UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
  
 For the quarterly period ended: JanuaryOctober 27, 2018
  
OR
  
[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
  
Commission File No. 0-2633

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

NEW JERSEY22-1576170
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)
  
733 MOUNTAIN AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY07081
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
  
(973) 467-2200      
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X   No __

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

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

Large accelerated filer  q
Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer    q
 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  qx
  
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes _____    No __X__
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
   
  March 7,December 6, 2018
   
 Class A Common Stock, No Par Value10,065,04510,070,676 Shares
 Class B Common Stock, No Par Value  4,303,748 Shares




VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.

INDEX



PART I  PAGE NO.
  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
  
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) 
  
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
Consolidated Statements of Operations
  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  
Item 3.  Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
  
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
  
PART II 
  
OTHER INFORMATION 
  
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  
Item 6.  Exhibits
  
Signatures



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
January 27,
2018
 July 29,
2017
October 27,
2018
 July 28,
2018
ASSETS      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents$89,738
 $87,435
$88,834
 $96,108
Merchandise inventories42,346
 41,852
39,299
 39,413
Patronage dividend receivable4,850
 12,655
16,288
 11,937
Notes receivable from Wakefern
 22,118
24,330
 23,952
Income taxes receivable2,673
 1,742
Other current assets18,424
 15,670
20,795
 19,488
Total current assets158,031
 181,472
189,546
 190,898
      
Property, equipment and fixtures, net205,401
 204,440
216,291
 214,566
Notes receivable from Wakefern45,731
 22,562
23,494
 23,129
Investment in Wakefern27,093
 27,093
28,575
 27,093
Goodwill12,057
 12,057
12,057
 12,057
Other assets19,574
 7,601
13,910
 13,847
      
Total assets$467,887
 $455,225
$483,873
 $481,590
 
  
 
  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
  
 
  
Current liabilities      
Capital and financing lease obligations$714
 $652
$805
 $764
Notes payable to Wakefern254
 292
691
 114
Accounts payable to Wakefern63,332
 59,556
57,609
 61,798
Accounts payable and accrued expenses16,401
 17,279
19,355
 19,080
Accrued wages and benefits16,620
 17,810
17,691
 18,620
Income taxes payable822
 604
4,209
 1,321
Total current liabilities98,143
 96,193
100,360
 101,697
      
Long-term debt      
Capital and financing lease obligations42,167
 42,532
41,547
 41,768
Notes payable to Wakefern6
 114
787
 
Notes payable related to New Markets Tax Credit6,563
 
6,356
 6,418
Total long-term debt48,736
 42,646
48,690
 48,186
      
Pension liabilities14,431
 15,194
8,445
 8,482
Other liabilities12,393
 14,372
19,828
 20,080
      
Commitments and contingencies

 



 

      
Shareholders' equity 
  
 
  
Preferred stock, no par value: Authorized 10,000 shares, none issued
 

 
Class A common stock, no par value: Authorized 20,000 shares; issued 10,569 shares at January 27, 2018 and 10,562 shares at July 29, 201759,573
 57,852
Class B common stock, no par value: Authorized 20,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,304 shares at January 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017699
 699
Class A common stock, no par value: Authorized 20,000 shares; issued 10,583 shares at October 27, 2018 and 10,575 shares at July 28, 201862,499
 61,678
Class B common stock, no par value: Authorized 20,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,304 shares at October 27, 2018 and July 28, 2018699
 699
Retained earnings250,397
 244,308
261,151
 258,104
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7,220) (7,406)(8,083) (8,185)
Less treasury stock, Class A, at cost: 504 shares at January 27, 2018 and 477 shares at July 29, 2017(9,265) (8,633)
Less treasury stock, Class A, at cost: 518 shares at October 27, 2018 and 496 shares at July 28, 2018(9,716) (9,151)
Total shareholders’ equity294,184
 286,820
306,550
 303,145
      
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$467,887
 $455,225
$483,873
 $481,590
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended
January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
October 27,
2018
 October 28,
2017
Sales$417,382
 $412,215
 $803,856
 $801,907
$401,550
 $387,340
          
Cost of sales305,097
 300,977
 587,691
 586,021
289,437
 282,548
          
Gross profit112,285
 111,238
 216,165
 215,886
112,113
 104,792
          
Operating and administrative expense96,066
 94,393
 188,358
 185,524
96,293
 93,205
          
Depreciation and amortization6,386
 6,233
 12,621
 12,296
6,898
 6,235
          
Operating income9,833
 10,612
 15,186
 18,066
8,922
 5,352
          
Interest expense(1,102) (1,114) (2,207) (2,230)(1,116) (1,105)
          
Interest income864
 648
 1,764
 1,335
1,178
 900
          
Income before income taxes9,595
 10,146
 14,743
 17,171
8,984
 5,147
          
Income taxes84
 4,154
 2,215
 7,070
2,715
 2,131
          
Net income$9,511
 $5,992
 $12,528
 $10,101
$6,269
 $3,016
          
Net income per share:Net income per share:  
    
Net income per share:  
Class A common stock:Class A common stock:  
  
  
Class A common stock:  
Basic$0.74
 $0.47
 $0.97
 $0.80
$0.49
 $0.23
Diluted$0.66
 $0.42
 $0.87
 $0.71
$0.43
 $0.21
          
Class B common stock:   
  
  
   
