village10q042608.htm



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

[x]
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 
For the quarterly period ended:  April 26, 2008

OR

[ ] 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

Commission File No. 0-33360

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

NEW JERSEY
 
22-1576170
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)

733 MOUNTAIN AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY
 
07081
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(973) 467-2200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12-b2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ____   No __X__

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:

 
June 2, 2008__
Class A Common Stock, No Par Value
3,427,640 Shares
Class B Common Stock, No Par Value
3,188,152 Shares

 
 

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.

INDEX
 
PART I  
 PAGE NO.
   
FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. 
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
3
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
4
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
5
 
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
6
   
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
11
     
Item 3.
Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
17
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
18
     
PART II    
     
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
18
     
 
Signatures
19
 
 
 
2

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements

 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in Thousands)(Unaudited)
 
       
April 26,
   
July 28,
 
       
2008
   
2007
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 33,600     $ 53,846  
 
Merchandise inventories
  32,811       29,792  
 
Patronage dividend receivable
    4,805       6,400  
 
Other current assets
    8,595       7,994  
   
Total current assets
    79,811       98,032  
                     
Notes receivable from Wakefern
    30,705       29,241  
Property, equipment and fixtures, net
    141,483       125,833  
Investment in Wakefern
    18,291       16,391  
Goodwill
    10,605       10,605  
Other assets
    4,619       3,021  
                     
 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 285,514     $ 283,123  
                     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
 
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 4,816     $ 5,375  
 
Current portion of notes payable to Wakefern
    186       134  
 
Accounts payable to Wakefern
    41,547       41,910  
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    26,356       28,254  
   
Total current liabilities
    72,905       75,673  
                     
Long-term debt
    26,324       21,517  
Notes payable to Wakefern
    1,397       250  
Other liabilities
    19,606       18,118  
                     
Commitment and contingencies
               
                     
Shareholders' equity
               
 
Class A common stock – no par value, issued 3,761 shares at April 26, 2008 and 3,636 shares at July 28, 2007
    25,274       22,649  
 
Class B common stock - no par value, 3,188 shares issued and outstanding
    1,035       1,035  
 
Retained earnings
    147,205       150,596  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (4,241 )     (4,526 )
 
Less cost of Class A treasury shares ( 334 at April 26, 2008 and 312 at July 28, 2007)
    (3,991 )     (2,189 )
                     
Total shareholders’ equity
    165,282       167,565  
                     
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 285,514     $ 283,123  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
3

 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)(Unaudited)
 
   
13 Wks. Ended
   
13 Wks. Ended
   
39 Wks. Ended
   
39 Wks. Ended
 
   
Apr. 26, 2008
   
Apr. 28, 2007
   
Apr. 26, 2008
   
Apr. 28, 2007
 
                         
Sales
  $ 273,406     $ 255,314     $ 829,794     $ 777,179  
                                 
Cost of sales
    197,865       185,635       604,625       568,550  
                                 
Gross profit
    75,541       69,679       225,169       208,629  
                                 
Operating and administrative expense
    63,439       58,487       188,152       175,603  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization expense
    3,534       3,137       10,160       9,211  
                                 
Operating income
    8,568       8,055       26,857       23,815  
                                 
Interest expense
    (758 )     (655 )     (2,197 )     (2,036 )
                                 
Interest income
    707       1,013       2,465       2,612  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    8,517       8,413       27,125       24,391  
                                 
Income taxes
    3,602       3,525    
11,473
      10,220  
                                 
Net income
  $ 4,915     $ 4,888     $ 15,652     $ 14,171  
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
                                 
Class A common stock:
                               
  Basic
  $ .92     $ .93     $ 2.95     $ 2.70  
  Diluted
  $ .75     $ .75     $ 2.38     $ 2.17  
                                 
Class B common stock:
                               
 Basic
  $ .60     $ .60     $ 1.92     $ 1.75  
 Diluted
  $ .60     $ .59     $ 1.92     $ 1.71  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
 
4

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)

 
         
39 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
         
April 26, 2008
   
April 28, 2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
 
Net income 
    $ 15,652      $ 14,171   
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
                 
   
Depreciation and amortization
      10,160       9,211  
   
Deferred taxes
      (387 )     (675 )
   
Provision to value inventories at LIFO
      825       700  
   
Non-cash share-based compensation
      1,085       833  
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                 
   
Merchandise inventories
      (3,844 )     (1,750 )
   
Patronage dividend receivable
      1,595       1,421  
   
Accounts payable to Wakefern
      (363 )     (3,706 )
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
      (1,499 )     1,349  
   
