is unable to compete effectively, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected.

The retail food industryis intensely price competitive, and the competition the Company encounters may have a negative impact on product retail prices. The operating environment continues to be characterized by aggressive expansion, entry of non-traditional competitors, market consolidation and increasing fragmentation of retail and online formats. The introduction of on-line food retail in recent years has augmented competition in industry. The financial results may be adversely impacted by a competitive environment that could cause the Company to reduce retail prices without a reduction in its product cost to maintain market share; thus reducing sales and gross profit margins.

The trade area of the Company is located within a region and is subject to the economic, social and climate variables of that region.

The majority of the Company’s stores are concentrated in central and northeast Pennsylvania, central Maryland, suburban Washington, DC and Baltimore regions and New York’s Southern Tier.  Changes in economic and social conditions in the Company’s operating regions, including fluctuations in the inflation rate along with changes in population and employment and job growth rates, affect customer shopping habits.  These changes may negatively impact sales and earnings.  Business disruptions due to weather and catastrophic events historically have been few.  The Company’s geographic regions could receive an extreme variance in the amount of annual snowfall that may materially affect sales and expense results.

The Company may be unable to retain key management personnel.

The Company's success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of senior management. The loss of any key member of management may prevent the Company from implementing its business plans in a timely manner.  In addition, employment conditions specifically may affect the Company’s ability to hire and train qualified associates.

3


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 1a.    Risk Factors: (continued)

Food safety issues could result in the loss of consumer confidence in the Company.

Customers count on the Company to provide them with safe and wholesome food products. Concerns regarding the safety of food products sold in its stores could cause shoppers to avoid purchasing certain products from the Company, or to seek alternative sources of supply for all of their food needs, even if the basis for the concern is outside of the Company’s control. A loss in confidence on the part of its customers would be difficult and costly to reestablish. As such, any issue regarding the safety of any food items sold by the Company, regardless of the cause, could have a substantial and adverse effect on operations.

The Company may be unable to retain key management personnel.

The Company's success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of senior management. The loss of any key member of management may prevent the Company from implementing its business plans in a timely manner. In addition, employment conditions specifically may affect the Company’s ability to hire and train qualified associates.

Financial, Investments and Infrastructure Risks

The failure to execute expansion plans could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of its operations.

Circumstances outside the Company’s control could negatively impact anticipated capital investments in store, distribution and manufacturing projects, information technology and equipment. The Company cannot determine with certainty whether its new or acquired stores will meet expected benefits including, among other things, operating efficiencies, procurement savings, innovation, sharing of best practices and increased market share that may allow for future growth. Achieving the anticipated benefits may be subject to a number of significant challenges and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the possibility of imprecise assumptions underlying expectations regarding potential synergies and the integration process, unforeseen expenses and delays diverting management’s time and attention and competitive factors in the marketplace.

The Company’s investment portfolio may suffer losses from changes in market interest rates and changes in market conditions which could adversely affect results of income or liquidity.

The Company’s marketable securities consist of corporate and municipal bonds and equity securities. These investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks. As a result, the Company may experience a reduction in value or loss of liquidity from investments, which may have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Unexpected factors affecting self-insurance claims and reserve estimates could adversely affect the Company.

The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance to provide for potential liabilities for workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle accident, property and associate medical benefit claims. Management estimates the liabilities associated with the risks retained by the Company, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic and severity factors and other actuarial assumptions which, by their nature, are subject to a high degree of variability. Any projection of losses concerning workers’ compensation and general liability is subject to a high degree of variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors affecting future inflation rates, litigation trends, legal interpretations, benefit level changes and claim settlement patterns.

Information Security, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Risks

Disruptions or securitycybersecurity breaches in the Company’s information technology systems could adversely affect results.

The Company’s business is highly dependent on complex information technology systems that are vital to its continuing operations. If the Company was to experience difficulties maintaining existing systems or implementing new systems, significant losses could be incurred due to disruptions in its operations. Additionally, these systems contain valuable proprietary data as well as receipt and storage of personal information about its associates and customers, in particular electronic payment data and personal health information that, if breached, would have an adverse effect on the Company. Such an occurrence could adversely affect the Company’s reputation with its customers, associates, and vendors, as well as the Company’s operations, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and could result in litigation against the Company or the imposition of penalties.

4


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 1a.    Risk Factors: (continued)

Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks

The Company is affected by certain operating costs which could increase or fluctuate considerably.

Associate expenses contribute to the majority of the Company’s operating costs. The Company's financial performance is potentially affected by increasing wage and benefit costs, a competitive labor market, regulatory wage increases and the risk of unionized labor disruptions of its non-union workforce. The Company's profit is particularly sensitive to the cost of oil. Oil prices directly affect the Company's product transportation costs, as well as its utility and petroleum-based supply costs. It also affects the costs of its suppliers, which impacts its cost of goods.

Changes in vendor promotions or allowances, including the way vendors target their promotional spending, and the Company's ability to effectively manage these programs could significantly impact margins and profitability.

The Company cooperatively engages in a variety of promotional programs with its vendors. As the parties assess the results of specific promotions and plan for future promotions, the nature of these programs and the allocation of dollars among them changes over time. The Company manages these programs to maintain or improve margins while at the same time increasing sales. A reduction in overall promotional spending or a shift by vendors in promotional spending away from certain types of promotions that the Company and its customers have historically utilized could have a significant impact on profitability.

Legal, Regulatory and Other External Risks

The trade area of the Company is located within a region and is subject to the economic, social and climate variables of that region.

The majority of the Company’s stores are concentrated in central and northeast Pennsylvania, central Maryland, suburban Washington, DC and Baltimore regions and New York’s Southern Tier. Changes in economic and social conditions in the Company’s operating regions, including fluctuations in the inflation rate along with changes in population and employment and job growth rates, affect customer shopping habits. These changes may negatively impact sales and earnings. Business disruptions due to weather and catastrophic events historically have been few. The Company’s geographic regions could receive an extreme variance in the amount of annual snowfall that may materially affect sales and expense results.

Various aspects of the Company’s business are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws, regulations and administrative practices that affect the Company’s business. The Company must comply with numerous provisions regulating health and sanitation standards, food labeling, equal employment opportunity, minimum wages and licensing for the sale of food, drugs and alcoholic beverages. The Company’s compliance with these regulations may require additional capital expenditures and could adversely affect the Company’s ability to conduct the Company’s business as planned. Management cannot predict either the nature of future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, or the effect either additional government regulations or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, or disparate federal, state, and local regulatory schemes would have on the Company’s future business. They could, however, require the reformulation of certain products to meet new standards, the recall or discontinuance of certain products not able to be reformulated, additional record keeping, expanded documentation of the properties of certain products, expanded or different labeling and/or scientific substantiation. Any or all of such requirements could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

4


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 1a.   Risk Factors: (continued)

Unexpected factors affecting self-insurance claims and reserve estimates could adversely affect the Company.

The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance to provide for potential liabilities for workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle accident, property and associate medical benefit claims.  Management estimates the liabilities associated with the risks retained by the Company, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic and severity factors and other actuarial assumptions which, by their nature, are subject to a high degree of variability. Any projection of losses concerning workers’ compensation and general liability is subject to a high degree of 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 claim settlement patterns.

Changes in tax laws may result in higher income tax.

The Company's future effective tax rate may increase from current rates due to changes in laws and the status of pending items with various taxing authorities. Currently, the Company benefits from a combination of its corporate structure and certain state tax laws.

The Company’s investment portfolio may suffer losses from changes in market interest rates and changes in market conditions which could adversely affect results of income or liquidity.

The Company’s marketable securities consist of municipal bonds and equity securities.  The municipal bond investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks.  Substantially all of these securities are subject to interest rate and credit risk and will decline in value if interest rates increase or one of the issuers’ credit ratings is reduced.  As a result, the Company may experience a reduction in value or loss of liquidity from investments, which may have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. 

The Company is a controlled Company due to the common stock holdings of the Weis family.

The Weis family’s share ownership represents approximately 65% of the combined voting power of the Company’s common stock as of December 30, 2017.26, 2020. As a result, the Weis family has the power to elect a majority of the Company’s directors and approve any action requiring the approval of the shareholders of the Company, including adopting certain amendments to the Company’s charter and approving mergers or sales of substantially all of the Company’s assets. Currently, one of the Company’s five directors is a member of the Weis family.

Changes in vendor promotions or allowances, including the way vendors target their promotional spending,5


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 1a.    Risk Factors: (continued)

The Company’s business and operations, and the Company's ability to effectively manage these programs could significantly impact marginsoperations of the Company’s suppliers, have been, and profitability.may in the future be adversely affected by epidemics or pandemics such as the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak.

The Company cooperatively engages inmay face risks related to health epidemics and pandemics or other outbreaks of communicable diseases. The global spread of COVID-19 has created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. The Company’s business was deemed essential during the novel coronavirus pandemic and the Company is committed to maintaining a variety of promotional programs with its vendors.  As the partiessafe work and shopping environment. Management, at this time, cannot assess the results of specific promotions and plan for future promotions, the nature of these programs and the allocation of dollars among them changes over time.  The Company manages these programsultimate economic impact to maintain or improve margins while at the same time increasing sales.  A reduction in overall promotional spending or a shift by vendors in promotional spending away from certain types of promotions that the Company, which will be determined by, among other things, the length of time that such circumstances continue, nor can the Company predict the effects of governmental and its customers have historically utilizedpublic responses to changing conditions. The risks and uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic are broad however below is a list of risks management is monitoring which could have a significantmaterial impact on profitability.the Company’s business:

Employees – Reduced workforces due to the temporary inability to work caused by illness, quarantine, or government mandates.

Supply Chain – Interruption in the Company’s supply chain due to the novel coronavirus.

Lawsuits – Future litigation arising from issues concerning the novel coronavirus.

Future government regulation – Future laws, regulations, interpretations, administrative orders, or applications that may have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations and costs.

Customer trends – Changes in the methods in which customers procure the Company’s products.

Cyber security – Increased cyber-attacks due to “work at home” requirements.

Item 1b.Unresolved Staff Comments:

There are no unresolved staff comments.

5


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 2.Properties:

As of December 30, 2017,26, 2020, the Company owned and operated 9497 of its retail food stores and leased and operated 11199 stores under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2033.2036. The Company owns all trade fixtures and equipment in its stores and several parcels of vacant land, which are available as locations for possible future stores or other expansion.

The Company owns and operates one distribution center in Milton, Pennsylvania of approximately 1.3 million square feet, and one in Northumberland, Pennsylvania totaling approximately 76,00076 thousand square feet. The Company also owns one warehouse complex in Sunbury, Pennsylvania totaling approximately 541,000535 thousand square feet. The Company utilizes 258,000258 thousand square feet of its Sunbury location to operate its ice cream plant, meat processing plant and milk processing plant.

Item 3.3.    Legal Proceedings:

Neither the Company nor any subsidiary is presently a party to, nor is any of their property subject to, any pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to the business that would not have a material adverse effect on the financial results. The Company estimates any exposure to these legal proceedings and establishes accruals for the estimated liabilities, where it is reasonably possible to estimate and where an adverse outcome is probable.


6


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Information about the Company’s Executive Officers of the Registrant 

The following sets forth the names and ages of the Company’s executive officers as of March 15, 2018,11, 2021, indicating all positions held during the past five years:

Name

Age

Title

Wayne S. Bailey (a)

62

Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics

Scott F. Frost (b)

58

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Robert G. Gleeson (c)

55

Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing

David W. Gose II (d)

54

Senior Vice President of Operations

Harold G. Graber (e)

65

Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development, Secretary

Michael T. Lockard (f)

51

Senior Vice President

James E. Marcil (g)

62

Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Kurt A. Schertle (h)

49

Chief Operating Officer

Jonathan H. Weis (a)(i)

5053

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

Kurt A. Schertle (b)Richard G. Zeh Jr. (j)

4648

Chief Operating Officer

Wayne S. Bailey (c)

59

Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics

Scott F. Frost (d)

55

Senior Vice President, Chief FinancialInformation Officer and Treasurer

David W. Gose II (e)

51

Senior Vice President of Operations

Harold G. Graber (f)

62

Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development, Secretary

Richard A. Gunn (g)

53

Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing

James E. Marcil (h)

59

Senior Vice President of Human Resources

(a)

Jonathan H. Weis. The Company has employed Mr. Weis since 1989.  Mr. Weis served the Company as Vice President of Property Management and Development from 1996 until April 2002, at which time he was appointed as Vice President and Secretary.  In January of 2004, the Board appointed Mr. Weis as Vice Chairman and Secretary.  Mr. Weis became the Company's interim President and Chief Executive Officer in September 2013 and was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer in February 2014.  The Board elected Mr. Weis as Chairman of the Board in April 2015.

(b)

Kurt A. Schertle. The Company hired Mr. Schertle on March 1, 2009 as its Vice President of Sales and Merchandising, which included the responsibility of overseeing the Marketing Department.  In February 2010, Mr. Schertle was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising.  In July 2012, Mr. Schertle was promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales and Merchandising at which time, he assumed the additional responsibility of overseeing the Company’s Supply Chain.  In September 2013, Mr. Schertle assumed the additional responsibility of overseeing Store Operations and Mr. Schertle was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in March 2014. 

(c)

Wayne S. Bailey. Mr. Bailey joined the Company full-time in 1979 and he has held several positions since then, including but not limited to, Grocery Manager, Store Manager, District Manager, Director of Merchandising and Sales and Vice President of Operational Administration.  In January 2011, Mr. Bailey became a Regional Vice President and in January 2013 he assumed the role of Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics.  In June 2016, Mr. Bailey was promoted to Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics.

(d)

Scott F. Frost. Mr. Frost joined the Company full-time in 1984 and he has held various positions since then, including but not limited to, Controller, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and Acting Chief Financial Officer.  The Company appointed Mr. Frost as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in October 2009.  In January 2011, Mr. Frost was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.   

(e)

David W. Gose II. Mr. Gose joined the Company in May 2014 as Senior Vice President of Operations.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gose was Senior Director and Regional General Manager of Walmart Ohio, a retail store SuperCenter, from February 2010 until May 2014.  Walmart Ohio consisted of 92 stores that geographically included all stores South of Toledo, Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown.

(f)

Harold G. Graber. Mr. Graber joined the Company in October 1989 as the Director of Real Estate.  Mr. Graber, who served the Company as Vice President for Real Estate since 1996, was promoted to Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development in February 2010.  Mr. Graber was appointed as Secretary of the Company in February 2014.

(g)

Richard A. Gunn. Mr. Gunn joined the Company in May 2015 as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gunn was employed by K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. from May 1999 through April 2015 and most recently served as Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing.  K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. is a regional supermarket chain and distribution center operating in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. 

(h)

James E. Marcil. Mr. Marcil joined the Company in September 2002 as Vice President of Human Resources.  In February 2010, Mr. Marcil was promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources.  

(a)Wayne S. Bailey. Mr. Bailey joined the Company full-time in 1979 and he has held several positions since then, including but not limited to, Grocery Manager, Store Manager, District Manager, Director of Merchandising and Sales and Vice President of Operational Administration. In January 2011, Mr. Bailey became a Regional Vice President and in January 2013 he assumed the role of Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics. In June 2016, Mr. Bailey was promoted to Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics.

(b)Scott F. Frost. Mr. Frost joined the Company full-time in 1984 and he has held various positions since then, including but not limited to, Controller, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and Acting Chief Financial Officer. The Company appointed Mr. Frost as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in October 2009. In January 2011, Mr. Frost was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

(c)Robert G. Gleeson. Mr. Gleeson joined the Company in October 2018 and was promoted to Vice President of Fresh Merchandising in July 2019. In March 2021, Mr. Gleeson was promoted to Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gleeson held senior level merchandising positions, including Vice President of Center Store for Shoppers and Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Division President for Supervalu.

(d)David W. Gose II. Mr. Gose joined the Company in May 2014 as Senior Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gose was Senior Director and Regional General Manager of Walmart Ohio, a retail store Supercenter, from February 2010 until May 2014. Walmart Ohio consisted of 92 stores that geographically included all stores south of Toledo, Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown.