Basic$0.48
 $0.31
 $0.63
 $0.52
$0.32
 $0.15
Diluted$0.48
 $0.31
 $0.63
 $0.52
$0.32
 $0.15
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended
January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
October 27,
2018
 October 28,
2017
Net income$9,511
 $5,992
 $12,528
 $10,101
$6,269
 $3,016
          
Other comprehensive income: 
  
  
  
 
  
Amortization of pension actuarial loss, net of tax (1)102
 224
 186
 491
102
 84
Pension remeasurement, net of tax (2)
 372
 
 372
          
Comprehensive income$9,613
 $6,588
 $12,714
 $10,964
$6,371
 $3,100

(1)Amounts are net of tax of $41$43 and $154$58 for the 13 weeks ended JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively, and $98 and $264 for the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2018 and JanuaryOctober 28, 2017, respectively. All amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to operating and administrative expense.
(2)Amount is net of tax of $257.




See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
 13 Weeks Ended
 October 27,
2018
 October 28,
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES   
Net income$6,269
 $3,016
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization6,898
 6,235
Non-cash share-based compensation821
 865
Deferred taxes(254) (7)
Provision to value inventories at LIFO103
 
    
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Merchandise inventories11
 (619)
Patronage dividend receivable(4,351) (4,497)
Accounts payable to Wakefern(4,189) (2,886)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses239
 (1,163)
Accrued wages and benefits(929) (1,889)
Income taxes receivable / payable2,969
 2,138
Other assets and liabilities(1,462) (3,422)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities6,125
 (2,229)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
  
Capital expenditures(8,571) (6,629)
Proceeds from the sale of assets
 16
Investment in notes receivable from Wakefern(743) (22,592)
Maturity of notes receivable from Wakefern
 22,172
Net cash used in investing activities(9,314) (7,033)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
  
Principal payments of long-term debt(298) (210)
Dividends(3,222) (3,218)
Treasury stock purchases, including shares surrendered for withholding taxes(565) (154)
Net cash used in financing activities(4,085) (3,582)
    
NET DECREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH(7,274) (12,844)
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD96,108
 87,435
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD$88,834
 $74,591
    
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH  PAYMENTS MADE FOR: 
  
Interest$1,116
 $1,105
    
NONCASH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: 
  
Investment in Wakefern and increase in notes payable to Wakefern$1,482
 $
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
 26 Weeks Ended
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES   
Net income$12,528
 $10,101
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization12,621
 12,296
Non-cash share-based compensation1,721
 1,484
Deferred taxes(2,221) (90)
    
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Merchandise inventories(494) (1,420)
Patronage dividend receivable7,805
 7,907
Accounts payable to Wakefern3,776
 1,001
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(1,692) (1,712)
Accrued wages and benefits(1,190) (664)
Income taxes receivable / payable(713) (11,502)
Other assets and liabilities(3,717) (2,255)
Net cash provided by operating activities28,424
 15,146
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
  
Capital expenditures(12,731) (13,013)
Proceeds from the sale of assets16
 
Investment in notes receivable from Wakefern(23,223) (927)
Maturity of notes receivable from Wakefern22,172
 
Investment in notes receivable related to New Markets Tax Credit financing
(4,835) 
Net cash used in investing activities(18,601) (13,940)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 812
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
 83
Proceeds from New Markets Tax Credit financing6,860
 
Debt Issuance Costs(297) 
Principal payments of long-term debt(449) (1,043)
Dividends(6,439) (6,330)
Treasury stock purchases(632) 
Net cash used in financing activities(957) (6,478)
    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH8,866
 (5,272)
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD87,435
 88,379
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD$96,301
 $83,107
    
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH  PAYMENTS MADE FOR: 
  
Interest$2,207
 $2,230
Income taxes$5,140
 $18,559
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)


1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION and ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position as of JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the 13 and 26 week periods ended JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and JanuaryOctober 28, 2017 of Village Super Market, Inc. (“Village” or the “Company”).

The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements in the July 29, 201728, 2018 Village Super Market, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K, which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.  The results of operations for the periods ended JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Revenue recognition

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

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

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

The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” using the full retrospective approach in fiscal 2019. As a result of the adoption of the standard, $913 of certain other income streams, including commissions for gift card and lottery sales and services fees for ShopRite From Home, that were previously presented as a reduction in Operating expenses were reclassified to sales for the 13 week period ended October 28, 2017. Additionally, $47 of pharmacy fees previously recorded as Cost of sales were reclassified as a reduction of sales for the 13 week period ended October 28, 2017.

Disaggregated Revenues
The following table presents the Company's sales by product categories during each of the periods indicated:
 13 Weeks Ended
 October 27, 2018 October 28, 2017
 Amount % Amount %
Center Store (1)$247,518
 61.6% $239,623
 61.9%
Fresh (2)135,616
 33.8
 128,886
 33.3
Pharmacy17,460
 4.4
 17,983
 4.6
Other (3)956
 0.2
 848
 0.2
        
Total Sales$401,550
 100% $387,340
 100%

(1) Consists primarily of grocery, dairy, frozen, health and beauty care, general merchandise and liquor.
(2) Consists primarily of produce, meat, deli, seafood, bakery, prepared foods and floral.
(3) Consists primarily of sales related to other income streams, including ShopRite from Home service fees and gift card and lottery commissions.



2. MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

At both JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017,28, 2018, approximately 65% of merchandise inventories are valued by the LIFO method while the balance is valued by FIFO.  If the FIFO method had been used for the entire inventory, inventories would have been $14,410$14,337 and $14,234 higher than reported at both JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and July 29, 2017.28, 2018, respectively.


3. NET INCOME PER SHARE

The Company has two classes of common stock. Class A common stock is entitled to cash dividends as declared 54% greater than those paid on Class B common stock. Shares of Class B common stock are convertible on a share-for-share basis for Class A common stock at any time.

The Company utilizes the two-class method of computing and presenting net income per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that calculates basic and diluted net income per share for each class of common stock separately based on dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, Class A common stock is assumed to receive a 54% greater participation in undistributed earnings than Class B common stock, in accordance with the classes' respective dividend rights. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and therefore included in computing net income per share using the two-class method.

Diluted net income per share for Class A common stock is calculated utilizing the if-converted method, which assumes the conversion of all shares of Class B common stock to Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis, as this method is more dilutive than the two-class method. Diluted net income per share for Class B common stock does not assume conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock.



The tables below reconcile the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income per share for all periods presented.
 
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended
January 27, 2018 January 27, 2018October 27, 2018
Class A Class B Class A Class BClass A Class B
Numerator:          
Net income allocated, basic$7,174
 $2,065
 $9,452
 $2,721
$4,739
 $1,361
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares2,065
 
 2,721
 
1,361
 
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income
 
 
 

 
Net income allocated, diluted$9,239
 $2,065
 $12,173
 $2,721
$6,100
 $1,361
          
Denominator: 
  
  
  
 
  
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic9,714
 4,304
 9,718
 4,304
9,732
 4,304
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares4,304
 
 4,304
 
4,304
 
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
 
 
 

 
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted14,018
 4,304
 14,022
 4,304
14,036
 4,304
          
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended
January 28, 2017 January 28, 2017October 28, 2017
Class A Class B Class A Class BClass A Class B
Numerator: 
  
  
  
 
  
Net income allocated, basic$4,548
 $1,327
 $7,664
 $2,239
$2,277
 $655
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares1,327
 
 2,239
 
655
 
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income6
 (3) 8
 (3)(1) (1)
Net income allocated, diluted$5,881
 $1,324
 $9,911
 $2,236
$2,931
 $654
          
Denominator: 
  
  
  
 
  
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic9,613
 4,319
 9,603
 4,319
9,722
 4,304
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares4,319
 
 4,319
 
4,304
 
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation52
 
 50
 

 
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted13,984
 4,319
 13,972
 4,319
14,026
 4,304

Outstanding stock options to purchase Class A shares of 384278 and 52380 were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and JanuaryOctober 28, 2017, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. In addition, 369340 and 246369 non-vested restricted Class A shares, which are considered participating securities, and their allocated net income were excluded from the diluted net income per share calculation at JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and JanuaryOctober 28, 2017, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.















4. PENSION PLANS

The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans.  Net periodic pension cost for the four plans includes the following components:

 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
Service cost$65
 $116
 $130
 $255
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations629
 604
 1,258
 1,209
Expected return on plan assets(820) (973) (1,640) (1,946)
Amortization of net losses142
 378
 284
 755
Net periodic pension cost$16
 $125
 $32
 $273

On November 29, 2016, the Company amended the Village Super Market Local 72 Retail Clerks Employees’ Retirement Plan, which covers union employees in the Stroudsburg store, to freeze all benefits effective January 31, 2017. As a result of this amendment, the Company recognized a pre-tax remeasurement gain totaling $629 in accumulated other comprehensive loss during fiscal 2017. The remeasurement had no impact on the consolidated statements of operations.
 13 Weeks Ended
 October 27,
2018
 October 28,
2017
Service cost$53
 $65
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations655
 629
Expected return on plan assets(721) (820)
Amortization of net losses145
 142
Net periodic pension cost$132
 $16

As of JanuaryOctober 27, 2018, the Company has contributed $510not made any contributions to its pension plans in fiscal 2018.2019.  The Company expects to contribute approximately $3,500 during fiscal 2018$3,000 to fund its pension plans.plans during fiscal 2019.


5. RELATED PARTY INFORMATION - WAKEFERN
 
A description of the Company’s transactions with Wakefern, its principal supplier, and with other related parties is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 29, 2017.28, 2018.  There have been no significant changes in the Company’s relationships or nature of transactions with related parties during the first 2613 weeks of fiscal 20182019 except for an additional required investment in Wakefern common stock of $1,482, inclusive of an initial required investment related to the maturity of $22,172 in notes receivable from Wakefern that earned interest at the prime rate plus .25% on August 15, 2017. The Company invested $22,000 of the proceeds received in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% and mature on August 15, 2022.  Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time. Under certain conditions, the Company can require Wakefern to prepay the notes, although interest earned since inception would be reduced as if it was earned based on overnight money market rates as paid by Wakefern on demand deposits.Bronx, New York City store.

Included in cash and cash equivalents at JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and July 29, 201728, 2018 are $69,619$65,145 and $60,037,$63,413, respectively, of demand deposits invested at Wakefern at overnight money market rates.