Other assets and liabilities
      1,462       2,022  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
      24,686        23,576   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
  Capital expenditures       (21,088 )     (9,754 )
  Acquisition of Galloway store assets       (3,500 )     ------  
  Investment in notes receivable fromWakefern       (1,464 )     (28,739 )
  Net cash used in investing activities       (26,052 )     (38,493 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
 
Repayment of construction loan
      6,776       ------  
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
      316       216  
 
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation
      1,421       452  
 
Principal payments of long-term debt and notes payable
      (5,952 )     (6,462 )
  Treasury stock purchases       (1,999 )     ------  
  Dividends       (19,442 )     (2,576 )
  Net cash used in financing activities       (18,880     (8,370 )
                         
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
      (20,246 )     (23,287 )
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
      53,846       74,711  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
    $ 33,600     $ 51,424  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH PAYMENTS FOR:
                 
  Interest     $  2,517     $ 2,445  
  Income taxes     $  10,919     $ 10,452  
NON-CASH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:
                 
  Investment in Wakefern     $  1,900     $ 721  
  Financing lease obligation     $  2,684     $ ------  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
 
5

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  (in Thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

1.         In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position as of April 26, 2008 and the consolidated results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007 and cash flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007.
 
The significant accounting policies followed by Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company”) are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements in the July 28, 2007 Village Super Market, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K, which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

2.         The results of operations for the periods ended April 26, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the expected results for the full year.

3.         At both April 26, 2008 and July 28, 2007, approximately 67% of merchandise inventories are valued by the LIFO method while the balance is valued by FIFO.  If the FIFO method had been used for the entire inventory, inventories would have been $13,366 and $12,541 higher than reported at April 26, 2008 and July 28, 2007, respectively.

4.         The Company computes net income per share using the two-class method, an earnings allocation formula that calculates basic and diluted net income per share for each class of common stock separately based on dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings.  Under the two-class method, our Class A common stock is assumed to receive a 54% greater participation in undistributed earnings than our Class B common stock, in accordance with the classes respective dividend rights.
 
Diluted net income per share for Class A common stock is calculated utilizing the if-converted method, which assumes the conversion of all shares of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis, as this method is more dilutive than the two-class method.   Diluted net income per share for Class B common stock does not assume conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock.

 
6

 

The tables below reconcile the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income per share for all periods presented.
 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
April 26, 2008
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Numerator:
                       
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 2,992     $ 1,923     $ 9,528     $ 6,124  
Conversion of Class B to Class A  shares
    1,923       ----       6,124       ----  
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income
    ----       ----       ----       ----  
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 4,915     $ 1,923     $ 15,652     $ 6,124  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
    3,239       3,188       3,228       3,188  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    3,188       ----       3,188       ----  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    152       ----       163       ----  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    6,579       3,188       6,579       3,188  
                                 
                                 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
April 28, 2007
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
                                 
Numerator:
                               
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 2,966     $ 1,922     $ 8,591     $ 5,580  
Conversion of Class B to Class A  shares
    1,922       ---       5,580       ----  
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income
    ----       (47 )     ---       (122 )
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 4,888     $ 1,875     $ 14,171     $ 5,458  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
    3,194       3,188       3,187       3,188  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    3,188       ---       3,188       ---  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    165    
---
      144    
---
 
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    6,547       3,188       6,519       3,188  
 
Options to purchase 100 and 6 Class A shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at April 26, 2008 and April 28, 2007, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect.

5.         Comprehensive income was $5,010 and $15,937 for the quarter and nine-month periods ended April 26, 2008, and $4,888 and $14,171 for the quarter and nine-month periods ended April 28, 2007.  Comprehensive income consists of net income and, in fiscal 2008 also includes amortization of net losses and prior service costs on benefit plans, net of income taxes.

 
7

 

6.         The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans.  Net periodic pension costs for the four plans include the following components:
 
   
13 Weeks
   
13 Weeks
   
39 Weeks
   
39 Weeks
 
   
Ended 4/26/08
   
Ended 4/28/07
   
Ended 4/26/08
   
Ended 4/28/07
 
Service cost
  $ 557     $ 480     $ 1,671     $ 1,440  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
    456       408       1,368       1,224  
Expected return on plan assets
    (368 )     (310 )     (1,104 )     (930 )
Amortization of gains and losses
    154       181       462       543  
Amortization of prior service costs
    4       4       12       12  
Net periodic pension cost 
  $ 803      $ 736      $ 2,409      $ 2,289   

      As of April 26, 2008, the Company has contributed $518 to its pension plans in fiscal 2008.  The Company expects to contribute an additional $1,482 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 to fund its pension plans.