(e)Harold G. Graber. Mr. Graber joined the Company in October 1989 as the Director of Real Estate. Mr. Graber, who served the Company as Vice President for Real Estate since 1996, was promoted to Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development in February 2010. Mr. Graber was elected as Secretary of the Company in February 2014.

(f)Michael T. Lockard. Mr. Lockard joined the Company in January 2021 as Senior Vice President and will be assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective March 12, 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lockard was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. from March 2012 until January 2021. K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. is a self-distributing regional supermarket chain operating in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. Prior to 2012, Mr. Lockard held various financial management positions with Walmart and UPS.

(g)James E. Marcil. Mr. Marcil joined the Company in September 2002 as Vice President of Human Resources. In February 2010, Mr. Marcil was promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Marcil held senior level Human Resources positions with CVS and General Electric.

(h)Kurt A. Schertle. The Company hired Mr. Schertle on March 1, 2009 as its Vice President of Sales and Merchandising, which included the responsibility of overseeing the Marketing Department.  In February 2010, Mr. Schertle was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. In July 2012, Mr. Schertle was promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales and Merchandising at which time, he assumed the additional responsibility of overseeing the Company’s Supply Chain.  In September 2013, Mr. Schertle assumed the additional responsibility of overseeing Store Operations and Mr. Schertle was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in March 2014. 

7


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

(i)Jonathan H. Weis. The Company has employed Mr. Weis since 1989. Mr. Weis served the Company as Vice President of Property Management and Development from 1996 until April 2002, at which time he was appointed as Vice President and Secretary. In January of 2004, the Board appointed Mr. Weis as Vice Chairman and Secretary. Mr. Weis became the Company's interim President and Chief Executive Officer in September 2013 and was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer in February 2014. The Board elected Mr. Weis as Chairman of the Board in April 2015.

(j)Richard G. Zeh, Jr. Mr. Zeh joined the Company in September 2016 as Chief Information Officer. In February 2021, Mr. Zeh was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Zeh was Chief Financial Officer of Mazzone Management Group. During his career, Mr. Zeh has worked in increasingly senior finance and information technology positions in the food retail and service industries including as Vice President and Chief Information Officer at The Golub Corporation/ Price Chopper Supermarkets.

PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol WMK). The approximate number of shareholders, including individual participants in security position listings on March 14, 201811, 2021 was 6,493.  High and low stock prices and dividends paid per share for the last two fiscal years were: 10,502.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2017

 

2016



Stock Price

Dividend

 

Stock Price

Dividend

 

Quarter

 

High

 

 

Low

 

Per Share

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

Per Share

 

First

$

68.88 

 

$

55.34 

 

$

0.30 

 

$

46.64 

 

$

37.14 

 

$

0.30 

 

Second

 

62.88 

 

 

46.05 

 

 

0.30 

 

 

53.59 

 

 

42.77 

 

 

0.30 

 

Third

 

49.44 

 

 

41.30 

 

 

0.30 

 

 

55.49 

 

 

48.01 

 

 

0.30 

 

Fourth

 

45.68 

 

 

31.26 

 

 

0.30 

 

 

68.40 

 

 

51.56 

 

 

0.30 

 

The following line graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s common stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P Composite-500 Stock Index and the cumulative total return of a publishedCompany-selected group index forthat the Retail Grocery Stores Industry (“PeerCompany deems most properly represents its “Peer Group”), provided by Value Line, Inc., for the period of five years. The Peer group is made up of five retail grocers that the Company feels most closely relate to its size and business profile, and one national grocer the Company believes to be an industry market leader. The companies making up the Peer Group, in no particular order, are, Ingles Markets, Inc; Village Super Market, Inc.; Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (included through June 20, 2019 when it was acquired by Apollo Global Management, LLC); Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. and The Kroger Company. The graph depicts $100 invested at the close of trading on the last trading day preceding the first day of the fifth preceding year in Weis Markets, Inc. common stock, S&P 500, and the Peer Group. The cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

Comparative Five-Year Total Returns

Picture 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Weis Markets, Inc.

100.00 

 

136.95 

 

127.95 

 

121.81 

 

188.49 

 

119.53 

 

100.00 

149.22 

94.69 

110.04 

97.16 

117.96 

S&P 500

100.00 

 

132.39 

 

150.51 

 

152.60 

 

170.85 

 

208.15 

 

100.00 

108.87 

130.01 

120.87 

157.55 

182.26 

Peer Group

100.00 

 

125.60 

 

188.67 

 

223.35 

 

209.14 

 

194.77 

 

100.00 

92.90 

80.60 

76.55 

85.35 

84.12 

8


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 6.Selected Financial Data:

The following selected historicalfive years of financial information has been derived from the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements. This information should be read in connection with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, as well as "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in Item 7.


Five Year Review

52 Weeks

52 Weeks

52 Weeks

52 Weeks

53 Weeks

Ended

Ended

Ended

Ended

Ended

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Dec. 26, 2020

Dec. 28, 2019

Dec. 29, 2018

Dec. 30, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Net sales

$

4,112,601

$

3,543,299

$

3,509,270

$

3,466,807

(1)

$

3,136,720

Income from operations

163,178

84,639

82,671

78,519

98,922

Net income

118,917

67,983

62,738

98,414

(2)

87,162

Cash dividends per share

1.24

1.24

1.21

1.20

1.20

Basic and diluted earnings per share

4.42

2.53

2.33

3.66

3.24

Working capital

279,933

216,354

201,909

208,972

207,700

Total assets

1,820,421

1,675,562

1,432,011

1,441,739

1,431,304

Inventory

269,024

279,806

280,756

279,509

276,783

Property and Equipment, net

924,429

886,928

887,608

886,243

878,195

Shareholders’ equity

1,146,115

1,058,745

1,022,899

992,844

926,722

Closing share price

47.43

40.12

46.85

41.39

66.84

(1) In September 2016, the Company began its acquisition of Operations
38 former Food Lion, LLC stores. These stores contributed $369.2 million to sales in 2017.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



52 Weeks

 

53 Weeks

 

52 Weeks

 

52 Weeks

 

52 Weeks

(dollars in thousands, except shares,

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

per share amounts and store information)

Dec. 30, 2017

 

Dec. 31, 2016

 

Dec. 26, 2015

 

Dec. 27, 2014

 

Dec. 28, 2013

Net sales

$

3,466,807 

 

$

3,136,720 

 

$

2,876,748 

 

$

2,776,683 

 

$

2,692,588 

Costs and expenses

 

3,390,382 

 

 

3,038,395 

 

 

2,785,969 

 

 

2,695,308 

 

 

2,578,916 

Income from operations

 

76,425 

 

 

98,325 

 

 

90,779 

 

 

81,375 

 

 

113,672 

Investment income and interest expense

 

2,598 

 

 

2,457 

 

 

1,552 

 

 

2,287 

 

 

4,684 

Gain on bargain purchase

 

 

 

23,879 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Income before provision for income taxes

 

79,023 

 

 

124,661 

 

 

92,331 

 

 

83,662 

 

 

118,356 

Provision for income taxes

 

(19,391)

 

 

37,499 

 

 

33,001 

 

 

29,281 

 

 

45,170 

Net income

 

98,414 

 

 

87,162 

 

 

59,330 

 

 

54,381 

 

 

73,186 

Retained earnings, beginning of year

 

1,062,778 

 

 

1,007,894 

 

 

980,842 

 

 

958,739 

 

 

917,831 



 

1,161,192 

 

 

1,095,056 

 

 

1,040,172 

 

 

1,013,120 

 

 

991,017 

Other comprehensive income tax reform adjustment

 

1,042 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Cash dividends

 

32,278 

 

 

32,278 

 

 

32,278 

 

 

32,278 

 

 

32,278 

Retained earnings, end of year

$

1,127,872 

 

$

1,062,778 

 

$

1,007,894 

 

$

980,842 

 

$

958,739 

Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted

 

26,898,443 

 

 

26,898,443 

 

 

26,898,443 

 

 

26,898,443 

 

 

26,898,443 

Cash dividends per share

$

1.20 

 

$

1.20 

 

$

1.20 

 

$

1.20 

 

$

1.20 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

$

3.66 

 

$

3.24 

 

$

2.21 

 

$

2.02 

 

$

2.72 

Working capital

$

208,972 

 

$

207,700 

 

$

232,722 

 

$

229,595 

 

$

215,802 

Total assets

$

1,441,739 

 

$

1,431,304 

 

$

1,235,959 

 

$

1,191,119 

 

$

1,148,242 

Shareholders’ equity

$

992,844 

 

$

926,722 

 

$

871,747 

 

$

844,763 

 

$

821,770 

Number of grocery stores

 

205 

 

 

204 

 

 

163 

 

 

163 

 

 

165 

(2) On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform”). The Tax Reform significantly impacted the Company’s effective income tax rate by reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.


9


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations:

Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand Weis Markets, Inc., its operations and its present business environment. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report. The following analysis should also be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the cautionary statement captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” immediately following this analysis. This overview summarizes the MD&A, which includes the following sections:

 •   Company Overview - a general description of the Company’s business and strategic imperatives.

 •   Results of Operations - an analysis of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the three years presented in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 •   Liquidity and Capital Resources - an analysis of cash flows, aggregate contractual obligations, and off-balance sheet arrangements.

 •   Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments and estimates.

Company Overview

General

Weis Markets is a conventional supermarket chain that operates 205197 retail stores with over 23,000approximately 24 thousand associates located in Pennsylvania and six surrounding states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia. Approximately 98% of Weis Markets associates are paid an hourly wage. Its products sold include groceries, dairy products, frozen foods, meats, seafood, fresh produce, floral, pharmacy services, deli products, prepared foods, bakery products, beer and wine, fuel, and general merchandise items, such as health and beauty care and household products. The store product selection includes national, local and private brands and the Company promotes by using Everyday Lower Price, Low Price Guarantee, Low, Low Price, and Loyalty programs. The Loyalty program includes fuel rewards that may be redeemed at the Company’s fuel stations or one of its third-party fuel station partners. On January 17, 2019 the Company announced a new pricing strategy for its private brand products named Low, Low Price. The move took the Company’s private brand products from a high, low pricing strategy to everyday low price.

Utilizing its own centrally located distribution center and transportation fleet, Weis Markets self distributes approximately 67%68% of product with the remaining being supplied by direct store vendors. In addition, the Company has three manufacturing facilities which process milk, ice cream and fresh meat products. The corporate offices are located in Sunbury, PA where the Company was founded in 1912.

The Company’s operations are reported asCompany continues to innovate and remain relevant to industry trends and offer customer convenience by presenting

programs like “Weis 2 Go Online” and home delivery. In 2020, the Company offered Weis 2 Go Online in 183 of its locations, adding 29 stores since the end of 2019. Weis 2 Go Online allows the customer to order on-line and then pick up their order at a single reportable segment.drive-thru location at the store. The Company began offering home delivery during the third quarter of 2018 and currently offers this convenience to customers in 175 different locations.


10


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Company Overview (continued)

Strategic Imperatives

The following strategic imperatives continue to be focused upon by the Company to attempt to ensure the success of the Company in the coming years:

·

Establish a Sales Driven Culture – The Company continues to focus on sales and profits growth, improved operating practices, increased productivity and positive cash flow.  The Company believes disciplined growth will increase its market share and operating profits, resulting in enhanced shareholder value.  The Company’s method of driving sales includes focused preparation and execution of sales programs, investing in new stores and remodels, and strategic acquisitions.  Communicating clear executable standards and aligning performance measures across the organization will help to instill a sales-driven operating environment.

·

Build and Support Human Resources  – The Company is committed to creating a sustainable competitive advantage through the selection, development and promotion of the best people.  The Company believes that establishing a learning culture will both support its commitment to be an employer of choice and will drive customer engagement with its associates.  Improvements in the Company’s human capital communication and support structures will facilitate internal career opportunities which will improve retention of top talent.  The Company continues to grow leaders at every level throughout the organization by creating a culture of mentoring, coaching and leveraging on-the-job assignments for continued development.  The Company believes that a strong employment brand is necessary to build associate engagement and directly impacts its ability to compete and execute strategic plans.  The Company will continue to assess and upgrade underlying technologies to support human capital development as a strategic imperative for future growth.

·

Become More Relevant to Consumers – Understanding the consumer is crucial to the Company’s strategic plan.  The Company will develop and cultivate a culture where it’s continually “on trend” with its consumers at the current time and where they are going next.  The Company researches and studies the wants and needs of core consumers and casual consumers.  It measures customer satisfaction and shares insights across the organization to improve communication between management and its consumers.  The Company uses consumer data to measure the value of programs offered and support consumer attraction and retention.  The Company believes that private brand products exceed consumer expectations and will focus on the value and attribute messaging to drive organic growth.

·

Create Meaningful Differentiation – The Company recognizes the need to offer a compelling reason for customers to choose them over other channels.  The Company has identified product pricing and promotion, customer shopping experience, and merchandising strategies as critical components of future success.  The Company recognizes that the core of the strategy will focus on alignment of merchandising programs that foster customer engagement supported by a shopping experience that delivers the customer’s needs.  As part of this strategy, management is committed to offering its customers a strong combination of quality, service and value.

·

Develop and Align Organizational Capabilities –  The Company will elevate organizational capacity to support decision effectiveness and deliver consistent execution.  To support this strategy the Company will assess organizational capacity to support the Company’s strategic direction. The Company will align business functions and processes to enhance key capabilities and to support scalability of operations.  Continued investments in information technology systems to improve associate engagement, increase productivity, and provide valuable insight into customer behavior/shopping trends will remain a focus of the Company.  The Company believes these systems will continue to play a key role in the measurement of the Company’s strategic decisions and financial returns.

·

Focus on Sustainability Strategies – The Company strives to be good stewards of the environment and makes this an important part of its overall mission.    Its sustainability strategy operates under four key pillars: green design, natural resource conservation, food and agricultural impact and social responsibility.  The goal of the sustainability strategy is to reduce the Company’s overall carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the impact on climate change. 

Establish a Sales Driven Culture – The Company continues to focus on sales and profits growth, improved operating practices, increased productivity and positive cash flow. The Company believes disciplined growth will increase its market share and operating profits, resulting in enhanced shareholder value. The Company’s method of driving sales includes focused preparation and execution of sales programs, investing in new stores and remodels, and strategic acquisitions. Communicating clear executable standards and aligning performance measures across the organization will help to instill a sales-driven operating environment.

Build and Support Human Capital – The Company believes that talent is a business differentiator and is committed to creating a sustainable competitive advantage through the selection, development and promotion of talented, highly motivated people. The Company believes that establishing a learning culture supports its commitment to be an employer of choice and helps drive customer engagement with its associates. Improvements in the Company’s talent management and development will help drive business impact while providing internal career opportunities. The Company continues to grow leaders at every level throughout the organization by creating a culture of mentoring, coaching and leveraging on-the-job assignments for continued development. The Company believes that a strong employment brand is necessary to attract and retain top talent and affects its ability to compete and execute strategic plans. The Company will continue to assess and upgrade underlying technologies to support human capital development as a strategic imperative for future growth.

Become More Relevant to Consumers – Understanding the consumer is crucial to the Company’s strategic plan. The Company will develop and cultivate a culture where it’s continually “on trend” with its consumers at the current time and where they are going next. The Company researches and studies the wants and needs of core consumers and casual consumers. It measures customer satisfaction and shares insights across the organization to improve communication between management and its consumers. The Company uses consumer data to measure the value of programs offered and support consumer attraction and retention. The Company believes that its private brand products exceed consumer expectations and will continue to focus on the value and attribute messaging to drive organic growth.

Create Meaningful Differentiation – The Company recognizes the need to offer a compelling reason for customers to choose them over other channels. The Company has identified product pricing and promotion, customer shopping experience, and merchandising strategies as critical components of future success. The Company recognizes that the core of the strategy will focus on alignment of merchandising programs that foster customer engagement supported by a shopping experience that surpasses customers’ expectations. As part of this strategy, management is committed to offering its customers a strong combination of quality, service and value.