6. DEBT
 
Effective November 9, 2017, the Company entered into a
Village has an unsecured revolving credit agreement that amends, restates and supersedes in its entirety the loan agreement dated September 16, 1999 and all amendments to that agreement. The agreement maintains Village's unsecured revolving line of credit providing a maximum amount available for borrowing of $25,000, and extends the credit agreement to December 31, 2020.  $25,000.
The revolving credit line can be used for general corporate purposes.purposes and expires on December 21, 2020. Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.25%. The credit agreement continues to provideprovides for up to $3,000 of letters of credit, which secure obligations for construction performance guarantees to municipalities. The credit agreement continues to containcontains covenants that, among other conditions, require a maximum liabilities to tangible net worth ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a positive net income. There were no amounts outstanding at JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 or July 29, 201728, 2018 under the superseded facility.

On December 29, 2017, the Company entered into a financing transaction under the New Markets Tax Credit program, see note 8 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for further discussion.




7. INCOME TAXES

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

As the Company’s fiscal year ends on July 28, 2018, the Company’s U.S. federal corporate statutory income tax rate will be subject to a full year blended tax rate of 26.9%% for fiscal 2018, and 21.0%% for subsequent fiscal years. As a result of the decrease in the U.S. federal corporate statutory rate, deferred tax balances were remeasured based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future. In the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2018, a benefit of $2,726 was recognized related to the remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax balances, which is included in Income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations.

On December 22, 2017, the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued guidance under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, "Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act," allowing taxpayers to record provisional amounts for reasonable estimates when they do not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete their accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The SEC has issued rules that would allow for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the related tax impacts. The Company has completed recording the impacts of the change in tax rate. Estimates on the other impacts of the Tax Act were based on information currently available. The final impacts of the Tax Act may differ from the Company’s estimates due to changes in interpretations of the Tax Act or further legislation related to the Tax Act. Any changes could affect the measurement of deferred tax balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts.
 

8. NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT
2017 New Markets Tax Credit

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

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



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

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





Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, "Restricted Cash," which requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents,Operating and restricted cash. Accordingly, restricted cash will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statement of cash flows. The Company early-adopted ASU No. 2016-18 during the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and applied its provisions retrospectively. Other than the change in presentation within the consolidated statement of cash flows, the adoption of ASU No. 2016-18 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Included in Other assets at January 27, 2018 is $6,563 of cash and cash equivalents related to the NMTC financing transaction that are restricted as to withdrawal and designated for expenditure in the construction of noncurrent assets in the Bronx store. There were no restricted cash or cash equivalents at July 29, 2017.administrative expense.


7. INCOME TAXES

9.The effective income tax rate was 30.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to 41.4% in the first quarter of the prior year.  The effective tax rate was impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") enacted on December 22, 2017.  The Tax Act made significant changes to the U.S tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal statutory tax rate from 35%% to 21%% effective January 1, 2018 and bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property. The reduction in the effective tax rate due to the Tax Act was partially offset by a temporary increase in the New Jersey corporate tax rate from 9.0%% to 11.5%% for fiscal 2019.

8. COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

Superstorm Sandy devastated Village's trade area on October 29, 2012 and resulted in the closure of almost all of our stores for periods of time ranging from a few hours to eight days. Village disposed of substantial amounts of perishable product and also incurred repair, labor and other costs as a result of the storm. Wakefern, as the policy holder, has pursued recovery of uncollected insurance claims on behalf of all Wakefern members through litigation against the insurance carrier and others since October 2013. This litigation is ongoing and the Company received an additional $415 in November 2018 which was recognized as a reduction in Operating and administrative expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Including the November 2018 recoveries, Village has received $3,998 related to losses incurred as a result of Superstorm Sandy. Any further proceeds recovered will be recognized as they are received.
The Company is involved in other litigation incidental to the normal course of business. Company management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.




ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)

OVERVIEW

Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”) operates a chain of 2930 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey, northeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and northeastern Pennsylvania.New York City. Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite name. As further described in the Company’s Form 10-K, this ownership interest in Wakefern provides Village many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, private label products, advanced retail technology, marketing and advertising associated with chains of greater size and geographic coverage. 

The supermarket industry is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins.  The Company competes directly with multiple retail formats, both in-store and online, including national, regional and local supermarket chains as well as warehouse clubs, supercenters, drug stores, discount general merchandise stores, fast food chains, restaurants, dollar stores and convenience stores. Village competes by using low pricing, providing a superior customer service experience and a broad range of consistently available quality products, (includingincluding ShopRite private labeled products).products. The ShopRite Price Plus preferred customer program enables Village to offer continuity programs, focus on target marketing initiatives and to offer discounts and attach digital coupons directly to a customer's Price Plus card. 

The Company’s stores, six of which are owned, average 59,000 total square feet. These larger store sizes enable the Company’s stores to provide a “one-stop” shopping experience and to feature expanded higher margin specialty departments such as an on-site bakery, an expanded delicatessen, a variety of natural and organic foods, ethnic and international foods, prepared foods and pharmacies.  

Many of our stores emphasize a Power Alley, which features high margin, fresh, convenience offerings in an area within the store that provides quick customer entry and exit for those customers shopping for today's lunch or dinner. Certain of our stores include the Village Food Garden concept featuring a restaurant style kitchen, and several kiosks offering a wide variety of store prepared specialty foods for both take-home and in-store dining.

