Item 1. BUSINESS
General
Ingles Markets, Incorporated ("Ingles" or the "Company") , a leading supermarket chain in the Southeast, operates 207 supermarkets in Georgia (84), North Carolina (63), South Carolina (32), Tennessee (24), Virginia (3) and Alabama (1). The Company's strategy is to locate its supermarkets primarily in suburban areas, small towns and rural communities, where management believes the market may be under-served by existing supermarkets. Ingles supermarkets offer customers a wide variety of nationally advertised food products, including grocery, meat and dairy products, produce, frozen foods and other perishables and non-food products, including health and beauty care products and general merchandise, as well as quality private label items. Real estate ownership is an important component of the Company's operations, providing both operational and economic benefits.
The Company believes that customer service and convenience, modern stores and competitive prices on a broad selection of quality merchandise are essential to developing a loyal customer base. The Company's new and remodeled supermarkets provide an enhanced level of customer convenience in order to accommodate the active lifestyle of today's shoppers. Design features of the Company's modern stores include expanded perishable departments featuring home meal replacement items and an expanded selection of food and non-food items to provide a "one-stop" shopping experience. To expand and modernize its store base, Ingles has invested in excess of $500 million over the past five years to update its existing stores and build new stores.
The Company's stores are located within 250 miles of the Company owned 760,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center from which the Company distributes grocery, produce, meat and dairy products to all Ingles stores. The close proximity of the Company's purchasing and distribution operations to its stores facilitates the timely distribution of consistently high quality meat, produce and other perishable items. To further ensure product quality, the Company also owns and operates a milk processing and packaging plant that supplies approximately 90% of the milk products sold by the Company's supermarkets as well as a variety of orange and other fruit juices and bottled water products. In addition, the milk processing and packaging plant sells approximately 60% of its products to other retailers, food service distributors and grocery warehouses in eight states.
Ingles believes that real estate ownership allows it to decrease its occupancy costs, maintain flexibility for future store expansion, control the development and management of each property and benefit from value created by developing and operating free-standing supermarkets and shopping centers in smaller markets. The Company owns and operates 80 shopping centers, 73 of which contain an Ingles supermarket, and owns 56 additional properties that contain a free-standing Ingles store. The Company also owns 13 undeveloped sites suitable for a free-standing store or shopping center development. Ingles owns and holds for future development or sale numerous outparcels and other acreage located adjacent to the shopping centers and supermarkets it owns.
The Company was founded by Robert P. Ingle, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. As of September 26, 1998, Mr. Ingle retains approximately 87% of the combined voting power and 54% of the total number of shares of the Company's outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock (in each case including stock deemed to be beneficially owned by Mr. Ingle as one of the trustees of the Company's Investment/Profit Sharing Plan and Trust). The Company became a
publicly traded company in September 1987. Its Class A Common Stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under the symbol IMKTA.
The Company was incorporated in 1965 under the laws of the State of North Carolina. Its principal executive offices are located at P. O. Box 6676, Highway 70, Asheville, North Carolina 28816, and its telephone number is 828-669-2941.
Business
The Company operates in two lines of business: retail grocery and food sales (principally retail sales) and shopping center rentals. Information about the Company's operations by lines of business (in millions) is as follows (for information regarding the Company's industry segments, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report on Form 10-K):
(1) Income from operations in the grocery and food sales segment for fiscal 1998 reflects a non-recurring charge relating to a litigation settlement in principle of $14.6 million.
Supermarket Operations
The Company follows the strategy of locating its supermarkets primarily in suburban areas, small towns and rural communities where management believes the market may be underserved by existing stores.
At September 26, 1998, the Company operated 204 supermarkets under the name "Ingles", two supermarkets under the name "Best Food" and one supermarket under the name "Sav-Mor" in western North Carolina, western South Carolina, northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia and northeastern Alabama. The "Best Food" and "Sav-Mor" store concepts accommodate smaller shopping areas and carry a full line of dry groceries, fresh meat and produce, all of which are displayed in a modern, readily accessible environment. The stores are also operated in accordance with Ingles' high standards of customer service and quality products at a low price.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company's supermarket operations.