Develop and Align Organizational Capabilities – The Company will elevate organizational capacity to support decision effectiveness and deliver consistent execution. To support this strategy the Company will assess organizational capacity to support the Company’s strategic direction. The Company will align business functions and processes to enhance key capabilities and to support scalability of operations. Continued investments in information technology systems to improve associate engagement, increase productivity, and provide valuable insight into customer behavior/shopping trends will remain a focus of the Company. The Company believes these systems will continue to play a key role in the measurement of the Company’s strategic decisions and financial returns.

Focus on Sustainability Strategies – The Company strives to be good stewards of the environment and makes this an important part of its overall mission. Its sustainability strategy operates under four key pillars: green design, natural resource conservation, food and agricultural impact and social responsibility. The goal of the sustainability strategy is to reduce the Company’s overall carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the impact on climate change.


11


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income

Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income

Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Changes

(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Changes

2020

2019

2018

2020 vs.

2019 vs.

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

2017

2016

2015

2017 vs.

2016 vs.

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

(52 Weeks)

(53 Weeks)

(52 Weeks)

2016

2015

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018

(52 Weeks)

2019

2018

Net sales

$

3,466,807 

 

$

3,136,720 

 

$

2,876,748 

 

 

 

10.5

%

 

9.0

%

$

4,112,601 

$

3,543,299 

$

3,509,270 

16.1

%

1.0

%

Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses

 

2,540,348 

 

 

2,264,565 

 

 

2,090,016 

 

 

 

12.2

 

 

8.4

 

Cost of sales, including advertising, warehousing and distribution expenses

3,012,167 

2,605,105 

2,574,269 

15.6

1.2

Gross profit on sales

 

926,459 

 

 

872,155 

 

 

786,732 

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

10.9

 

1,100,434 

938,194 

935,001 

17.3

0.3

Gross profit margin

 

26.7 

%

 

27.8 

%

 

27.3 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26.8 

%

26.5 

%

26.6 

%

Operating, general and administrative expenses

 

850,034 

 

 

773,830 

 

 

695,953 

 

 

 

9.8

 

 

11.2

 

937,256 

853,555 

852,330 

9.8

0.1

O, G & A, percent of net sales

 

24.5 

%

 

24.7 

%

 

24.2 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22.8 

%

24.1 

%

24.3 

%

Income from operations

 

76,425 

 

 

98,325 

 

 

90,779 

 

 

 

(22.3)

 

 

8.3

 

163,178 

84,639 

82,671 

92.8

2.4

Operating margin

 

2.2 

%

 

3.1 

%

 

3.2 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.0 

%

2.4 

%

2.4 

%

Investment income and interest expense

 

2,598 

 

 

2,457 

 

 

1,552 

 

 

 

5.7

 

 

58.3

 

Investment income and interest expense, percent of net sales

 

0.1 

%

 

0.1 

%

 

0.1 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on bargain purchase

 

 -

 

 

23,879 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

(100.0)

 

 

100.0

 

Gain on bargain purchase, percent of net sales

 

 -

%

 

0.8 

%

 

 -

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment income (loss) and interest expense

3,817 

7,054 

(1,454)

(45.9)

585.1

Investment income (loss) and interest expense, percent of net sales

0.1 

%

0.2

%

0.0

%

Other income (expense)

(3,316)

(3,049)

919 

8.8

431.8

Other income (expense), percent of net sales

(0.1)

%

(0.1)

%

0.0 

%

Income before provision for income taxes

 

79,023 

 

 

124,661 

 

 

92,331 

 

 

 

(36.6)

 

 

35.0

 

163,679 

88,644 

82,136 

84.6

7.9

Income before provision for income taxes, percent of net sales

 

2.3 

%

 

4.0 

%

 

3.2 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.0 

%

2.5 

%

2.3 

%

Provision for income taxes

 

(19,391)

 

 

37,499 

 

 

33,001 

 

 

 

(151.7)

 

 

13.6

 

44,762 

20,661 

19,398 

116.6

6.5

Effective income tax rate

 

(24.5)

%

 

30.1 

%

 

35.7 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27.3 

%

23.3 

%

23.6 

%

Net income

$

98,414 

 

$

87,162 

 

$

59,330 

 

 

 

12.9

%

 

46.9

%

$

118,917 

$

67,983 

$

62,738 

74.9

%

8.4

%

Net income, percent of net sales

 

2.8 

%

 

2.8 

%

 

2.1 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.9 

%

1.9 

%

1.8 

%

Basic and diluted earnings per share

$

3.66 

 

$

3.24 

 

$

2.21 

 

 

 

13.0

%

 

46.6

%

$

4.42 

$

2.53 

$

2.33 

74.7

%

8.6

%

Net Sales



 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

Percentage Changes

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

2017 vs 2016

2016 vs 2015

Net sales

 

10.5 

%

 

9.0 

%

Net sales, excluding fuel sales

 

10.4 

 

 

9.3 

 

Net sales, adjusted for the additional week in 2016

 

12.8 

 

 

6.9 

 

Net sales, adjusted for the additional week in 2016, excluding fuel sales

 

12.6 

 

 

7.0 

 

Comparable store sales, adjusted for the additional week in 2016

 

1.6 

 

 

2.9 

 

Comparable store sales, adjusting for the additional week in 2016, excluding fuel sales

 

1.2 

%

 

2.9 

%

Percentage Changes

2020 vs. 2019

2019 vs. 2018

Net sales

16.1 

%

1.0 

%

Net sales, excluding fuel sales

17.0 

0.8 

Comparable store sales

16.4 

1.5 

Comparable store sales excluding fuel sales

17.5 

%

1.5 

%

____________________

(1)  The 2017 and 2015 years were comprised of 52 weeks where the 2016 year was comprised of 53 weeks.  Due to the Company’s 2016 fiscal year being comprised of 53 weeks, the first quarter of 2017 did not include a New Year holiday sales week.  Management estimates the incremental holiday sales impact was approximately $3.0 million in 2016. The $3.0 million holiday impact has been removed from the 2016 comparable sales numbers above.    

When calculating the percentage change in comparable store sales, the Company defines a new store to be comparable when it has been in operation forafter five full quarters. Relocated stores and stores with expanded square footage are included in comparable store sales since these units are located in existing markets and are open during construction. Planned store dispositions are excluded from the calculation. The Company only includes retail food stores in the calculation.


12


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Results of Operations (continued)

Net Sales (continued)

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report, the annual Seasonally Adjusted Food-at-Home Consumer Price Index decreasedincreased 0.2% in 2020, 0.9% in 2019 and 1.3%0.7% in 2017 and 2016 respectively but increased 1.1% in 2015.2018. Even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ index rates may be reflective of a trend, it will not necessarily be indicative of the Company’s actual results. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the 52-week average price of gasoline in the Central Atlantic States increased 13.1%decreased 12.8%, or $0.31$0.36 per gallon, in 20172020 compared to the 53-week52-week average in 2016.2019. The 53-week52-week average price of gasoline in the Central Atlantic States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, decreased 10.1%5.7%, or $0.26$0.17 per gallon, in 20162019 compared to the 52-week average in 2015.2018.

The Company attributes the increased  net sales primarily to the acquisition of 44 locations in the second half of 2016.    Comparable store sales increased for all years presented. On a comparable store sales basis all product categories, Center Store, Fresh and Pharmacy Services, with the exception of Fuel, increased in sales. The Company’s 2020 sales were favorably impacted as a result of increased sales demand related to the novel coronavirus pandemic as well as increasing market share. The Company was able to achieve this through targeted, tactical marketing programs in key regional markets along with its chain wide sales-driving promotional programs such as its loyalty card.  In conjunction with its marketing initiatives the Company continues to addhas provided additional product offerings and customer conveniences such as “Click and Collect.“Weis 2 Go Online,“Click and Collect”currently offered at 184 store locations. “Weis 2 Go Online” allows the customer to order on-line and then pickhave their order delivered or pick up their order at a drive thru location at the store.  With the aforementioned offerings and programs, the Company was able to offset substantial deflationary pressures in its fresh departments most notably meat and produce.  Pharmacy sales volume increased as a result of the Affordable Care Act and increased immunizations.  Fuel sales benefited from inflation as comparable fuel sales rose 12.2% during 2017. an expedient store drive-thru.

Although the Company experienced retail inflation and deflation in various commodities for the years presented, management cannot accurately measure the full impact of inflation or deflation on retail pricing due to changes in the types of merchandise sold between periods, shifts in customer buying patterns and the fluctuation of competitive factors. Management remains confident in its ability to generate sales growth in a highly competitive environment, but also understands some competitors have greater financial resources and could use these resources to take measures which could adversely affect the Company's competitive position.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales consists of direct product costs (net of discounts and allowances), net advertising costs, distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations. Almost all of theIncreased sales volume resulted in an increase in cost of sales in 2017 as compares to 2016 is due to the increased sales volume in 2017.sales.  Both direct product cost and distribution cost increase when sales volume increases.

Gross profit rate was 26.7%26.8% in 2017, 27.8%2020, 26.5% in 20162019 and 27.3%26.6% in 2015.2018. The decline in gross profit margin in 2017 can be attributed to lower than average winter sales volume due to lack of winter weather events in the first quarter of 2017.  Decreased sales volume negatively impacts the gross profit margin by increasing inventory shrinkage and fixed distribution costs comparative rates.  In the third quarter of 2017 retail deflation combined with cost inflation, decreased sales volume, competitive pricing and inventory management challenges in some of the recently acquired stores significantly reduced profits as a percent of sales for the produce, deli/food service, bakery, seafood and floral departments.  The 2016 increase in gross profit rate as comparedis attributable to 2015 was driven by a shiftchange in sales mix from fuelalong with increased fresh department sell-through during the novel coronavirus pandemic, reducing the amount of product loss. Pharmacy gross profit margin continues to grocery sales which carry a higher profit margin.be pressured by recent changes in industry practices. The Company cannot predict whether the pharmacy industry practices will change favorably.

The Company experienced favorable non-cash LIFO inventory valuation adjustment income of $1.1adjustments, increasing gross profit by $275 thousand, $5.8 million and $2.2$1.5 million for 20172020, 2019 and 2016, respectively, and adjustment expense of $1.4 million for 2015.2018, respectively.

Although the Company experienced product cost inflation and deflation in various commodities in 2017,  20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, management cannot accurately measure the full impact of inflation or deflation on retail pricing due to changes in the types of merchandise sold between periods, shifts in customer buying patterns and the fluctuation of competitive factors.

13


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Results of Operations (continued)

Operating, General and Administrative Expenses

The majority of the expenses were driven by increased sales volume.

Employee-related costs such as wages, employer paid taxes, health care benefits and retirement plans, comprise approximately 60%62.7% of the total “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” During the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Company compensated its employees, primarily front-line associates over $32.5 million in various rewards, including an additional $2 per hour for 15 weeks. As a percent of sales, direct store labor decreased 0.2%0.6% in 20172020 compared to 20162019 and increased 0.2%decreased 0.1% in 20162019 compared to 2015.  The percent of2018. While direct store labor expenses increased in 2020 compared to 2019, the sales increases have outpaced the labor expense increase in 2016 iscausing the rate to fall, primarily due to the labor involved in opening the 44 acquisition stores in the second halffixed component of 2016.  State and local minimum wage laws continue to be a challenge for the Company however, managementstore labor. Management continues to monitor store labor efficiencies and develop labor standards to reduce costs while maintaining the Company’s customer service expectationsexpectations. Currently, the Company is continuing a multi-year initiative to offset their impact. install or upgrade self-checkouts in its stores in response to customer preference and labor rates and supply, including adding convertible dual-use checkout lanes.

The Company’s self-insured health care benefit expenses increased by 4.2%9.8% in 20172020 compared to 20162019 and increased by 15.4%1.0% in 20162019 compared to 2015 and as a percent of sales were 0.9%, 1.0% and 0.9% for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The increase in 2017 from 2016 is mainly attributed to the increase in participants for a full year from the acquired stores.    The increase in 2016 from 2015 is mainly attributed to an increase in participants from the acquired locations as well as overall group health costs.  The Company remains concerned about the impact that The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have on its future operating expenses.2018.

Depreciation and amortization expense charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses” was $77.4$90.2 million, or 2.2% of net sales, for 20172020 compared to $69.8$85.2 million, or 2.2%2.4% of net sales, for 20162019 and $63.3$84.4 million, or 2.2%2.4% of net sales, for 2015.  The decrease in depreciation2018. Depreciation and amortization expense as a percent of sales decreased 0.2% in 20172020 when compared to 2016 and increase in 20162019, however when 2019 is compared to 20152018 there was the impact of opening the 44 acquisition stores in the second half of 2016.no change. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section for further information regarding the Company’s capital expansion program.

In 2016,

A breakdown of the material increases (decreases) as a percent of sales in "Operating, general and administrative expenses" is as follows:

2020 vs. 2019

(dollars in thousands)

Increase

Increase (Decrease)

December 26, 2020

(Decrease)

as a % of sales

Employee expense

$

64,241 

(0.5)

%

Utilities expense

(2,385)

(0.2)

Fixed Expense

9,462 

(0.4)

2019 vs. 2018

(dollars in thousands)

Increase

Increase (Decrease)

December 28, 2019

(Decrease)

as a % of sales

Utilities expense

$

(5,655)

(0.2)

%

Fixed expenses include occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization and insurance expenses. Although fixed expenses have increased from a cost perspective, the Company determined that the asset value of one property was impaired. As a result, the Company recognized a pre-tax impairment loss of $894,000.  See Note 1(l) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company's impairment charges.    The Company recognized pre-tax gains of $751,000 in 2015 from the sale of two properties. 



 

 

 

 

A breakdown of the material increases (decreases) as a percent of sales in "Operating, general and administrative expenses" is as follows:



 

 

 

 



2017 vs. 2016



Increase

Increase (Decrease)

(dollars in thousands)

(Decrease)

as a % of sales

Employee-related expenses

$

38,808 (0.3)

%

Rent expense

 

7,152 0.1 

 

The dollar amount increase in rent is primarily driven by the acquisition of five former Mars Super Market stores, 38 former Food Lion stores andsales has caused a former Nell’s Family Market storedecrease in the second half of 2016.  The Company expects the percent of sales to decrease over timerate.

The majority of the operating, general and administrative expenses as it develops the acquisition stores’ sales. 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



2016 vs. 2015



Increase

Increase (Decrease)

(dollars in thousands)

(Decrease)

as a % of sales

Employee-related expenses

$

41,174 0.1 

%

Acquisition-related expenses

$

14,166 0.5 

%

Employee related expenses increased in 2016a percent of sales presented for the reasons noted above andfiscal year 2020 have benefited in comparison with the 2019 percent of sales due to a 25%the increase in associates relatedsales caused by the acquisitionnovel coronavirus pandemic. Due to the nature of five former Mars stores, 38 former Food Lion storesfixed expenses, management expects less variability when analyzed as a percent of sales, relative to the majority of operating, general and administrative expenses.

All expenses as a former Nell’s Family Market store.  This increasepercent of sales presented for the 2019 fiscal year have benefited in associates contributedcomparison with the 2018 percent of sales due to increased wages, benefitsthe closure of unprofitable stores. The Company is benefiting from cost saving initiatives in various areas of its operations and retirement expenses.is saving in utilities with a combination of purchasing, associate sustainability and capital investments such as its LED lighting program.

