STOCK TITAN

Village Super Market, Inc. Reports Results for the Second Quarter Ended January 27, 2024

Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Village Super Market, Inc. (VLGEA) reported Q2 2024 net income of $14.5 million, up 18% YoY, with sales increasing 2.1% and same store sales up 2.2%. Same store digital sales surged by 12%. YTD 2024 saw net income rise 11% to $26.1 million, with sales up 2.6% and same store sales up 2.1%. Gross profit margin improved to 28.40% in Q2 2024. Operating expenses rose to 23.71% due to increased labor costs. Village Super Market operates 34 supermarkets in the Northeast.
Positive
  • Strong Q2 2024 performance with net income up 18% YoY to $14.5 million.
  • Sales increased by 2.1% and same store sales by 2.2% in Q2 2024.
  • Same store digital sales surged by 12% in Q2 2024.
  • YTD 2024 net income increased by 11% to $26.1 million.
  • Gross profit margin improved to 28.40% in Q2 2024.
  • Operating expenses rose to 23.71% due to increased labor costs.
  • Village Super Market operates 34 supermarkets in the Northeast.
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The reported increase in net income by 18% for the second quarter and 11% year-to-date for Village Super Market reflects a robust financial performance, indicative of effective management strategies and potential resilience in the face of economic uncertainties. The growth in same store sales of 2.2% and digital sales by 12% suggests that the company is successfully adapting to changing consumer behaviors, with an emphasis on digital transformation in the retail sector.

However, the closure of a Gourmet Garage location and an increase in operating and administrative expenses, primarily due to labor costs and technology investments, indicate pressures on profitability. These factors must be closely monitored as they could potentially erode margins over time. The slight decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses, along with an increase in interest income, shows prudent capital management and an effective use of cash resources.

An analysis of the gross profit margin improvement, from 27.47% to 28.40%, reveals the company's ability to enhance operational efficiency and manage costs effectively. The increase is attributed to higher departmental margins, patronage dividends and lower warehouse assessment charges. This is a positive signal to investors, as it suggests the company's pricing power and cost control measures are yielding results.

However, investors should consider the potential impact of increased labor costs and the implications of an unfavorable product mix on future profitability. Additionally, the uptick in the effective income tax rate from 30.9% to 31.5% could marginally affect net earnings. The balance between managing operating costs and sustaining revenue growth will be crucial for the company's financial health moving forward.

The reported results provide a snapshot of the retail industry's dynamics, particularly in the supermarket segment. The inflationary environment, as indicated by retail price inflation contributing to same store sales growth, suggests that the company has been able to pass on some cost increases to consumers. This is a common strategy during periods of inflation but requires careful balancing to avoid diminishing consumer demand.

The investment in technology and digital sales growth aligns with broader economic trends towards digitalization and could position Village Super Market favorably in the competitive landscape. It is essential to evaluate how these investments contribute to long-term value creation and whether they can sustain the upward trend in digital sales.

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Village Super Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:VLGEA) (the "Company" or "Village") today reported its results of operations for the second quarter ended January 27, 2024.

Second Quarter Highlights

  • Net income of $14.5 million, an increase of 18% compared to $12.3 million in the second quarter of the prior year
  • Sales increased 2.1% and same store sales increased 2.2%
  • Same store digital sales increased 12%

Year-To-Date Fiscal 2024 Highlights

  • Net income of $26.1 million, an increase of 11% compared to $23.4 million in the prior year-to-date period
  • Sales increased 2.6% and same store sales increased 2.1%
  • Same store digital sales increased 12%

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Results

Sales were $575.6 million in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to $563.9 million in the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023. Sales increased due to an increase in same store sales of 2.2% partially offset by the impact of the closure of a Gourmet Garage location on November 1, 2023. Same store sales increased due primarily to retail price inflation, digital sales growth, higher pharmacy sales and continued growth in recently remodeled stores.   New stores, replacement stores and stores with banner changes 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 28.40% in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to 27.47% in the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to increased departmental gross margin percentages (.49%), higher patronage dividends and rebates received from Wakefern (.49%), decreased warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.14%) and decreased LIFO charges (.05%) partially offset by higher promotional spending (.13%) and an unfavorable change in product mix (.11%). Department gross margins increased due primarily to improvements in both shrink and commissary operations. Gross profit in both the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 and the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023 was favorably impacted by receipt of patronage dividends from Wakefern greater than estimated amounts accrued in both the second quarter of fiscal 2024 (.58%) and 2023 (.17%).

Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased to 23.71% in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to 23.07% in the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to increased labor costs and fringe benefits (.25%), facility repair and maintenance costs (.09%), security costs (.07%), software licensing associated with technology investments (.06%), external consulting fees (.06%) and external fees associated with digital sales (.05%). Higher labor and fringe benefit costs due primarily to minimum wage and demand driven pay rate increases and higher union health and welfare plan costs.