The Company believes that today's supermarket customers are focused on convenience and value. As a result, the Company's "one-stop" shopping experience combines a high level of customer service, convenience-oriented product offerings and low overall pricing. The Company's modern stores provide products and services such as home meal replacement items, delicatessens, bakeries, floral departments, video rental departments, greeting cards and broad selections of health and beauty care items. The Company caters to the needs of its customers by offering extended hours and 24-hour service in appropriate markets. The Company trains its employees to provide friendly service and to actively address the needs of customers. These employees reinforce the Company's distinctive service oriented image.
Selected statistics on the Company's supermarket operations are presented below:
(1) Fiscal 1995 was a 53 week year. (2) Selling space is estimated to be 70% of total store square footage.
Merchandising
The Company's merchandising strategy is designed to create a "one-stop" shopping experience that blends value and customer service with variety, quality and convenience. Management believes that this strategy fosters a loyal customer base by establishing a reputation for providing high quality products and a variety of specialty departments.
The Company's stores carry broad selections of quality meats, produce and other perishables. The Company's full-service meat departments are generally designed so that customers can see Ingles' employees at work and so that its butchers are readily accessible to its customers. Many of the Company's stores offer a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. The Company emphasizes the
freshness and quality of its produce, bakery and deli offerings by designing its departments with an open air market atmosphere.
Ingles intends to continue to increase sales of its proprietary brands, which typically carry higher margins than comparable branded products. The Company currently carries two private label lines: "Laura Lynn," its primary line named after the founders' daughter, and "Ingles Best." Ingles' private labels cover a broad range of products throughout the store, such as milk, bread, soft drinks and canned goods. The Company promotes its private label brands through print and television advertising, by displaying comparison pricing with national brands on store shelf tags and by reflecting savings on customers' cash register receipts. In addition to increasing margins, Ingles believes that private label sales help promote customer loyalty.
The Company seeks to maintain a reputation for providing friendly service, quality merchandise and customer value and for its commitment to community involvement. The Company employs various advertising and promotional strategies to reinforce the quality and value of its products. The Company promotes these attributes using all of the traditional advertising vehicles including radio, television, direct mail and newspapers. The Company uses numerous visible and subtle means to communicate its commitment to community involvement. The Company sponsors numerous high profile events such as the Ingles Food Show and the Baby Expo, as well as local and nationally recognized sporting events. The Company raises funds for charity, provides equipment for education and works closely with civic and government leaders on projects of local importance.
Purchasing and Distribution
The Company supplies approximately 66% of its supermarkets' inventory requirements from its modern 760,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center from which the Company distributes groceries, produce, meat and dairy products to all Ingles stores. The Company believes that its warehouse and distribution facility contains sufficient capacity for the continued expansion of its store base for the foreseeable future.
The Company's centrally managed purchasing and distribution operations provide several advantages, including the ability to negotiate and reduce the cost of merchandise, decrease overhead costs and better manage its inventory at both the warehouse and store level. From time to time, the Company engages in forward purchasing arrangements on high turnover inventory items in order to take advantage of special prices offered by manufacturers for limited periods. The Company's ability to take advantage of forward purchasing is limited by several factors including carrying costs and warehouse space.
Approximately 14% of the Company's other inventory requirements, primarily frozen food and slower moving items that the Company prefers not to stock, are purchased from Merchant Distributors, Inc. ("MDI"), a wholesale grocery distributor with which the Company has had a continuing relationship for the last thirty years. Purchases from MDI were approximately $181 million in 1998, $159 million in 1997 and $168 million in 1996. The Company believes that alternative sources of supply are readily available from other third parties. This distributor owned approximately 3% of the Company's Class A Common Stock and approximately 1% of the Company's Class B Common Stock at September 26, 1998.
The remaining 20% of the Company's inventory requirements, primarily beverages, bread and snack foods, are supplied directly to Ingles supermarkets by local distributors and manufacturers.
Goods from the warehouse and distribution facility and the milk processing and packaging plant are distributed to the Company's stores by a fleet of 106 tractors and 418 trailers that the Company owns, operates and maintains. The Company invests on an ongoing basis in the maintenance, upgrade and replacement of its tractor and trailer fleet. The Company reduces its overall distribution costs by capitalizing on back-haul opportunities (contracting to transport merchandise on trucks that would otherwise be empty).
