What changed in this filing

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis

2022-10-13 compared with 2021-10-14 · 112 added, 136 removed, 207 unchanged (55% of the section changed)

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(Dollars in thousands, except per share and per square foot data).

Village operates a chain of twenty-nine ShopRite supermarkets, five Fairway Markets and three Gourmet Garage specialty markets located in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite, Fairway and Gourmet Garage names.

This ownership interest in Wakefern provides Village with many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, advanced retail technology, marketing and advertising associated with larger chains.

Village Super Market operates a chain of 34 supermarkets in New Jersey (26), New York (6), Maryland (1) and Pennsylvania (1) under the ShopRite and Fairway banners and four Gourmet Garage specialty markets in New York City.

On April 29, 2022, Village opened a 14,600 sq.

Gourmet Garage in the West Village in Manhattan, NYC.

On February 22, 2021, Village closed the ShopRite store located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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The impacts associated with this closure were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

On May 14, 2020, Village completed its acquisition of certain assets, including five supermarkets averaging 52,000 sq.

(30,000 selling sq.

ft.), a production distribution center (the “PDC”) and the intellectual property of Fairway Group Holdings Corp.

and certain of its subsidiaries (“Fairway”), including the names “Fairway” and “Fairway Markets” for $73,622, net of cash acquired.

Four of the supermarkets are in Manhattan, specifically the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Kips Bay and Chelsea locations, and a fifth store is located in Pelham, NY.

Like Village, Fairway traces its roots back to a neighborhood market over 80 years ago.

Fairway Markets offer a one-stop destination shopping experience with an emphasis on fresh, unique, and high quality offerings paired with an expansive variety of natural, organic, specialty and gourmet products.

The PDC is a centralized commissary that promotes production efficiency, product quality and consistency in the bakery, prepared foods, meals to go and other perishable product categories.

Production costs at the PDC, including materials, labor and overhead, are included in Cost of sales.

The Fairway acquisition expands our presence in New York City under an iconic city brand and provides Village the ability to expand centralized food production to support stores under all of our banners.

On November 1, 2019, Village opened an 82,000 sq.

(52,000 selling sq.

ft.) ShopRite in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and replaced our existing 53,000 sq.

Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite, Fairway and Gourmet Garage names.

The Company’s stores, seven of which are owned, average 54,000 total square feet.

These larger store sizes enable the Company to offer a wide variety of national branded and locally sourced food products, including grocery, meat, produce, dairy, deli, seafood, prepared foods, bakery and frozen foods as well as non-food product offerings, including health and beauty care, general merchandise, liquor and 21 in-store pharmacies.

Most product departments include high-quality, competitively priced own-brand offerings under the Wholesome Pantry, Bowl & Basket, Paperbird and Fairway brands.

Markets offer a one-stop destination shopping experience with an emphasis on fresh, unique, and high quality offerings paired with an expansive variety of natural, organic, specialty and gourmet products.

Our Gourmet Garage specialty markets offer organic produce, signature soups and prepared foods, high-quality meat and seafood, charcuterie and gourmet cheeses, artisan baked bread and pastries, chef-prepared meals to go and pantry staples.

Online grocery ordering for in-store pick up or home delivery is available in all of our ShopRite stores through shoprite.com, the ShopRite app or through third party service providers.

Additionally, the ShopRite Order Express app enables customers to pre-order deli, catering, specialty occasion cakes and other items.

Online ordering for home delivery is available in all Fairway and Gourmet Garage stores through third party service providers.

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, including our own brands portfolio.

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 55,000 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.

Online grocery ordering for in-store pick up or home delivery through ShopRite from Home is available in all of our ShopRite stores.

Customers can browse our circular, create and edit shopping lists and use ShopRite from Home through shoprite.com or the ShopRite app.

Additionally, the ShopRite Order Express app enables customers to pre-order deli, catering, specialty occasion cakes and other items.

Online ordering for home delivery through third party services is available in all Fairway and Gourmet Garage stores.

In April 2020 we also added online ordering for home delivery through third party services in all ShopRite stores.

The Company competes by providing a superior customer service experience, competitive pricing and a broad range of consistently available quality products.

The ShopRite Price Plus customer loyalty 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.

To promote production efficiency, product quality and consistency, the Company operates a centralized commissary supplying certain products in deli, bakery, prepared foods and other perishable product categories to all stores.