Village also has on-site registered dieticians in seventeennineteen stores that provide customers with free, private consultations on healthy meals and proper nutrition, as well as leading health related events both in store and in the community as part of the Well Everyday program.  We have thirteen stores that offer ShopRite fromFrom Home covering most of the communities served by our stores.  ShopRite fromFrom Home is an online ordering system that provides for in-store pickup or home delivery.  Customers can browse our circular, create and edit shopping lists and use ShopRite fromFrom Home through shoprite.com or on their smart phones or tablets through the ShopRite app. 

We consider a variety of indicators to evaluate our performance, such as same store sales; percentage of total sales by department (mix); shrink; departmental gross profit percentage; sales per labor hour; units per labor hour; and hourly labor rates.
 



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended13 Weeks Ended 
January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017October 27, 2018 October 28, 2017 
Sales100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 %100.00 % 100.00 % 
Cost of sales73.10
 73.01
 73.11
 73.08
72.08
 72.95
 
Gross profit26.90
 26.99
 26.89
 26.92
27.92
 27.05
 
Operating and administrative expense23.02
 22.90
 23.43
 23.14
23.98
 24.06
 
Depreciation and amortization1.53
 1.52
 1.57
 1.53
1.71
 1.60
 
Operating income2.35
 2.57
 1.89
 2.25
2.23
 1.39
 
Interest expense(0.26) (0.27) (0.27) (0.28)(0.28) (0.29) 
Interest income0.21
 0.16
 0.22
 0.17
0.29
 0.23
 
Income before taxes2.30
 2.46
 1.84
 2.14
2.24
 1.33
 
Income taxes0.02
 1.01
 0.28
 0.88
0.68
 0.55
 
Net income2.28 % 1.45 % 1.56 % 1.26 %1.56 % 0.78 % 

Sales.  Sales were $417,382$401,550 in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, an increase of 1.3%3.7% compared to the secondfirst quarter of the prior year.  Sales increased 3.7% due to the opening of the Bronx, New York City store on June 28, 2018 and a same store sales increase of 1.3%. Same store sales increased due primarily to sales growth in recently remodeled and expanded stores in Chester and Stirling, inflation and increased promotional spending.  These increases were partially offset by twothe impact of one competitor store openings.opening. The Company expects same store sales in fiscal 20182019 to range from a 0.5% decreaseincrease .5% to a 0.5% increase.2.5%.  New stores and replacement stores are included in same store sales in the quarter after the store has been in operation for four full quarters.  Store renovations and expansions are included in same store sales immediately.

Sales were $803,856 in the six-month period of fiscal 2018, an increase of 0.2% from the six-month period of the prior year. Same store sales increased 0.2% due primarily to sales growth in recently remodeled and expanded stores in Chester and Stirling, inflation and increased promotional spending.  These increases were partially offset by four competitor store openings.

Although the Company cannot accurately determine the precise impact of inflation or deflation on operations due to changes in product mix, customer buying patterns and competitive factors, we estimate that product prices experienced moderate inflation during the secondfirst quarter and six-month period of fiscal 20182019 across all selling departments other than pharmacy, which continued to experience deflation.

Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .09%increased .87% in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to the secondfirst quarter of the prior year primarily due to decreased patronage dividends from Wakefern (.07%promotional spending (.35%), increased promotional spending (.05%) and decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.11%(.31%) partially offset by, a favorable change in product mix (.12%(.09%).

Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .03% in the six-month period of fiscal 2018 compared to the six-month period of the prior year primarily due to decreased, increased patronage dividends and other rebates from Wakefern (.04%(.05%) and increased promotional spending (.09%) partially offset by a favorable change in product mix (.12%decreased warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.05%).

Operating and Administrative Expense.  Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .12%decreased .08% in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to the secondfirst quarter of the prior year due primarilyyear. As noted in Note 8 to payroll investments in service departments, training and other initiatives (.21%the unaudited consolidated financial statements, the first quarter of fiscal 2019 includes a gain for Superstorm Sandy insurance proceeds received (.10%).

Excluding this gain, Operating and administrative expenseexpenses as a percentage of sales increased .29%.02% in the six-monthperiodfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to the six-monthperiodfirst quarter of the prior year primarily due primarily to payroll investments in service departments, training and other initiatives (.32%).year.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased in the secondfirst quarter and six-month period of fiscal 20182019 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to depreciation related to fixed asset additions.additions and accelerated depreciation related to assets at the existing Stroudsburg store that is expected to be replaced in the summer of 2019.
 


Interest Expense.  Interest expense in the secondfirst quarter and six-month period of fiscal 20182019 was flat compared to the corresponding period of the prior year.
 
Interest Income.  Interest income increased in the secondfirst quarter and six-month period of fiscal 20182019 compared to the corresponding period of the prior year due primarily to higher amounts invested and higher interest rates earned on notes receivable from Wakefern and demand deposits invested at Wakefern.

Income Taxes.  The effective income tax rate was .9%30.2% in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to 40.9%41.4% in the secondfirst quarter of the prior year.  The effective income tax rate was 15.0% in the six-month period of fiscal 2018 compared to 41.2% in the six-month period of the prior year.

The effective tax rate was impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") enacted on December


22, 2017.  The Tax Act makesmade significant changes to the U.S tax code, that will affect our fiscal year ended July 28, 2018, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property.

