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EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - TOPS HOLDING II CORPck0001584701-ex322_7.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - TOPS HOLDING II CORPck0001584701-ex321_6.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - TOPS HOLDING II CORPck0001584701-ex312_9.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - TOPS HOLDING II CORPck0001584701-ex311_8.htm

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 8, 2016

OR

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______ TO ______

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333-191029

 

TOPS HOLDING II CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

46-2733709

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

6363 Main Street,
Williamsville, New York 14221
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(716) 635-5000
(Telephone Number)

 

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      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes      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 (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

 

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

As of November 8, 2016, 126,559 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

 

 


TOPS HOLDING II CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 8, 2016 and January 2, 2016

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

14

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

24

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

24

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

24

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

24

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

25

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

25

 

 

 

i


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TOPS HOLDING II CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

January 2, 2016

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

31,377

 

 

$

35,557

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

69,836

 

 

 

68,198

 

Inventory, net

 

 

163,628

 

 

 

141,223

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

16,700

 

 

 

16,857

 

Total current assets

 

 

281,541

 

 

 

261,835

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

350,117

 

 

 

369,446

 

Goodwill (Note 3)

 

 

219,828

 

 

 

213,096

 

Intangible assets, net (Note 3)

 

 

170,237

 

 

 

173,730

 

Other assets (Note 10)

 

 

17,321

 

 

 

11,547

 

Total assets

 

$

1,039,044

 

 

$

1,029,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

88,223

 

 

$

81,812

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 4)

 

 

105,541

 

 

 

96,757

 

Current portion of capital lease obligations (Note 5)

 

 

9,447

 

 

 

8,566

 

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6)

 

 

2,126

 

 

 

2,075

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

205,337

 

 

 

189,210

 

Capital lease obligations (Note 5)

 

 

137,086

 

 

 

143,122

 

Long-term debt, net (Note 6)

 

 

705,756

 

 

 

681,372

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

50,594

 

 

 

44,680

 

Non-current deferred tax liabilities

 

 

45,057

 

 

 

43,694

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,143,830

 

 

 

1,102,078

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock ($0.001 par value; 300,000 authorized shares, 126,560 shares issued

   and 126,559 shares outstanding as of October 8, 2016 and January 2, 2016)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock (at cost; 1 share as of October 8, 2016 and January 2, 2016)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

Paid-in capital

 

 

6,367

 

 

 

7,974

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(109,547

)

 

 

(78,792

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

(1,605

)

 

 

(1,605

)

Total shareholders' deficit

 

 

(104,786

)

 

 

(72,424

)

Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit

 

$

1,039,044

 

 

$

1,029,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

- 1 -


TOPS HOLDING II CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

12-week periods ended

 

 

40-week periods ended

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

Net sales

 

$

568,753

 

 

$

560,744

 

 

$

1,872,078

 

 

$

1,869,505

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

(388,758

)

 

 

(386,195

)

 

 

(1,279,910

)

 

 

(1,284,579

)

Distribution costs

 

 

(11,586

)

 

 

(9,125

)

 

 

(33,046

)

 

 

(34,948

)

Gross profit

 

 

168,409

 

 

 

165,424

 

 

 

559,122

 

 

 

549,978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wages, salaries and benefits

 

 

(84,725

)

 

 

(80,354

)

 

 

(277,117

)

 

 

(272,581

)

Selling and general expenses

 

 

(28,352

)

 

 

(27,459

)

 

 

(92,088

)

 

 

(91,809

)

Administrative expenses (inclusive of share-based

   compensation expense of $(39), $53, $88 and $177)

 

 

(21,923

)

 

 

(17,842

)

 

 

(65,971

)

 

 

(58,844

)

Rent expense, net

 

 

(7,004

)

 

 

(6,292

)

 

 

(22,110

)

 

 

(20,863

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(14,968

)

 

 

(14,719

)

 

 

(49,601

)

 

 

(47,891

)

Advertising

 

 

(5,140

)

 

 

(4,901

)

 

 

(17,158

)

 

 

(16,590

)

Impairment (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,076

)

 

 

 

Gain on sale of assets (Note 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,014

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

(162,112

)

 

 

(151,567

)

 

 

(526,121

)

 

 

(497,564

)

Operating income

 

 

6,297

 

 

 

13,857

 

 

 

33,001

 

 

 

52,414

 

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(34,503

)

Interest expense, net

 

 

(18,581

)

 

 

(18,619

)

 

 

(62,035

)

 

 

(63,404

)

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(12,284

)

 

 

(4,762

)

 

 

(29,034

)

 

 

(45,493

)

Income tax expense

 

 

(449

)

 

 

(400

)

 

 

(1,721

)

 

 

(1,342

)

Net loss

 

 

(12,733

)

 

 

(5,162

)

 

 

(30,755

)

 

 

(46,835

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(12,733

)

 

$

(5,162

)

 

$

(30,755

)

 

$

(46,835

)

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 2 -


TOPS HOLDING II CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

40-week periods ended

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(30,755

)

 

$

(46,835

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

58,850

 

 

 

57,179

 

Impairment

 

 

2,076

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

1,770

 

 

 

2,618

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,363

 

 

 

1,334

 

Straight-line rent adjustment

 

 

759

 

 

 

775

 

LIFO inventory valuation adjustments

 

 

241

 

 

 

661

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

88

 

 

 

177

 

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

 

 

 

 

34,503

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 

 

 

(11,014

)

Other

 

 

75

 

 

 

490

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in accounts receivable

 

 

(1,638

)

 

 

(6,234

)

Increase in inventory, net

 

 

(17,640

)

 

 

(1,341

)

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

236

 

 

 

(2,382

)

Increase in other assets

 

 

(5,774

)

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

 

8,535

 

 

 

(537

)

Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

7,509

 

 

 

22,684

 

Increase in other long-term liabilities

 

 

2,905

 

 

 

1,846

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

28,600

 

 

 

53,924

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for property and equipment

 

 

(25,035

)

 

 

(30,692

)

Acquisition of supermarkets

 

 

(17,409

)

 

 

-

 

Cash proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

413

 

 

 

11,255

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(42,031

)

 

 

(19,437

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings on 2017 ABL Facility

 

 

695,600

 

 

 

353,966

 

Repayments on 2017 ABL Facility

 

 

(672,800

)

 

 

(374,466

)

Principal payments on capital leases

 

 

(7,052

)

 

 

(6,680

)

Repayments of long-term debt borrowings

 

 

(2,990

)

 

 

(521,480

)

Dividends to Tops MBO Corporation (Note 9)

 

 

(2,015

)

 

 

(775

)

Change in bank overdraft position

 

 

(1,818

)

 

 

(223

)

Capital contribution

 

 

326

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

560,000

 

Debt extinguishment costs paid

 

 

 

 

 

(24,290

)

Deferred financing costs paid

 

 

 

 

 

(10,593

)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

9,251

 

 

 

(24,542

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(4,180

)

 

 

9,945

 

Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period

 

 

35,557

 

 

 

26,316

 

Cash and cash equivalents-end of period

 

$

31,377

 

 

$

36,261

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 3 -


 

TOPS HOLDING II CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. THE COMPANY, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company

Tops Holding II Corporation (“Holding II,” or collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), the parent of Tops Holding LLC (“Holding I”), formerly Tops Holding Corporation, was incorporated on May 7, 2013.  Holding I is the parent of Tops Markets, LLC (“Tops Markets”), a supermarket retailer with supermarkets in New York, Northern Pennsylvania, Western Vermont and North Central Massachusetts.  As of October 8, 2016, the Company operated 172 supermarkets; 171 under the Tops banner and one under the Orchard Fresh banner, with an additional five supermarkets operated by franchisees under the Tops banner.  Holding II has no business operations other than the ownership of Holding I and as the issuer of the 2018 Notes (see Note 6) and a guarantor of the 2022 Notes (see Note 6).

Holding II is the reporting entity for the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes.  Tops MBO Corporation (“Tops MBO Co”), the parent company of Holding II, is neither a co-issuer nor guarantor of these notes.  Accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared for Holding II and exclude the assets and results of operations of Tops MBO Co.  Tops MBO Co’s assets consist solely of its investment in Holding II.  Tops MBO Co has no operations other than as the equity owner of Holding II.