Production costs, including materials, labor and overhead, are included in Cost of sales.

We consider a variety of indicators to evaluate our performance, such as same store sales;

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Fiscal 2022 contains 52 weeks and fiscal 2021 contains 53 weeks.

The Company was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak as it operates in and around one of the early U.S.

epicenters of the health crisis.

The Company is classified as an essential business and has remained open to serve our customers and the communities in which we operate.

We continue to experience changes in customer shopping habits, shifts in product mix and increased demand through digital channels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demand remains high in most stores, however sales at Fairway and Gourmet Garage locations in Manhattan have been negatively impacted by localized residential population migration out of the city and less commuter and tourist traffic.

We expect continued uncertainty in our business as well as the local and regional economies in which we operate depending on the duration and intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic (see the "Outlook" section below for further discussion of risks and uncertainties).

NON-GAAP MEASURES

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, including the related notes, are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

We provide non-GAAP measures, including Adjusted net income and Adjusted operating and administrative expenses management believes these metrics are useful to investors and analysts.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures such as net income, operating income, operating and administrative expense or any other GAAP measure of performance.

These measures should not be reviewed in isolation or considered as a substitute for our financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP.

We believe Adjusted net income and Adjusted operating and administrative expense are useful metrics to investors and analysts because they present more accurate year-over-year comparisons of our net income and operating and administrative expense.

We provide non-GAAP measures, including Adjusted net income and Adjusted operating and administrative expenses as management believes these supplemental measures are useful to investors and analysts.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be reviewed in isolation or considered as a substitute for our financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP, nor as an alternative to net income, operating and administrative expense or any other GAAP measure of performance.

Adjusted net income and Adjusted operating and administrative expense are useful to investors because they provide supplemental measures that exclude the financial impact of certain items that affect period-to-period comparability.

Management and the Board of Directors use these measures as they provide greater transparency in assessing ongoing operating performance on a period-to-period basis.

Other companies may have different definitions of Non-GAAP Measures and provide for different adjustments, and comparability to the Company's results of operations may be impacted by such differences.

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Net Income $ 26,830 $ 19,994

Adjustments to Gross Profit:

Amortization of acquisition related inventory step up — 507

Adjustments to Operating and administrative expense:

Adjustments to Operating Expenses:

Gain on sale of assets (1) (494) (4,768)

Non-cash pension termination and settlement charges 587 1,604

Pension termination and settlement charges 12,341 587

Store closure costs (2) — 325

New store pre-opening costs (3) — 1,274

Gain on Superstorm Sandy insurance proceeds — (2,733)

Fairway acquisition transaction costs — 2,701

Break-up fee income (4) — (2,035)

Other Adjustments:

Impairment of assets (3) — 2,900

Estimated income from 53rd week (6) (602) —

Income from 53-week fiscal year (4) — (602)

Adjustments to Income Taxes:

Tax impact of adjustments to gross profit and operating expenses 478 (236)

Tax gain on federal net operating loss carryback — (2,512)

Tax impact of adjustments to operating expenses (3,633) 478

Adjusted net income $ 35,044 $ 18,914

Operating and administrative expense 498,786 444,833

Total adjustments to operating administrative expense 3,856 (390)

Adjusted operating and administrative expense 502,642 444,443

Adjusted operating and administrative expense as a % of sales 24.76 % 24.63 %

(1) Fiscal 2021 includes a $4,044 gain on the sale of the leasehold interest in a non-supermarket related parking lot obtained as part of the Fairway acquisition and a $724 gain on the sale of the pharmacy prescription list related to the Silver Spring store.

Fiscal 2020 includes a gain on the sale of the pharmacy prescription lists related to three store pharmacies closed in March 2020.

(2) Fiscal 2021 includes costs associated with the closure of the Silver Spring, Maryland store on February 22, 2021 and Fiscal 2020 includes charges to write off the lease asset and related obligations for the old Stroudsburg store.

(3) Fiscal 2020 pre-opening costs relate to the Stroudsburg replacement store opened on November 1, 2019.

(4) Fiscal 2020 gain due to the breakup of Village’s initial “stalking horse” bid under the January 20, 2020 Fairway Asset Purchase Agreement.