For The reduction in the fiscal year ended July 28, 2018effective tax rate due to the Company will haveTax Act was partially offset by a blended federaltemporary increase in the New Jersey corporate tax rate of 26.9% based on the effective date of the tax rate reduction.  As a result of the decrease in the federal rate, the Company recognized a decrease in its net deferred tax liabilities of $2,726 in the second quarter offrom 9.0% to 11.5% for fiscal 2018, with a corresponding reduction to deferred income tax expense. Excluding the impact of the adjustment to deferred tax expense, the effective income tax rates were 29.3% and 33.5% in the second quarter and six-month period of fiscal 2018, respectively.2019.
 
Net Income.  Net income was $9,511$6,269 in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to $5,992$3,016 in the secondfirst quarter of the prior year. The secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 includes a $2,726 non-cash reduction in deferred tax expense as a result$290 (net of the Tax Act.tax) gain for Superstorm Sandy insurance proceeds received. Excluding this item from the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, net income increased 13%98% in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to the prior year primarily due to increased same store sales, higher gross profit margins and the favorable impact of a reduction in the fiscal 2018 estimated effective tax rate to 33.5% as a result of the Tax Act.

Net income was $12,528 in the six-month period of fiscal 2018 compared to $10,101 in the six-month period of the prior year. Fiscal 2018 includes a $2,726 non-cash reduction in deferred tax expense as a result of the Tax Act. Excluding this item, net income decreased 3% in the six-month period of fiscal 2018 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher operating and administrative expenses partially offset by the favorable impact of a reduction in the fiscal 2018 estimated effective tax rate to 33.5% as a result of the Tax Act.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  These policies require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company’s critical accounting policies relating to the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, accounting for patronage dividends earned as a stockholder of Wakefern,  and accounting for pension plans, are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 29, 2017.  As no material uncertain tax positions remain in the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, the Company has updated its critical accounting policies to exclude accounting for uncertain tax positions.28, 2018. As of JanuaryOctober 27, 2018, there have been no other changes to the critical accounting policies contained therein.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities was $28,424$6,125 in the six-monththree-month period of fiscal 20182019 compared to $15,146net cash used in operating activities of $2,229 in the corresponding period of the prior year.  The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 20182019 was primarily due to changes in working capital and increased net income adjusted for non-cash expenses including depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation and deferred taxes.expenses. Working capital changes, including Other assets and Other liabilities, increased net cash provided


by operating activities in fiscal 2018 by $3,775 and decreased net cash provided by operating activities by $8,645$7,712 in fiscal 2017.2019 compared to $12,338 in fiscal 2018. The largerdecreased impact of working capital changes in fiscal 2017 is due primarily to changes in income taxes receivable/payable as a result of the timing of estimated tax payments.payments related to other assets and liabilities.
 
During the six-monththree-month period of fiscal 2018,2019, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $12,731,$8,571, dividends of $6,439$3,222 and invested an additional $1,051investments of $743 in notes receivable from Wakefern, net of proceeds received on matured notes.Wakefern.  Capital expenditures primarily include costs associated with severalthe completion of the Bronx, New York store, two smaller remodels.remodels and small equipment purchases.

At JanuaryOctober 27, 2018, the Company had $45,731$47,824 in variable rate notes receivable due from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus $1.25%1.25% with $23,265$24,330 that mature on February 15, 2019 and $22,466 that mature on August 15, 2022. On August 15, 2017, notes receivable due from Wakefern of $22,142 that earned interest at the prime rate plus .25% matured.  The Company invested $22,000 of the proceeds received in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern$23,494 that mature on August 15, 2022. Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time. Under certain conditions, the Company can require Wakefern to prepay the notes, although interest earned since inception would be reduced as if it was earned based on overnight money market rates as paid by Wakefern on demand deposits.

Village has revised its budgeted $40,000 for capital expenditures downward from prior estimates to approximately $30,000 forin fiscal 2018 due to delays in the timing of certain projects.2019.  Planned expenditures include construction of a newreplacement store in the Bronx, New York, two majorStroudsburg, Pennsylvania, three minor remodels, several smaller remodelsexpansion of self-checkout across most stores and other various technology, upgrade projects.equipment and facility upgrades. The Company’s primary sources of liquidity in fiscal 20182019 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand at JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2018 and funding through the New Markets Tax Credit program as described in note 8 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.2019.

Working capital was $59,888$89,186 at JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 compared to $85,279$89,201 at July 29, 2017.28, 2018. Working capital ratios at the same dates were 1.611.89 and 1.891.88 to 1, respectively.  The decrease in working capital in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 is due primarily to maturity of $22,142 in notes receivable from Wakefern, of which $22,000 was reinvested in long-term notes receivable from Wakefern.  The Company’s working capital needs are reduced, since inventories are generally sold by the time payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.

Effective November 9, 2017, the Company entered into aVillage has an unsecured revolving credit agreement that amends, restates and supersedes in its entirety the loan agreement dated September 16, 1999 and all amendments to that agreement. The agreement maintains Village's unsecured revolving line of credit providing a maximum amount available for borrowing of $25,000, and extends the credit agreement to December 31, 2020.  $25,000.
The revolving credit line can be used for general corporate purposes.purposes and expires on December 21, 2020. Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.25%. The credit agreement continues to provideprovides for up to $3,000 of letters of credit, which secure obligations for construction performance guarantees to municipalities. The credit agreement continues to contain contains


covenants that, among other conditions, require a maximum liabilities to tangible net worth ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a positive net income. There were no amounts outstanding at JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 or July 29, 201728, 2018 under the new or superseded facility, respectively.facility.