Accounting Policies

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements of Holding II for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016, which appear in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2016.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 30.  Fiscal years include 13 four-week reporting periods, with an additional week in the thirteenth reporting period for 53-week fiscal years.  The first quarter of each fiscal year includes four reporting periods, while the remaining quarters include three reporting periods.

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015 are unaudited, and in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for such periods.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU No. 2014-09”), which provides guidance regarding revenue recognition.  ASU No. 2014-09’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date,” which deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with earlier application permitted as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of ASU No. 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” (“ASU No. 2016-02”), which stipulates that lessees recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for substantially all leases.  ASU No. 2016-02 is effective on a modified retrospective basis for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.


- 4 -


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations” (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (“ASU No. 2016-08”).  ASU No. 2016-08 does not change the core principle of the guidance stated in ASU No. 2014-09, instead, the amendments in this ASU are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and whether an entity reports revenue on a gross or net basis.  ASU No. 2016-08 will have the same effective date and transition requirements as the new revenue standard issued in ASU No. 2014-09.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption of ASU No. 2016-08 on its consolidated financial statements.

Segments

The Company’s supermarkets offer grocery, produce, frozen, dairy, meat, floral, seafood, health and beauty care, general merchandise, deli and bakery goods.  The Company operates one supermarket format where each supermarket offers the same general mix of products with similar pricing to similar categories of customers.  As of October 8, 2016, 56 corporate supermarkets offered pharmacy services and 52 corporate fuel centers were in operation.  The Company’s retail operations, which represent substantially all of the Company’s consolidated sales, earnings and total assets, are its only operating segment and reportable segment.  The Company’s retail operations as a whole reflect the level at which the business is managed and how the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s President, who act as the Company’s chief operating decision makers, assess performance internally.    

The following table presents sales revenue by type of similar product (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

12-week periods ended

 

 

40-week periods ended

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Total

 

 

Amount

 

 

Total

 

 

Amount

 

 

Total

 

 

Amount

 

 

Total

 

Non-perishables(1)

 

$

330,202

 

 

 

58.1

%

 

$

321,794

 

 

 

57.4

%

 

$

1,074,377

 

 

 

57.4

%

 

$

1,060,122

 

 

 

56.7

%

Perishables(2)

 

 

167,092

 

 

 

29.4

%

 

 

162,354

 

 

 

29.0

%

 

 

563,975

 

 

 

30.1

%

 

 

555,260

 

 

 

29.7

%

Fuel

 

 

31,005

 

 

 

5.5

%

 

 

38,275

 

 

 

6.8

%

 

 

101,217

 

 

 

5.4

%

 

 

125,764

 

 

 

6.7

%

Pharmacy

 

 

35,316

 

 

 

6.2

%

 

 

33,302

 

 

 

5.9

%

 

 

115,292

 

 

 

6.2

%

 

 

111,429

 

 

 

6.0

%

Other(3)

 

 

5,138

 

 

 

0.8

%

 

 

5,019

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

17,217

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

16,930

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

$

568,753

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

560,744

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

1,872,078

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

1,869,505

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

(1)

Non-perishables consist of grocery, dairy, frozen, general merchandise, health and beauty care and other non-perishable related products.

(2)

Perishables consist of produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, floral, prepared foods and other perishable related products.

(3)

Other primarily consists of franchise income and service commission income, such as lottery, money orders and money transfers.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.  The most significant estimates used by management are related to the accounting for vendor allowances, valuation of long-lived assets including goodwill and intangible assets, lease classification, self-insurance reserves, inventory valuation and income taxes.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.


- 5 -


Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establish a framework for measuring fair value and a hierarchy that categorizes and prioritizes the sources to be used to estimate fair value as follows:

Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2 – inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs); and

Level 3 – unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s determination of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  These inputs are developed based on the best information available, including the Company’s own data.

Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt.  The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments.  At October 8, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the Company’s debt instruments were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

January 2, 2016

 

Carrying value of long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

$

2,126

 

 

$

2,075

 

Long-term debt

 

705,756

 

 

 

681,372

 

Total carrying value of debt instruments

 

707,882

 

 

 

683,447

 

Fair value of debt instruments

 

650,765

 

 

 

677,450

 

Excess of carrying value over fair value

$

57,117

 

 

$

5,997

 

 

The fair values of the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes (see Note 6), which are included in long-term debt as of October 8, 2016 and January 2, 2016, were based on quoted market prices, a Level 2 source.

Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets.  Long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs.  Goodwill and the Tops tradename are reviewed annually for impairment on December 1, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

 

 

2. BUSINESS ACQUISITION

In August 2016, the Company acquired four supermarkets from The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, which operated these stores under the Stop & Shop banner, and two supermarkets from Hannaford Bros. Co., LLC and Martin’s Foods of South Burlington, LLC, which operated these stores under the Hannaford banner, in eastern New York and Massachusetts.  The aggregate purchase price for this acquisition of $16.4 million, including acquired inventory of $5.0 million, was funded using cash on hand and available borrowings under the 2017 ABL Facility.  

The Company believes the acquisition creates significant strategic value due to the expansion it provides to the Company’s supermarket base as well as the minimal incremental general and administrative expenses expected to be incurred.

Based upon a preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective estimated fair values as of the acquisition dates.  The preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price is based on management’s best estimates of fair values as of the acquisition dates using information available as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is subject to adjustments.  The valuations are expected to be finalized within 12 months of the closing of the acquisitions.  As the valuations are finalized, any changes to the preliminary valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may result in material adjustments to the fair value of inventory, equipment, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets acquired, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities assumed and will be adjusted in the quarter identified, as required by ASU No. 2015-16 “Business Combinations (Topic 805).”


- 6 -


The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the transaction dates, and adjustments made to the estimated fair values of these assets (dollars in thousands):  

 

 

Initial

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revised

 

Assets acquired:

 

Estimate

 

 

Adjustments

 

 

Estimate

 

Inventory

 

$

5,939

 

 

$

(933

)

 

$

5,006

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

 

79

 

 

 

79

 

Equipment

 

 

5,888

 

 

 

(624

)

 

 

5,264

 

Goodwill

 

 

1,839

 

 

 

3,911

 

 

 

5,750

 

Pharmacy scripts

 

 

3,950

 

 

 

(698

)

 

 

3,252

 

Customer lists

 

 

323

 

 

 

(93

)

 

 

230

 

Total assets acquired

 

 

17,939

 

 

 

1,642

 

 

 

19,581

 

Liabilities assumed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

799

 

 

 

799

 

Unfavorable lease rights

 

 

 

 

 

2,370

 

 

 

2,370

 

Total liabilities assumed

 

 

 

 

 

3,169

 

 

 

3,169

 

Acquisition price

 

$

17,939

 

 

$

(1,527

)

 

$

16,412

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s unaudited pro forma operating results for the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, giving effect to the acquisition as if it occurred as of the beginning of fiscal year 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

12-week periods ended

 

 

40-week periods ended

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

Net sales

 

$

604,868

 

 

$

599,052

 

 

$

1,997,577

 

 

$

1,997,197

 

Operating income

 

 

9,364

 

 

 

16,829

 

 

 

44,424

 

 

 

60,214

 

Net loss

 

 

(9,666

)

 

 

(2,190

)

 

 

(19,332

)

 

 

(39,035

)

 

The pro forma financial information above reflects the $2.1 million of transaction costs incurred by the Company during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 within the operating results for the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.  Additionally, the pro forma financial information includes estimated depreciation and amortization of $0.3 million during each of the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, and estimated depreciation and amortization of $0.9 million during each of the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.  This pro forma financial information is not intended to represent or be indicative of what would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place as of the beginning of the periods presented and should not be taken as representative of the Company’s future consolidated results of operations.

In addition to the acquisition discussed above, during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016, the Company purchased one additional store for $2.0 million of which $0.5 million was paid during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016, with the remainder to be paid over the next three years.

