Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
WEIS MARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands, except shares)
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
Assets
Current:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
190,323
$
184,217
Marketable securities
191,971
225,991
SERP investment
31,123
26,651
Accounts receivable, net
81,567
65,092
Inventories
308,895
296,157
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
40,980
34,107
Total current assets
844,859
832,214
Property and equipment, net
1,011,498
961,353
Operating lease right-to-use
165,760
174,208
Goodwill
61,255
52,330
Intangible and other assets, net
24,066
19,527
Total assets
$
2,107,438
$
2,039,632
Liabilities
Current:
Accounts payable
$
234,278
$
226,164
Accrued expenses
34,196
42,676
Operating leases
39,336
40,658
Accrued self-insurance
19,729
18,353
Deferred revenue, net
13,040
12,416
Income taxes payable
2,723
516
Total current liabilities
343,304
340,782
Postretirement benefit obligations
31,123
29,032
Accrued self-insurance
25,662
25,174
Operating leases
134,127
142,345
Deferred income taxes
112,149
118,091
Other
15,044
9,871
Total liabilities
661,409
665,296
Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock, no par value, 100,800,000 shares authorized, 33,047,807 shares issued, 26,898,443 shares outstanding
9,949
9,949
Retained earnings
1,589,797
1,516,438
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(Net of deferred taxes of $ 1,029 in 2024 and $ 430 in 2023)
( 2,859 )
( 1,193 )
1,596,888
1,525,194
Treasury stock at cost, 6,149,364 shares
( 150,857 )
( 150,857 )
Total shareholders’ equity
1,446,031
1,374,337
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,107,438
$
2,039,632
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(amounts in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
For the Fiscal Years Ended December 28, 2024,
2024
2023
2022
December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022
(52 weeks)
(52 weeks)
(53 weeks)
Net sales
$
4,773,880
$
4,696,950
$
4,695,943
Other revenue
17,850
17,623
18,043
Total revenue
4,791,730
4,714,573
4,713,986
Cost of sales, including advertising, warehousing and distribution expenses
3,587,651
3,535,009
3,514,029
Gross profit
1,204,079
1,179,564
1,199,957
Operating, general and administrative expenses
1,072,364
1,042,378
1,042,905
Income from operations
131,715
137,186
157,052
Investment income (loss) and interest expense
21,970
13,162
( 82 )
Other income (expense)
( 3,409 )
( 3,652 )
3,807
Income before provision for income taxes
150,275
146,696
160,777
Provision for income taxes
40,334
42,868
35,581
Net income
$
109,941
$
103,828
$
125,196
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted
26,898,443
26,898,443
26,898,443
Cash dividends per share
$
1.36
$
1.36
$
1.30
Basic and diluted earnings per share
$
4.09
$
3.86
$
4.65
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(amounts in thousands)
For the Fiscal Years Ended December 28, 2024,
2024
2023
2022
December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022
(52 weeks)
(52 weeks)
(53 weeks)
Net income
$
109,941
$
103,828
$
125,196
Other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax:
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
(Net of deferred taxes of $ 599 , $ 1,912 and $ 3,011 , respectively)
( 1,666 )
5,255
( 8,135 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
( 1,666 )
5,255
( 8,135 )
Comprehensive income, net of tax
$
108,275
$
109,083
$
117,061
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated
(amounts in thousands, except shares)
Other
Total
For the Fiscal Years Ended December 28, 2024,
Common Stock
Retained
Comprehensive
Treasury Stock
Shareholders’
December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Shares
Amount
Earnings
Income (Loss)
Shares
Amount
Equity
Balance at December 25, 2021
33,047,807
$
9,949
$
1,358,963
$
1,687
6,149,364
$
( 150,857 )
$
1,219,742
Net income
—
—
125,196
—
—
—
125,196
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
—
—
—
( 8,135 )
—
—
( 8,135 )
Dividends paid
—
—
( 34,968 )
—
—
—
( 34,968 )
Balance at December 31, 2022
33,047,807
$
9,949
$
1,449,191
$
( 6,449 )
6,149,364
$
( 150,857 )
$
1,301,834
Net income
—
—
103,828
—
—
—
103,828
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
—
—
—
5,255
—
—
5,255
Dividends paid
—
—
( 36,582 )
—
—
—
( 36,582 )
Balance at December 30, 2023
33,047,807
$
9,949
$
1,516,438
$
( 1,193 )
6,149,364
$
( 150,857 )
$
1,374,337
Net income
—
—
109,941
—
—
—
109,941
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
—
—
—
( 1,666 )
—
—
( 1,666 )
Dividends paid
—
—
( 36,582 )
—
—
—
( 36,582 )
Balance at December 28, 2024
33,047,807
$
9,949
$
1,589,797
$
( 2,859 )
6,149,364
$
( 150,857 )
$
1,446,030
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
52 Weeks Ended
52 Weeks Ended
53 Weeks Ended
(amounts in thousands)
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
109,941
$
103,828
$
125,196
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
113,875
108,438
104,026
(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets
( 4,447 )
( 46 )
( 2,407 )
Unrealized (gain) loss in value of equity securities
( 1,020 )
275
1,325
Deferred income taxes
( 5,344 )
4,955
( 852 )
Unrealized (gain) loss in SERP
( 2,987 )
( 2,834 )
5,653
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventories
( 12,637 )
( 2,883 )
( 23,687 )
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
( 23,347 )
( 18,564 )
2,436
Accounts payable and other liabilities
11,364
13,095
7,695
Income taxes
2,208
( 5,839 )
( 1,005 )
Other
( 139 )
1,176
( 356 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
187,467
201,602
218,024
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment
( 161,349 )
( 104,010 )
( 122,169 )
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
6,507
867
6,691
Purchase of marketable securities