(5) Fiscal 2021 non-cash impairment charges for the Fairway trade name of $2,386 and the long-lived assets for one Gourmet Garage store of $514.

Operating and administrative expenses $ 507,597 $ 498,786

Adjustments to operating and administrative expenses (11,847) 3,856

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses $ 495,750 $ 502,642

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses as a % of sales 24.05 % 24.76 %

(1) Fiscal 2022 includes a $494 gain on the sale of an equity investment and fiscal 2021 includes a $4,044 gain on the sale of the leasehold interest in a non-supermarket related parking lot obtained as part of the Fairway acquisition and a $724 gain on the sale of the pharmacy prescription list related to the Silver Spring, Maryland store.

(2) Fiscal 2021 includes costs associated with the closure of the Silver Spring, Maryland store on February 22, 2021.

(3) Fiscal 2021 includes non-cash impairment charges for the Fairway trade name of $2,386 and the long-lived assets for one Gourmet Garage store of $514.

(4) Fiscal 2021 is a 53-week fiscal year, with the additional week included in the fourth quarter.

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Sales were $2,061,084 in fiscal 2022, an increase of $30,754, or 1.5% from fiscal 2021.

Sales increased $35,433, or 2.0%, due to fiscal 2021 containing 53 weeks.

Excluding the impact of the 53rd week, sales increased due to the Fairway acquisition completed on May 14, 2020, the opening of the Stroudsburg replacement store on November 1, 2019 and a same store sales increase of 1.8%.

Excluding the impact of the 53rd week, same store sales increased 7.5% in fiscal 2021 on a two-year stacked basis compared to fiscal 2019.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced higher average basket sizes and decreased transaction counts as customers have consolidated shopping trips.

Additionally, both food inflation and increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") benefits positively impacted sales.

Same store digital sales growth accelerated through both ShopRite from Home and partnerships with online grocery picking and delivery services, increasing 68% in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 and 219% on a two-year stacked basis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fiscal 2021 sales at Fairway and Gourmet Garage locations in Manhattan have been significantly negatively impacted due primarily to residential population migration out of the city and less commuter and tourist traffic.

Fiscal 2021 contains 53 weeks, with the additional week included in the fourth quarter.

Excluding the impact of the 53rd week, sales increased 3.5% due primarily to an increase in same store sales of 4.1% and the opening of a Gourmet Garage in the West Village in Manhattan, NY on April 29, 2022, partially offset by the closure of the Silver Spring, Maryland store in February 2021.

Same store sales increased due primarily to increased sales in New York City stores, higher transaction counts, inflation and continued growth in SNAP benefit redemptions.

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.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 27.83% in fiscal 2021 compared to 28.07% in fiscal 2020.

Higher margins associated with Fairway increased gross profit (.22%), despite higher costs as we transition and integrate commissary operations into our business.

Excluding the impact of Fairway, gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .46% due primarily to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.48%) and increased warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.34%), partially offset by a favorable change in product mix (0.17%), lower promotional spending (0.16%) and increased patronage dividends and rebates received from Wakefern (.03%).

Departmental gross profits decreased due partly to price investments.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 28.12% in fiscal 2022 compared to 27.83% in fiscal 2021 due primarily to increased departmental gross margin percentages (.57%) and a favorable change in product mix (.10%), partially offset by higher LIFO charges (.16%), decreased patronage dividends and rebates received from Wakefern (.09%) and higher promotional spending (.14%).

Department gross margins increased due primarily to pricing initiatives and improvements in commissary operations.

OPERATING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE

Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased to 24.57% in fiscal 2021 compared to 24.65% in fiscal 2020.

Adjusted operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased to 24.76% in fiscal 2021 compared to 24.63% in fiscal 2020.

Adjusted operating and administrative expense increased due primarily to increased occupancy costs due primarily to the Fairway acquisition (.56%) and increased external fees and transportation costs associated with digital sales (.42%), partially offset by decreased costs related to COVID-19, including enhanced wages and benefits, security and outside sanitation services (.62%) and lower payroll and fringe benefit costs (.24%).

Payroll and fringe benefits decreased primarily due to leverage from higher sales, reductions in service department offerings, labor shortages and productivity initiatives partially offset by the addition of Fairway, growth of ShopRite from Home and minimum wage and demand driven pay rate increases.

Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased to 24.63% in fiscal 2022 compared to 24.57% in fiscal 2021.

Adjusted operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased to 24.05% in fiscal 2022 compared to 24.76% in fiscal 2021 due primarily to lower labor costs and fringe benefits (.61%) and less advertising spending (.10%), partially offset by increased external fees and transportation costs associated with digital sales (.08%).

Labor costs decreased due to productivity initiatives, labor shortages and sales leverage partially offset by minimum wage and demand driven pay rate increases.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

Depreciation and amortization expense was $33,122 and $34,195 in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased in fiscal 2021 compared to the prior year due to depreciation related to assets acquired as part of the Fairway acquisition.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased due primarily to the closure of the Silver Spring, Maryland ShopRite in February 2021 and the timing of capital expenditures.

IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

Impairment of assets includes non-cash charges related to the Fairway trade name of $2,386 (see note 1 to the consolidated financial statements) and the long-lived assets for one Gourmet Garage store of $514.

Impairment of assets in fiscal 2021 included non-cash charges related to the Fairway trade name of $2,386 (see note 1 to the consolidated financial statements) and the long-lived assets for one Gourmet Garage store of $514.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense was $3,907 and $3,943 in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Interest expense increased in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 due primarily to interest expense related to the credit agreement entered into on May 6, 2020 (see note 7 to the consolidated financial statements).

INTEREST INCOME

Interest income was $4,023 and $3,633 in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Interest income decreased in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 due primarily to lower interest rates for amounts invested in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern and demand deposits invested at Wakefern.

Interest income increased in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 due primarily to higher interest rates and larger amounts invested in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern and demand deposits invested at Wakefern.

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 31.3% and 30.7% in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Fiscal 2020 includes a $2,512 benefit from a federal net operating loss carryback at a rate higher than the current statutory tax rate.

Excluding the impact of these adjustments, the effective income tax rate was 29.3% in fiscal 2020.

The increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2021 is due primarily to favorable return to provision adjustments in fiscal 2020 and increased state taxable income in higher tax rate jurisdictions.

The increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2022 is due primarily to increased state taxable income in higher tax rate jurisdictions.

Net income was $26,830 in fiscal 2022 compared to $19,994 in fiscal 2021.

Adjusted net income was $35,044 in fiscal 2022 compared to $18,914 in fiscal 2021.

Adjusted net income decreased 18% in fiscal 2021 compared to the prior year due primarily to lower sales volumes in Manhattan and higher costs as we transition and integrate commissary operations into our business.

Adjusted net income increased 85% compared to the prior year due primarily to the 4.1% increase in same store sales and improvements in gross profit and operating and administrative expense margins.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets, such as property, equipment and fixtures for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.

Such review analyzes the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows from asset groups at the store level to determine if the carrying value of such assets are recoverable from their respective cash flows.

The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets, such as property, equipment and fixtures and operating lease assets on an individual store basis for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.

Factors considered by the Company that could result in an impairment triggering event include a current period operating or cash flow loss, underperformance of a store relative to historical or expected operating results, and significant negative industry or economic trends.

If an impairment triggering event is identified, the Company analyzes the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows from asset groups at the store level to determine if the carrying value of such assets are recoverable from their respective cash flows.

If impairment is indicated, it is measured by comparing the fair value of the long-lived asset groups to their carrying value.

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The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets are estimated based on the discounted cash flow model using the relief from royalty method.

Manhattan store sales have been impacted by localized residential population migration out of Manhattan and less commuter and tourist traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manhattan store sales have been impacted by less residential, commuter and tourist traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to uncertainty regarding the duration and extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Manhattan, the Company recognized an impairment charge related to the Fairway trade name of $2,386 for year ended July 31, 2021.

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The patronage dividend receivable based on these estimates was $12,239 and $11,860 at July 30, 2022 and July 31, 2021, respectively.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that once control is obtained, all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition.

The determination of fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities requires estimates and the use of valuation techniques when market value is not readily available.

For intangible assets acquired in a business combination, we typically determine the fair value based on the discounted cash flow model, specifically the relief from royalty method for intangible assets related to a trade name.

Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, the amount and timing of future revenues, cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and useful lives.

The excess of the purchase price over fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.