There have been no other substantial changes as of JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 to the contractual obligations and commitments discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 29, 2017.28, 2018.


OUTLOOK

This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements about Village’s future performance. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of information currently available.  Such statements relate to, for example:  same store sales; economic conditions; expected pension plan contributions; projected capital expenditures; cash flow requirements; inflation expectations; and legal matters; and are indicated by words such as “will,” “expect,”  “should,” “intend,” “anticipates,” “believes” and similar words or phrases.  The Company cautions the reader that there is no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from the results expressed, suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date hereof.

We expect same store sales to rangeincrease from a decrease of 0.5%.5% to an increase of 0.5%2.5% in fiscal 2018. We expect sales trends to be negatively impacted by several local competitor store openings.2019.
We have revisedVillage has budgeted $40,000 for capital expenditures downward from prior estimates to approximately $30,000 forin fiscal 2018 due to delays in the timing of certain projects.2019.  Planned expenditures include construction of a newreplacement store in the Bronx, New York, two majorStroudsburg, Pennsylvania, three minor remodels, several smaller remodelsexpansion of self-checkout across most stores and other various technology, upgrade projects.equipment and facility upgrades.
The Board’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends in 20182019 at the most recent rate of $.25 per Class A and $.1625 per Class B share.
We believe cash and cash equivalents on hand, operating cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and debt payments for the foreseeable future.
We expect our effective income tax rate in fiscal 20182019 to be in the range of 33.0%30% - 34.0%31%. The reduction in the expected effective income tax rate is due primarily to realizing the full impact of the 21% federal corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, partially offset by New Jersey Assembly Bill 4202 which will temporarily increase the New Jersey corporate tax rate to 11.5% for fiscal 2019 and 2020 and to 10.5% for fiscal 2021 and 2022.
We expect operating expenses will be affected by spends on operational proficiency initiatives and increased costs in certain areas, such as medical and other fringe benefit costs.
We expect approximately $100$1,300 of net periodic pension costs in fiscal 20182019 related to the four Company sponsored defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects to contribute $3,500$3,000 in cash to all defined benefit pension plans induring fiscal 2018.2019.
Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. These include:

The supermarket business is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins.  Results of operations may be materially adversely impacted by competitive pricing and promotional programs, industry consolidation and competitor store openings.  Village competes directly with multiple retail formats both in-store and online, including national, regional and local supermarket chains as well as warehouse clubs, supercenters, drug stores, discount general merchandise stores, fast food chains, restaurants, dollar stores and convenience stores. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources, lower merchandise acquisition costs and lower operating expenses than we do.  
The Company’s stores are concentrated in New Jersey, with two stores in Maryland, one in northeastern Pennsylvania and one in northeastern Pennsylvania.New York City. We are vulnerable to economic downturns in New Jersey in addition to those that may affect the country as a whole.  Economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, interest rate fluctuations, movements in energy costs, social programs, minimum wage legislation, unemployment rates and changing demographics may adversely affect our sales and profits. 


Village purchases substantially all of its merchandise from Wakefern.  In addition, Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including advertising, liability and property insurance, supplies, certain equipment purchasing, coupon processing, certain financial accounting applications, retail technology support, and other store services.  Further, Village receives patronage dividends and other product incentives from Wakefern and also has demand deposits and notes receivable due from Wakefern.


Any material change in Wakefern’s method of operation or a termination or material modification of Village’s relationship with Wakefern could have an adverse impact on the conduct of the Company’s business and could involve additional expense for Village.  The failure of any Wakefern member to fulfill its obligations to Wakefern or a member’s insolvency or withdrawal from Wakefern could result in increased costs to the Company.  Additionally, an adverse change in Wakefern’s results of operations or solvency could have an adverse effect on Village’s results of operations.
Approximately 91%89% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Any work stoppages could have an adverse impact on our financial results. If we are unable to control health care and pension costs provided for in the collective bargaining agreements, we may experience increased operating costs.
The Company could be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of the food supply chain.  The real or perceived sale of contaminated food products by us could result in a loss of consumer confidence and product liability claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and operations.
Certain of the multi-employer plans to which we contribute are underfunded. As a result, we expect that contributions to these plans may increase. Additionally, the benefit levels and related items will be issues in the negotiation of our collective bargaining agreements. Under current law, an employer that withdraws or partially withdraws from a multi-employer pension plan may incur a withdrawal liability to the plan, which represents the portion of the plan’s underfunding that is allocable to the withdrawing employer under very complex actuarial and allocation rules. The failure of a withdrawing employer to fund these obligations can impact remaining employers. The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multi-employer pension plans will depend upon the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, government regulations, withdrawals by other participating employers and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among other factors.
The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance to provide for potential liability for workers’ compensation, automobile and general liability, property, director and officers’ liability, and certain employee health care benefits. Any projection of losses is subject to a high degree of variability. Changes in legal claims, trends and interpretations, variability in inflation rates, changes in the nature and method of claims settlement, benefit level changes due to changes in applicable laws, and insolvency of insurance carriers could all affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Our long-lived assets, primarily store property, equipment and fixtures, are subject to periodic testing for impairment. Failure of our asset groups to achieve sufficient levels of cash flow could result in impairment charges on long-lived assets.
Our effective tax rate may be impacted by the results of tax examinations and changes in tax laws.
Wakefern provides all members of the cooperative with information system support that enables us to effectively manage our business data, customer transactions, ordering, communications and other business processes.  These information systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer or telecommunications failures, computer viruses and related malicious software, catastrophic weather events, or human error.  Any material interruption of our or Wakefern’s information systems could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
Due to the nature of our business, personal information about our customers, vendors and associates is received and stored in these information systems. In addition, confidential information is transmitted through our ShopRite from Home online business at shoprite.com and through the ShopRite app. Unauthorized parties may attempt to access information stored in or to sabotage or disrupt these systems. Wakefern and the Company maintain substantial security measures to prevent and detect unauthorized access to such information, including utilizing third-party service providers for monitoring our networks, security reviews, and other functions. It is possible that computer hackers, cyber terrorists and others may be able to defeat the security measures in place at the Company, Wakefern or those of third-party service providers.