Store Development, Expansion and Remodeling
The Company believes that the appearance and design of its stores are integral components of its customers' shopping experience and aims to develop one of the most modern supermarket chains in the industry. The modernization of the Company's store base involves (i) the construction of new prototype stores, (ii) the replacement or complete remodeling and expansion of existing stores and (iii) minor remodels of existing stores. The Company's goal is to maintain clean, well-lit stores with attractive architectural features that enhance the image of its stores as catering to the changing lifestyle needs of quality conscious consumers.
The Company is focused primarily on developing owned stores rather than leased stores. Management believes that owning stores rather than leasing them provides the Company with lower all-in occupancy costs and the flexibility over the long-term to expand its stores further, if needed. The construction of new stores is closely monitored and controlled by the Company. The Company hires independent contractors to construct its supermarkets from its prototype designs.
The Company renovates and remodels stores in order to increase customer traffic and sales, respond to existing customer demand, compete effectively against new stores opened by competitors and support its "quality image" merchandising strategy. The Company decides to complete a major remodel of an existing store based on its evaluation of the competitive landscape of the local marketplace. A major remodel and expansion provides the quality of facilities and product offerings identical to that of a new prototype store, capitalizing upon existing customers. The Company retains the existing customer base by keeping the store in operation during the entire remodeling process. The Company may elect to relocate, rather than remodel, certain stores where relocation provides a more convenient location and is more economical.
The Company completes minor remodels in existing stores that management believes provide ample size and facilities to support the local customer base but require merchandising and operational improvements while making cosmetic changes to give the store a new look and feel. Minor remodels generally include repainting, remodeling and upgrading of the lighting throughout the store. Additionally, the Company refurbishes existing equipment and adds selected new equipment in the remodeling process. As part of a minor remodel, the Company remerchandises the store including the broadening of product and service offerings.
When the Company remodels, expands or relocates an existing store, it uses that opportunity to retrain the employees of that store and reemphasize customer service.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the Company's new store development and store remodeling activities and the effect this program has had on the average size of its stores.
(1) Excludes new stores opened to replace existing stores.
The Company has historically expanded its store base by acquiring or leasing supermarket sites and constructing stores to its specifications. From time to time, however, the Company may consider the acquisition of existing supermarkets as such opportunities become available. On March 11, 1998, the Company acquired from the supermarket chain, Bruno's, Inc. ("Bruno's"), two shopping centers (including two supermarket facilities), 11 leased supermarket facilities (including one ground lease) and furniture, fixtures and equipment at each supermarket. All locations are within the Company's current market in the state of Georgia. The Company has opened five of the stores as Ingles supermarkets and leased five of the stores to other supermarket chains. One of the remaining three stores is scheduled to open as an Ingles supermarket in the first quarter of fiscal 1999. The plans for the other two locations are not yet finalized.
The Company's ability to open new stores is subject to many factors, including the acquisition of satisfactory sites and the successful negotiation of new leases, and may be limited by zoning and other governmental regulation. In addition, the Company's expansion, remodeling and replacement plans are continually reviewed and are subject to change. See the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section included in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" regarding the Company's capital expenditures.
Competition
The supermarket industry is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins. The Company's principal competitors (in alphabetical order) are BI-LO, Inc., Food Lion, Inc., The Kroger Co., Publix Super Markets, Inc. and Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. The Company also competes with national and regional supermarket chains, independent and specialty grocers, drug and convenience stores, and the newer "alternative format" food stores, including specialty food stores, retail drug stores, national general merchandisers and discount retailers, membership clubs, warehouse stores and supercenters. Supermarket chains generally compete on the basis of location, quality of products, service, price, convenience, product variety and store condition. An overall lack of inflation in food prices and increasingly competitive markets have made it difficult for the Company and other grocery store operators to achieve comparable store sales gains. The Company's management
monitors competitive activity and regularly reviews the Company's marketing and business strategies and periodically adjusts them as management deems appropriate in light of existing conditions to adapt to changes in the Company's region. The Company's ability to remain competitive in its markets will depend in part on its ability to pursue its expansion and renovation programs in response to remodelings and new store openings by its competitors.
Employees and Labor Relations
At September 26, 1998, the Company had approximately 13,000 employees, of which 96% are supermarket personnel. Approximately 57% of these employees work on a part-time basis. None of the employees are represented by a labor union. Management considers employee relations to be good. The Company values its employees and believes that employee loyalty and enthusiasm are key elements of its operating performance.