7.         On August 11, 2007, the Company acquired the fixtures and lease of a new store location in Galloway Township, New Jersey from Wakefern for $3,500.  The purchase price was allocated to equipment and leasehold interest based on their estimated fair values.

8.         Effective July 29, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement 109”, as amended by FASB Staff Position No. 48-1 (“FIN 48”).  FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure in financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 requires a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based on its technical merits.  The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information.  The effect of adoption was to increase retained earnings by $399 and to decrease the accrual for uncertain tax positions by a corresponding amount as of July 29, 2007.

 
8

 

As of adoption, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $4,263 (gross), of which $2,771 (net of federal benefit) would decrease the effective tax rate if recognized.  At April 26, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $5,899 (gross), of which $3,834 (net of federal benefit) would decrease the effective tax rate if recognized.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense.  The amount of accrued interest and penalties included in the consolidated condensed balance sheets were $1,326 and $866, respectively, at April 26, 2008 and July 29, 2007.
 
The state of New Jersey has audited the Company’s tax returns for fiscal 2002 through fiscal 2005.  The state has proposed a tax deficiency on one issue, which the Company is contesting.   We anticipate this matter may be resolved within the next twelve months through the state’s appeal process.  The ultimate resolution of this matter could significantly increase or decrease the total amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits.    An examination of the Company’s fiscal 2004 federal tax return was completed in fiscal 2006.

9.         Beginning in fiscal 2007, Village loaned the developer of the Franklin store a portion of the funds needed to prepare the site and construct the store.  This loan reached a maximum amount of $6,776 during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and was repaid in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.  The developer loan is presented as capital expenditures in the financial statements in accordance with EITF Issue No. 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction” as Village was considered the owner of the building during the construction period.  Upon completion of the construction, Village did not meet the requirements of FASB 98, “Accounting for Leases” to qualify for sale-leaseback treatment.  Therefore, the $6,776 construction loan and $2,684 of land and site costs paid by the landlord were recorded as property and long-term debt.

10.       Dividends paid in fiscal 2008 of $19,442 include special dividends totaling $16,578 paid in the third quarter, which consisted of $3.00 per Class A common share and $1.95 per Class B common share.
 
 
9

 

11.       NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”).   SFAS 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 162”).  SFAS 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP for nongovernmental entities. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board auditing amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”

12.       On March 14, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company granted 92 incentive stock options and 125 restricted stock awards to employees and directors under the Village Super Market, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan. Incentive stock options, which were granted at the fair value of the Company’s stock, vest primarily over a three-year service period and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant. Restricted stock awards vest over a three-year service period. The Company is recording compensation expense for these grants over the vesting period.
 
The Company recorded compensation expense in the quarter ended April 26, 2008 for these grants in the amount of $283.  The grant date fair value of the restricted shares was $6,345.  The fair value of the options was estimated at $11.02 per share using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life - five years; expected volatility - 28%; expected dividend yield - 2.36%; and risk free interest rate - 2.37%.  In addition, the total fair value of restricted shares vested in the third quarter of 2008 was $ 5,147.
 
 
10

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
OVERVIEW

The Company operates a chain of 25 Shop Rite supermarkets in New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania.  Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative.  As further described in the Company’s Form 10-K, this ownership interest in Wakefern provides the Company many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, advanced retail technology and advertising associated with larger chains.
 
On August 11, 2007, the Company acquired the fixtures and lease of a store location in Galloway Township, New Jersey from Wakefern for $3,500.  The store had previously been operated by a competitor.  Village began operating a pharmacy at this location on August 11, 2007.  The remainder of this 55,000 sq. ft. store opened on October 3, 2007 after the completion of a remodel.  In addition, the Company opened a 67,000 sq. ft. superstore in Franklin Township, New Jersey on November 7, 2007.
 
The Company’s stores, five of which are owned, average 55,000 total square feet.  Larger store sizes enable the Company to offer the specialty departments that customers desire for one-stop shopping, including pharmacies, natural and organic departments, ethnic and international foods, and home meal replacement.
 
We consider a variety of indicators to evaluate our performance, such as same store sales; sales per store; percentage of total sales by department (mix); shrink; departmental gross profit percentage; sales per labor hour; and hourly labor rates.  In recent years, the Company, as well as many of our competitors, has faced increases in rates for electric and gas, and employee health and pension costs. These trends continue in fiscal 2008.