 

3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

The following table summarizes the change in the Company’s goodwill balance during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

Balance - January 2, 2016

 

$

213,096

 

Acquisitions

 

 

6,732

 

Balance - October 8, 2016

 

$

219,828

 

 

Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment on December 1, or more frequently upon the occurrence of trigger events.  Based on the Company’s assessment, no goodwill impairment was recorded during the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

- 7 -


Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Amortization

 

October 8, 2016

 

Amount

 

 

Amortization

 

 

Amount

 

 

Period

 

Tradename – indefinite

 

$

131,200

 

 

$

 

 

$

131,200

 

 

Indefinite life

 

Customer relationships

 

 

29,430

 

 

 

(17,194

)

 

 

12,236

 

 

 

14.0

 

Favorable lease rights

 

 

19,050

 

 

 

(6,193

)

 

 

12,857

 

 

 

9.6

 

Franchise agreements

 

 

13,300

 

 

 

(5,048

)

 

 

8,252

 

 

 

14.0

 

Pharmacy scripts

 

 

7,231

 

 

 

(1,781

)

 

 

5,450

 

 

 

16.5

 

Non-compete agreement

 

 

250

 

 

 

(8

)

 

 

242

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

$

200,461

 

 

$

(30,224

)

 

$

170,237

 

 

 

13.1

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Carrying

 

 

January 2, 2016

 

Amount

 

 

Amortization

 

 

Amount

 

 

Tradename – indefinite

 

$

131,200

 

 

$

 

 

$

131,200

 

 

Customer relationships

 

 

29,200

 

 

 

(14,117

)

 

 

15,083

 

 

Favorable lease rights

 

 

21,550

 

 

 

(6,328

)

 

 

15,222

 

 

Franchise agreements

 

 

13,300

 

 

 

(3,872

)

 

 

9,428

 

 

Pharmacy scripts

 

 

3,979

 

 

 

(1,182

)

 

 

2,797

 

 

 

 

$

199,229

 

 

$

(25,499

)

 

$

173,730

 

 

 

The Tops tradename is reviewed annually for impairment on December 1, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.  Based on the Company’s assessment, no impairment was recorded during the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

During the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  During the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, amortization expense related to intangible assets was $7.2 million and $8.8 million, respectively.  This amortization is included in depreciation and amortization in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

Depreciation and amortization in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss during each of the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015 includes $0.1 million of contra-expense related to the amortization of unfavorable lease rights, which are classified in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  During each of the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, depreciation and amortization in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss includes $0.3 million of contra-expense related to the amortization of unfavorable lease rights.  Expected future amortization of these unfavorable lease rights is contra-expense of $0.2 million in the remaining period of Fiscal 2016, $0.8 million in Fiscal 2017, $0.8 million in Fiscal 2018, $0.8 million in Fiscal 2019, $0.8 million in Fiscal 2020 and $2.1 million thereafter.

As of October 8, 2016, expected future amortization of intangible assets is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

2016 (remaining period)

 

$

1,936

 

2017

 

 

7,592

 

2018

 

 

6,394

 

2019

 

 

5,332

 

2020

 

 

4,482

 

Thereafter

 

 

13,301

 

 

 

- 8 -


4. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

January 2, 2016

 

Interest payable

 

$

16,610

 

 

$

3,177

 

Wages, taxes and benefits

 

 

19,917

 

 

 

28,623

 

Lottery

 

 

12,099

 

 

 

13,127

 

Union medical, pension and 401(k)

 

 

9,138

 

 

 

5,817

 

Professional and legal fees

 

 

8,210

 

 

 

5,773

 

Self-insurance reserves

 

 

6,452

 

 

 

6,502

 

Gift cards

 

 

4,003

 

 

 

9,467

 

Property and equipment expenditures

 

 

3,282

 

 

 

2,525

 

Sales and use tax

 

 

3,244

 

 

 

1,431

 

Utilities

 

 

2,723

 

 

 

2,346

 

Repairs and maintenance

 

 

1,876

 

 

 

2,050

 

Money orders

 

 

1,289

 

 

 

2,682

 

Other

 

 

16,698

 

 

 

13,237

 

 

 

$

105,541

 

 

$

96,757

 

 

 

5. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

The Company has a number of capital leases in effect for supermarket properties and equipment.  The initial lease terms generally range up to twenty-five years and will expire at various times through 2036, with options to renew for additional periods.  The majority of the supermarket leases provide for base rental, plus real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance and other operating expenses applicable to the leased premises.  Some leases contain escalation clauses for future rents and contingent rents based on sales volume.

As of October 8, 2016, future minimum lease rental payments applicable to non-cancelable capital lease obligations were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

2016 (remaining period)

 

$

7,286

 

2017

 

 

30,997

 

2018

 

 

27,358

 

2019

 

 

24,646

 

2020

 

 

21,363

 

Thereafter

 

 

112,665

 

Total minimum lease payments

 

 

224,315

 

Less amounts representing interest

 

 

(142,578

)

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

 

81,737

 

Less current obligations

 

 

(9,447

)

Long-term cash obligations

 

 

72,290

 

Non-cash obligations

 

 

64,796

 

Total long-term capital lease obligations

 

$

137,086

 

 

The Company entered into build-to-suit and sale-leaseback transactions in various years involving certain properties that did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting as the lease agreements included various forms of continuing involvement.  As a result, the transactions have been classified as financing transactions in accordance with ASC Topic 840, “Leases.”


- 9 -


Under the financing method, the assets remain on the consolidated balance sheet and proceeds received by the Company from these transactions are recorded as capital lease obligations, allocated between land, as applicable, and building.  Payments under these leases are applied as payments of imputed interest and deemed principal on the underlying building obligations, with no underlying cash payments deemed attributable to the land obligations and the estimated net book value of the buildings at the conclusion of the lease terms.  The related land assets are not depreciated, and at the end of the lease terms, the remaining capital lease obligations will equal the combined net book values of the land and buildings.  At the expiration of the lease terms, which range from 2017 to 2036, or when the Company’s continuing involvement under the lease agreements ends, the related land, buildings and capital lease obligations will be removed from the consolidated balance sheet, with no underlying cash payments.  These capital lease obligations are reflected as non-cash obligations in the preceding table.

 

6. DEBT

Long-term debt is comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

January 2, 2016

 

2022 Notes

 

$

560,000

 

 

$

560,000

 

2018 Notes

 

 

85,514

 

 

 

86,704

 

Discount on 2018 Notes

 

 

(330

)

 

 

(470

)

Deferred financing fees

 

 

(10,917

)

 

 

(12,716

)

2017 ABL Facility

 

 

69,500

 

 

 

46,700

 

Other loans

 

 

4,115

 

 

 

3,229

 

Total debt

 

 

707,882

 

 

 

683,447

 

Current portion

 

 

(2,126

)

 

 

(2,075

)

Total long-term debt

 

$

705,756

 

 

$

681,372

 

 

On June 10, 2015, Holding I and Tops Markets II Corporation (collectively, the “Issuers”) issued $560.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due in 2022, bearing annual interest at a rate of 8.00% (the “2022 Notes”).  The proceeds from the 2022 Notes were used to fund a tender offer for, and redeem the balance of, the previously outstanding $460.0 million of senior secured notes issued by Holding I, Tops Markets and Tops Markets II Corporation (the “2017 Notes”) and to fund a partial tender offer for $60.0 million of the $150.0 million outstanding 8.75%/9.50% senior unsecured notes issued by Holding II (the “2018 Notes”), including tender and redemption premiums of $23.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively, which have been recorded within loss on debt extinguishment in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss during the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.  The proceeds were also used to pay accrued and unpaid interest related to the tendered and redeemed notes and fees and expenses related to the issuance of the 2022 Notes.  The 2022 Notes mature on June 15, 2022 and require semi-annual interest payments on June 15 and December 15.  The 2022 Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 2018 at specified redemption prices.  Prior to June 15, 2018, the Company may redeem the 2022 Notes, in whole or in part, at a specified “make-whole” premium.