PENSION PLANS

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Our methodology for selecting the discount rate as of July 30, 2022 was to match the plans' cash flows to that of a yield curve on high-quality fixed-income investments.

Based on this method, we utilized a weighted-average discount rate of 2.44% at July 31, 2021 compared to 2.26% at July 25, 2020.

Based on this method, we utilized a weighted-average discount rate of 3.77% at July 30,

2022 compared to 2.44% at July 31, 2021.

Changes in the discount rate and updated assumptions on mortality tables and improvement scales resulted in a net decrease in the projected benefit obligation by approximately $2,017 at July 30, 2022.

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Expected return on assets + / - 1.0 % $ — — $ 29 $ (29)

Village made no contributions in both fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 to these Company-sponsored pension plans.

In fiscal 2020 the Company began the process of terminating the Village Super Market, Inc.

In April 2022, the Company terminated the Village Super Market, Inc.

Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Upon satisfaction of all regulatory requirements, which is expected to occur during fiscal 2022, the Company will fully fund and liquidate all plan assets to purchase annuity contracts from an insurance company for all participants who do not elect a lump sum distribution.

At the time of settlement, the Company will recognize a non-cash pre-tax charge representing the plan’s remaining unrecognized losses within accumulated other comprehensive loss as of the termination date.

As of July 31, 2021, the funded status of this plan is a net liability of $3,844 and the pre-tax amount included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss is $15,155.

Prior to termination, the Company made a $1,485 contribution to fully fund the plan.

Plan assets were liquidated to fund lump sum distributions to participants of $37,289 and purchase annuity contracts totaling $14,930 with an insurance company for all participants who did not elect a lump sum distribution.

No benefit obligation or plan assets related to the Village Super Market, Inc.

Employees’ Retirement Plan remain as of July 30, 2022.

The Company recognized a $12,296 pre-tax settlement charge as a result of the termination, including a $10,856 non-cash charge for unrecognized losses within accumulated other comprehensive loss as of the termination date.

Village made no contributions to the remaining plans in fiscal 2022 and no contributions were made in fiscal 2021 to Company-sponsored pension plans.

Contributions to the remaining plans are expected to be immaterial in fiscal 2023.

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Net cash provided by operating activities was $79,625 in fiscal 2022 compared to $52,692 in fiscal 2021.

The change in cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2021 was primarily due to changes in working capital and net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, deferred taxes, loss on pension settlements, the provision to value inventories at LIFO and the gain on sale of prescription lists and property, equipment and fixtures.

Working capital changes, including other assets and other liabilities, decreased net cash provided by operating activities by $1,587 in fiscal 2021 compared an increase in net cash provided by operating activities of $1,127 in fiscal 2020.

This change in impact of working capital is due primarily to lower accounts payable to Wakefern and Accounts payable and accrued expense due to inventory turnover and operations normalizing after the initial impact of the pandemic partially offset by changes in timing of income tax payments.

During fiscal 2021, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $25,233, dividends of $13,050, principal payments of long-term debt of $8,414 and additional investments of $2,287 in notes receivable from Wakefern, net of proceeds received on matured notes.

Capital expenditures include one major remodel, continued expansion of ShopRite from Home and self-checkout, and various merchandising, technology, equipment and facility upgrades.

During fiscal 2020, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $54,495, dividends of $12,965, treasury stock purchases of $4,389 and additional investments of $2,800 in notes receivable from Wakefern, net of proceeds received on matured notes.

The $73,622 purchase price for the Fairway acquisition was funded by $50,000 drawn on the Company’s unsecured revolving line of credit and a $25,500 unsecured term loan pursuant to the Company's Credit Facility.

Capital expenditures include costs associated with the opening of an 82,000 sq.

(52,000 selling sq.

ft.) store in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania that replaced our existing 53,000 sq.

store, expansion of ShopRite from Home, including the opening of an automated micro-fulfillment center in southern New Jersey, one major store remodel, several smaller remodels and equipment upgrades, including those in the integration of the Fairway acquisition.

The change in cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2022 was primarily due to changes in working capital and higher net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, deferred taxes, pension settlement charges, the provision to value inventories at LIFO, impairment charges and the gain on sale of property, equipment and fixtures.

Working capital changes, including other assets and other liabilities, increased net cash provided by operating activities by $7,081 in fiscal 2022 compared a decrease in net cash provided by operating activities of $1,587 in fiscal 2021.