Any breach of these security measures and loss of confidential information, which could be undetected for a period of time, could damage our reputation with customers, vendors and associates, cause Wakefern and Village to incur significant costs to protect any customers, vendors and associates whose personal data was compromised, cause us to make changes to our information systems and could result in government enforcement actions and litigation against Wakefern and/or Village from outside parties. Any such breach could have a material adverse impact on our operations, consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity if the related costs to Wakefern and Village are not covered or are in excess of carried insurance policies. In addition, a security breach could require Wakefern and Village to devote significant management resources to address problems created by the security breach and restore our reputation.



RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
See note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for information on related party transactions.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company expects to adopt the new standard in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending July 27, 2019.  The Company does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its recognition of revenue at the point of sale, and is continuing to identify and assess transactions that may be affected by the new standard.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." This guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and a right-of-use asset for all leases with terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt the new standard in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending July 25, 2020. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at or entered into after the date of initial adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in a significantmaterial increase to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets for lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, and the Company is currently evaluating the other effects of adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In FebruaryAugust 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which will allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income2018-14, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to retained earningsthe Disclosure Requirements for the tax effects resulting from the Tax Act that are stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income.Defined Benefit Plans." The guidance modifies disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. This standard also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. This ASU, however, does not change the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations. The new guidance is effective for the first interim and annual periods beginningfiscal years ending after December 15, 2018, with2020, and early adoption permitted. It must be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Act is recognized.permitted. The Company is currently evaluatingassessing the effectspotential impact of adoption of this standardASU 2018-14 on its consolidated financial statements and relatedstatement disclosures.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
At JanuaryOctober 27, 2018, the Company had demand deposits of $69,619$65,145 at Wakefern earning interest at overnight money market rates, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.

At JanuaryOctober 27, 2018, the Company had $45,731$47,824 in variable rate notes receivable due from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus $1.25%1.25% with $23,265$24,330 that mature on February 15, 2019 and $22,466$23,494 that mature on August 15, 2022. Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time. Under certain conditions, the Company can require Wakefern to prepay the notes, although interest earned since inception would be reduced as if it was earned based on overnight money market rates as paid by Wakefern on demand deposits.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange


Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.



There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended JanuaryOctober 27, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
 


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

ITEM 2C.  ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The number and average price of shares purchased in each fiscal month of the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20182019 are set forth in the table below:
Period(1) Total Number of Shares Purchased(2) Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs
October 29, 2017 to November 25, 2017  $—  $2,008,972
November 26, 2017 to December 23, 2017 8,893 $23.02 8,893 $1,804,255
December 24, 2017 to January 27, 2018 11,845 $23.02 11,845 $1,531,583
Total  20,738 $23.02 20,738 $1,531,583
Period(1) Total Number of Shares Purchased(2) Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs
July 29, 2018 to August 25, 2018  $—  $1,531,583
August 26, 2018 to September 23, 2018 7,804 $28.65  $1,531,583
September 24, 2018 to October 27, 2018 13,844 $24.63 13,844 $1,190,605
Total  21,648 $26.08 13,844 $1,190,605
 
(1)  The reported periods conform to our fiscal calendar.
(2)     Includes (i) shares repurchased under a $5.0 million repurchase program of the Company's Class A Common Stock authorized by the Board of Directors and announced on June 12, 2015.2015 and (ii) 7,804 shares were surrendered to the Company to cover employee related taxes withheld on vested restricted stock. Repurchases may be made from time-to-time through a variety of methods, including open market purchases and other negotiated transactions, including through plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 



Item 6.    
Exhibits
  
Exhibit 31.1
  
Exhibit 31.2
  
Exhibit 32.1
  
Exhibit 32.2
  
Exhibit 99.1
  
101 INSXBRL Instance
  
101 SCHXBRL Schema
  
101 CALXBRL Calculation
  
101 DEFXBRL Definition
  
101 LABXBRL Label
  
101 PREXBRL Presentation




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 Village Super Market, Inc.
 Registrant
  
Dated: March 8,December 6, 2018/s/ Robert P. Sumas
 Robert P. Sumas
 (Chief Executive Officer)
  
Dated: March 8,December 6, 2018/s/ John Van Orden
 John Van Orden
 (Chief Financial Officer)



21