The 2022 Notes are collateralized by (i) first priority security interests, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, in the stock held by the Issuers and the guarantor subsidiaries, Tops Markets, Tops PT, LLC, Tops Gift Card Company, LLC and Erie Logistics LLC (collectively, the “Guarantors”), the Company’s warehouse and distribution facility in Lancaster, New York, the Company’s retail facility located in Fayetteville, New York and certain owned real property acquired by the Issuers and the Guarantors following the issue date of the 2022 Notes, equipment, intellectual property, and substantially all other assets of the Issuers and the Guarantors, other than those assets securing the Company’s asset-based revolving credit facility (the “2017 ABL Facility”) on a first priority basis (collectively, the “2022 Notes Priority Collateral”), and (ii) second priority security interests, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, in the assets of Holding II, the Issuers and the Guarantors that secure the 2017 ABL Facility on a first priority basis, including present and future receivables, deposit accounts, inventory, prescription lists, and certain rights and proceeds relating thereto (collectively, the “ABL Priority Collateral”).

The 2022 Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by each of the Guarantors and will in the future be guaranteed by certain of Holding I’s future domestic subsidiaries.  The 2022 Notes are also guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Holding II.

- 10 -


On May 15, 2013, Holding II issued $150.0 million of 2018 Notes.  As discussed above, on June 10, 2015, Holding II successfully tendered for and repurchased $60.0 million of 2018 Notes.  On January 20, 2016 and December 18, 2015, $1.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of 2018 Notes were repurchased in “open market” transactions, resulting in a remaining outstanding principal amount of $85.5 million as of October 8, 2016.  If certain conditions are met, Holding II may be entitled to pay interest on the 2018 Notes by increasing the principal of the notes or by issuing new notes as pay-in-kind interest.  This payment in kind interest would accrue at an annual rate of 9.50%.  The 2018 Notes mature on June 15, 2018 and require semi-annual interest payments on June 15 and December 15.  To the extent permitted by the indenture governing the 2022 Notes and the 2017 ABL Facility (see below), Holding I may make dividend payments to Holding II to fund additional repurchases and the semi-annual interest payments for the 2018 Notes.  The 2018 Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at specified redemption prices.  

On December 14, 2012, Tops Markets entered into the 2017 ABL Facility with Bank of America, N.A. as collateral agent and administrative agent.  The 2017 ABL Facility allows a maximum borrowing capacity of $125.0 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation, with an option for up to $50.0 million of additional borrowing capacity if the required conditions are met.  The borrowing base includes inventory, pharmacy prescription files and certain receivables.  The 2017 ABL Facility matures on December 14, 2017.

Costs associated with the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes of $10.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively, were capitalized and are being amortized over the respective terms of the 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes using the effective interest method.  Costs associated with the 2017 ABL Facility of $1.1 million were capitalized and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the 2017 ABL Facility.  

During each of the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, amortization expense related to the deferred financing costs was $0.5 million.  During the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, amortization expense related to the deferred financing costs was $1.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  This amortization expense is included in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.  At October 8, 2016, long-term debt included deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $3.5 million, totaling $10.9 million.  At January 2, 2016, long-term debt included deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1.8 million, totaling $12.7 million. 

As of October 8, 2016, the unused availability under the 2017 ABL Facility was $32.7 million, after giving effect to the borrowing base calculation, $22.8 million of letters of credit outstanding and $69.5 million of borrowings outstanding.  As of January 2, 2016, $23.8 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the 2017 ABL Facility.  Revolving loans under the 2017 ABL Facility, at the Company’s option, bear interest at either LIBOR plus a margin of 150 to 200 basis points, determined based on levels of borrowing availability, or the prime rate plus a margin of 50 to 100 basis points, determined based on levels of borrowing availability.  As of October 8, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the weighted average interest rates on borrowings under the 2017 ABL Facility were 2.62% and 3.20%, respectively.  The 2017 ABL Facility is collateralized primarily by (i) first priority interests, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, in the ABL Priority Collateral, and (ii) second priority interests, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, in the 2022 Notes Priority Collateral.

The instruments governing the 2022 Notes, 2018 Notes and the 2017 ABL Facility impose customary affirmative and negative covenants on the Company, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, type of business, acquisitions, investments, sale or transfer of assets, payment of dividends, transactions involving affiliates, and obligations on a change in control.  Failure to meet any of these covenants would be an event of default.  On August 19, 2014, the 2017 ABL Facility was amended to reduce specified restrictions on the Company’s ability to make certain restricted payments, including dividends.  As of October 8, 2016, the Company was in compliance with its covenants under these agreements.

 

 

7. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

12-week periods ended

 

 

40-week periods ended

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

Current

 

$

(40

)

 

$

 

 

$

(358

)

 

$

(8

)

Deferred

 

 

(409

)

 

 

(400

)

 

 

(1,363

)

 

 

(1,334

)

Total income tax expense

 

$

(449

)

 

$

(400

)

 

$

(1,721

)

 

$

(1,342

)

 

Based on an assessment of positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets, the Company continues to maintain a full valuation allowance against total net deferred tax assets, and consequently, the Company recognized no income tax benefit during the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

 

- 11 -


The income tax expense recognized for the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015 solely reflects the recognition of additional valuation allowance associated with the tax amortization of the Company’s indefinite-lived tradename and goodwill deferred tax liabilities. The effective tax rates would have been 39.1%, without the establishment of valuation allowance, during each of the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016.  The effective tax rates during the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 3, 2015 would have been 39.3% and 39.1%, respectively, without the establishment of valuation allowance.

As of the beginning of fiscal year 2016, the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $70.9 million and $71.5 million, respectively, which expire beginning in 2029.  In addition, the Company had federal tax credits of $5.4 million, which expire beginning in 2027.

 

 

8. GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS

During January 2015, the Company sold pharmacy scripts and inventory related to 27 of its in-store pharmacy locations for cash proceeds of $14.9 million.  These pharmacies were then closed.  A resulting gain on sale of assets of $11.0 million, net of the carrying value of sold inventory of $3.2 million and direct selling expenses of $0.7 million, was recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.

 

 

9. DIVIDENDS PAID

On January 14, 2016, the Company paid a dividend to Tops MBO Co totaling $2.0 million.

On January 8, 2015, the Company paid a dividend of $0.8 million to Tops MBO Co to repurchase outstanding shares of common stock of Tops MBO Co from a former Company executive.  In addition, one outstanding share of common stock of Holding II was repurchased.

 

 

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Multiemployer Pension Plans

On December 22, 2013, Tops Markets acquired all of the membership interests of Erie Logistics, LLC (“Erie Logistics”) and certain other assets from C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (“C&S”).  Erie Logistics operates the Company’s warehouse and distribution facilities located in Lancaster and West Seneca, New York and employs the warehouse and driver personnel at these facilities, all of whom are represented by Teamsters Local 264.  Under its supply agreement with Tops Markets, C&S, through Erie Logistics, had operated the Company’s warehouse and distribution facilities since 2002.

In late January 2014, the Company received notice that the New York State Teamsters Conference Pension and Retirement Fund (the “Fund”) had suspended Erie Logistics as a participating employer in the Fund pending the Fund’s investigation into the acquisition of Erie Logistics from C&S.  This suspension was retroactive to the effective date of the acquisition.  During this “suspension” and thereafter through the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Erie Logistics has elected to continue to make contributions to the Fund in accordance with the terms set forth in the collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 264.  The Fund has rejected and returned these contributions.  During the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, these rejected contributions totaled $0.8 million and $1.2 million respectively.  During the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, these rejected contributions totaled $3.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively.  On May 27, 2014, the Fund provided Erie Logistics and C&S with notice of its determination that Erie Logistics incurred employer withdrawal liability as a result of the acquisition.  The notice provides that Erie Logistics owes withdrawal liability of $183.7 million, payable in a lump sum or in monthly installments, calculated to give effect to a limit on total withdrawal liability imposed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), of $641,514 for 240 months.

The Company believes that the Fund’s determination of a withdrawal violates ERISA, the existing participation agreements between Erie Logistics and the Fund, and the fiduciary duties of the trustees of the Fund.  The Company is vigorously contesting this determination through mandatory arbitration under ERISA.