 
11

 


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  The following table sets forth the major components of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations as a percentage of sales:
 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
4/26/08
   
4/28/07
   
4/26/08
   
4/28/07
 
Sales
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
Cost of sales
    72.37       72.71       72.86       73.16  
Gross profit
    27.63       27.29       27.14       26.84  
Operating and administrative expense
    23.20       22.91       22.67       22.59  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    1.29       1.23       1.23       1.19  
Operating income
    3.14       3.15       3.24       3.06  
Interest expense
    (0.28 )     (0.26 )     (0.27 )     (0.26 )
Interest income
    0.26       0.40       0.30       0.34  
Income before taxes
    3.12       3.29       3.27       3.14  
Income taxes
    1.32       1.38       1.38       1.32  
Net income
    1.80 %     1.91 %     1.89 %     1.82 %
 
Sales.  Sales were $273,406 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, an increase of 7.1% from the third quarter of the prior year.  Sales increased primarily due to the opening of new stores in Galloway, New Jersey on October 3, 2007 and Franklin, New Jersey on November 7, 2007.  Same store sales increased .4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.   Same stores sales increased due to improved sales in one store due to the closing of a store by a competitor and food inflation.  These improvements were offset by reduced sales in four stores due to two competitive store openings and cannibalization from the opening of the Galloway and Franklin stores.  In addition, sales were negatively impacted by increased sale item penetration and trading down as consumers appeared to be more cautious due to concerns about the economy, and rising fuel and food prices.  Average transaction size declined slightly and customer count increased slightly, excluding the two new stores, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Based on improved sales in May, we expect a same store sales increase of 1% to 3% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. 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 are included in same store sales immediately.
 
Sales were $829,794 in the nine-month period of fiscal 2008, an increase of 6.8% from the prior year.  Sales increased due to the opening of the two new stores and a 2.1% increase in same store sales.  Same store sales increased due to improved sales in one store due to the closing of a store by a competitor, higher sales in the Somers Point replacement store and food inflation.  These improvements were partially offset by reduced sales in four stores due to three competitive store openings and cannibalization from the opening of the Galloway store.
 
 
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Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased .34% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the third quarter of the prior year primarily due to improved departmental gross margin percentages (.26%), improved product mix (.10%),  and reduced warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.05%).  These improvements were partially offset by increased LIFO charges in the current year (.05%).
 
Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased .30% in the nine-month period of fiscal 2008 compared to the corresponding period of the prior year primarily due to improved departmental gross margin percentages (.24%), reduced warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.10%) and  improved product mix (.09%).  These improvements were partially offset by increased promotional spending (.14%).

Operating and Administrative Expense.  Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .29% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the third quarter of the prior year primarily due to increased fringe benefit (.13%), utilities (.11%) and maintenance (.06%) costs.  These increases were partially offset by the benefit of sales for the Franklin store without any rent expense as that lease is accounted for as a financing lease (.06%).
 
Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .08% in the nine-month period of fiscal 2008 compared to the corresponding period of the prior due to increased utilities (.10%) and  fringe benefit (.08%) costs, and pre-opening expenses associated with the two new stores (.08%).  These increases were partially offset by refunds of property and liability insurance premiums (.09%) and the benefit of sales for the Franklin store without any rent expense as that lease is accounted for as a financing lease (.03%).

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2008 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to depreciation related to fixed asset additions, including the two new stores.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2008 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to interest on the Franklin store financing lease, partially offset by lower interest expense due to payments on loans.
 
 
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Interest Income.  Interest income declined in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2008 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to lower amounts of excess cash invested at Wakefern and lower interest rates received.

Income Taxes.  The effective income tax rate was 42.3% in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2008 compared to 41.9% in both corresponding periods of the prior year.  The effective income tax rate increased as a result of additional interest expense accrued on uncertain tax positions.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  These policies require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company’s critical accounting policies relating to the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, accounting for patronage dividends earned as a stockholder of Wakefern, and accounting for pension plans are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2007.  As of April 26, 2008, there have been no changes to any of the critical accounting policies contained therein, except for the adoption of FIN 48 as described herein.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities was $24,686 in the nine-month period ended April 26, 2008 compared with $23,576 in the corresponding period of the prior year.  This increase is primarily attributable to improved net income, higher depreciation and a smaller decline in accounts payable in the current fiscal year, partially offset by a larger increase in inventories in the current fiscal year.  Inventories increased primarily due to the addition of the two new stores.
 