Depreciation and amortization expense in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 decreased slightly compared to the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to the timing of capital expenditures.

Interest expense increased in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to higher average outstanding debt balances.

Interest income increased in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to higher interest rates and larger amounts invested in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern and demand deposits at Wakefern.

The effective income tax rate was 31.5% in the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to 30.9% in the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023.

Year-To-Date Fiscal 2024 Results

Sales were $1,111.9 million in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to $1,083.6 million in the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023. Sales increased due to an increase in same store sales of 2.1%, and increased sales due to the remodel and conversion of the Pelham, NY Fairway to the ShopRite banner on August 15, 2022 partially offset by the impact of the closure of a Gourmet Garage location on November 1, 2023. Same store sales increased due primarily to retail price inflation, digital sales growth, higher pharmacy sales and continued growth in recently remodeled stores.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 28.45% in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to 28.07% in the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to increased departmental gross margin percentages (.42%), increased patronage dividends and rebates received from Wakefern (.24%) and decreased LIFO charges (.04%) partially offset by higher promotional spending (.18%), an unfavorable change in product mix (.12%) and increased warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.02%). Department gross margins increased due primarily to improvements in both shrink and commissary operations. Gross profit in both the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 and the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023 was favorably impacted by receipt of patronage dividends from Wakefern greater than estimated amounts accrued in both the second quarter of fiscal 2024 (.30%) and 2023 (.09%).

Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased to 23.99% in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to 23.60% in the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to increased facility repair and maintenance costs (.10%), labor and fringe benefits (.08%), security costs (.07%), software licensing associated with technology investments (.05%) and external fees associated with digital sales (.05%).

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased slightly in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to the timing of capital expenditures.

Interest expense increased in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to higher average outstanding debt balances.

Interest income increased in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023 due primarily to higher interest rates and larger amounts invested in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern and demand deposits at Wakefern.

The effective income tax rate was 31.5% in the 26 weeks ended January 27, 2024 compared to 30.9% in the 26 weeks ended January 28, 2023.

Village Super Market operates a chain of 34 supermarkets in New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania under the ShopRite and Fairway banners and three Gourmet Garage specialty markets in 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: general 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.

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
    
 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
 January 27,
2024
 January 28,
2023
 January 27,
2024
 January 28,
2023
        
Sales$575,579  $563,866  $1,111,933  $1,083,555 
        
Cost of sales 412,137   408,987   795,542   779,391 
        
Gross profit 163,442   154,879   316,391   304,164 
        
Operating and administrative expense 136,477   130,103   266,769   255,665 
        
Depreciation and amortization 8,523   8,659   17,029   17,205 
        
Operating income 18,442   16,117   32,593   31,294 
        
Interest expense (1,046)  (966)  (2,110)  (2,052)
        
Interest income 3,743   2,679   7,568   4,647 
        
Income before income taxes 21,139   17,830   38,051   33,889 
        
Income taxes 6,659   5,508   11,985   10,484 
        
Net income$14,480  $12,322  $26,066  $23,405 
        
Net income per share:      
Class A common stock:       
Basic$1.09  $0.95  $1.95  $1.80 
Diluted$0.97  $0.85  $1.75  $1.61 
        
Class B common stock:       
Basic$0.71  $0.62  $1.27  $1.17 
Diluted$0.71  $0.62  $1.27  $1.17 
        
Gross profit as a % of sales 28.40%  27.47%  28.45%  28.07%
Operating and administrative expense as a % of sales 23.71%  23.07%  23.99%  23.60%
                


Contact:John Van Orden, CFO
 (973) 467-2200
 villageinvestorrelations@wakefern.com

FAQ

What was Village Super Market's net income for Q2 2024?

Village Super Market reported a net income of $14.5 million for Q2 2024.

How much did sales increase in Q2 2024?

Sales increased by 2.1% in Q2 2024.

What was the percentage increase in same store sales for Q2 2024?

Same store sales increased by 2.2% in Q2 2024.

What was the growth rate of same store digital sales in Q2 2024?

Same store digital sales surged by 12% in Q2 2024.

What was the net income for YTD 2024?

YTD 2024 net income increased by 11% to $26.1 million.

What was the gross profit margin in Q2 2024?

Gross profit margin improved to 28.40% in Q2 2024.

How many supermarkets does Village Super Market operate?

Village Super Market operates 34 supermarkets in the Northeast.

Village Super Market

NASDAQ:VLGEA

VLGEA Rankings

VLGEA Latest News

VLGEA Stock Data

474.02M
8.74M
17.26%
57.54%
1.35%
Grocery Stores
Retail-grocery Stores
Link
United States of America
SPRINGFIELD