- 12 -


The Company has not recorded any reserve for this matter as a loss is not considered probable.  If it were ultimately determined that Erie Logistics has incurred a withdrawal liability to the Fund, the Company would bear financial responsibility for this liability.  Under the terms of the purchase agreement for the acquisition of Erie Logistics from C&S, and as a continuation of its prior contractual obligations, the Company retains the obligation to indemnify C&S in the event withdrawal liability is imposed on Erie Logistics, the Company or C&S.  During the pendency of the proceeding to contest the withdrawal determination, ERISA requires that conditional monthly payments of withdrawal liability be made, which began July 28, 2014.  During each of the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the conditional payments of withdrawal liability totaled $5.8 million.  These monthly conditional payments are in addition to pension contributions the Company has elected to make for the benefit of Erie Logistics’ associates under the collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 264 which, as noted, the Fund has refused to accept.  The aggregate conditional monthly payments of withdrawal liability, totaling $17.3 million as of October 8, 2016, have been recorded in other assets, while the aggregate rejected contributions that the Company has elected to make, totaling $12.7 million as of October 8, 2016, have been recorded in other long-term liabilities and cash within its condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On July 28, 2014, Teamsters Local 264 filed a grievance charging a violation of its collective bargaining agreements by reason of the Company’s failing to participate in the Fund.  On July 4, 2016, the arbitrator denied this grievance.  The Company is in active discussions with Teamsters Local 264 regarding certain aspects of the grievance and the arbitrator’s decision.  

Purchase Commitments

Effective December 22, 2013, in connection with its purchase of all the membership interests of Erie Logistics and certain other assets from C&S, the Company modified its existing agreement with C&S whereby the Company resumed warehousing and transportation functions for the Lancaster and West Seneca, New York warehouses, while C&S continues to provide procurement and purchasing services in support of the majority of the Company’s supply chain.  This modified agreement sets out the parties' respective responsibilities for the procurement and purchase of merchandise intended for use or resale in a majority of the Company’s supermarkets.  In consideration for the services it provides under this agreement, C&S is paid a fee based on all merchandise purchased by the Company from C&S through the Lancaster and West Seneca, New York warehouses, with C&S also having incentive income opportunities under the agreement.  As of April 1, 2015, the Company and C&S agreed in principle to amend certain operating terms of this agreement and extend the term through April 1, 2020.

On September 24, 2012, the Company entered into a separate agreement with C&S to provide warehousing, transportation, procurement and purchasing services in support of the 21 supermarkets acquired from GU Markets in October 2012.  This agreement expires on September 23, 2022.

Effective May 1, 2013, Tops Markets entered into a member participation agreement with Topco, a procurement cooperative for food retailers and wholesalers, for the supply of substantially all of the Company’s prescription drugs.  Tops Markets must purchase 95% of its branded prescription drugs and 95% of its generic pharmaceutical products through Topco.  This agreement expires February 28, 2017.

Effective March 1, 2016, the Company extended its existing IT outsourcing agreement with HP Enterprise Services, LLC (“HPE”) through February 29, 2024.  Under this agreement, HPE provides data center operations, mainframe processing, business applications and systems development, which are expected to enhance the Company’s customer service and efficiency.  The amounts payable to HP under this agreement are based upon the services requested by the Company at predetermined rates.

The costs of these purchase commitments are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Environmental Liabilities

The Company is contingently liable for potential environmental issues related to some of its properties.  As the Company is unaware of environmental issues that are expected to materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole, no amounts were accrued as of October 8, 2016 or January 2, 2016.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

The Company employs approximately 15,000 associates.  Approximately 81% of these associates are members of United Food and Commercial Workers, or UFCW, District Union Local One, or Local One, or six other UFCW unions.  Approximately 4% of these associates are members of Teamsters Local 264, who work in the Company’s warehouse and distribution facilities.  All other associates are non-union.  The Company is a party to five collective bargaining agreements with Local One expiring between April 2017 and October 2018.  The Company also is a party to seven other non-Local One UFCW collective bargaining agreements expiring between April 2017 and October 2019.  The Company is a party to three collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 264 that expire in August 2019.

- 13 -


Legal Proceedings

Except as otherwise disclosed in this note, the Company is unaware of any legal proceedings that are expected to materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole.  No amounts related to contingent liabilities due to legal proceedings were accrued as of October 8, 2016 or January 2, 2016.

 

11. IMPAIRMENT

During the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016, the Company determined that the expected future cash flows associated with one supermarket location were insufficient to recover that location’s aggregate net book value of long-lived assets.  As a result, the net book values of leasehold improvements and equipment assets were written down to their estimated fair values, a Level 3 fair value source.  A corresponding non-cash impairment of $2.1 million was recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “10-Q”).

We are a leading supermarket retailer in New York, Northern Pennsylvania, Western Vermont and North Central Massachusetts.  Introduced in 1962, our Tops brand is widely recognized as a strong retail supermarket brand name in our market area, supported by strong customer loyalty and attractive supermarket locations.  As of October 8, 2016, we operated 172 full-service supermarkets, 171 under the Tops banner and one under the Orchard Fresh banner, with an additional five supermarkets operated by franchisees under the Tops banner.

Forward-Looking Statements

This 10-Q includes forward‑looking statements, which are generally statements about future events, plans, objectives and performance.  Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward‑looking statements.  Forward‑looking statements reflect our current expectations, based on currently available information, and are not guarantees.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward‑looking statements are reasonable, these expectations could prove inaccurate as such statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or other risks or uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial, materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected.  Important factors relating to these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

current economic conditions and the impact on consumer demand and spending and our pricing strategy;

 

pricing and market strategies, the expansion, consolidation and other activities of competitors, and our ability to respond to the promotional practices of competitors;

 

our ability to effectively increase or maintain our profit margins;

 

the success of our store acquisition, construction and remodel programs;

 

fluctuations in utility, fuel and commodity prices, which could impact consumer spending and buying habits and the cost of doing business;

 

risks inherent in our fuel station operations;

 

our exposure to local economies and other adverse conditions due to our geographic concentration;

 

risks of natural disasters and severe weather conditions;

 

supply problems with our suppliers and vendors;

 

our relationships with our unions and unionized employees, the terms of future collective bargaining agreements or labor strikes;

 

increased operating costs resulting from increases in the minimum wage, rising employee benefit costs or pension funding obligations;

- 14 -


 

changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, laws and governmental regulations applicable to the operation of our pharmacy and other businesses;

 

the adequacy of our insurance coverage against claims of our customers in connection with our pharmacy services;

 

estimates of the amount and timing of payments under our self-insurance policies;

 

risks of liability under environmental laws and regulations;

 

our ability to maintain and improve our information technology systems;

 

events that give rise to actual or potential food contamination, drug contamination or food-borne illness or any adverse publicity relating to these types of concerns, whether or not valid;

 

threats or potential threats to security;

 

our ability to retain key personnel;

 

risks of data security breaches or losses of confidential customer information;

 

risks relating to our substantial indebtedness;

 

claims or legal proceedings against us; and

 

other factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2016 and elsewhere in this 10-Q.

We caution that investors should not place undue reliance on forward‑looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.  We disclaim any intention, obligation or duty to update or revise any forward‑looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

We operate on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 30.  Our fiscal years include 13 four-week reporting periods, with an additional week in the thirteenth reporting period for 53-week fiscal years.  Our first quarter of each fiscal year includes four reporting periods, while the remaining quarters include three reporting periods.

Our condensed consolidated financial statements for the 12-week and 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015 are unaudited, and, in the opinion of our management, contain all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for such periods.

RECENT EVENTS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND THE COMPARABILITY OF REPORTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

June 2015 Refinancing

On June 10, 2015, Holding I and Tops Markets II Corporation issued $560.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes, bearing annual interest at a rate of 8.00%.  The proceeds from the 2022 Notes were used to fund a tender offer for, and redeem the balance of, the previously outstanding $460.0 million of 2017 Notes and to fund a partial tender offer for $60.0 million of the $150.0 million outstanding 2018 Notes, including tender and redemption premiums of $23.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  The proceeds were also used to pay accrued and unpaid interest related to the tendered and redeemed notes and fees and expenses related to the issuance of the 2022 Notes.