During fiscal 2022, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $43,270, dividends of $13,041, principal payments of long-term debt of $8,299, an investment in a real estate partnership for the development of a retail center in Old Bridge, New Jersey of $5,010 and additional investments of $2,489 in notes receivable from Wakefern.

Proceeds on the sale of assets of $4,352 are primarily related to the sale of a leasehold interest in a non-supermarket related parking lot obtained as part of the Fairway acquisition.

Capital expenditures primarily include costs associated with the purchase of the Galloway store shopping center, the purchase of land in central New Jersey for a potential replacement store and other development, the new Gourmet Garage store in the West Village of New York City, continued expansion of self-checkout, and various merchandising, technology, equipment and facility upgrades.

Capital expenditures include one major remodel, continued expansion of online order fulfillment and self-checkout, and various merchandising, technology, equipment and facility upgrades.

LIQUIDITY and DEBT

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Working capital ratios at the same dates were 1.50 and 1.29 to one, respectively.

The increase in working capital in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 is due primarily to $28,627 in notes receivable from Wakefern that have been reclassified to current assets as they matured on August 15, 2022.

The Company’s working capital needs are reduced, since inventories are generally sold by the time payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.

We have budgeted $70,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2023.

Planned expenditures include three major remodels, several smaller store remodels, the purchase of the Galloway store shopping center, one new Gourmet Garage store, continued expansion of ShopRite from Home and self-checkout, and various merchandising, technology, equipment and facility upgrades.

Planned expenditures include costs for construction of three replacement stores scheduled to open in fiscal 2024, two major remodels, including the conversion of the Pelham, NY store from the Fairway to the ShopRite banner, the purchase of the Vineland store shopping center, several smaller store remodels and merchandising initiatives, installation of electronic shelf labels in six stores, continued expansion of self-checkout, and various technology, equipment and facility upgrades.

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity in fiscal 2023 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand at July 30, 2022 and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2023.

At July 31, 2021, the Company held variable rate notes receivable due from Wakefern of $27,325 that earn interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% and mature on August 15, 2022 and $27,970 that earn interest at the prime rate plus .75% and mature on February 15, 2024.

On April 28, 2022 the Company entered into a partnership agreement for a 30% interest in the development of a retail center in Old Bridge, New Jersey, which includes a Village replacement store with future lease obligations of $9,280.

Village will fund its share of project costs estimated to be $15,000 to $20,000 over the two to three year life of the project.

As of July 30, 2022, Village has invested $5,010 into the real estate partnership, which is accounted for as an equity method investment included in Investments in Real Estate Partnerships on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At July 30, 2022, the Company held variable rate notes receivable due from Wakefern of $28,627 that earn interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% and matured on August 15, 2022 and $29,157 that earn interest at the prime rate plus .75% and mature on February 15, 2024.

The Company invested $28,850 of the proceeds received from the notes that matured on August 15, 2022 in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus .50% and mature on August 15, 2027.

On September 28, 2022, the Company invested an additional $30,000 in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus .50% and mature on September 28, 2027.

Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time.

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These deposits earn overnight money market rates.

On May 6, 2020, Village entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo National Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) that supersedes in its entirety the prior credit agreement with Wells Fargo dated November 9, 2017.

The principal purpose of the Credit Facility is to finance general corporate and working capital requirements and Village’s acquisition of certain Fairway assets.

Among other things, the Credit Facility provides for a maximum loan amount of $150,500 as further set forth below:

Credit Facility

On January 28, 2022, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement of the Company’s $150,500 credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo National Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”).

The notable changes from the previous agreement include:

(1) Modification of the reference rate from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as a result of the expected cessation of LIBOR, (2) The execution of a fifteen-year $7,350 secured term loan to finance the acquisition of the Galloway shopping center and (3) Modification of the definition of Total Adjusted Debt for the purpose of determining the maximum adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio financial covenant.

Among other things, the Credit Facility provides for:

• An unsecured revolving line of credit providing a maximum amount available for borrowing of $75,000.

Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.10% and expires on May 6, 2025.

• An unsecured term loan with a maximum loan amount of $25,500.

On May 12, 2020, Village executed a $25,500 term note, repayable in equal monthly installments based on a seven-year amortization schedule through May 4, 2027 and bearing interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.35%.