( 163,638 )
( 112,979 )
( 355,757 )
Proceeds from the sale and maturities of marketable securities
195,662
79,518
362,237
Acquisition of business
( 16,225 )
—
—
Purchase of intangible assets
( 4,251 )
( 1,075 )
( 819 )
Change in SERP investment
( 1,485 )
( 1,120 )
( 1,290 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 144,779 )
( 138,800 )
( 111,107 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid
( 36,582 )
( 36,582 )
( 34,968 )
Net cash used in financing activities
( 36,582 )
( 36,582 )
( 34,968 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
6,106
26,220
71,949
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
184,217
157,997
86,048
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
190,323
$
184,217
$
157,997
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash paid for income taxes was $ 43.1 million, $ 43.8 million, $ 37.4 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash paid for interest related to long-term debt was $ 45 thousand, $ 41 thousand, $ 40 thousand in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies utilized in preparing the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements:
(a) Description of Business
Weis Markets, Inc. is a Pennsylvania business corporation founded in 1912 and incorporated in 1924. The Company is engaged principally in the retail sale of food in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The Company’s operations are reported as a single reportable segment. There was no material change in the nature of the Company’s business during fiscal 2024.
(b) Definition of Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December. Fiscal 2024 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 28, 2024. Fiscal 2023 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 30, 2023. Fiscal 2022 was comprised of 53 weeks, ending on December 31, 2022. References to years in this Annual Report relate to fiscal years.
(c) Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
(d) Use of Estimates
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company maintains its cash balances in the form of core checking accounts and money market accounts. The Company maintains cash deposits with banks that at times exceed applicable insurance limits. The Company reduces its exposure to credit risk by maintaining such deposits with high quality financial institutions that Management believes are creditworthy.
The Company considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Investment amounts classified as cash equivalents as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 totaled $ 129.7 million and $ 118.4 million, respectively.
Consumer electronic payments accepted at the point of sale, including all credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions that process in three days or less are classified as cash equivalents. Consumer electronic payment amounts classified as cash equivalents as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 totaled $ 31.6 million and $ 39.7 million, respectively.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(f) Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of corporate and municipal bonds, commercial paper and equity securities. The Company invests primarily in high-grade marketable debt securities. The Company classifies all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale.
Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market price based on national markets. To determine fair value the Company utilizes standard pricing procedures of its investment advisory firm(s), which include various third-party pricing services. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company evaluates general market conditions, credit quality of debt instrument issuers, and the extent to which the fair value is less than cost. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on corporate and municipal bonds and commercial paper are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities are recorded in investment income (loss) and interest expense. Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities.
Investment amounts classified as marketable securities as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 totaled $ 192.0 million and $ 226.0 million, respectively.
Equity securities are measured at fair value and the unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded in investment income (loss) and interest expense. The Company recognized a $ 1.0 million gain in 2024 and a $ 275 thousand loss in 2023.
(g) Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $ 3.4 million and $ 2.0 million as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The reserve balance relates to amounts due from pharmacy third party providers, retail customer returned checks, manufacturing customers, vendors and tenants. The Company maintains an allowance for the amount of receivables deemed to be uncollectible and calculates this amount based upon historical collection activity adjusted for current conditions. Accounts receivable as of January 1, 2023 amounted to $ 50,863 .
(h) Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using both the retail inventory and average cost methods. The retail inventory method is commonly used by retail companies to determine cost and calculate gross margin based on applying a cost-to-retail ratio to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value. The Company’s center store and pharmacy inventories are valued using last in, first out (LIFO). The Company’s fresh inventories are valued using average cost. The Company evaluates inventory shortages throughout the year based on actual physical counts in its facilities. Allowances for inventory shortages are recorded based on the results of these counts and to provide for estimated shortages from the last physical count to the financial statement date.
(i) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided on the cost of buildings and improvements and equipment using the straight-line method.
Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the leases or the useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter.
Maintenance and repairs are expensed and renewals and betterments are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the assets and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on the disposition is credited or charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(j) Leases
The Company leases approximately 47 % of its open store facilities under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2038, with the remaining store facilities being owned. These leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals; however, several provide for minimum annual rentals plus variable lease costs related to real estate taxes and insurance as well as contingent rentals based on a percentage of annual sales or increases periodically based on inflation. These variable lease costs are not included in the measurement of the operating lease right-to-use assets or lease liabilities and are charged to the related expense category included in “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” Most of the leases contain multiple renewal options, under which the Company may extend the lease terms from 5 to 20 years . Additionally, the Company has operating leases for certain transportation and other equipment. The Company leases or subleases space to tenants in owned, vacated and open store facilities. Rental income is recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”
(k) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests when indicators of impairment are identified. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized until their useful life is determined to be no longer indefinite and are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
In 2024, the Company increased goodwill by $ 8.9 million from the acquisition of two Sunnyway Food stores, increasing goodwill to $ 61.3 million in 2024 from $ 52.3 million in 2023 and 2022.
The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 consisted of the following:
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
Accumulated
Accumulated
(amounts in thousands)
Gross
Amortization
Net
Gross
Amortization
Net
Liquor licenses
$
16,394
$
—
$
16,394
$
15,975
$
—
$
15,975
Software license
3,656
—
3,656
—
—
—
Asset acquisitions and other
2,683
1,259
1,424
3,612
1,734
1,878
Total
$
22,733
$
1,259
$
21,474
$
19,587
$
1,734
$
17,853
Intangible assets with a definite useful life are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 10 years for customer lists and 3 years for software. Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approximately $ 1.5 million in 2025, $ 1.5 million in 2026, $ 1.1 million in 2027, $ 148 thousand in 2028 and $ 121 thousand in 2029. As of December 28, 2024, the Company’s intangible assets with indefinite lives consisted of goodwill and liquor licenses.
(l) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically evaluates the period of depreciation or amortization for long-lived assets to determine whether current circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. The Company completes an impairment test annually. The Company also reviews its property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. An impairment loss would be recorded for the excess of net book value over the fair value of the asset impaired. The fair value is estimated based on current market values or expected discounted future cash flows.
With respect to owned property and equipment associated with closed stores, the value of the property and equipment would be adjusted to reflect recoverable values if current economic conditions and estimated fair values of the property was less than the net book value.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(l) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (continued)
The results of impairment tests are subject to Management’s estimates and assumptions of projected cash flows and operating results. The Company believes that, based on current conditions, materially different reported results are not likely to result from long-lived asset impairments. However, a change in assumptions or market conditions could result in a change in estimated future cash flows and the likelihood of materially different reported results.
(m) Self-Insurance
The Company is self-insured for a majority of its workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident and employee medical benefit claims. The self-insurance liability for most of the medical benefit claims is determined based on historical data and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The other self-insurance liabilities including workers’ compensation are determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company is self-insured for certain healthcare claims and stop-loss coverage is maintained for individual annual claim occurrences exceeding a $ 600 thousand specific deductible. The Company is liable for workers’ compensation claims ranging from $ 1.0 million to $ 2.0 million per claim. Property and casualty insurance coverage is maintained with outside carriers at deductible or retention levels ranging from $ 250 thousand to $ 1.0 million. Significant assumptions used in the development of the actuarial estimates include reliance on the Company’s historical claims data including average monthly claims and average lag time between incurrence and reporting of the claim.
(n) Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company reviews the tax positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns to determine whether and to what extent a benefit can be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and other disclosures related to uncertain tax positions. To the extent interest and penalties would be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts are accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense.
(o) Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.
(p) Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of products to the Company’s customers is recognized at the point of sale. Discounts provided to customers at the point of sale through the Weis Club Preferred Shopper loyalty program are recognized as a reduction in sales as products are sold. Periodically, the Company will run a point-based sales incentive program that rewards customers with future sales discounts. The Company makes reasonable and reliable estimates of the amount of future discounts based upon historical experience and its customer data tracking software. Sales are reduced rationally and systematically by these estimates over the life of the program. Discounts to customers at the point of sale provided by vendors, usually in the form of paper coupons, are not recognized as a reduction in sales provided the discounts are redeemable at any retailer that accepts those discounts. The Company records “Deferred revenue” for the sale of gift cards and revenue is recognized in “Net sales” at the time of customer redemption for products. Gift card breakage income is recognized in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” based upon historical redemption patterns and represents the balance of gift cards for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote. Gift card breakage income is not material for either period presented. Sales tax is excluded from “Net sales.” The Company charges sales tax on all taxable customer purchases and remits these taxes monthly to the appropriate taxing jurisdiction. Merchandise return activity is immaterial to revenues due to products being returned quickly and the relatively low unit cost. The Company provides a variety of services to its customers, including but not limited to lottery, money orders, third-party gift cards, and third-party bill pay services. Commission income earned from these services are recorded when earned as a component of “Other revenue.” The Company recorded commission income of $ 17.9 million in 2024, $ 17.6 million in 2023, $ 18.0 million in 2022.
(q) Cost of Sales, Including Advertising, Warehousing and Distribution Expenses
“Cost of sales, including advertising, warehousing and distribution expenses” consists of direct product costs (net of discounts and allowances), advertising (net of vendor paid cooperative advertising credits), distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations. Advertising costs, net of vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, are expensed as incurred which are primarily funded by vendor cooperative advertising credits and occur in the same period as the product is sold.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(r) Vendor Allowances
Vendor allowances related to the Company’s buying and merchandising activities are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales as they are earned, in accordance with the underlying agreement. Off-invoice and bill-back allowances are used to reduce direct product costs upon the receipt of goods. Promotional rebates and credits are accounted for as a reduction in the cost of inventory and recognized when the related inventory is sold. Volume incentive discounts are accounted for as a reduction of cost of sales and realized using estimated amounts at the time it is deemed probable that the incentive target will be reached. Long-term contract incentives, which require an exclusive vendor relationship, are allocated over the life of the contract. Promotional allowance funds for specific vendor-sponsored programs are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales as the program occurs and the funds are earned per the agreement. Cash discounts for prompt payment of invoices are realized in cost of sales as invoices are paid. Warehouse and back-haul allowances provided by suppliers for distributing their product through the Company’s distribution system are recorded in cost of sales offsetting costs incurred. Warehouse slotting allowances are recorded in cost of sales when new items are initially set up in the Company’s distribution system, which is when the related expenses are incurred and performance under the agreement is complete. Swell allowances for damaged goods are realized in cost of sales as provided by the supplier, helping to offset product shrink losses also recorded in cost of sales.
Vendor allowances recorded as credits in cost of sales totaled $ 122.9 million in 2024, $ 106.9 million in 2023 and $ 120.0 million in 2022. Vendor paid cooperative advertising credits totaled $ 2.8 million in 2024, $ 3.1 million in 2023 and $ 2.9 million in 2022. These credits were netted against advertising costs within “Cost of Sales, including Advertising, Warehousing and Distribution expenses.” The Company had accounts receivable due from vendors of $ 318 thousand and $ 450 thousand for earned advertising credits and $ 10.1 million and $ 8.8 million for earned promotional discounts as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The Company had $ 1.6 million and $ 2.4 million in unearned income included in accrued liabilities for unearned vendor programs under long-term contracts for display and shelf space allocation as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.
(s) Operating, General and Administrative Expenses
Business operating costs including expenses generated from administration and purchasing functions, are recorded in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Business operating costs include items such as wages, benefits, utilities, repairs and maintenance, rent, insurance, depreciation, leasehold amortization and costs for outside provided services.
(t) Advertising Costs
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The Company recorded advertising expense, before vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, of $ 25.5 million in 2024, $ 24.2 million in 2023, $ 23.7 million in 2022 in “Cost of Sales, including Advertising, Warehousing and Distribution Expenses.”
(u) Rental Income
The Company leases or subleases space to tenants in owned, vacated and open store facilities. Rental income is recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” All leases are operating leases. Refer to Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosure on operating leases and rental income.
(v) Current Relevant Accounting Standards
The Company regularly monitors recently issued accounting standards and assesses their applicability and impact. The Company believes there are three accounting standard updates (ASU) that have or will have an impact on the Company’s disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures ("ASU 2023-07"), which requires companies to enhance the disclosures about segment expenses. The new standard expands incremental line-item disclosures of significant segment expenses and how the expense information is applied in decision making and assessing performance of the reportable segment. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(v) Current Relevant Accounting Standards (continued)
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), that is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 requires disclosures of reconciliation of the expected tax at the applicable statutory federal income tax rate to the reported tax in a tabular format, using both percentages and amounts, broken out into specific categories with certain reconciling items of five percent or greater of the expected tax further broken out by nature and/or jurisdiction, disclosure of income taxes paid, net of refunds received, broken out between federal and state and local income taxes and payments to individual jurisdictions representing five percent or more of the total income tax payments must also be separately disclosed. The disclosures are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The disclosures in ASU 2023-09 should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company's disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses ("ASU 2024-03"), which requires incremental disclosures about specific expense categories, including but not limited to, purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization and selling expenses. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2026, and interim periods with annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption of ASU 2024-03 is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company's disclosures.
Note 2 Marketable Securities
The Company’s marketable securities are all classified as available-for-sale within “Current Assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has established three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 Observable inputs, other than Level 1 inputs in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
The Company’s marketable securities valued using Level 1 inputs include four public company equity securities, for which quoted market prices are available. The Company’s bond and commercial paper portfolio is valued using Level 2 inputs. The Company’s corporate and municipal bonds and commercial paper are valued using a combination of pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, cash flow models with yield curves and other pricing models utilizing observable inputs, which are considered Level 2 inputs.
For Level 2 investment valuation, the Company utilizes standard pricing procedures of its investment advisory firm(s), which include various third-party pricing services. These procedures also require specific price monitoring practices as well as pricing review reports, valuation oversight and pricing challenge procedures to maintain the most accurate representation of investment fair market value.
The Company accrues interest on its bond and commercial paper portfolio throughout the life of each bond and commercial paper held. Dividends from the equity securities are recognized as received. Both interest and dividends are recognized in “Investment income and interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized investment income of $ 18.6 million, $ 9.5 million and $ 3.8 million which included unrealized gain in equity securities of $ 1.0 million, an unrealized loss in equity securities of $ 275 thousand, and an unrealized loss in equity securities of $ 1.3 million in the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 2 Marketable Securities (continued)
Marketable securities, as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, consisted of:
Gross
Gross
(amounts in thousands)
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
December 28, 2024
Cost
Holding Gains
Holding Losses
Value
Available-for-sale:
Level 1
Equity securities
$
5,930
Level 2
Corporate and municipal bonds
$
171,258
$
2,525
$
( 6,583 )
167,201
Commercial Paper
18,671
169
—
18,840
Total
$
189,930
$
2,695
$
( 6,583 )
$
191,971
Gross
Gross
(amounts in thousands)
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
December 30, 2023
Cost
Holding Gains
Holding Losses
Value
Available-for-sale:
Level 1
Equity securities
$
4,910
Level 2
Corporate and municipal bonds
$
177,972
$
3,853
$
( 6,553 )
175,272
Commercial paper
44,732
1,076
—
45,808
Total
$
222,704
$
4,929
$
( 6,553 )
$
225,991
Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale at December 28, 2024, were as follows:
Amortized
Fair
(amounts in thousands)
Cost
Value
Available-for-sale:
Due within one year
$
69,258
$
69,564
Due after one year through five years
62,259
59,575
Due after five years through ten years
12,787
11,899
Due after ten years
45,626
45,004
Total
$
189,930
$
186,041
SERP Investments
The Company also maintains a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) for certain of its employees which allows them to defer income to future periods. Participants in the plans earn a return on their deferrals based on mutual fund investments. The Company chooses to invest in the underlying mutual fund investments to offset the liability associated with the non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Such investments are reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as “SERP investment,” are classified as trading securities and are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs with gains and losses included in “Investment income and interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized investment income of $ 3.4 million in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, investment income of $ 3.7 million in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 and investment loss of $ 3.8 million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The changes in the underlying liability to the employees are recorded in “Other income (expense).”
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 3 Inventories
Inventories, as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, were valued as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
LIFO
$
198,029
$
201,683
Average cost
110,865
94,474
Total
$
308,895
$
296,157
Management believes the use of the LIFO method for valuing certain inventories represents the most appropriate matching of costs and revenues in the Company’s circumstances. If all inventories were valued on the average cost method, which approximates current cost, total inventories would have been $ 110.9 million and $ 110.3 million higher than as reported on the above methods as of December 28, 2024, and December 30, 2023, respectively.
Note 4 Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, consisted of:
Useful Life
(amounts in thousands)
(in years)
2024
2023
Land
$
160,282
$
137,784
Buildings and improvements
10 - 60
876,022
839,202
Equipment
3 - 12
1,488,166
1,397,659
Leasehold improvements
5 - 20
242,295
234,287
Total, at cost
2,766,765
2,608,932
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
1,755,267
1,647,579
Total
$
1,011,498
$
961,353
Note 5 Lease Commitments
The following is a schedule of the lease costs included in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
52 Weeks Ended
52 Weeks Ended
53 Weeks Ended
(amounts in thousands)
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Operating lease cost
$
46,179
$
47,187
$
48,289
Variable lease cost
11,079
11,335
11,221
Lease or sublease income
( 10,572 )
( 10,210 )
( 9,744 )
Net lease cost
$
46,686
$
48,312
$
49,766
The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and total minimum sublease and lease rental income to be received as of December 28, 2024.
(amounts in thousands)
Leases
Subleases
2025
$
47,184
$
( 5,655 )
2026
41,863
( 4,630 )
2027
34,476
( 3,658 )
2028
27,053
( 2,392 )
2029
18,760
( 1,456 )
Thereafter
33,660
( 2,037 )
Total Lease Payments
$
202,996
$
( 19,827 )
Less: Interest
29,533
-
Present value of lease liabilities
173,463
( 19,827 )
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 5 Lease Commitments (continued)
The following is a schedule of weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rates as of December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022.
Lease Term and Discount Rate
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term
3.56
3.63
3.85
Weighted-average discount rate
4.08 %
3.43 %
2.81 %
The following is a schedule of supplemental cash flow information related to leases as of December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022.
(amounts in thousands)
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
47,203
48,476
48,744
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
40,163
39,928
27,364
Note 6 Retirement Plans
The following is a schedule of the retirement plan costs for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
(amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
2022
Retirement savings plan
5,976
5,882
5,155
Profit Sharing
—
—
—
Deferred compensation plan
( 2,381 )
821
815
Supplemental executive retirement plan
793
875
709
Total
$
4,388
$
7,578
$
6,679
The Company has a qualified retirement savings plan, the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, covering substantially all employees. Employer contributions are made at the sole discretion of the Company. In 2022, the plan was adjusted to benefit more employees by eliminating the noncontributory profit-sharing component and increasing the contributory component to $ 0.50 for every dollar that all eligible employeess contributed to the plan, up to 6 % of their eligible pay.
The Company maintained a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the payment of specific amounts of annual retirement benefits to certain officers or their beneficiaries over an actuarially computed normal life expectancy. The expected payments under the plan provisions were determined through actuarial calculations dependent on the age of the recipient, using an assumed discount rate. As of December 28, 2024, there are no active participants in the plan. A benefit payment of approximately $ 1.0 million was made in 2024 and the $ 2.4 million remaining liability was reversed.
The Company also maintains a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan covering highly compensated employees. This plan is designed to provide retirement benefits and salary deferral opportunities because of limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and the Regulations implemented by the Internal Revenue Service. This plan is unfunded and accounted for on an accrual basis. Plan participants are 100 % vested in their accounts after three years of service with the Company. Benefits are distributed among participants upon termination or retirement. Substantial risk of benefit forfeiture does exist for participants in this plan. The present value of accumulated benefits amounted to $ 31.1 million and $ 26.7 million at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, and is included in “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 7 Revenue Recognition
The following table represents net sales by product category and other revenue for years ending December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
52 Weeks Ended
52 Weeks Ended
53 Weeks Ending
( amounts in thousands )
December 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Grocery
$
3,927,461
82.3
%
$
3,921,041
83.5
%
$
3,978,397
84.7
%
Pharmacy
603,216
12.6
527,010
11.2
441,840
9.4
Fuel
235,126
4.9
239,665
5.1
263,265
5.6
Manufacturing
8,077
0.2
9,233
0.2
12,441
0.3
Total net sales
$
4,773,880
100.0
%
$
4,696,950
100.0
%
$
4,695,943
100.0
%
Other revenue
17,850
17,623
18,043
Total revenue
$
4,791,730
$
4,714,573
$
4,713,986
Note 8 Segment Reporting
The Company manages the business activities on a consolidated basis and has one operating segment: retail. The Company derives all its revenue from sales within Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The Company’s retail segment derives revenues from customers through the retail sale of a range of products including grocery, pharmaceutical and fuel from company owned supermarkets. See Note 7 for the disaggregation of revenue by product category. The accounting policies of the Company’s single segment are the same as those described in the Company’s Significant Accounting Policies.
The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Operating Officer. The chief operating decision maker assesses performance for the segment and decides how to allocate resources based on operating income and net income that is also reported on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The measure of segment assets used to assess performance and allocate resources is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as total assets. The chief operating decision maker uses operating income and net income to evaluate income generated from segment assets in deciding whether to reinvest profits into the segment, such as for acquisitions. Operating income and net income are used to monitor budget versus actual results. The chief operating decision maker also uses operating income and net income in competitive analysis by benchmarking to the Company’s competitors. The competitive analysis along with the monitoring of budgeted versus actual results are used in assessing performance of the segment.
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Note 8 Segment Reporting (continued)
The following table presents the retail segment’s revenue, significant segment expenses, and segment operating and net income for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022:
(amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
2022
Net sales
$
4,773,880
$
4,696,950
$
4,695,943
Other revenue (1)
17,850
17,623
18,043
Total revenue
4,791,730
4,714,573
4,713,986
Less:
Cost of sales - stores
3,508,283
3,491,616
3,471,725
Labor - stores
425,333
410,681
408,149
Depreciation and amortization - stores (2)
90,890
88,508
85,389
Occupancy - stores
85,872
84,345
81,756
All other expense - stores (3)
312,690
276,197
270,536
Administration, manufacturing, and property management expense
125,785
118,412
145,790
Distribution and transportation
111,161
107,626
93,589
Income from operations
131,715
137,186
157,052
Other income (expense) (4)
( 3,409 )
( 3,652 )
3,807
Investment income (loss) and interest expense
21,970
13,162
( 82 )
Provision for income taxes
40,334
42,868
35,581
Net income
$
109,941
$
103,828
$
125,196
(1) Other revenue represents commission income as described in Note 1.
(2) Segment depreciation and amortization expense, for stores and non-stores, for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $ 114 million, $ 108 million and $ 104 million respectively. Segment additions of long-lived assets for the years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $ 169 million, $ 104 million and $ 122 million respectively.
(3) All other expense consists of all other store controllable and fixed expenses, such as financial services fees, utilities, and outside services.
(4) Other income (expenses) consists of gains (losses) on SERP investments.
Note 9 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
All balances in accumulated other comprehensive income are related to available-for-sale marketable securities. The following table sets forth the balance of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Available-for-Sale
(amounts in thousands)
Marketable Securities
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance as of December 31, 2022
$
( 6,449 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
5,255
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
5,255
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance as of December 30, 2023
$
( 1,193 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
( 1,666 )
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
( 1,666 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance as of December 28, 2024
$
( 2,859 )
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 10 Income Taxes
(amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
2022
Current:
Federal
$
33,979
$
28,392
$
28,536
State
11,699
9,521
7,896
Deferred:
Federal
( 5,939 )
955
3,191
State
595
4,000
( 4,042 )
Total
$
40,334
$
42,868
$
35,581
The reconciliation of income taxes has been computed at the federal statutory rate of 21 % in 2024, 2023 and 2022. Ending deferred tax liability has been computed at the federal statutory rate of 21 %.
(amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
2022
Income taxes at federal statutory rate
$
31,558
$
30,806
$
33,763
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
8,900
9,800
4,700
Nondeductible employee-related expenses
2,137
2,709
2,235
State deferred rate change
—
—
( 5,462 )
Tax Credits
( 1,450 )
—
—
Other
( 810 )
( 448 )
345
Provision for income taxes
$
40,334
$
42,868
$
35,581
The effective income tax rate was 26.8 %, 29.2 % and 22.1 % in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21 % primarily due to state taxes, federal and state tax credits, and nondeductible employee-related expenses. The Company reduced its provision for income taxes by $ 5.5 million in 2022 primarily due to the effects of Pennsylvania House Bill 1342 which was enacted on July 8, 2022. The bill made significant changes to the Commonwealth’s corporate income tax laws which included lowering the tax rate gradually from 9.99 % in 2022 to 4.99 % in 2031, offset by taxable income changes, inclusive of, updating market sourcing rules, and codifying the economic nexus standard.
Cash paid for federal income taxes was $ 34.4 million, $ 23.0 million and $ 29.4 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively. Cash paid for state income taxes was $ 8.7 million, $ 20.8 million and $ 8.0 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 10 Income Taxes (continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, are:
(amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable
$
794
$
540
Employment incentives
4,300
4,855
Self-insurance liability
9,283
9,155
Postretirement benefit obligations
6,454
6,565
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards
1,533
2,153
Unrecognized tax benefits
549
1,341
174 R&D Capitalization
6,411
2,307
Other
116
683
Total deferred tax assets
29,440
27,599
Deferred tax liabilities:
Inventories
( 11,811 )
( 12,225 )
Unrealized gains on marketable securities
( 223 )
( 554 )
Prepaids
( 9,895 )
( 6,290 )
Nondeductible accruals and other
382
-
Depreciation
( 120,042 )
( 126,621 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
( 141,589 )
( 145,690 )
Net deferred tax liability
$
( 112,149 )
$
( 118,091 )
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:
(amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
$
6,384
$
13,661
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
( 1,042 )
( 948 )
Settlements
( 2,726 )
( 6,329 )
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year
$
2,616
$
6,384
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $ 0 in 2024, $ 0 in 2023 and $ 3.6 million in 2022.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files tax returns in the United States and various state jurisdictions. The tax years subject to examination in the United States and in Pennsylvania, where the majority of the Company’s revenues are generated, are 2022 to 2024 .
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 11 Acquisition of Business
Fiscal 2024 Acquisitions
On October 21, 2024, the Company purchased two Sunnyway Food stores located in South Central Pennsylvania. The Company acquired these locations and their operations in an effort to expand its presence in the region. The results of operations of the former Sunnyway Food stores acquisition are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. The two former Sunnyway Food stores contributed $ 5.4 million to sales in 2024. The cash purchase price paid was $ 16.2 million for the property, equipment, inventories, and goodwill related to this purchase. The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method. The fair value of property and equipment were determined based on external appraisals. Goodwill of $ 8.9 million has been recorded, based upon the expected benefits to be derived from new management business strategy and cost synergies. The $ 8.9 million of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets as follows:
2 Sunnyway
Food Stores
(dollars in thousands)
October 21, 2024
Inventories
$
101
Property and equipment
7,200
Goodwill
8,924
Total fair value of assets acquired
$
16,225
Note 12 Prior Year Revisions
As of December 28, 2024, the Company corrected the presentation of commission income which had previously been included in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” to be reflected as “Other revenue”.
The table below summarizes the effect of the correction of the previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
December 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Consolidated Statements of Income
As Previously
As Previously
(dollars in thousands)
Reported
Revision
As Adjusted
Reported
Revision
As Adjusted
Other revenue
$
-
$
17,623
$
17,623
$
-
$
18,043
$
18,043
Total revenue
4,696,950
17,623
4,714,573
4,695,943
18,043
4,713,986
Gross profit
1,161,941
17,623
1,179,564
1,181,914
18,043
1,199,957
Operating, general and administrative expenses
1,024,755
17,623
1,042,378
1,024,862
18,043
1,042,905
Note 13 Fair Value Information
The carrying amounts for cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. The fair values of the Company’s marketable securities, as disclosed in Note 2, are based on quoted market prices and institutional pricing guidelines for those securities not classified as Level 1 securities. The Company’s SERP investments are classified as trading securities and are carried at fair value using Level 1 inputs.
Note 14 Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in various legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. The Company also accrues for contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated, based on experience. In the opinion of Management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Note 15 Long-Term Debt
The primary source of cash is cash flows generated from operations. In addition, the Company has access to a revolving credit agreement entered into on September 1, 2016 , and amended on September 29, 2023, with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement matures on October 1, 2027 , and provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $ 30.0 million with an additional discretionary amount available of $ 70.0 million. As of December 28, 2024, the availability under the revolving credit agreement was $ 14.5 million with $ 15.5 million of letters of credit outstanding. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support performance, payment, deposit or surety obligations of the Company. The Company has not had an obligation on the Credit Agreement since the second quarter of 2018.
Interest expense related to long-term debt was $ 45 thousand, $ 41 thousand and $ 40 thousand for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Weis Markets, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Weis Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the 52 week period ended December 28, 2024, the 52 week period ended December 30, 2023 and the 53 week period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the 52 week period ended December 28, 2024, the 52 week period ended December 30, 2023 and the 53 week period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated February 26, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Retail inventory and related cost of sales
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company accounts for retail center store inventory under the retail inventory method (RIM) using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. RIM is commonly used by retail companies to determine cost and calculate gross margin based on applying a cost-to-retail ratio to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value.
We identified the auditing of RIM inventory as a critical audit matter due to the increased audit effort, including involvement of more experienced audit team members and our information technology (IT) professionals. The RIM inventory computations utilize critical inputs dependent on multiple information systems that capture and process high volume transactions that elevates the importance of data interfaces and reliability of information systems.
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Our audit procedures related to the Company’s RIM inventory include the following, among others:
● We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls, including IT application controls, surrounding the retail inventory valuation process and tested such controls for design and operating effectiveness, including automated processes and transactional data interfaces and management’s review controls over these data inputs and the Company’s RIM calculation outputs.
● We tested the accuracy and completeness of the key inputs into the RIM calculation, including purchases, sales, discounts, shrink and price changes (markdowns) by comparing the key inputs back to source information such as point of sale information via retail pricing and tender/cash receipts, third-party vendor invoices and third-party inventory count information, including testing of a rollforward from the inventory count date to year-end inventory valuation.
● We performed analytical procedures over cost of sales, disaggregated by cost category. Such analytical procedures included an analysis of cost of sales as a percentage of sales compared to historical periods.
/s/ RSM US LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 2025
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Weis Markets, Inc.
O pinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
We have audited Weis Markets, Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for 52 week period ended December 28, 2024, the 52 week period ended December 30, 2023, and the 53 week period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index, and our report dated February 26, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ RSM US LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 2025
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WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure:
None.