2015 Sale of Pharmacy Assets

During January 2015, we sold pharmacy scripts and inventory related to 27 of our in-store pharmacy locations, which resulted in a gain on sale of assets of $11.0 million in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.

- 15 -


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

12-Week Period Ended October 8, 2016 Compared with the 12-Week Period Ended October 3, 2015

Summary

The results of operations during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016 were impacted by the $28.6 million incremental inside sales contribution from 12 acquired and new supermarkets opened since September 2015 and a same store sales decrease of 2.9%, resulting from food cost deflation and lower traffic and weakness in consumer spending levels.  Relatively lower margin fuel sales decreased $7.3 million during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016, primarily as a result of a decrease in fuel retail prices.  Our gross profit margin rate remained relatively flat as the impact of a decrease in lower margin fuel sales was offset by an increase in distribution costs, which occurred largely due to $1.2 million in costs associated with our August 2016 relocation to a new freezer warehouse facility during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016.  Our operating expenses were impacted by $2.3 million of incremental legal and professional fees during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016 related to the ongoing dispute and associated arbitration proceeding with the New York State Teamsters Conference Pension and Retirement Fund.  

Net Sales

The following table includes the components of our net sales for the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

12-week periods ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

$ Change

 

 

% Change

 

Inside sales

 

$

537,748

 

 

$

522,469

 

 

$

15,279

 

 

 

2.9

%

Fuel sales

 

 

31,005

 

 

 

38,275

 

 

 

(7,270

)

 

 

(19.0

)%

Net sales

 

$

568,753

 

 

$

560,744

 

 

$

8,009

 

 

 

1.4

%

 

Inside sales increased due to the $28.6 million incremental contribution from 12 acquired and new supermarkets opened since September 2015.  Same store sales decreased 2.9%, primarily due to food cost deflation in certain categories, including meat and dairy, and competitive pressure to lower food prices in response, as well as lower traffic and weakness in consumer spending levels.  Same store sales is inside sales, excluding franchise revenue, for “same stores,” which are supermarkets that have been operating for at least 13 full four-week periods.  To calculate the same store sales change, we used the 12-week period ended October 10, 2015, as this represents the most comparable period to the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016.

 

The decrease in fuel sales was due to a 14.6% decrease in the average retail price per gallon, net of applicable discounts, and a 5.1% net decrease in gallons sold that was primarily attributable to the timing of promotional gas rewards redemption weeks.

 

Gross Profit

The following table includes a comparison of cost of goods sold, distribution costs and gross profit for the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

12-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

Change

 

 

Change

 

Cost of goods sold

 

$

(388,758

)

 

 

68.4

%

 

$

(386,195

)

 

 

68.9

%

 

$

(2,563

)

 

 

(0.7

)%

Distribution costs

 

 

(11,586

)

 

 

2.0

%

 

 

(9,125

)

 

 

1.6

%

 

 

(2,461

)

 

 

(27.0

)%

Gross profit

 

$

168,409

 

 

 

29.6

%

 

$

165,424

 

 

 

29.5

%

 

$

2,985

 

 

 

1.8

%

 

As a percentage of net sales, the decrease in cost of goods sold was due to a shift in product mix given the smaller proportion of relatively lower margin fuel sales.  Non-cash LIFO inventory valuation adjustments changed from expense of $0.2 million during the 12-week period ended October 3, 2015 to income of $0.1 million during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016.  Excluding the impact of LIFO adjustments, cost of goods sold as a percentage of inside sales was 67.5% and 67.4%, respectively, during the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

The increase in distribution costs as a percentage of net sales was largely due to $1.2 million of costs associated with our August 2016 relocation to a new freezer warehouse facility.


- 16 -


Operating Expenses

The following table includes a comparison of operating expenses for the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

12-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

Change

 

 

Change

 

Wages, salaries and benefits

 

$

84,725

 

 

 

14.9

%

 

$

80,354

 

 

 

14.3

%

 

$

4,371

 

 

 

5.4

%

Selling and general expenses

 

 

28,352

 

 

 

5.0

%

 

 

27,459

 

 

 

4.9

%

 

 

893

 

 

 

3.3

%

Administrative expenses

 

 

21,923

 

 

 

3.9

%

 

 

17,842

 

 

 

3.2

%

 

 

4,081

 

 

 

22.9

%

Rent expense, net

 

 

7,004

 

 

 

1.2

%

 

 

6,292

 

 

 

1.1

%

 

 

712

 

 

 

11.3

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

14,968

 

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

14,719

 

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

249

 

 

 

1.7

%

Advertising

 

 

5,140

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

4,901

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

239

 

 

 

4.9

%

Total

 

$

162,112

 

 

 

28.5

%

 

$

151,567

 

 

 

27.0

%

 

$

10,545

 

 

 

7.0

%

 

Wages, Salaries and Benefits

The increase in wages, salaries and benefits as a percentage of net sales was due to the smaller proportion of fuel sales as a percentage of net sales, which require relatively modest labor investments.  As a percentage of inside sales, wages, salaries and benefits was 15.8% and 15.4%, respectively, during the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.  The increase was due to increases in minimum wages and pension contributions, as well as labor costs of $0.6 million related to the integration of the six acquired stores in Eastern New York and North Central Massachusetts during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016.

Selling and General Expenses

Selling and general expenses remained relatively consistent as a percentage of net sales.

Administrative Expenses

The increase in administrative expenses was largely due to $2.3 million of incremental legal and professional fees during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016 related to the ongoing dispute and associated arbitration proceeding with the New York State Teamsters Conference Pension and Retirement Fund discussed in Note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this 10-Q.  Additionally, we incurred $1.7 million of costs in connection with an unsuccessful potential acquisition and $0.8 million of costs related to the integration of the six acquired stores in Eastern New York and North Central Massachusetts during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016.  These increases in administrative expenses were offset by a $1.2 million decrease in bonus expense based upon performance against budget metrics.

Rent Expense, Net

Rent expense reflects our rental expense for our supermarkets under operating leases, net of income we receive from various entities that rent space in our supermarkets under subleases.  The increase in rent expense was due to new supermarket openings since September 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization

The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to incremental depreciation related to capital expenditures since mid-2015.

Advertising

Advertising remained relatively consistent as a percentage of net sales.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense decreased due to a lower average borrowing rate on long-term debt as a result of our June 2015 refinancing activities.  


- 17 -


Income Tax Expense

Based on an assessment of positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of our deferred tax assets, we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance against total net deferred tax assets, and consequently, we recognized no income tax benefit during the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.  

The income tax expense recognized for the 12-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015 solely reflects the recognition of additional valuation allowance associated with the tax amortization of our indefinite-lived tradename and goodwill deferred tax liabilities.  The effective tax rates would have been 39.1% and 39.3%, respectively, without the establishment of valuation allowance.

Net Loss

Our net loss increased by $7.6 million for the reasons described above.

40-Week Period Ended October 8, 2016 Compared with the 40-Week Period Ended October 3, 2015

Summary

The results of operations during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 compared with the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015 were impacted by the $57.9 million incremental inside sales contribution from 14 acquired and new supermarkets opened since May 2015, and a same store sales decrease of 1.8% resulting from food cost deflation and lower traffic and weakness in consumer spending levels.  Fuel sales decreased $24.5 million during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016, primarily as a result of a decrease in fuel retail prices.  Our gross profit margin rate improved 50 basis points due to the decrease in lower margin fuel sales combined with incremental savings of $2.6 million associated with the amendment of certain operating terms of our agreement with C&S, which became effective April 1, 2015.  Our operating expenses were impacted by $4.5 million of incremental legal and professional fees during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 related to the ongoing dispute and associated arbitration proceeding with the New York State Teamsters Conference Pension and Retirement Fund.  