Additionally, Village executed an interest rate swap for a notional amount equal to the term loan amount that fixes the base LIBOR rate at .41% per annum through May 4, 2027, resulting in a fixed effective interest rate of 1.76% on the term note.

• On September 1, 2020, Village converted $50,000 of its revolving line of credit to a secured converted term loan.

The conversion reduced the maximum amount available for borrowing under the revolving line of credit from $125,000 to $75,000.

The term loan bears interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.50% and is repayable in equal monthly

installments based on a fifteen-year amortization schedule beginning on the conversion date.

Additionally, Village previously executed a forward interest rate swap, effective on the conversion date, for a notional amount equal to the term loan amount that fixes the base LIBOR rate at 0.69% per annum for 15 years, resulting in a fixed effective interest rate of 2.19% on the converted term loan.

Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the applicable SOFR plus 1.10% and expires on May 6, 2025.

• An unsecured $25,500 term loan issued on May 12, 2020, repayable in equal monthly installments based on a seven-year amortization schedule through May 4, 2027 and bearing interest at the applicable SOFR plus 1.46%.

Prior to the January 28, 2022 amendment to the credit facility, interest accrued on the unsecured term loan at the applicable LIBOR plus 1.35%.

An interest rate swap with notional amounts equal to the term loan fixed the base LIBOR at .41%, resulting in a fixed effective rate of 1.76%.

In February 2022, the Company executed an amendment and restatement of the interest rate swap that fixes the base SOFR at .26% per annum through May 4, 2027, resulting in a fixed effective interest rate of 1.72% on the term loan.

• A secured $50,000 term loan issued on September 1, 2020 repayable in equal monthly installments based on a fifteen-year amortization schedule through September 1, 2035 and bearing interest at the applicable SOFR plus 1.61%.

to the January 28, 2022 amendment to the credit facility, interest accrued on the secured term loan at the applicable LIBOR plus 1.50%.

An interest rate swap with notional amounts equal to the term loan fixed the base LIBOR at .69%, resulting in a fixed effective rate of 2.19%.

In February 2022, the Company executed an amendment and restatement of the interest rate swap related to the term loan that fixes the base SOFR at .57% per annum through September 1, 2035, resulting in a fixed effective interest rate of 2.18% on the term loan.

The term loan is secured by real properties of Village Super Market, Inc.

and its subsidiaries, including the sites of three Village stores.

• A secured $7,350 term loan issued on January 28, 2022 repayable in equal monthly installments based on a fifteen-year amortization schedule through January 28, 2037 and bearing interest at the applicable SOFR plus 1.50%.

Additionally, Village executed an interest rate swap for a notional amount equal to the term loan amount that fixes the base SOFR at 1.41% per annum, resulting in a fixed effective interest rate of 2.91% on the term loan.

The term loan is secured by the Galloway store shopping center acquired in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

On September 1, 2022, the Company amended the Credit Facility due to the execution of a seven year $10,000 unsecured term loan.

The unsecured term loan is repayable in equal monthly installments based on a seven year amortization schedule through September 4, 2029 and bears interest at the applicable SOFR plus 1.35%.

Village also executed an interest rate swap for a notional amount equal to the term loan amount that fixes the base SOFR at 2.95%, resulting in a fixed effective rate of 4.30%.

This loan qualified for an interest rate subsidy program with Wakefern on financing related to certain capital expenditure projects.

Net of the subsidy, the Company will pay interest at a fixed effective rate of 2.30%.

The principal purpose of the Credit Facility is to finance general corporate and working capital requirements, Village’s acquisition of certain Fairway assets, the purchase of the Galloway store shopping center and certain capital expenditure projects.

The Credit Facility also provides for up to $25,000 of letters of credit ($7,336 outstanding at July 30, 2022), which secure obligations for store leases and construction performance guarantees to municipalities.

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The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date hereof.

• Due to continued uncertainties in the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business, we will not provide same store sales guidance for fiscal 2022.

• We expect the increase in same store sales to range from 1.0% to 3.0% in fiscal 2023.

• We have budgeted $70,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2023.

• The Board’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends in 2023 at the most recent rate of $.25 per Class A and $.1625 per Class B share.

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• We expect our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2023 to be in the range of 31.0% - 32.0%.