Acquisition-related expenses, excluding the expenses mentioned above, primarily consisted of store operating expenses, travel expenses and contracted labor for store resets.The Company’s 2019 sustainability report my be found at: https://www.weismarkets.com/sites/default/files/weisbynature_sustainabilityupdate_2019_web_final-s.pdf?330


14


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Results of Operations (continued)

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was (24.5)%27.3%, 30.1%23.3% and 35.7%23.6% in 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.  On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the ”Tax Reform”).  The Tax Reform significantly impacted the Company’s effective income tax rate by reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and allowing immediate expensing of qualified assets placed into service after September 27, 2017.  Other elements of the Tax Reform have minor impacts, however the above mentioned decreased deferred income tax by $49.3 million. The effective income tax rate decreased in 2016differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as nondeductible employee expenses. Not all the impact ofCompany’s tax credits and state deductions are driven proportionately by taxable income levels, due to these items and the bargain purchase gain onsignificant increase in taxable income from prior years, the 38 locations being included in the overall gain calculation and not inresult was a higher effective income tax expense.  The effective tax rate excluding the bargain purchase gain was 37.2%. for 2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The primary sourcessource of cash areis cash flows generated from operations and borrowings underoperations. In addition, the Company has access to a revolving credit agreement the Company entered into on September 1, 2016, and amended on August 21, 2019, with Wells Fargo Bank, NA.NA (the “Credit Agreement”). The Company’sCredit Agreement matures on September 1, 2022 and provides for an unsecured revolving credit agreement has afacility with an aggregate principal amount of $100.0not to exceed $30.0 million with an additional discretionary availabilityamount available of $50.0$70.0 million. As of December 30, 2017,26, 2020, the Company’s unused availability under the revolving credit agreement was $46.8$25.1 million with $35.0 million of borrowings outstanding and $18.2$4.9 million of letters of credit outstanding. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support performance, payment, deposit or surety obligations of the Company.  The Company does not anticipate drawing on any of them.  

The Company’s investment portfolio consists of high grade municipalhigh-grade bonds with maturity dates between one and 10 years and three long-held high yield, large capitalized public company equity securities.  The portfolio totaled $63.7$111.9 million as of December 30, 2017.26, 2020.  Management anticipates maintaining the investment portfolio, but has the ability to liquidate if needed. See “Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for more details regarding the Company’s market risk.

The Company’s capital expansion program includes the construction of new superstores, the expansion and remodeling of existing units, the acquisition of sites for future expansion, new technology purchases and the continued upgrade of the Company’s distribution facilities and transportation fleet.  Management currently plans to invest approximately $85.5$135 million in its capital expansion program in 2018.2021.

The Board of Directors’ 2004 resolution authorizing the repurchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock has a remaining balance of 752,468 shares.

Quarterly Cash Dividends

Total cash dividend payments on common stock, on a per share basis, amounted to $1.20$1.24 in 2017,  20162020, $1.24 in 2019 and 2015.$1.21 in 2018. The Company expects to continue paying regular cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the Board of Directors reconsiders the declaration of dividends quarterly. The Company pays these dividends at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the continuation of these payments and the amount of the dividends depends upon the results of operations, the financial condition of the Company and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant.


15


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

2017

2016

2015

2017 vs.

2016 vs.

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

(52 Weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

2016

2015

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 26, 2020,

2020

2019

2018

2020 vs.

2019 vs.

December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018

(52 Weeks)

(52 weeks)

2019

2018

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

$

165,814 

 

$

151,593 

 

$

136,733 

 

$

14,221 

 

$

14,860 

 

$

277,990 

$

171,686 

$

150,263 

$

106,304 

$

21,423 

Investing activities

 

(97,396)

 

 

(186,734)

 

 

(109,845)

 

 

89,338 

 

 

(76,889)

 

(174,895)

(109,269)

(92,838)

(65,626)

(16,431)

Financing activities

 

(61,766)

 

 

32,198 

 

 

(32,278)

 

 

(93,964)

 

 

64,476 

 

(33,354)

(33,354)

(67,534)

-

34,180 

Operating

Cash flows from operating activities increased in 20172020 as compared to 20162019 and in 20162019 as compared to 2015 primarily related2018, respectively. Management attributes the majority of the increase in 2020 over 2019 to increased sales volume resulting from the novel coronavirus pandemic and its impact on Net Income. The increase in cash flow from 2018 to 2019 is attributable to improved profits. Decreased inventory levels supporting greater sales volume throughout the supply chain continue to favorably impact cash flow for all years presented. Improved ordering methods for the Company’s distribution center and stores as well as the Company’s most recent store inventory initiative, “Top Stock” have contributed to this improvement. “Top Stock” moves product from the store back room to a top shelf in the aisle, making replenishment and inventory control more efficient while keeping the associates more accessible to the Company’s recent acquisitions.  The acquisitions are summarized in Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  In addition, in 2017 the negative impact of first quarter long-term incentive payments of $11.8 million were offset by a reduction of $17.1 million of cash paid for income taxes during the year.     customer.

Investing

Property and equipment purchases totaled $95.9$131.0 million in 2017,2020, compared to $142.1$101.5 million in 20162019 and $90.2$95.6 million in 2015.  In the second half of 2016, the Company paid $24.6 million for the purchase of five former Mars Super Market locations in the Baltimore County, MD region; $29.4 million for the purchase of 38 former Food Lion Supermarket locations throughout Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and $9.6 million for the purchase of a former Nell’s Family Market location in East Berlin, PA.   The Company paid $7.9 million for the property and equipment related to the purchase of a store in Hanover, PA in the third quarter of 2015.2018.  As a percentage of sales, capital expenditures including the 2016 acquisitions, were 2.8%totaled 3.2% in 2017, 7.0%2020, 2.9% in 2016,2019 and 3.1%2.7% in 2015.  In 2016, the2018. The Company sold $42.5 million ofsignificantly increased its marketable securities as it prepared to finance future acquisitions.holdings in 2020 by approximately $43 million. In 2017,2021, the Company plans to maintain or further increase its marketable securities portfolio at its current level.portfolio.

Financing

The Company paid dividends of $32.3$33.4 million in 2017, 20162020, $33.4 million in 2019 and 2015.$32.5 million in 2018.  The Company increased its quarterly dividend from 30 cents per share to 31 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2018. In 2017,2018, payments on the revolving credit agreement increased net cash used in financing activities by $29.5$35.0 million.  In 2016, the funds provided by the revolving credit agreement increased net cash flow provided by financing activities by $64.5 million.  The Company anticipates payments on the revolving credit agreement to continue throughout 2018.  

Contractual Obligations

The following table represents scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term contractual obligations as of December 30, 2017. 26, 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments due by period

Payments due by period

 

 

 

Less than

 

 

 

 

 

More than

Less than

More than

(dollars in thousands)

 

Total

 

1 year

 

1-3 years

 

3-5 years

 

5 years

Total

1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

5 years

Operating leases

$

245,494

$

43,820

$

73,765

$

48,017

$

79,892

$

241,151

$

46,631

$

78,908

$

55,878

$

59,734

Long-term Debt

 

34,988

 

-

 

34,988

 

-

 

-

Total

$

280,482

$

43,820

$

108,753

$

48,017

$

79,892

$

241,151

$

46,631

$

78,908

$

55,878

$

59,734


16


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, except for the Company's lease commitments to be recognized on the balance sheet related to operating leases for its store facilities and transportation equipment, which will be required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 per the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).  See Note 1(v) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on ASU 2016-02.flows.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company has chosen accounting policies that it believes are appropriate to accurately and fairly report its operating results and financial position, and the Company applies those accounting policies in a consistent manner. The Significant Accounting Policies are summarized in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that the Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company evaluates these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and may retain outside consultants, lawyers and actuaries to assist in its evaluation. The Company believes the following accounting policies are the most critical because they involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using both the last-in, first-out (LIFO) for center store and pharmacy inventoriesretail inventory and average cost methods for fresh inventories.  Under the LIFOmethods. The retail inventory method inventory is stated atcommonly used by retail companies to determine cost which is determined byand calculate gross margin based on applying a cost-to-retail ratio to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value. The Company’s center store and pharmacy inventories are valued using last in, first out (LIFO). The Company’s fresh inventories are valued using average cost. The Company evaluates inventory shortages throughout the year based on actual physical counts in its facilities. Allowances for inventory shortages are recorded based on the results of these counts and to provide for estimated shortages from the last physical count to the financial statement date.

Vendor Allowances

Vendor allowances related to the Company's buying and merchandising activities are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales as they are earned, in accordance with the underlying agreement. Off-invoice and bill-back allowances are used to reduce direct product costs upon the receipt of goods. Promotional rebates and credits are accounted for as a reduction in the cost of inventory and recognized when the related inventory is sold. Volume incentive discounts are realized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time it is deemed probable and reasonably estimableestimatable that the incentive target will be reached. Long-term contract incentives, which require an exclusive vendor relationship, are allocated over the life of the contract. Promotional allowance funds for specific vendor-sponsored programs are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales as the program occurs and the funds are earned per the agreement. Cash discounts for prompt payment of invoices are realized in cost of sales as invoices are paid. Warehouse and back-haul allowances provided by suppliers for distributing their product through the Company’s distribution system are recorded in cost of sales as the required performance is completed. Warehouse rack and slotting allowances are recorded in cost of sales when new items are initially set up in the Company's distribution system, which is when the related expenses are incurred and performance under the agreement is complete. Swell allowances for damaged goods are realized in cost of sales as provided by the supplier, helping to offset product shrink losses also recorded in cost of sales.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are inherently complex and require management’s evaluation and estimates, specifically regarding current and deferred income taxes and uncertain tax positions. The Company reviews the tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on tax returns to determine whether, and to what extent, a benefit can be recognized in its Consolidated Financial Statements. The assessment of the Company’s tax position relies on the judgment of management to estimate the more likely than not merits associated with the Company’s various tax positions.

Leases

The Company leases approximately 51% of its open store facilities under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2036, with the remaining store facilities being owned. These leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals; however, several provide for minimum annual rentals plus variable lease costs related to real estate taxes and insurance as well as contingent rentals based on a percentage of annual sales or increases periodically based on inflation. These variable lease costs are not included in the measurement of the operating lease right-to-use assets or lease liabilities and are charged to the related expense category included in “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” Most of the leases contain multiple renewal options, under which the Company may extend the lease terms from 5 to 20 years. Additionally, the Company has operating leases for certain transportation and other equipment. The Company leases or subleases space to tenants in owned, vacated and open store facilities. Rental income is recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”

17


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued)

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued)

Self-Insurance

Store Closing Costs

The Company provides for closed store liabilities relating to the estimated post-closing lease liabilities and related other exit costs associated with the store closing commitments.  As of December 30, 2017, the remaining closed store has a lease term of approximately eight months, and the liabilities associated with the closed store lease are paid over the term of the lease.  Closed store lease liabilities totaled $39,000 and $105,000 as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The Company estimates the lease liabilities, net of estimated sublease income, using the undiscounted rent payments of closed stores.  Other exit costs include estimated real estate taxes, common area maintenance, insurance and utility costs to be incurred after the store closes over the remaining lease term.  Store closings are generally completed within one year after the decision to close.  Adjustments to closed store liabilities and other exit costs primarily relate to changes in sublease income and actual exit costs differing from original estimates.  Adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the changes become known.  Any excess store closing liability remaining upon settlement of the obligation is reversed to income in the period that such settlement is determined.  Store closing liabilities are reviewed quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs, or that is no longer needed for its originally intended purpose, is adjusted to income in the proper period.  Inventory write-downs, if any, in connection with store closings, are classified in cost of sales.  Costs to transfer inventory and equipment from closed stores are expensed as incurred. 

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for a majority of its workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident and associate medical benefit claims. The self-insurance liability for most of the medical benefit claims is determined based on historical data and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The other self-insurance liabilities including workers’ compensation are determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company was liableis self-insured for associate healthcertain healthcare claims up to an annual maximum of $2,000,000 per member prior to March 1, 2014 and an unlimited amount per member as of March 1, 2014.  As of March 1, 2014, the Company purchased stop loss insurance which carriesstop-loss coverage is maintained for occurrences exceeding a $500,000$500 thousand specific deductible with a $250,000$450 thousand aggregating deductible. The Company is liable for workers' compensation claims upranging from $1.0 million to $2,000,000$2.0 million per claim. Property and casualty insurance coverage is maintained with outside carriers at deductible or retention levels ranging from $100,000$100 thousand to $1,000,000.$1.0 million. Significant assumptions used in the development of the actuarial estimates include reliance on the Company’s historical claims data including average monthly claims and average lag time between incurrence and reporting of the claim.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report may contain forward-looking statements, which are included pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. For example, risks and uncertainties can arise with changes in: general economic conditions, including their impact on capital expenditures; business conditions in the retail industry; the regulatory environment; rapidly changing technology and competitive factors, including increased competition with regional and national retailers; and price pressures. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

18


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 7a.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Expected Maturity Dates

 

Fair Value

Expected Maturity Dates

Fair Value

December 30, 2017

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2022

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Dec. 30, 2017

December 26, 2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Total

Dec. 26, 2020

Rate sensitive assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed interest rate securities

$

13,341 

 

$

5,774 

 

$

4,519 

 

$

7,475 

 

$

6,024 

 

$

19,407 

 

$

56,540 

 

 

$

54,833 

$

9,715

$

6,815

$

11,535

$

11,060

$

11,665

$

41,669

$

92,459

$

104,445

Average interest rate

 

2.04 

%

 

1.63 

%

 

2.15 

%

 

2.09 

%

 

2.51 

%

 

2.37 

%

 

2.16 

%

 

 

 

1.40

%

2.10

%

1.96

%

2.03

%

2.16

%

2.03

%

1.98

%

Other Relevant Market Risks

The Company’s equity securities at December 30, 201726, 2020 had a cost basis of $1,198,000 and a fair value of $8,832,000.$7.4 million. The dividend yield realized on these equity investments was 4.86%6.1% in 2017.2020. By their nature, both the fixed interest rate securities and the equity investments inherently expose the holders to market risk. The extent of the Company’s interest rate and other market risk is not quantifiable or predictable with precision due to the variability of future interest rates and other changes in market conditions. However, the Company believes that its exposure in this area is not material.

The Company’s revolving credit agreement is exposed to interest rate fluctuations to the extent of changes in the LIBOR rate. The Company believes this exposure is not material due to availability of liquid assets to eliminate the outstanding credit facilityfacility.