Net Sales

The following table includes the components of our net sales for the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

40-week periods ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

$ Change

 

 

% Change

 

Inside sales

 

$

1,770,861

 

 

$

1,743,741

 

 

$

27,120

 

 

 

1.6

%

Fuel sales

 

 

101,217

 

 

 

125,764

 

 

 

(24,547

)

 

 

(19.5

)%

Net sales

 

$

1,872,078

 

 

$

1,869,505

 

 

$

2,573

 

 

 

0.1

%

Inside sales increased due to the $57.9 million incremental contribution from 14 acquired and new supermarkets opened since May 2015.  This increase was partially offset by a $2.4 million reduction in pharmacy sales attributable to the closure of 27 in-store pharmacies during January 2015.  Same store sales decreased 1.8%, primarily due to food cost deflation in certain categories, including meat and dairy, and competitive pressure to lower food prices in response, as well as lower traffic and weakness in consumer spending levels.  Same store sales is inside sales, excluding franchise revenue, for “same stores,” which are supermarkets that have been operating for at least 13 full four-week periods.  Sales related to the 27 closed in-store pharmacies have been excluded for purposes of calculating same store sales.  To calculate the same store sales change, we used the 40-week period ended October 10, 2015, as this represents the most comparable period to the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.

The decrease in fuel sales was due to a 17.7% decrease in the average retail price per gallon, net of applicable discounts, and a 2.2% net decrease in gallons sold.

 


- 18 -


Gross Profit

The following table includes a comparison of cost of goods sold, distribution costs and gross profit for the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

40-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

40-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

Change

 

 

Change

 

Cost of goods sold

 

$

(1,279,910

)

 

 

68.4

%

 

$

(1,284,579

)

 

 

68.7

%

 

$

4,669

 

 

 

0.4

%

Distribution costs

 

 

(33,046

)

 

 

1.8

%

 

 

(34,948

)

 

 

1.9

%

 

 

1,902

 

 

 

5.4

%

Gross profit

 

$

559,122

 

 

 

29.9

%

 

$

549,978

 

 

 

29.4

%

 

$

9,144

 

 

 

1.7

%

As a percentage of net sales, the decrease in cost of goods sold was due to a shift in product mix given the smaller proportion of relatively lower margin fuel sales.  Non-cash LIFO inventory valuation expense decreased $0.5 million from $0.7 million during the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015 to $0.2 million during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.  Excluding the impact of LIFO adjustments, cost of goods sold as a percentage of inside sales was 67.3% during each of the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.  

The decrease in distribution costs was due to $2.1 million of incremental savings associated with the amendment of certain operating terms of our agreement with C&S, which became effective April 1, 2015.  This amount recorded in distribution costs is in addition to $0.5 million of savings classified in cost of goods sold related to the amended terms.  This decrease was partially offset by $1.2 million of costs associated with our August 2016 relocation to a new freezer warehouse facility.

Operating Expenses

The following table includes a comparison of operating expenses for the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

40-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

40-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

period ended

 

 

% of

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

Change

 

 

Change

 

Wages, salaries and benefits

 

$

277,117

 

 

 

14.8

%

 

$

272,581

 

 

 

14.6

%

 

$

4,536

 

 

 

1.7

%

Selling and general expenses

 

 

92,088

 

 

 

4.9

%

 

 

91,809

 

 

 

4.9

%

 

 

279

 

 

 

0.3

%

Administrative expenses

 

 

65,971

 

 

 

3.5

%

 

 

58,844

 

 

 

3.1

%

 

 

7,127

 

 

 

12.1

%

Rent expense, net

 

 

22,110

 

 

 

1.2

%

 

 

20,863

 

 

 

1.1

%

 

 

1,247

 

 

 

6.0

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

49,601

 

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

47,891

 

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

1,710

 

 

 

3.6

%

Advertising

 

 

17,158

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

16,590

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

568

 

 

 

3.4

%

Impairment

 

 

2,076

 

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

2,076

 

 

N/A

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

(11,014

)

 

 

(0.6

)%

 

 

11,014

 

 

 

100.0

%

Total

 

$

526,121

 

 

 

28.0

%

 

$

497,564

 

 

 

26.6

%

 

$

28,557

 

 

 

5.7

%

Wages, Salaries and Benefits

The increase in wages, salaries and benefits as a percentage of net sales was due to the smaller proportion of fuel sales as a percentage of net sales, which require relatively modest labor investments.  As a percentage of inside sales, wages, salaries and benefits was a consistent 15.6%.

Selling and General Expenses

Selling and general expenses remained relatively consistent as a percentage of net sales.


- 19 -


Administrative Expenses

The increase in administrative expenses was largely due to $1.0 million of costs related to the integration of the six acquired stores in Eastern New York and North Central Massachusetts, and $1.7 million of costs in connection with an unsuccessful potential acquisition, during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.  Additionally, $4.5 million of incremental legal and professional fees were incurred during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 related to the ongoing dispute and associated arbitration proceeding with the New York State Teamsters Conference Pension and Retirement Fund discussed in Note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this 10-Q.  These increases in administrative expenses were partially offset by a $2.0 million decrease in bonus expense based upon performance against budget metrics.

Rent Expense, Net

Rent expense reflects our rental expense for supermarkets under operating leases, net of income we receive from various entities that rent space in our supermarkets under subleases.  The increase in rent expense was due to new supermarket openings since May 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization

The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to incremental depreciation related to capital expenditures since early 2015.

Advertising

Advertising remained relatively consistent as a percentage of net sales.

Impairment

During the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016, we determined that the expected future cash flows associated with one supermarket location were insufficient to recover the location’s aggregate net book value of long-lived assets.  As a result, the net book values of leasehold improvements and equipment assets were written down to their estimated fair values.  A corresponding non-cash impairment of $2.1 million was recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.  

Gain on Sale of Assets

During January 2015, we sold pharmacy scripts and inventory related to 27 of our in-store pharmacy locations for cash proceeds of $14.9 million.  These pharmacies were then closed.  A resulting gain on sale of assets of $11.0 million, net of the carrying value of sold inventory of $3.2 million and direct selling expenses of $0.7 million, was recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.

Loss on debt extinguishment

During June 2015, we satisfied and discharged our obligations under our 2017 Notes and redeemed $60.0 million of our 2018 Notes.  In connection with these financing activities, we recorded a $34.5 million loss on debt extinguishment during the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.  See Note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of this 10-Q for further details.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense decreased $1.4 million due primarily to a lower average borrowing rate on long-term debt as a result of our June 2015 refinancing activities.

Income Tax Expense

Based on an assessment of positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of our deferred tax assets, we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance against total net deferred tax assets, and consequently, we recognized no income tax benefit during the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015.  

The income tax expense recognized for the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015 solely reflects the recognition of additional valuation allowance associated with the tax amortization of our indefinite-lived tradename and goodwill deferred tax liabilities.  The effective tax rates would have been 39.1% during each of the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015 without the establishment of valuation allowance.

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Net Loss

Our net loss decreased by $16.1 million for the reasons described above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of cash are cash flows generated from our operations and borrowings under our 2017 ABL Facility.  Our 2017 ABL Facility allows a maximum borrowing capacity of $125.0 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation, with an option for future upsizing with up to $50.0 million of incremental commitments if the required conditions are met.  As of October 8, 2016, the unused availability under our 2017 ABL Facility was $32.7 million, after giving effect to the borrowing base calculation, $22.8 million of letters of credit outstanding and $69.5 million of borrowings outstanding.  We expect that cash generated from operations and availability under our 2017 ABL Facility will permit us to fund our debt service requirements, investments in working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.  We do not expect to make dividends of significant size in the near future; however, we may pay dividends to our stockholders from time to time. Our financial flexibility will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the grocery industry and financial, business, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.  Although unforeseen, if faced with the need to increase liquidity, we could readily respond through the control of variable operating expenses (for example, by adjusting employment levels) and through the reduction of planned capital expenditure and acquisition activities.

On June 10, 2015, Holding I and Tops Markets II Corporation issued $560.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes, bearing annual interest of 8.00%.  The proceeds from the 2022 Notes were used to fund a tender offer for, and redeem the balance of, the previously outstanding $460.0 million of 2017 Notes and to fund a partial tender offer for $60.0 million of the $150.0 million outstanding 2018 Notes, including tender and redemption premiums of $23.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  The proceeds were also used to pay accrued and unpaid interest related to the tendered and redeemed 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes and fees and expenses related to the issuance of the 2022 Notes.  See Note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements of Item 1 in this 10-Q.