During the first nine months of fiscal 2008, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $21,088, dividends of $19,442, debt payments of $5,952, the acquisition of the Galloway store assets for $3,500 and treasury stock purchases of $1,999.  Capital expenditures consisted primarily of the funding of the construction and the equipment of the new, leased Franklin store, which opened on November 7, 2007, and the remodel of the Galloway store, which was acquired on August 11, 2007.  Dividends paid include $16,578 of special dividends, consisting of $3.00 per Class A common share and $1.95 per Class B common share paid in the third quarter.  Debt payments made include the fifth installment of $4,286 on Village’s unsecured Senior Notes.  Treasury stock purchases represent restricted shares withheld upon vesting at employees’ request to satisfy tax obligations.
 
Working capital was $6,906 at April 26, 2008 compared $22,359 at July 28, 2007.  The working capital ratio was 1.09 to 1 at April 26, 2008 compared to 1.30 to 1 at July 28, 2007.  Working capital declined due to the use of cash to fund capital expenditures, dividends, debt payments and the acquisition of the Galloway stores assets, which was partially offset by the construction loan repayment.  The Company’s working capital needs are reduced, since inventory is generally sold before payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.
 
Village has budgeted $25,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2008.  In addition to the Franklin and Galloway stores, planned expenditures include the site work for a replacement store in Washington, New Jersey.  We believe certain conditions in the lease for the current store in Washington have been triggered extending the lease term to at least January 31, 2009, which is before the replacement store is expected to be completed.  Construction of the replacement store has not begun as the approval obtained for the construction of the new store is being contested by a third party.   The Company’s primary sources of liquidity in fiscal 2008 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2008.

 
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Village loaned the developer of the Franklin store a portion of the funds needed to prepare the site and construct the store.  This loan reached the maximum amount of $6,776 during the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  The loan was repaid in full during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and is presented as a financing obligation in long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet.  The loan to the developer is presented as capital expenditures in the financial statements in accordance with EITF Issue No. 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction.”
 
There have been no other substantial changes as of April 26, 2008 to the contractual obligations and commitments discussed on page 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2007, except for the additional $1,900 required investment in Wakefern common stock and gross unrecognized tax benefits of $5,899 described herein.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A description of the Company’s transactions with Wakefern, its principal supplier, and with other related parties is included on pages 8, 9, 18 and 21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2007.  There have been no significant changes in the Company’s relationship or nature of the transactions with related parties during the nine months of fiscal 2008, except for additional required investments in Wakefern stock of $1,900 and the acquisition of the Galloway store location described previously herein.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this Form 10-Q 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: local 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 higher energy prices; increased cost of goods sold, including increased costs from the Company’s principal supplier, Wakefern; the results of litigation; the results of tax examinations; the results of union contract negotiations; competitive store openings; the rate of return on pension assets; and other factors detailed herein and in other public filings of the Company.
 
 
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to market risks arising from adverse changes in interest rates.  As of April 26, 2008, the Company’s only variable rate borrowings relate to an interest rate swap agreement.  On October 18, 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a major financial institution pursuant to which the Company pays a variable rate of six-month LIBOR plus 3.36% (6.40% at April 26, 2008) on an initial notional amount of $10,000 expiring in September 2009 in exchange for a fixed rate of 8.12%. The swap agreement notional amount decreases in amounts and on dates corresponding to the fixed rate obligation it hedges. At April 26, 2008 the remaining notional amount of the swap agreement was $2,857.  A 1% increase in interest rates, applied to the Company’s borrowings at April 26, 2008, would result in an annual increase in interest expense and a corresponding reduction in cash flow of approximately $29.  The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt approximates carrying value at April 26, 2008.
 
At April 26, 2008, the Company had demand deposits of $19,195 at Wakefern earning interest at overnight money market rates, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.  At April 26, 2008, the Company had $30,705 of 15-month notes receivable due from Wakefern.  Approximately half of these notes earn a fixed rate of 7% and approximately half earn prime less 1.25%.
 
 
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ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
There have been no significant changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
 

 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 6.     Exhibits
 
Exhibit 31.1
-
Certification
     
Exhibit 31.2
-
Certification
     
Exhibit 32.1
-
Certification (furnished, not filed)
     
Exhibit 32.2
-
Certification (furnished, not filed)
     
Exhibits 99.1
-
Press Release dated June 4, 2008
     
Exhibit 99.2
-
Second Quarter Report to Shareholders dated March 17,
 
 
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           SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  Village Super Market, Inc.         
   Registrant
     
     
Date:    June 4, 2008
/s/ James Sumas                         
    James Sumas
     (Chief Executive Officer)
     
     
Date:    June 4, 2008  /s/ Kevin R. Begley                    
    Kevin R. Begley
    (Chief Financial Officer
     
 
 
 
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