• We expect approximately $15,891 of net periodic pension costs in fiscal 2022 related to the three Company sponsored defined benefit pension plans, including a $15,155 non-cash, pre-tax settlement charge representing the remaining unrecognized losses within accumulated other comprehensive loss related to a plan termination expected to occur during fiscal 2022.

The Company will fully fund this plan and liquidate all plan assets to purchase annuity contracts from an insurance company for all participants who do not elect a lump sum distribution.

As of July 31, 2021, the funded status of this plan is a net liability of $3,844.

Contributions to the remaining plans are expected to be immaterial in fiscal 2022.

Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

These include:

• The Company operates in and around one of the epicenters of the initial COVID-19 health crisis in the United States with much of our trade area under stay-at-home orders from mid-March 2020 through June 2020.

The Company is classified as an essential business and has remained open to serve our customers and the communities in which we operate.

The continuing impact on our business, including the length and impact of stay-at-home orders and/or regional quarantines, labor shortages and employment trends, disruptions to supply chains, higher operating costs, the form and impact of economic stimulus and general overall economic instability, is uncertain at this time and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

• The COVID-19 pandemic created significant volatility and uncertainty in our business since the first outbreak in our trade area in March 2020.

Its continuing impact and the impact of new virus variants and the measures taken in response could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We continue to monitor and adjust the safety measures we have implemented since the beginning of the pandemic.

Our business may be affected by uncertain or changing economic and market conditions arising in connection with and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including labor shortages, inflation, disruptions to supply chains, higher operating and/or compliance costs, changes in customer trends and consumer demand, changes in federal, state and local laws, regulations and community response measures, the form and impact of economic stimulus, our customers access to and the continued availability of government benefit programs through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") and general overall economic instability.

It is unclear whether and to what extent sales, consumer behavior, general economic and business activity will return to pre-pandemic levels and its impact on our business.

Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis may exacerbate other risks and uncertainties included herein, which could have a material effect on the Company.

• The Fairway acquisition involves a number of risks, uncertainties and challenges, including under-performance relative to our expectations, additional capital requirements, unforeseen expenses or delays, imprecise assumptions or our inability to achieve projected cost savings or other synergies, competitive factors in the marketplace and difficulties integrating the business, including merging company cultures, cultivating brand strategy, expansion of food production and conforming the acquired company's technology, standards, processes, procedures and controls.

Sales and operating profits have underperformed compared to projected amounts due primarily to population migration out of Manhattan and less commuter and tourist traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sales and operating profits have underperformed in Manhattan due primarily to less residential, commuter and tourist traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of these potential circumstances are outside of our control and any of them could result in an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and the diversion of management time and resources.

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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.

In addition, confidential information is transmitted through our 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.

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The maximum per store investment is currently $975.

distributes as a “patronage dividend” to each member a share of its earnings in proportion to the dollar volume of purchases by the member from Wakefern during the year.

Wakefern distributes as a “patronage dividend” to each member a share of its earnings in proportion to the dollar volume of purchases by the member from Wakefern during the year.

Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including advertising, supplies, workers' compensation, liability and property insurance, technology support and other store services.

Additional information is provided in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

On September 28, 2022, the Company invested an additional $30,000 in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus .50% and mature on September 28, 2027.

Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time.

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These deposits earn overnight money market rates.

The Company subleases the Galloway and Vineland stores from Wakefern under sublease agreements which provided for combined annual rents of $1,355 in both fiscal 2021 and 2020, and aggregate lease obligations of $2,276 at July 31, 2021.

The Company subleases the Galloway and Vineland stores from Wakefern under sublease agreements which provided for combined annual rents of $959 and $1,355 during fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, and has related aggregate lease obligations of $607 at July 30, 2022.

Both leases contain normal periodic rent increases and options to extend the lease.

On October 13, 2021, Village completed the acquisition of the Galloway store shopping center for $9,800.

The Company leases a supermarket from a realty firm 30% owned by certain officers of Village.

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This lease expires in fiscal 2026 with options to extend at increasing annual rents.

The Company has ownership interests in three real estate partnerships.

The Company has ownership interests in four real estate partnerships.

Village paid aggregate rents to two of these partnerships for leased stores of $1,556 and $1,579 in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, and has aggregate lease obligations of $12,340 at July 30, 2022 related to these leases.

Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.

What changed 10-K

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis