Village Super Market, Inc. Reports Results for the Second Quarter Ended January 26, 2019

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., March 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Village Super Market, Inc. VLGEA today reported its results of operations for the second quarter ended January 26, 2019.

Net income was $7,571,000 in the 13 weeks ended January 26, 2019 compared to $9,511,000 in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018.  The 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018 includes a $2,726,000 non-cash reduction in deferred tax expense as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). Excluding this item from the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018 net income increased 12% in the 13 weeks ended January 26, 2019 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher gross profit margins.

Sales were $428,128,000 in the 13 weeks ended January 26, 2019, an increase of 2.4% compared to the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018.   Sales increased 2.4% due to the opening of the Bronx, New York City store on June 28, 2018 partially offset by a same store sales decrease of 0.1%.  Same store sales decreased due primarily to the impact of three competitor store openings partially offset by the early release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in January 2019.  The Company expects same store sales in fiscal 2019 to range from flat to a 1.0% increase.  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 increased to 27.50% in the 13 weeks ended January 26, 2019 compared to 27.13% in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018 primarily due to increased patronage dividends and other rebates from Wakefern, increased departmental gross margin percentages and a favorable change in product mix.

Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased to 23.37% in the 13 weeks ended January 26, 2019 compared to 23.25% in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018 primarily due to increased payroll and fringe benefit costs.  Payroll increased due primarily to investments in operational proficiency and other strategic initiatives.

Net income was $13,839,000 in the 26 weeks ended January 26, 2019 compared to $12,528,000 in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2018.  The 26 weeks ended January 26, 2019 includes a $290,000 (net of tax) gain for Superstorm Sandy insurance proceeds received. The 26 weeks ended January 27, 2018 includes a $2,726,000 non-cash reduction in deferred tax expense as a result of the Tax Act. Excluding these items from both periods, net income increased 38% in the 26 weeks ended January 26, 2019 compared to the prior year primarily due to increased same store sales, higher gross profit margins and the favorable impact of the Tax Act.

Village Super Market operates a chain of 30 supermarkets under the ShopRite name in New Jersey, Maryland, northeastern Pennsylvania and New York City.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this Press Release are or may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities law. The Company cautions the reader that there is no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from future results, whether expressed, suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date hereof. The following are among the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements: economic conditions; competitive pressures from the Company's operating environment; the ability of the Company to maintain and improve its sales and margins; the ability to attract and retain qualified associates; the availability of new store locations; the availability of capital; the liquidity of the Company; the success of operating initiatives; consumer spending patterns; the impact of changing energy prices; increased cost of goods sold, including increased costs from the Company's principal supplier, Wakefern; disruptions or changes in Wakefern's operations; the results of litigation; the results of tax examinations; the results of union contract negotiations; competitive store openings and closings; the rate of return on pension assets; and other factors detailed herein and in the Company's filings with the SEC.

(1) The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," using the full retrospective approach in fiscal 2019. As a result of the adoption of the standard, $1,181 and $2,094 of certain other income streams, including commissions for gift card and lottery sales and service fees for ShopRite From Home, that were previously presented as a reduction in Operating expenses were reclassified to sales for the 13 and 26 week periods ended January 27, 2018, respectively.  Additionally, $294 and $341 of pharmacy fees previously recorded as Cost of sales were reclassified as a reduction of sales for the 13 and 26 week periods ended January 27, 2018, respectively.