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

WEIS MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

December 26, 2020

December 28, 2019

December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016

 

2017

 

 

2016

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

21,305 

 

$

14,653 

$

136,612 

$

66,871 

Marketable securities

 

63,665 

 

 

67,171 

111,855 

63,538 

SERP investment

 

14,476 

 

 

11,154 

22,764 

18,935 

Accounts receivable, net

 

82,877 

 

 

96,170 

56,760 

55,764 

Inventories

 

279,509 

 

 

276,783 

269,024 

279,806 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

19,435 

 

 

16,310 

29,187 

23,378 

Income taxes recoverable

 

2,047 

 

 

1,625 

Total current assets

 

483,314 

 

 

483,866 

626,202 

508,292 

Property and equipment, net

 

886,243 

 

 

878,195 

924,429 

886,928 

Operating lease right-to-use

199,901 

210,196 

Goodwill

 

52,330 

 

 

52,330 

52,330 

52,330 

Intangible and other assets, net

 

19,852 

 

 

16,913 

17,559 

17,816 

Total assets

$

1,441,739 

 

$

1,431,304 

$

1,820,421 

$

1,675,562 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

216,252 

 

$

199,159 

$

221,566 

$

180,718 

Accrued expenses

 

33,403 

 

 

50,947 

50,591 

39,528 

Operating leases

39,165 

39,114 

Accrued self-insurance

 

17,470 

 

 

19,330 

19,306 

15,719 

Deferred revenue, net

 

7,217 

 

 

6,730 

10,583 

8,662 

Income taxes payable

5,058 

8,197 

Total current liabilities

 

274,342 

 

 

276,166 

346,269 

291,938 

Long-term debt

 

34,988 

 

 

64,476 

Postretirement benefit obligations

 

18,409 

 

 

15,277 

25,757 

22,143 

Accrued self-insurance

 

20,140 

 

 

21,353 

20,297 

17,625 

Operating leases

169,064 

179,654 

Deferred income taxes

 

87,422 

 

 

119,445 

103,404 

97,041 

Other

 

13,594 

 

 

7,865 

9,515 

8,416 

Total liabilities

 

448,895 

 

 

504,582 

674,306 

616,817 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value, 100,800,000 shares authorized, 33,047,807 shares issued,

 

 

 

 

 

26,898,443 shares outstanding

 

9,949 

 

 

9,949 

9,949 

9,949 

Retained earnings

 

1,127,872 

 

 

1,062,778 

1,283,737 

1,198,173 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

 

5,880 

 

 

4,852 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(Net of deferred taxes of $1,299 in 2020 and $593 in 2019)

3,286 

1,480 

 

1,143,701 

 

 

1,077,579 

1,296,972 

1,209,602 

Treasury stock at cost, 6,149,364 shares

 

(150,857)

 

 

(150,857)

(150,857)

(150,857)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

992,844 

 

 

926,722 

1,146,115 

1,058,745 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

1,441,739 

 

$

1,431,304 

$

1,820,421 

$

1,675,562 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

2017

2016

2015

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 26, 2020,

2020

2019

2018

December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018

(52 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Net sales

$

3,466,807 

 

$

3,136,720 

 

$

2,876,748 

 

$

4,112,601 

$

3,543,299 

$

3,509,270 

Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses

 

2,540,348 

 

 

2,264,565 

 

 

2,090,016 

 

Cost of sales, including advertising, warehousing and distribution expenses

3,012,167 

2,605,105 

2,574,269 

Gross profit on sales

 

926,459 

 

 

872,155 

 

 

786,732 

 

1,100,434 

938,194 

935,001 

Operating, general and administrative expenses

 

850,034 

 

 

773,830 

 

 

695,953 

 

937,256 

853,555 

852,330 

Income from operations

 

76,425 

 

 

98,325 

 

 

90,779 

 

163,178 

84,639 

82,671 

Investment income and interest expense

 

2,598 

 

 

2,457 

 

 

1,552 

 

Gain on bargain purchase

 

 -

 

 

23,879 

 

 

 -

 

Investment income (loss) and interest expense

3,817 

7,054 

(1,454)

Other income (expense)

(3,316)

(3,049)

919 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

79,023 

 

 

124,661 

 

 

92,331 

 

163,679 

88,644 

82,136 

Provision for income taxes

 

(19,391)

 

 

37,499 

 

 

33,001 

 

44,762 

20,661 

19,398 

Net income

$

98,414 

 

$

87,162 

 

$

59,330 

 

$

118,917 

$

67,983 

$

62,738 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted

 

26,898,443 

 

 

26,898,443 

 

 

26,898,443 

 

26,898,443 

26,898,443 

26,898,443 

Cash dividends per share

$

1.20 

 

$

1.20 

 

$

1.20 

 

$

1.24 

$

1.24 

$

1.21 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

$

3.66 

 

$

3.24 

 

$

2.21 

 

$

4.42 

$

2.53 

$

2.33 

WEIS MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

2017

2016

2015

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 26, 2020,

2020

2019

2018

December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018

(52 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Net income

$

98,414 

 

$

87,162 

 

$

59,330 

 

$

118,917 

$

67,983 

$

62,738 

Other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Net of deferred taxes of $19, $239 and $37, respectively)

 

(43)

 

 

348 

 

 

(52)

 

Accumulated change in effective tax rate

 

1,042 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

(Net of deferred taxes of $706, $498 and $62, respectively)

1,806 

1,255 

(177)

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Net of deferred taxes of $11, $180 and $11, respectively)

 

29 

 

 

(257)

 

 

(16)

 

(Net of deferred taxes of $0, $14 and $14, respectively)

-

(37)

40 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

1,028 

 

 

91 

 

 

(68)

 

1,806 

1,218 

(137)

Comprehensive income, net of tax

$

99,442 

 

$

87,253 

 

$

59,262 

 

$

120,723 

$

69,201 

$

62,601 


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

(dollars in thousands, except shares)

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Total

Other

Total

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

Common Stock

Retained

Comprehensive

Treasury Stock

Shareholders’

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Income (Loss)

Shares

Amount

Equity

Balance at December 27, 2014

33,047,807 

$

9,949 

$

980,842 

$

4,829 

 

6,149,364 

$

(150,857)

$

844,763 

Net income

 

 

59,330 

 

 

 

 

59,330 

Other comprehensive loss, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 26, 2020

Common Stock

Retained

Comprehensive

Treasury Stock

Shareholders’

December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Income (Loss)

Shares

Amount

Equity

Balance at December 30, 2017

33,047,807 

$

9,949 

$

1,127,872 

$

5,880 

6,149,364 

$

(150,857)

$

992,844 

Net Income

62,738 

62,738 

Cumulative effect of accounting principal adoption of ASU 2016-01

5,481 

(5,481)

Other comprehensive income, net of

reclassification adjustments and tax

 

 

 

(68)

 

 

 

(68)

(137)

(137)

Dividends paid

 

 

(32,278)

 

 

 

 

(32,278)

(32,546)

(32,546)

Balance at December 26, 2015

33,047,807 

 

9,949 

 

1,007,894 

 

4,761 

 

6,149,364 

 

(150,857)

 

871,747 

Balance at December 29, 2018

33,047,807 

$

9,949 

$

1,163,545 

$

262 

6,149,364 

$

(150,857)

$

1,022,899 

Net income

 

 

87,162 

 

 

 

 

87,162 

67,983 

67,983 

Other comprehensive income, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reclassification adjustments and tax

 

 

 

91 

 

 

 

91 

1,218 

1,218 

Dividends paid

 

 

(32,278)

 

 

 

 

(32,278)

(33,354)

(33,354)

Balance at December 31, 2016

33,047,807 

 

9,949 

 

1,062,778 

 

4,852 

 

6,149,364 

 

(150,857)

 

926,722 

Balance at December 28, 2019

33,047,807 

$

9,949 

$

1,198,173 

$

1,480 

6,149,364 

$

(150,857)

$

1,058,745 

Net income

 

 

98,414 

 

 

 

 

98,414 

118,917 

118,917 

Other comprehensive income, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reclassification adjustments and tax

 

 

 

(14)

 

 

 

(14)

1,806 

1,806 

Other comprehensive income tax reform adjustment

 

 

(1,042)

 

1,042 

 

 

 

 -

Dividends paid

 

 

(32,278)

 

 

 

 

(32,278)

(33,354)

(33,354)

Balance at December 30, 2017

33,047,807 

$

9,949 

$

1,127,872 

$

5,880 

 

6,149,364 

$

(150,857)

$

992,844 

Balance at December 26, 2020

33,047,807 

$

9,949 

$

1,283,737 

$

3,286 

6,149,364 

$

(150,857)

$

1,146,115 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52 Weeks Ended

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 26, 2020

December 28, 2019

December 29, 2018

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

2017

2016

2015

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

98,414 

 

$

87,162 

 

$

59,330 

 

$

118,917 

$

67,983 

$

62,738 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

85,415 

 

 

76,862 

 

 

70,114 

 

99,370 

93,706 

93,567 

(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets

 

(700)

 

 

1,353 

 

 

(54)

 

Loss on disposition of fixed assets

3,914 

782 

1,274 

Impairment of fixed assets

 

 -

 

 

894 

 

 

 -

 

0

0

1,532 

(Gain) loss on sale of marketable securities

 

40 

 

 

(437)

 

 

(27)

 

Gain on sale of intangible assets

 

 -

 

 

(200)

 

 

 -

 

Gain on acquisition of business

 

 -

 

 

(23,879)

 

 

 -

 

(Gain) on sale of marketable securities

0

(51)

54 

Unrealized (gain) loss in value of equity securities

1,791 

(1,975)

1,606 

Deferred income taxes

 

(31,993)

 

 

5,703 

 

 

(212)

 

5,657 

5,765 

3,418 

Unrealized (gain) loss in SERP

(2,641)

(135)

1,883 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

(2,726)

 

 

(38,102)

 

 

10,242 

 

10,782 

950 

(1,247)

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses

 

9,598 

 

 

(5,096)

 

 

(17,127)

 

(6,804)

2,431 

(5,874)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

7,742 

 

 

46,131 

 

 

14,403 

 

54,658 

(505)

(18,583)

Income taxes

 

(422)

 

 

41 

 

 

(1,054)

 

(3,139)

913 

9,330 

Other

 

446 

 

 

1,161 

 

 

1,118 

 

(4,515)

1,822 

565 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

165,814 

 

 

151,593 

 

 

136,733 

 

277,990 

171,686 

150,263 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(95,857)

 

 

(142,144)

 

 

(90,210)

 

(130,991)

(101,456)

(95,696)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

 

2,246 

 

 

442 

 

 

1,929 

 

470 

4,245 

1,734 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

(12,612)

 

 

(40,858)

 

 

(31,329)

 

(50,789)

(13,620)

(5,627)

Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities

 

8,442 

 

 

1,335 

 

 

3,201 

 

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities

 

7,272 

 

 

62,566 

 

 

9,171 

 

Acquisition of business

 

 -

 

 

(63,632)

 

 

 -

 

Proceeds from the sale and maturities of marketable securities

7,730 

7,165 

12,384 

Purchase of intangible assets

 

(3,565)

 

 

(2,568)

 

 

(2,649)

 

(127)

(1,489)

(3,540)

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets

 

 -

 

 

200 

 

 

 -

 

Change in SERP investment

 

(3,322)

 

 

(2,075)

 

 

42 

 

(1,188)

(4,114)

(2,093)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(97,396)

 

 

(186,734)

 

 

(109,845)

 

(174,895)

(109,269)

(92,838)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from (payments on) long-term debt

 

(29,488)

 

 

64,476 

 

 

 -

 

Payments on long-term debt

0

0

(34,988)

Dividends paid

 

(32,278)

 

 

(32,278)

 

 

(32,278)

 

(33,354)

(33,354)

(32,546)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(61,766)

 

 

32,198 

 

 

(32,278)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

6,652 

 

 

(2,943)

 

 

(5,390)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

(33,354)

(33,354)

(67,534)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

69,741 

29,063 

(10,109)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

14,653 

 

 

17,596 

 

 

22,986 

 

66,871 

37,808 

47,917 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

21,305 

 

$

14,653 

 

$

17,596 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

136,612 

$

66,871 

$

37,808 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash paid for income taxes was $13.0$42.3 million, $31.0$14.1 million and $30.2$6.5 million in 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. Cash paid for interest related to long-term debt was $973,000$34 thousand, $65 thousand and $141,000$383 thousand in 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively.

2423


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies utilized in preparing the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements:

(a) Description of Business

Weis Markets, Inc. is a Pennsylvania business corporation formed in 1924. The Company is engaged principally in the retail sale of food in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The Company’s operations are reported as a single reportable segment. There was no material change in the nature of the Company's business during fiscal 2017.2020.

(b) Definition of Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December. Fiscal 2017 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 30, 2017.  Fiscal 2016 was comprised of 53 weeks, ending on December 31, 2016.  Fiscal 20152020 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 26, 2015.2020. Fiscal 2019 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 28, 2019. Fiscal 2018 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 29, 2018. References to years in this Annual Report relate to fiscal years.

(c) Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(d) Use of Estimates

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains its cash balances in the form of core checking accounts and money market accounts. The Company maintains cash deposits with banks that at times exceed applicable insurance limits. The Company reduces its exposure to credit risk by maintaining such deposits with high quality financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy.

The Company considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Investment amounts classified as cash equivalents as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 201628, 2019 totaled $341,000$95.9 million and $714,000$32.9 million, respectively.

Consumer electronic payments accepted at the point of sale, including all credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions that process in three days or less are classified as cash equivalents. Consumer electronic payment amounts classified as cash equivalents as of December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 totaled $41.7 million and $23.1 million, respectively.

(f) Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of corporate and municipal bonds and equity securities. The Company invests primarily in high-grade marketable debt securities. The Company classifies all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale.

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market price based on national markets. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on corporate and municipal bonds are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities are recorded in investment income (loss) and interest expense. A decline in the fair value below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities.

Equity securities are measured at fair value and the unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded in investment income (loss) and interest expense. The Company recognized a $1.8 million loss in 2020 and a $2.0 million gain in 2019.

(g) Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,946,000$2.4 million and $1,455,000$2.8 million as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, respectively. The reserve balance relates to amounts due from pharmacy third party providers, retail customer returned checks, manufacturing customers, vendors and tenants. The Company maintains an allowance for the amount of receivables deemed to be uncollectible and calculates this amount based upon historical collection activity adjusted for current conditions.  Customer electronic payments accepted at the point of sale are classified as accounts receivable until collected.


2524


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 1    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(h) Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using both the last-in, first-out (LIFO)retail inventory and average cost methods. The retail inventory method is commonly used by retail companies to determine cost and calculate gross margin based on applying a cost-to-retail ratio to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value. The Company’s center store and pharmacy inventories are valued using LIFO.  Under this method, inventory is stated at cost, which is determined by applying a cost-to-retail to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value.last in, first out (LIFO). The Company’s fresh inventories are valued using average cost. The Company evaluates inventory shortages throughout the year based on actual physical counts in its facilities. Allowances for inventory shortages are recorded based on the results of these counts and to provide for estimated shortages from the last physical count to the financial statement date.

(i) Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided on the cost of buildings and improvements and equipment using the straight-line method.

Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the leases or the useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter.

Maintenance and repairs are expensed and renewals and betterments are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the assets and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on the disposition is credited or charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”

(j) Leases

The Company leases approximately 51% of its open store facilities under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2036, with the remaining store facilities being owned. These leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals; however, several provide for minimum annual rentals plus variable lease costs related to real estate taxes and insurance as well as contingent rentals based on a percentage of annual sales or increases periodically based on inflation. These variable lease costs are not included in the measurement of the operating lease right-to-use assets or lease liabilities and are charged to the related expense category included in “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” Most of the leases contain multiple renewal options, under which the Company may extend the lease terms from 5 to 20 years. Additionally, the Company has operating leases for certain transportation and other equipment. The Company leases or subleases space to tenants in owned, vacated and open store facilities. Rental income is recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”

(k) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests when indicators of impairment are identified. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized until their useful life is determined to be no longer indefinite and are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 201628, 2019 consisted of the following:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

December 30, 2017

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

 



 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Gross

Amortization

 

Net

 

Gross

Amortization

 

Net

Liquor Licenses

$

11,121 

$

 -

$

11,121 

$

8,423 

$

 -

$

8,423 

Lease Acquisitions

 

10,960 

 

3,902 

 

7,058 

 

10,960 

 

2,984 

 

7,976 

Customer Lists

 

1,162 

 

175 

 

987 

 

295 

 

21 

 

274 

Total

$

23,243 

$

4,077 

$

19,166 

$

19,678 

$

3,005 

$

16,673 

December 26, 2020

December 28, 2019

Accumulated

Accumulated

(dollars in thousands)

Gross

Amortization

Net

Gross

Amortization

Net

Liquor licenses

$

15,032 

$

-

$

15,032 

$

14,905 

$

-

$

14,905 

Asset acquisitions and other

5,083 

3,345 

1,738 

5,083 

2,888 

2,195 

Total

$

20,115 

$

3,345 

$

16,770 

$

19,988 

$

2,888 

$

17,100 

Intangible assets with a definite useful life are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 30 years for lease acquisitions and up to 10 years for customer lists. Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approximately $1.0 million in 2018,  $1.0 million in 2019,  $1.0 million in 2020,  $975,000$444 thousand in 2021, $320 thousand in 2022, $310 thousand in 2023, $310 thousand in 2024 and $732,000$147 thousand in 2022.2025. As of December 30, 2017,26, 2020, the Company’s intangible assets with indefinite lives consisted of goodwill and Pennsylvania liquor licenses.


2625


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 1    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(k)(l) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates the period of depreciation or amortization for long-lived assets to determine whether current circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. The Company completes an impairment test annually. The Company also reviews its property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. An impairment loss would be recorded for the excess of net book value over the fair value of the asset impaired. The fair value is estimated based on current market values or expected discounted future cash flows.

With respect to owned property and equipment associated with closed stores, the value of the property and equipment would be adjusted to reflect recoverable values if current economic conditions and estimated fair values of the property was less than the net book value.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $894,000$1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 20162018 for the impairment of long-lived assets, including equipment and leasehold improvements. The charge was a result of management determining that the net book value of athis property was less than the recoverable value. This charge was included as a component of "Operating, general and administrative expenses." Management determined that no assets met the impairment criteria as of December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019.

The results of impairment tests are subject to management’s estimates and assumptions of projected cash flows and operating results. The Company believes that, based on current conditions, materially different reported results are not likely to result from long-lived asset impairments. However, a change in assumptions or market conditions could result in a change in estimated future cash flows and the likelihood of materially different reported results.

(l)  Store Closing Costs

The Company provides for closed store liabilities relating to the estimated post-closing lease liabilities and related other exit costs associated with the store closing commitments.  As of December 30, 2017, the remaining closed store has a lease term of approximately eight months, and the liabilities associated with the closed store lease are paid over the term of the lease.  Closed store lease liabilities totaled $39,000 and $105,000 as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The Company estimates the lease liabilities, net of estimated sublease income, using the undiscounted rent payments of closed stores.  Other exit costs include estimated real estate taxes, common area maintenance, insurance and utility costs to be incurred after the store closes over the remaining lease term.  Store closings are generally completed within one year after the decision to close.  Adjustments to closed store liabilities and other exit costs primarily relate to changes in sublease income and actual exit costs differing from original estimates.  Adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the changes become known.  Any excess store closing liability remaining upon settlement of the obligation is reversed to income in the period that such settlement is determined.  Store closing liabilities are reviewed quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs, or that is no longer needed for its originally intended purpose, is adjusted to income in the proper period. Inventory write-downs, if any, in connection with store closings are classified in cost of sales.  Costs to transfer inventory and equipment from closed stores are expensed as incurred.

The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business:

Closed Store

(dollars in thousands)

Obligations

Balance at December 26, 2015

$

212 

Additions

Payments

(33)

Adjustments

(74)

Balance at December 31, 2016

105 

Additions

Payments

Adjustments

(66)

Balance at December 30, 2017

$

39 

27


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(m) Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for a majority of its workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident and associate medical benefit claims. The self-insurance liability for most of the medical benefit claims is determined based on historical data and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The other self-insurance liabilities including workers’ compensation are determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company was liableis self-insured for associate healthcertain healthcare claims up to an annual maximum of $2,000,000 per member prior to March 1, 2014 and an unlimited amount per member as of and after March 1, 2014.  As of March 1, 2014, the Company purchased stop loss insurance which carriesstop-loss coverage is maintained for occurrences exceeding a $500,000$500 thousand specific deductible with a $250,000$450 thousand aggregating deductible. The Company is liable for workers' compensation claims upranging from $1.0 million to $2,000,000$2.0 million per claim. Property and casualty insurance coverage is maintained with outside carriers at deductible or retention levels ranging from $100,000$100 thousand to $1,000,000.$1.0 million. Significant assumptions used in the development of the actuarial estimates include reliance on the Company’s historical claims data including average monthly claims and average lag time between incurrence and reporting of the claim.

(n) Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company reviews the tax positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns to determine whether and to what extent a benefit can be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 89 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and other disclosures related to uncertain tax positions. To the extent interest and penalties would be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts are accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense.


26


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 1    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(o) Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

(p) Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of products to the Company’s customers is recognized at the point of sale. Discounts provided to customers at the point of sale through the Weis Club Preferred Shopper loyalty program are recognized as a reduction in sales as products are sold. Periodically, the Company will run a point basedpoint-based sales incentive program that rewards customers with future sales discounts. The Company makes reasonable and reliable estimates of the amount of future discounts based upon historical experience and its customer data tracking software. Sales are reduced rationally and systematically by these estimates over the life of the program. Discounts to customers at the point of sale provided by vendors, usually in the form of paper coupons, are not recognized as a reduction in sales provided the discounts are redeemable at any retailer that accepts those discounts. The Company records “Deferred revenue” for the sale of gift cards and revenue is recognized in “Net sales” at the time of customer redemption for products. Gift card breakage income is recognized in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” based upon historical redemption patterns and represents the balance of gift cards for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote. Sales tax is excluded from “Net sales.” The Company charges sales tax on all taxable customer purchases and remits these taxes monthly to the appropriate taxing jurisdiction. Merchandise return activity is immaterial to revenues due to products being returned quickly and the relatively low unit cost.

(q) Cost of Sales, Including Advertising, Warehousing and Distribution Expenses

“Cost of sales, including advertising, warehousing and distribution expenses” consists of direct product costs (net of discounts and allowances), advertising (net of vendor paid cooperative advertising credits), distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations. Advertising costs, net of vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, are expensed as incurred which are primarily funded by vendor cooperative advertising credits and occur in the same period as the product is sold.

(r) Vendor Allowances

Vendor allowances related to the Company's buying and merchandising activities are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales as they are earned, in accordance with the underlying agreement. Off-invoice and bill-back allowances are used to reduce direct product costs upon the receipt of goods. Promotional rebates and credits are accounted for as a reduction in the cost of inventory and recognized when the related inventory is sold. Volume incentive discounts are realized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time it is deemed probable and reasonably estimable that the incentive target will be reached. Long-term contract incentives, which require an exclusive vendor relationship, are allocated over the life of the contract. Promotional allowance funds for specific vendor-sponsored programs are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales as the program occurs and the funds are earned per the agreement. Cash discounts for prompt payment of invoices are realized in cost of sales as invoices are paid. Warehouse and back-haul allowances provided by suppliers for distributing their product through the Company’s distribution system are recorded in cost of sales offsetting costs incurred. Warehouse rack and slotting allowances are recorded in cost of sales when new items are initially set up in the Company's distribution system, which is when the related expenses are incurred and performance under the agreement is complete. Swell allowances for damaged goods are realized in cost of sales as provided by the supplier, helping to offset product shrink losses also recorded in cost of sales.

28


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(r)  Vendor Allowances (continued)

Vendor allowances recorded as credits in cost of sales totaled $114.1$133.5 million in 2017,  $123.92020, $130.4 million in 20162019 and $97.0$132.0 million in 2015.2018. Vendor paid cooperative advertising credits totaled $19.2$21.7 million in 2017,  $19.12020, $24.8 million in 20162019 and $17.1$19.4 million in 2015.2018. These credits were netted against advertising costs within “Operating, general“Cost of Sales, including Advertising, Warehousing and administrativeDistribution expenses.” The Company had accounts receivable due from vendors of $886 thousand and $1.0 million and $852,000 for earned advertising credits and $13.1$8.6 million and $10.7$9.5 million for earned promotional discounts as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, respectively. The Company had $9.8$3.3 million and $4.0$5.4 million in unearned income included in accrued liabilities for unearned vendor programs under long-term contracts for display and shelf space allocation as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, respectively.

(s) Operating, General and Administrative Expenses

Business operating costs including expenses generated from administration and purchasing functions, are recorded in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Business operating costs include items such as wages, benefits, utilities, repairs and maintenance, advertising costs and credits, rent, insurance, depreciation, leasehold amortization and costs for outside provided services.

(t) Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The Company recorded advertising expense, before vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, of $31.0$24.5 million in 2017,  $26.32020, $30.3 million in 20162019 and $23.1$30.5 million in 20152018 in “Operating, general“Cost of Sales, including Advertising, Warehousing and administrative expenses.Distribution Expenses.


27


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 1    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(u) Rental and Commission Income

The Company leases or subleases space to tenants in owned, vacated and open store facilities. Rental income is recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” All leases are operating leases. Refer to Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosure on operating leases as disclosed in Note 5.and rental income.

The Company provides a variety of services to its customers, including but not limited to lottery, money orders, third-party gift cards, and third-party bill pay services. Commission income earned from these services are recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” The Company recorded commission income of $17.7 million in 2020, $18.3 million in 2019 and $17.9 million in 2018.

(v) Current Relevant Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as amended by several subsequent ASU’s, which establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services.  In August 2015, the FASB issued a one-year deferral of the effective date of this new guidance resulting in it now being effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2018.  The Company has evaluated the impact of adoption of the ASU.  The Company’s assessment of the new guidance has identified customer loyalty programsregularly monitors recently issued accounting standards and gift cards affected by the new guidance.  The effects related to these transactions will not effect the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as any effect as a result of the adoption is not material.assesses their applicabilty and impact. The Company has determinedbelieves that the adoption of the ASUthere are no accounting standard updates that have or will not have a material or significant impact on the Company’s point of sale product sales.  The Company will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective method beginning December 31, 2017.accounting policies.


In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU 2016-01 generally requires that equity investments (excluding equity method investments) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.  The Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will likely have an impact on the net income reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, but will not impact the Company’s comprehensive income or shareholders’ equity.  The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with the cumulative effect of the adoption made to the balance sheet as of the date of adoption.  Adoption will result in a reclassification of the related accumulated unrealized appreciation, net of applicable deferred income taxes, currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, resulting in no impact on the Company’s shareholders’ equity.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842).  ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by their leases with lease terms more than 12 months.  ASU 2016-02 will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU and expects the adoption to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

2928


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(v)  Current Relevant Accounting Standards (continued)

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04 Liabilities – Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20) Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products.  ASU 2016-04 requires that an entity must disclose the methodology and specific judgements made in applying the breakage recognized.  ASU 2016-04 will become effective for the financial statements issued for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company has evaluated the effect of the adoption of the ASU and determined there will not be a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-04 beginning December 31, 2017. 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  ASU 2018-02 clarifies the treatment of the deferred tax adjustments on temporary differences that arose from items of income or loss that were originally recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) by reclassifying the stranded tax effect to retained earnings.  The Company early adopted this ASU for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2017.

Note 2    Marketable Securities

The Company’s marketable securities are all classified as available-for-sale within “Current Assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. FASB has established three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 Observable inputs, other than Level 1 inputs in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3 Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s marketable securities valued using Level 1 inputs include highly liquidthree public company equity securities, for which quoted market prices are available. The Company’s bond portfolio is valued using Level 2 inputsinputs. The Company’s corporate and municipal bonds are valued using a combination of pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, cash flow models with yield curves and other pricing models utilizing observable inputs, which are considered Level 2 inputs.

For Level 2 investment valuation, the Company utilizes standard pricing procedures of its investment advisory firm(s), which include various third partythird-party pricing services. These procedures also require specific price monitoring practices as well as pricing review reports, valuation oversight and pricing challenge procedures to maintain the most accurate representation of investment fair market value.

The Company accrues interest on its bond portfolio throughout the life of each bond held. Dividends from the equity securities are recognized as received. Both interest and dividends are recognized in “Investment income and interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized investment income of $536 thousand, $4.1 million and investment loss of $234 thousand which included an unrealized loss in equity securities of $1.8 million, an unrealized gain in equity securities of $2.0 million and an unrealized loss in equity securities of $1.6 million in the fiscal years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively.

30


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 2  Marketable Securities (continued)

Marketable securities, as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, consisted of:

Gross

Gross

(dollars in thousands)

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

December 26, 2020

Cost

Holding Gains

Holding Losses

Value

Available-for-sale:

Level 1

Equity securities

$

7,410 

Level 2

Corporate and municipal bonds

$

99,861 

$

5,723 

$

(1,139)

104,445 

$

99,861 

$

5,723 

$

(1,139)

$

111,855 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

Gross

(dollars in thousands)

Amortized

Unrealized

Fair

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

December 30, 2017

Cost

Holding Gains

Holding Losses

Value

December 28, 2019

Cost

Holding Gains

Holding Losses

Value

Available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

$

1,198 

$

7,634 

$

 -

$

8,832 

$

9,201 

Level 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

54,278 

 

671 

 

(116)

 

54,833 

Corporate and municipal bonds

$

52,264 

$

2,091 

$

(18)

54,337 

$

55,476 

$

8,305 

$

(116)

$

63,665 

$

52,264 

$

2,091 

$

(18)

$

63,538 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Gross

Gross

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

December 31, 2016

Cost

Holding Gains

Holding Losses

Value

Available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

$

1,198 

$

8,162 

$

 -

$

9,360 

Level 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

57,739 

 

531 

 

(459)

 

57,811 



$

58,937 

$

8,693 

$

(459)

$

67,171 

Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale at December 30, 2017,26, 2020, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Fair

Amortized

Fair

(dollars in thousands)

 

Cost

 

Value

Cost

Value

Available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

Due within one year

$

12,535 

$

12,585 

$

9,146 

$

9,233 

Due after one year through five years

 

22,421 

 

22,655 

44,030 

45,788 

Due after five years through ten years

 

19,322 

 

19,593 

46,685 

49,424 

Equity securities

 

1,198 

 

8,832 

$

55,476 

$

63,665 

$

99,861 

$

104,445 

29


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 2    Marketable Securities (continued)

SERP Investments

The Company also maintains a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan and a non-qualified pharmacist deferred compensation plan for certain of its associates which allows them to defer income to future periods. Participants in the plans earn a return on their deferrals based on mutual fund investments. The Company chooses to invest in the underlying mutual fund investments to offset the liability associated with the non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Such investments are reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as “SERP investment,” are classified as trading securities and are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs with gains and losses included in “Investment income and interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized investment income of $3.3 million, $3.0 million, and investment loss of $931 thousand in fiscal years ended December, 26, 2020, December 28, 20219, and December 29, 2018 The changes in the underlying liability to the associates are recorded in “Operating, general and administrative expenses“Other income (expense).”

31


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 3    Inventories

Merchandise inventories, as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, were valued as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

2020

2019

LIFO

$

221,777 

$

223,294 

$

191,051 

$

204,043 

Average cost

 

57,732 

 

53,489 

77,973 

75,763 

$

279,509 

$

276,783 

$

269,024 

$

279,806 

Management believes the use of the LIFO method for valuing certain inventories represents the most appropriate matching of costs and revenues in the Company’s circumstances. If all inventories were valued on the average cost method, which approximates current cost, total inventories would have been $78,005,000$70.4 million and $79,128,000$70.7 million higher than as reported on the above methods as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, respectively. During 2020 and 2019, the Company had certain decrements in its LIFO pools, which had an insignificant impact on the cost of sales.

Note 4    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, consisted of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Useful Life

 

 

 

 

Useful Life

(dollars in thousands)

(in years)

 

2017

 

2016

(in years)

2020

2019

Land

 

$

129,878 

$

134,813 

$

137,890 

$

137,977 

Buildings and improvements

10-60

 

693,898 

 

655,487 

10-60

779,927 

736,812 

Equipment

3-12

 

1,054,986 

 

1,033,967 

3-12

1,159,084 

1,096,252 

Leasehold improvements

5-20

 

212,109 

 

205,506 

5-20

225,393 

217,664 

Total, at cost

 

 

2,090,871 

 

2,029,773 

2,302,294 

2,188,705 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,204,628 

 

1,151,578 

1,377,865 

1,301,777 

 

$

886,243 

$

878,195 

$

924,429 

$

886,928 


3230


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 5    Lease Commitments

AtThe adoption of ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) had a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, resulting in operating lease right-to-use assets of $202 million and lease liabilities of $211 million as of December 30, 2017,2018. The difference between the Company leased approximately 54% of its open store facilities underoperating lease right-to-use assets and lease liabilities represents prepaid and accrued rents, unfavorable lease obligations, favorable lease assets and deferred tenant allowances associated with operating leases that expire at various dates through 2033.  These leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals; however, several provide for minimum annual rentals plus contingent rentals as of December 30, 2018 and reclassified against the operating lease right-to-use asset upon adoption.

The following is a percentage of annual sales and a number of leases require the Company to pay for all or a portion of insurance, real estate taxes, water and sewer rentals, and repairs, the cost of which is charged to the related expense category rather than being accounted for as rent expense.  Mostschedule of the leases contain multiple renewal options, under whichlease costs included in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” for the Company may extend the lease terms from 5 to 20 years.  Rents on operating leases, including agreements with step rents, are charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.  Additionally, the Company has operating leases for certain transportation and other equipment.fiscal year ended December 26, 2020.

Rent expense and income on all leases consisted of:

(dollars in thousands)

2020

2019

Operating lease cost

$

46,283 

$

46,063 

Variable lease cost

11,167 

10,998 

Lease or sublease income

(8,636)

(7,749)

Net lease cost

$

48,814 

$

49,312 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Minimum annual rentals

$

46,804 

$

38,632 

$

34,794 

Contingent rentals

 

432 

 

431 

 

452 

Lease or sublease income

 

(7,612)

 

(7,212)

 

(7,069)



$

39,624 

$

31,851 

$

28,177 

The following is a schedule by years of the future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and total minimum sublease and lease rental income to be received that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 30, 2017.26, 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Leases

 

Subleases

Leases

Subleases

2018

$

43,820 

$

(3,278)

2019

 

40,665 

 

(3,075)

2020

 

33,100 

 

(2,800)

2021

 

26,893 

 

(2,397)

$

46,631 

(3,683)

2022

 

21,124 

 

(2,054)

41,800 

(3,126)

2023

37,108 

(2,462)

2024

31,925 

(1,696)

2025

23,953 

(1,336)

Thereafter

 

79,892 

 

(8,693)

59,734 

(4,846)

$

245,494 

$

(22,297)

Total Lease Payments

$

241,151 

(17,149)

Less: Interest

32,922 

-

Present value of lease liabilities

208,229 

(17,149)

The Company did not havefollowing is a liability accruedschedule of weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rates as of December 31, 201726, 2020 and asDecember 28, 2019.

Lease Term and Discount Rate

December 26, 2020

December 28, 2019

Weighted-average remaining lease term

4.06 

4.44 

Weighted-average discount rate

3.36%

3.47%

Prior to the adoption of the ASU, leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals, minimum annual rentals, contingent rentals and sublease income.

Rent expense and income on all leases for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, for future minimum rental payments due on previously closed stores, reduced by the estimated sublease income to be received.  The future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and estimated sublease income for these locations are included in the above schedule.29, 2018 consisted of:

33

(dollars in thousands)

2018

Minimum annual rentals

$

47,253 

Contingent rentals

419 

Lease or sublease income

(7,757)

$

39,915 


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 6    Retirement Plans

The Company has a qualified retirement savings plan, the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, covering substantially all full-time associates. The plan has a contributory component as well as a noncontributory profit-sharing component for certain associates. The noncontributory component covers eligible associates which included certain salaried associates, store management and administrative support personnel. The Company also has threea non-qualified supplemental retirement plansplan covering highly compensated employees of the Company. The Company’s policy is to fund retirement plan costs as accrued, with the exception of the deferred compensation plan. Employer contributions to the qualified retirement plan are made at the sole discretion of the Company.

31


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Retirement plan costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

2020

2019

2018

Retirement savings plan

 

3,343 

 

3,593 

 

3,161 

4,949 

3,434 

3,525 

Deferred compensation plan

 

813 

 

788 

 

(318)

806 

801 

508 

Supplemental executive retirement plan

 

1,920 

 

909 

 

484 

463 

498 

390 

Deferred compensation plan for pharmacists

 

705 

 

284 

 

(165)

$

6,781 

$

5,574 

$

3,162 

$

6,218 

$

4,733 

$

4,423 

The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the payment of specific amounts of annual retirement benefits to certain officers or their beneficiaries over an actuarially computed normal life expectancy. Currently, there are no active officers in the plan. The expected payments under the plan provisions were determined through actuarial calculations dependent on the age of the recipient, using an assumed discount rate. The plan is unfunded and accounted for on an accrual basis. The recorded liability at December 30, 201726, 2020 is $4,914,000,$4.0 million which is based on expected payments to be made over the remaining lives of the beneficiaries. This amount is included in “Accrued expenses” and “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The expected payment amounts are approximately $1,013,000$1.0 million for 20182021 and for the years thereafter dependent on the lives of the beneficiaries.

The Company also maintains a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan and a non-qualified pharmacist deferred compensation plan for certain of its associates. These plans areThis plan is designed to provide retirement benefits and salary deferral opportunities because of limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and the Regulations implemented by the Internal Revenue Service. These plans areThis plan is unfunded and accounted for on an accrual basis. Participants in these plansthis plan are excluded from participation in the profit sharing portion of the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan once their yearly earnings exceed the IRS highly compensated threshold. The Board of Directors annually determines the amount of the allocation to the plans at its sole discretion. The allocation among the various plan participants is made in both flat dollar amounts and in relationship to their compensation. Plan participants are 100% vested in their accounts after sixthree years of service with the Company. Benefits are distributed among participants upon reaching the applicable retirement age.termination or retirement. Substantial risk of benefit forfeiture does exist for participants in these plans.this plan. The present value of accumulated benefits amounted to $14,508,000$22.8 million and $11,176,000$19.0 million at December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, respectively, and is included in “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 7    Revenue Recognition

The CompanyChief Operating Officer, the Company’s chief operating decision maker, analyzed store operational revenues by geographical area but each area offers customers similar product, has no other postretirement benefit plans.similar distribution methods, and supported by centralized management processes. The Company’s operations are reported as a single reportable segment.

The following table represents net sales by type of product for years ending December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018.

52 Weeks Ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 26, 2020

December 28, 2019

December 29, 2018

Grocery

$

3,627,898 

88.2

%

$

3,068,754 

86.6

%

$

3,063,218 

87.3

%

Pharmacy

356,630 

8.7

337,233 

9.5

314,584 

9.0

Fuel

117,800 

2.9

127,828 

3.6

125,993 

3.6

Manufacturing

10,273 

0.2

9,484 

0.3

5,475 

0.1

Total net sales

$

4,112,601 

100.0

%

$

3,543,299 

100.0

%

$

3,509,270 

100.0

%

34

32


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 78    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

All balances in accumulated other comprehensive income are related to available-for-sale marketable securities. The following table sets forth the balance of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Unrealized Gains

on Available-for-Sale

(dollars in thousands)

Marketable Securities

Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 29, 2018

$

262 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

1,255 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

(37)

Net current period other comprehensive Income

1,218 

Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 28, 2019

$

1,480 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

1,806 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

-

Net current period change in other comprehensive income

1,806 

Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 26, 20152020

$

4,761 

3,286 

    Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

348 

    Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

(257)

Net current period other comprehensive loss

91 

Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 31, 2016

$

4,852 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

(43)

Accumulated change in effective tax rate

1,042 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

29 

Net current period other comprehensive income

1,028 

Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 30, 2017

$

5,880 

The following table sets forth the effects on net income of the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended December 30, 2017,26, 2020, December 31, 201628, 2019 and December 26, 2015.29, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Reclassified from

Amounts Reclassified from

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to the

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to the

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Income

(dollars in thousands)

Location

2017

2016

2015

Location

2020

2019

2018

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities

Investment income and interest expense

$

(40)

$

437 

$

27 

Investment income (loss) and interest expense

$

-

$

(51)

$

(54)

Provision for income taxes

 

11 

 

(180)

 

(11)

Provision for income taxes

-

14 

14 

Total amount reclassified, net of tax

 

$

(29)

$

257 

$

16 

Total amount reclassified, net of tax

$

-

$

(37)

$

(40)


3533


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 89    Income Taxes

(dollars in thousands)

2020

2019

2018

Current:

Federal

$

29,121 

$

11,779 

$

11,385 

State

9,984 

3,117 

4,594 

Deferred:

Federal

4,090 

6,636 

6,059 

State

1,567 

(871)

(2,640)

$

44,762 

$

20,661 

$

19,398 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of:



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

$  

10,630 

$  

25,908 

$  

29,888 

State

 

1,972 

 

5,888 

 

3,325 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(34,659)

 

6,020 

 

(188)

State

 

2,666 

 

(317)

 

(24)



(19,391)

37,499 

$

33,001 

The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate 35%of 21% in 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015 respectively.

2018. Ending deferred tax liability has been computed at the federal statutory rate of 21% due to the Tax Reform..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

2020

2019

2018

Income taxes at federal statutory rate

$

27,658 

$

43,631 

$

32,316 

$

34,373 

$

18,615 

$

17,249 

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

 

1,306 

 

2,413 

 

1,112 

7,261 

1,333 

639 

Deferred tax on gain on bargain purchase

 

 -

 

(8,358)

 

 -

Nondeductible employee-related expenses

 

1,828 

 

 -

 

 -

2,223 

1,974 

768 

2017 tax reform

 

(49,336)

 

 -

 

 -

-

-

657 

Other

 

(847)

 

(187)

 

(427)

905 

(1,261)

85 

Provision for income taxes (effective tax rate (24.5)%, 30.1% and 35.7%, respectively)

$

(19,391)

$

37,499 

$

33,001 

Provision for income taxes (effective tax rate 27.3%, 23.3% and 23.6%, respectively)

$

44,762 

$

20,661 

$

19,398 

The effective income tax rate was (24.5)%27.3%, 30.1%23.3% and 35.7%23.6% in 2017, 20162020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively.  On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the ”Tax Reform”).  The Tax Reform significantly impacted the Company’s effective income tax rate by reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and allowing immediate expensing of qualified assets placed into service after September 27, 2017.  Other elements of the Tax Reform have minor impacts, however the above mentioned decreased deferred income tax by $49.3 million. The effective income tax rate decreased in 2016differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as nondeductible employee expenses. Not all the impact ofCompany’s tax credits and state deductions are driven proportionately by taxable income levels, due to these items and the bargain purchase gain onsignificant increase in taxable income from prior years, the 38 locations being included in the overall gain calculation and not inresult was a higher effective income tax expense.  The effective tax rate excluding the bargain purchase gain was 37.2%for 2020.

Cash paid for federal income taxes was $12.0$33.5 million, $27.3$11.3 million $4.5 million and $28.0 million in 2017,  20162020, 2019 and 20152018 respectively. Cash paid for state income taxes was $1.0$8.8 million, $3.7$2.8 million and $2.2$2.1 million in 2017,  20162020, 2019 and 20152018 respectively.


34


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 9    Income Taxes (continued)

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

2020

2019

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

$

542 

$

586 

$

659 

$

749 

Compensated absences

 

848 

 

1,076 

Employment incentives

 

388 

 

9,826 

6,204 

4,735 

Employee benefit plans

 

5,581 

 

9,243 

General liability insurance

 

2,991 

 

4,359 

Self-insurance liability

8,515 

7,344 

Postretirement benefit obligations

 

5,365 

 

6,484 

6,527 

6,054 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

7,745 

 

5,600 

Net operating loss and credit carryforwards

7,787 

9,945 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

1,751 

1,389 

Other

 

4,373 

 

2,224 

1,407 

611 

Total deferred tax assets

 

27,833 

 

39,398 

32,850 

30,827 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

(8,026)

 

(7,619)

(13,407)

(13,072)

Unrealized gains on marketable securities

 

(2,310)

 

(3,382)

(3,059)

(2,851)

Prepaids

(5,993)

(4,883)

Nondeductible accruals and other

 

(5,160)

 

(7,517)

(332)

(926)

Depreciation

 

(99,759)

 

(140,325)

(113,463)

(106,136)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(115,255)

 

(158,843)

(136,254)

(127,868)

Net deferred tax liability

$

(87,422)

$

(119,445)

$

(103,404)

$

(97,041)

36


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 8  Income Taxes (continued)

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2017

 

2016

2020

2019

Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year

$

3,124 

$

1,264 

$

6,612 

$

6,405 

Increases based on tax positions related to the current year

 

1,567 

 

1,563 

1,725 

1,769 

Additions for tax positions of prior year

 

 -

 

297 

0

0

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

 

 -

 

 -

0

0

Settlements

 

 -

 

 -

0

0

Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes

 

 -

 

 -

0

(1,562)

Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year

$

4,691 

$

3,124 

$

8,337 

$

6,612 

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $1,567,000$1.7 million in 2017, $1,860,0002020, $1.8 million in 20162019 and $1,264,000$1.7 million in 2015.2018.

The Company’s U.S. Federal income tax filings have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service through 2008.  The Company or one of its subsidiaries files tax returns in the United States and various states.state jurisdictions. The tax years subject to examination in the United State and in Pennsylvania, where the majority of the Company's revenues are generated, are 20142016 to 2017. 2020.

The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $98.1$72 million available for state income tax purposes. The net operating losses will begin to expire starting in 2027. The Company expects to fully utilize these net operating loss carryforwards.

3735


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 9  Acquisition of Business
Fiscal 2017 Acquisitions

There were no acquisitions for fiscal 2017.

Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions

On August 1, 2016, the Company purchased five Mars Super Market stores located in Maryland.  Weis Markets, Inc. acquired these locations and their operations in an effort to expand its presence in the Baltimore County region.  The results of operations of the former Mars Super Market acquisition are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.  The five former Mars Super Market stores contributed $91.5 million and $38.0 million to sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The cash purchase price paid was $24.6 million for the property, equipment, inventories, prepaid expenses and goodwill related to this purchase.  The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method.  The fair value of intangibles was determined based on the discounted cash flow model and property and equipment were determined based on external appraisals.  Weis Markets, Inc. assumed two lease obligations in the acquisition of the former Mars Super Market stores and entered into two new lease agreements.  Goodwill of $13.3 million has been recorded, based upon the expected benefits to be derived from new management business strategy and cost synergies.  The $13.3 million of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.  The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets as follows.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are reported below.

5 Mars Super Market Stores

(dollars in thousands)

August 1, 2016

Inventories

$

1,267 

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses

248 

Property and equipment

7,305 

Goodwill

13,255 

Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest, net

2,495 

Total fair value of assets acquired

$

24,570 

38


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 9  Acquisition of Business (continued)
Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions (continued)

In September 2016, the Company began its acquisition of 38 former Food Lion, LLC stores.  Within eight weeks, ending in October 2016, Weis Markets acquired 21 Maryland, 13 Virginia and 4 Delaware former Food Lion, LLC stores.  The results of operations of the 38 former Food Lion, LLC stores are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.    The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method.  The fair value of intangibles was determined based on the discounted cash flow model and property and equipment were determined based on external appraisals.  The acquired locations were part of a FTC forced diversiture in the approval process of the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group, which resulted in a below fair value purchase price consideration.  The cash purchase price paid  was    $29.4 million for the property, equipment, inventories, prepaid expenses and liabilities.  Weis Markets, Inc. assumed thirty lease obligations and ownership of eight locations.  The Company recognized a gain of $23.9 million on the purchase of the 38 former Food Lion, LLC stores.  The 38 acquired Food Lion, LLC locations contributed $369.2 million and $92.5 million to sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively.     

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.  The fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are reported below.    

38 Food Lion, LLC Stores

(dollars in thousands)

Sept. 11 - Oct. 30, 2016

Assets

$

Current:

Accounts receivable, net

146 

Inventories

7,614 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,044 

Total current assets

8,804 

Property and equipment, net

60,735 

Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest

4,583 

Total assets

74,122 

Liabilities

Current:

  Accrued expenses

(428)

Total current liabilities

(428)

Other - unfavorable leasehold interest

(3,738)

Deferred tax liability

(16,663)

Total liabilities

(20,829)

Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

$

53,293 

Gain on bargain purchase

$

23,879 

39


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 9  Acquisition of Business (continued)

Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions (continued)

On October 30, 2016, Weis Markets acquired a former Nell’s Family Market store located in East Berlin, PA from C&S Wholesale Grocers.  The results of operations of the former Nell’s Family Market acquisition are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.  The purchase price was $13.0 million , of which $3.4 million is payable over a 4 year term for the property, equipment, inventory, prepaid expenses and liabilities.  The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method.  The fair value of intangibles was determined based on the discounted cash flow model and property and equipment were determined based on external appraisals.  The former Nell’s Family Market contributed $17.6 million and  $3.0 million to sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Goodwill of $3.9 million has been recorded, based upon the expected benefits to be derived from new management business strategy and cost synergies.  The $3.9 million of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.  

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.  The fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are reported below.