During January 2015, we sold pharmacy scripts and inventory related to 27 of our in-store pharmacies for cash proceeds of $14.9 million.  These pharmacies were then closed.

On December 15, 2016, semi-annual cash interest payments totaling $26.1 million are payable related to our 2022 Notes and 2018 Notes.  We expect these payments will be primarily funded through cash from operations.  No principal amounts are payable related to these notes until their respective maturities on June 15, 2022 and June 15, 2018.


- 21 -


Cash Flows Information

The following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated types of activities:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

40-week periods ended

 

 

 

October 8, 2016

 

 

October 3, 2015

 

Cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

28,600

 

 

$

53,924

 

Investing activities

 

 

(42,031

)

 

 

(19,437

)

Financing activities

 

 

9,251

 

 

 

(24,542

)

 

Cash provided by operating activities during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 decreased $25.3 million compared with the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015 due to a decrease in earnings, adjusted for non-cash income and expense, of $5.4 million primarily related to one-time administrative expenses, including $4.5 million of incremental legal and professional fees paid related to the ongoing dispute and associated arbitration proceeding with the New York State Teamsters Conference Pension and Retirement Fund.   Changes in operating assets and liabilities represented a use of cash of $5.9 million during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 compared with a source of cash of $14.0 million during the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.  A lower increase in accrued expenses was due to an $8.9 million increase in bonus payments during the 2016 period related to 2015 due to better performance against budget metrics in 2015 versus 2014.  Inventory increased slightly during the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015, in part due to the sale of pharmacy inventory related to the closure of 27 of our in-store pharmacies.  Inventory increased approximately $9.0 million during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 due to the replenishment of lower than normal inventory levels at 2015 year-end, which was caused in part by the 2015 fiscal year ending after the New Year's Day holiday, as well as increases in inventory associated with nine new stores added during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.

Cash used in investing activities increased $22.6 million during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 compared with the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015 due to $17.4 million paid in connection with seven supermarkets acquired in August 2016, partially offset by a decrease in normal capital expenditure payments.  We expect to invest $40 million to $45 million in capital expenditures, exclusive of acquired inventory, during fiscal year 2016, primarily related to new supermarket locations, remodels and maintenance activities.  These capital expenditures are funded using cash on hand and available borrowings under the 2017 ABL Facility.

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities changed $33.8 million during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016 compared with the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015.  The change reflects a change in net borrowings and repayments on our 2017 ABL Facility of $43.3 million, from net repayments of $20.5 million during the 40-week period ended October 3, 2015 to net borrowings of $22.8 million during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.  Partially offsetting this impact were cash flows related to the June 2015 refinancing activities, including the proceeds from the 2022 Notes of $560.0 million, the tender offer for, and redemption of the balance of, the previously outstanding 2017 Notes and partial tender offer for the 2018 Notes, and fees and expenses incurred related to the 2022 Notes issuance.  We paid a dividend of $2.0 million to Tops MBO Co and repurchased $1.2 million of our 2018 Notes during the 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

We contribute to the Local One plan, a defined benefit multiemployer pension plan, under our collective bargaining agreements with Local One.  The Local One plan generally provides retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers.  We are contingently liable for withdrawal liability in the event that we withdraw from the Local One plan.  The actuary for the Local One plan has estimated that, as of December 31, 2014, our withdrawal liability would have been $349.2 million in the event of our complete withdrawal from the Local One plan during 2015.  In accordance with applicable accounting rules, our contingent withdrawal liability is not included in our consolidated financial statements.  We have no intention to withdraw from the Local One plan.  During the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, we made contributions of $11.2 million and $9.4 million, respectively, to this plan.  We are required to increase our annual contributions to the Local One plan pursuant to our current collective bargaining agreements and the Local One plan’s current rehabilitation plan.

As a result of our acquisition of Erie Logistics from C&S in December 2013, we believe we assumed the obligation to participate in and contribute to the Fund.  During the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, we made contributions to the Fund of $4.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively.


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We are contingently liable for withdrawal liability in the event of a withdrawal from the Fund, which includes any withdrawal liability imposed on Erie Logistics for which C&S is liable.  In late January 2014, we received notice that the Fund had suspended Erie Logistics as a participating employer in the Fund pending the Fund’s investigation into the acquisition and on May 27, 2014, the Fund provided notice (“Notice”) to Erie Logistics and C&S of its determination that Erie Logistics incurred employer withdrawal liability as a result of the acquisition.

Though no longer contractually required to do so given the suspension and Notice, we have elected to continue to tender contributions to the Fund for the Erie Logistics associates in accordance with the terms set forth in the collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 264.  The Fund has rejected and returned these contributions to date.  As a result, to date, we have chosen to establish a separate interest bearing account to hold these rejected contributions, although we may decide, in our sole discretion, to discontinue this practice in the future.

The Notice provides that Erie Logistics owes withdrawal liability of $183.7 million, payable in a lump sum or in monthly installments, calculated to give effect to a limit on total withdrawal liability imposed by ERISA, of $641,514 for 240 months.  If it were ultimately determined that Erie Logistics incurred a withdrawal liability to the Fund, the Company would bear financial responsibility for this liability.  Under the terms of the purchase agreement for the acquisition of Erie Logistics from C&S, and as a continuation of our prior contractual obligations, the Company retains the obligation to indemnify C&S in the event withdrawal liability is imposed on Erie Logistics, the Company or C&S.  Although we are vigorously contesting the withdrawal determination, during the pendency of the proceeding to contest such determination, ERISA requires that conditional monthly payments of withdrawal liability be made, which began July 28, 2014.  During each of the 40-week periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the monthly conditional payments of withdrawal liability totaled $5.8 million.  These monthly conditional payments are in addition to pension contributions the Company has tendered which the Fund has rejected and returned, as discussed above and in Note 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this 10-Q.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet arrangements at October 8, 2016 consisted of operating leases and any potential withdrawal liability obligations under our multi-employer pension plans.  We are not a party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, net sales, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Inflation

Product cost inflation could vary from our estimates due to general economic conditions, weather, availability of raw materials and ingredients in the products that we sell and their packaging, and other factors beyond our control.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods.

Refer to Holding II’s audited consolidated financial statements as of January 2, 2016 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of certain critical accounting policies, including those related to vendor allowances, inventory valuation, valuation of tradename, valuation of long-lived assets, acquisition accounting, leases, self-insurance programs and income taxes.

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ITEM 3.  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The table below provides information about our outstanding debt as of October 8, 2016.  The amounts shown for each year represent the contractual maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations.  Interest rates reflect the weighted average rates for the outstanding instruments.  The Fair Value column includes the fair value of our debt instruments as of October 8, 2016.  Refer to Note 1 of our condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of this 10-Q for information about our accounting policy for financial instruments.

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Remainder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of 2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

Fair Value

 

Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

650

 

 

$

1,612

 

 

$

86,461

 

 

$

509

 

 

$

39

 

 

$

560,357

 

 

$

592,182

 

Average interest rate

 

 

4.6

%

 

 

6.3

%

 

 

8.7

%

 

 

8.8

%

 

 

4.0

%

 

 

8.0

%

 

 

 

 

Variable rate

 

$

 

 

$

69,500

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

69,500

 

Average interest rate

 

N/A

 

 

 

2.6

%

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

We purchase products that are impacted by commodity prices and are therefore subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions and other factors, which are not considered predictable or within our control.

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of October 8, 2016, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, together with designated members of the finance and accounting organization, evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 8, 2016.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the 12-week period ended October 8, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The disclosure contained under the heading “Multiemployer Pension Plans” in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this 10-Q is hereby incorporated by reference.

The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business.  While the outcome of these claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that the outcome of any of these claims and proceedings will have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from risk factors for the Company disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016.

 

 

- 24 -


ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

 

 

 

 

31.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) / Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) / Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1**

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2**

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

101.SCH*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

101.CAL*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.DEF*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.LAB*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.PRE*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

*

Filed herewith.

**

Furnished herewith.

 

 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

TOPS HOLDING II CORPORATION

 

By:

 

/s/ David Langless

 

 

David Langless

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

November 8, 2016

 

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