Nell's Family Market Store

(dollars in thousands)

October 30, 2016

Assets

$

Current:

Inventories

401 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

39 

Total current assets

440 

Property and equipment, net

8,625 

Goodwill

3,913 

Intangible and other assets, net

23 

Total assets

13,001 

Liabilities

Current:

  Accrued expenses

(3)

Total current liabilities

(3)

Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

$

12,998 

The pro forma information includes historical results of operations of the 38 former Food Lion Supermarket and 5 former Mars Super Market stores but does not include efficiencies, cost reductions, synergies or investments in lower prices for the Company’s customers expected to result from the acquisitions.  The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the 38 former Food Lion Supermarket and the 5 former Mars Super Market stores been acquired at the beginning of 2015.  Pro forma results of sales, assuming the acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of 2015,  are included in the following table.  The Company does not have reliable information to provide additional pro forma disclosures.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017,

 

2017

2016

2015

December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015

 

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Store sales

 

$

3,460,484 

$

3,563,145 

$

3,424,414 

Fiscal 2015 Acquisitions

The Company paid $7.9 million for the property and equipment related to the purchase of a store in Hanover, Pennsylvania on August 31, 2015 from C&S Wholesale Grocers to expand current market share.  The purchase price was allocated between land, building and equipment of $1.9 million, $5.9 million and $112,000, respectively, in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies for business combinations.  No Goodwill was recognized.

40


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Note 10    Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Quarterly financial data for 20172020 and 20162019 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

April 1,2017

 

July 1, 2017

 

September 30, 2017

 

December 30, 2017

 

March 28, 2020

June 27, 2020

September 26, 2020

December 26, 2020

Net sales

 

$

852,229 

 

$

876,569 

 

$

854,261 

 

$

883,748 

 

$

985,820 

$

1,098,704 

$

1,002,387 

$

1,025,690 

Gross profit on sales

 

 

229,796 

 

 

239,879 

 

 

222,839 

 

 

233,945 

 

264,147 

292,888 

274,333 

269,066 

Net income

 

 

11,836 

 

 

18,475 

 

 

4,449 

 

 

63,654 

*

26,689 

41,472 

31,336 

19,420 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 

$

.44 

 

$

.69 

 

$

.16 

 

$

2.37 

 

$

0.99 

$

1.54 

$

1.16 

$

0.73 

__________________

*The quarter ended December 30, 2017 includes the tax benefit of $49.3 million as a result of revaluing the Company’s net deferred tax liability using the enacted Federal tax rate of 21% under the Tax Reform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Fourteen Weeks Ended

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

March 26, 2016

 

June 25, 2016

 

September 24, 2016

 

December 31, 2016

March 30, 2019

June 29, 2019

September 28, 2019

December 28, 2019

Net sales

 

$

738,204 

 

$

730,433 

 

$

742,986 

 

$

925,097 

$

876,718 

$

887,967 

$

876,222 

$

902,392 

Gross profit on sales

 

 

207,112 

 

 

201,938 

 

 

204,864 

 

 

258,241 

229,552 

236,670 

232,825 

239,147 

Gain on bargain purchase

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

23,879 

Net income

 

 

20,129 

 

 

15,265 

 

 

10,628 

 

 

41,140 

14,304 

20,475 

14,319 

18,885 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 

$

.75 

 

$

.57 

 

$

.40 

 

$

1.52 

$

0.53 

$

0.76 

$

0.53 

$

0.70 

Note 11    Fair Value Information

The carrying amounts for cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. The fair values of the Company’s marketable securities, as disclosed in Note 2, are based on quoted market prices and institutional pricing guidelines for those securities not classified as Level 1 securities. The Company’s SERP investments are classified as trading securities and are carried at fair value using Level 1 inputs. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value as interest rates on this debt agreement approximates current market rates.

Note 12    Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. The Company also accrues for tax contingencies when it is probable that a liability to a taxing authority has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated, based on experience. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Note 13    Long-Term Debt

On September 1, 2016 Weis Markets entered into a revolving credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the Credit Agreement).“Credit Agreement”), which was amended on August 21, 2019 and matures on September 1, 2022. The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100.0$30.0 million with an additional discretionary amount available of $50.0$70.0 million. As of December 30, 2017,  $35.026, 2020, the availability under the revolving credit agreement was $25.1 million, net of the available $100.0$4.9 million was borrowed from the credit facility.  The loan will bear interest on the outstanding principal amount at the one month LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin rate of 0.65% until its Maturity on September 1, 2019.  The loan was used to fund the recent acquisitions and the Company’s working capital requirements.  The only financial covenant in the credit facility requires the Company’s minimum EBITDA to be at least $75.0 million.  The Credit Agreement is also being utilized by the Company for letters of credit.   As of December 30, 2017, the Company had $18.2 million, of the available $100.0 million from the credit facility, committed to outstanding letters of credit. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support performance, payment, deposit or surety obligations of the Company.  The Company does not anticipate drawing on any of them.

Interest expense related to long-term debt was $946,000$35 thousand and $242,000$55 thousand for 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.

Note 14    Subsequent Related Party TransactionsCOVID-19

On January 16, 2018,March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) had become a pandemic, and on March 13, the U.S. President declared a National Emergency concerning the disease. Additionally, in March 2020, state governments in the Company’s geographic operating area began instituting preventative shut down measures in order to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate the spread of it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of the geographical area in which the Company purchased a parcel of land from Central Properties, Inc in which Jonathan H. Weisoperates. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and his immediate family members have beneficial ownership interest.    The purchase price of $1.1 millionEconomic Security Act (CARES Act) was approvedenacted to amongst other provisions, provide emergency assistance for individuals, families and businesses affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Company’s Executive Committeebusiness being deemed essential resulted in accordance with Company policyincremental financial performance that may not be indicative of future financial results and regulatory guidelines.

there remains uncertainty and increased risks concerning its employees, customers, supply chain and government regulation.

4136


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Weis Markets, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Weis Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the 52 week periodperiods ended December 30, 201726, 2020, December 28, 2019 and the 53 week period ended December 31, 2016,29, 2018, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the 52 week periodperiods ended December 30, 201726, 2020, December 28, 2019 and the 53 week period ended December 31, 2016,29, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017,26, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 15, 201811, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the Audit Committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Income taxes

As described in Notes 1 and 9 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company operates 196 stores across seven states in the U.S. and a centralized distribution center in Pennsylvania. The Company’s provision for income taxes is impacted based on interpretations of various state and local income tax laws. Management prepared the Company’s provision for state income taxes using significant judgment when interpreting the provisions of state and local tax regulations and assessing the positions taken as a result of these considerations as to whether or not the amount of benefit recorded would be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination.

We identified the evaluation of the Company’s provision for state income taxes and its assessment of more likely than not surrounding state tax positions as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management when assessing the complex provisions of the tax laws and regulations. Auditing the matter required significant auditor judgment and increased audit effort, including the use of our state and local tax professionals, in evaluating the recorded results of management’s tax positions and their assessment of the sustainability of these tax positions.

Our audit procedures related to the Company’s provision for state income taxes include the following, among others:

37


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls related to the determination of current and deferred taxes and the assessment of more likely than not surrounding state tax positions and tested such controls for design and operating effectiveness, including controls related to the interpretation and application of tax laws.

We involved our state and local tax professionals to assist in evaluating the application of state and local tax regulations. Our professionals developed an independent assessment of interpretations of state and local tax positions requiring significant judgement and compared them to the Company’s recorded positions.

We tested the accuracy and completeness of the data and inputs used to calculate the effective state tax rate, current provision calculations, deferred tax assets/liabilities, more likely than not state tax positions assessment and income taxes receivable/payable rollforward.

Retail inventory and related cost of sales

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company accounts for retail center store inventory under the retail inventory method (RIM) using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. RIM is commonly used by retail companies to determine cost and calculate gross margin based on applying a cost-to-retail ratio to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value.

We identified the auditing of RIM inventory as a critical audit matter due to the increased audit effort, including involvement of more experienced audit team members and our information technology (IT) professionals. The RIM inventory computations utilize critical inputs dependent on multiple information systems that capture and process high volume transactions that elevates the importance of data interfaces and reliability of information systems.

Our audit procedures related to the Company’s RIM inventory include the following, among others:

We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls, including IT general controls, surrounding the retail inventory valuation process and tested such controls for design and operating effectiveness, including automated processes and transactional data interfaces and managements review controls over these data inputs and the Company’s RIM calculation outputs.

We tested the accuracy and completeness of the key inputs into the RIM calculation, including purchases, sales, discounts, shrink and price changes (markdowns) by comparing the key inputs back to source information such as point of sale information via retail pricing and tender/cash receipts, third-party vendor invoices and third-party inventory count information, including testing of a rollforward from the inventory count date to year-end inventory valuation.

We performed analytical procedures disaggregated by inventory category. Such disaggregated analytical procedures included trend analysis of RIM inputs based on warehouse and direct store delivery purchases as percent of sales, cost of sales percentages compared to historical periods and trends, and discounts and markdown analytics based on inquiries with various Company personnel to assess the level of retail price changes due to pricing and promotional strategies and inflation/deflation within a category. Additional analytics include trends analyses on store count and shrink results, store square footage analytics related to ending store level inventory values and gross profit analytics by category.

/s/ RSM US LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 15, 201811, 2021


38

42


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Weis Markets, Inc.

OpinionOpinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Weis Markets, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017,26, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017,26, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 30, 201726, 2020 and December 31, 2016,28, 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the 52 week periodperiods ended December 30, 201726, 2020, December 28, 2019 and the 53 week period ended December 31, 201629, 2018, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index, and our report dated March 15, 201811, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

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

/s/ RSM US LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 15, 201811, 2021


39

43


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Weis Markets, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of Weis Markets, Inc. for the 52 week period ended December 26, 2015. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the 52 week period ended December 26, 2015 at Item 15(c)(3). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audit 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Weis Markets, Inc. for the 52 week period ended December 26, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the 52 week period ended December 26, 2015, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/  Ernst & Young LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 18, 2016

44


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure:

None.

Item 9a.Controls and Procedures:

Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the close of the period covered by this Report, that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 framework). The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Based on the Company’s evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 30, 2017.26, 2020.

RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued their attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017.26, 2020. The report can be found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Except as noted in the preceding paragraphs, thereThere were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017,26, 2020, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9b.Other Information:

There was no information required on Form 8-K during this quarter that was not reported.


40

45


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

PART III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance:

In addition to the information reported in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive“Information about our Executive Officers, of the Registrant,” “Election of Directors,” “Board Committees and Meeting Attendance, Audit Committee,” “Corporate Governance Matters,” “Compensation Tables” and “Stock Ownership, Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”Ownership” of the Weis Markets, Inc. definitive proxy statement dated March 15, 201811, 2021 are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.Executive Compensation:

“Board Committees and Meeting Attendance, Compensation Committee,” “Executive Compensation, Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation Tables” and “Other Information Concerning the Board of Directors, Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” of the Weis Markets, Inc. definitive proxy statement dated March 15, 201811, 2021 are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters:

“Stock Ownership” of the Weis Markets, Inc. definitive proxy statement dated March 15, 201811, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence:

“Other Information Concerning the Board of Directors, Review and Approval of Related Party Transactions” and “Independence of Directors” of the Weis Markets, Inc. definitive proxy statement dated March 15, 201811, 2021 are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services:

“Ratification Of Appointment Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” of the Weis Markets, Inc. definitive proxy statement dated March 15, 201811, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.


41

46


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

PART IV

Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules:

(a)(1)-The Company’s 20172020 Consolidated Financial Statements and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Item 8 of Part II.

(a)(2)- Financial statement schedules required to be filed by Item 8 of this form, and by Item 15(c)(3) below:

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, page 4944 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.


42

47


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules: (continued)

(a)(3) A listing of exhibits filed or incorporated by reference is as follows:

Exhibit No.

Exhibits

3-A

Articles of Incorporation, filed as exhibit 4.1 in Form S-8 on September 13, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.

3-B

By-Laws, filed as exhibit under Part IV, Item 14(c) in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.

10-A4-A

Retirement Savings PlanDescription of Securities Registered, under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, November 20, 2017 and filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

10-B

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, filed as exhibit under Part IV, Item 15(a)(3)4-A in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 201128, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference.  *

10-C10-A

Deferred CompensationRetirement Savings Plan for Pharmacists, filed as exhibit under Part IV, Item 15(a)(3)10-A in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 200928, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference.reference. *

10-D10-B

Supplemental Executive Benefits AgreementRetirement Plan between, filed as exhibit 10-B in the Company and Robert F. Weis, Chairman of the Board, signed on March 24, 2006, commencing immediately and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2023, filedAnnual Report on Form 8-K March 24, 200610-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. *

10-E

Deferred Compensation Agreement between the Company and Mr. Robert F. Weis, filed as exhibit under Part IV, Item 15(a)(3) in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference. *

10-F10-H

Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Jonathan H. Weis, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer signed on July 14, 2014, with retroactive effect to January 1, 2014 and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K July 18, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.  *

10-G

Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Jonathan H. Weis, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, signed on April 4, 2017, with retroactive effect to January 1, 2017 and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2019, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K April 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.  *

10-H

Chief Executive Office Incentive Award Plan between the Company and Jonathan H. Weis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2011, amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2017 and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2019, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K April 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference. *

10-I

Confidential SeparationExecutive Employment Agreement and General Release between the Company and David J. Hepfinger, FormerJonathan H Weis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, signed on September 21, 2013,November 15, 2019 effective January 1, 2020 and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2023, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q8-K November 7, 201318, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. *

2110-J

Chief Executive Office Incentive Award Plan between the Company and Jonathan H Weis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2020 amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2021 and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2022, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K March 9, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference. *

21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant, filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification - CEO, filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification - CFO, filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K

32

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K

* Management contract or compensatory plan arrangement.

The Company will provide a copy of any exhibit upon receipt of a written request for the particular exhibit or exhibits desired. All requests should be addressed to the Company’s principal executive offices.

(b) The Company files as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, those exhibits listed in Item 15(a)(3) above.


43

48


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

Item 15(c)(3).Financial Statement Schedules:

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts:

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

WEIS MARKETS, INC.

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Col. A

 Col. B 

     Col. C     

 Col. D 

 Col. E 

Col. B

Col. C

Col. D

Col. E

 

     Additions     

 

Additions

Balance at

Charged to

 

Balance at

Balance at

Charged to

Balance at

Beginning

Costs and

Accounts

Deductions

End of

Beginning

Costs and

Accounts

Deductions

End of

Description

of Period

Expenses

Describe

Describe (1)

Period

of Period

Expenses

Describe

Describe (1)

Period

Fiscal Year ended December 30, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended December 26, 2020:

Deducted from asset accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

$

1,455 

$

2,176 

$

---

$

1,685

$

1,946 

$

2,757

$

1,556

$

---

$

1,886

$

2,427

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended December 28, 2019:

Deducted from asset accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

$

1,967 

$

1,145 

$

---

$

1,657

$

1,455 

$

2,090

$

1,975

$

---

$

1,308

$

2,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended December 26, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended December 29, 2018:

Deducted from asset accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

$

1,578 

$

1,438 

$

---

$

1,049

$

1,967 

$

1,946

$

1,144

$

---

$

1,000

$

2,090

(1) Deductions are uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Item 16.Form 10-K Summary:

None.


44

49


WEIS MARKETS, INC.

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

WEIS MARKETS, INC.

(Registrant)

Date:

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Jonathan H. Weis

Jonathan H. Weis

Chairman,

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

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

Date

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Jonathan H. Weis

Jonathan H. Weis

Chairman,

President and Chief Executive Officer

and Director

(principal executive officer)

Date

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Scott F. Frost

Scott F. Frost

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

and Treasurer

(principal financial officer)

Date

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Harold G. Graber

Harold G. Graber

Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development

and Secretary

and Director

Date

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Dennis G. Hatchell

Dennis G. Hatchell

Director

Date

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Edward J. Lauth III

Edward J. Lauth III

Director

Date

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Gerrald B. Silverman

Gerrald B. Silverman

Director

Date

3/15/201811/2021

/S/Jeanette R. Rogers

Jeanette R. Rogers

Vice President, Corporate Controller

(principal accounting officer)

5045