The Company recently has reached a settlement in principle in a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination. See "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" for additional information.
Trademarks and Licenses
The Company employs various trademarks and service marks in its business, the most important of which are its own "Laura Lynn" private label trademark and the "Ingles" service mark. Each mark is federally registered and renewed when required. In addition, the Company uses the "Sealtest" and "Pet" trademarks pursuant to agreements entered into in connection with its milk, fruit juice and spring water processing and packaging operations. The Company believes it has all licenses and permits necessary to conduct its business.
Item 2.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
Owned Properties.
The Company owns and operates 80 shopping centers, 73 of which contain an Ingles supermarket, and owns 56 additional properties that contain a free-standing Ingles store. The Company also owns 13 undeveloped sites which are suitable for a free-standing store or shopping center development. Ingles owns and holds for future development or sale numerous outparcels and other acreage located adjacent to the shopping centers and supermarkets it owns.
The shopping centers owned by the Company contain an aggregate of 5.9 million square feet of leasable space, of which 2.9 million square feet is used by the Company's supermarkets. The remainder of the leasable space in these shopping centers is leased or held for lease by the Company to third party tenants. A breakdown by size of the shopping centers operated by the Company is as follows:
The Company owns an 810,000 square foot facility which is strategically located between Interstate 40 and Highway 70 near Asheville, North Carolina, as well as the 78 acres of land on which it is
situated. The facility includes the Company's headquarters and its 760,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center. The property also includes truck servicing and fuel storage facilities.
The Company's milk processing and packaging subsidiary, Milkco, Inc., owns an 83,800 square foot manufacturing and storage facility in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to the plant, the 10.8 acre property includes truck servicing and fuel storage facilities.
Leased Properties.
The Company operates supermarkets at 78 leased locations from various unaffiliated third parties. The Company also holds ten leased supermarket facilities in which it is not currently operating, three of which are former Bruno's locations. Certain of the leases give the Company the right of first refusal to purchase the entire shopping center in which the supermarkets are located. The majority of these leases require the Company to pay property taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs and certain other expenses incidental to occupation of the premises. In addition to base rent, most leases require the Company to pay additional percentage rent (ranging from .75% to 1%) for sales in excess of a specified amount.
Rental rates generally range from $2.00 to $6.50 per square foot. During fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company paid a total of $14.7 million, $11.5 million and $11.7 million, respectively, in supermarket rent, exclusive of property taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs and other expenses. The following table summarizes lease expiration dates as of September 26, 1998, with respect to the initial and any renewal option terms of leases of supermarkets not located in shopping centers operated by the Company:
Management believes that the long-term rent stability provided by these leases is a valuable asset of the Company.
Item 3.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company has been involved in a lawsuit, Weddington et. al. v. Ingles Markets, Incorporated, filed in the United States District Court in Rome, Georgia in March 1998 by four employees alleging gender discrimination on behalf of past, present and future female Ingles employees. On November 12, 1998, a settlement in principle was reached which includes all material elements of a final settlement. Ingles continues to deny the material allegations contained in the complaint. As a result of the agreement, which will include a stipulation that the case should be treated as a class action for settlement purposes only, Ingles recorded a one-time pretax charge of $14.6 million (after tax $9.1 million or $.41 per share) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. Payments to the named plaintiffs, other class members and their attorneys will be made over a three-year period. In addition, Ingles has agreed to establish or enhance certain human resource programs.
Various other legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, from all pending legal proceedings and claims would not materially affect the Company's financial position or the results of its operations.
Item 4.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
The Company has two classes of Common Stock: Class A and Class B. Class A Common Stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under the symbol IMKTA. There is no public market for the Company's Class B Common Stock. However, under the terms of the Company's Articles of Incorporation, any holder of Class B Common Stock may convert any portion or all of his shares of Class B Common Stock into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock at any time. As of December 11, 1998, there were approximately 1,203 holders of record of the Company's Class A Common Stock (approximately 6,400 beneficial holders) and 253 holders of record of the Company's Class B Common Stock. The following table sets forth the reported high and low closing sales price for the Class A Common Stock during the period indicated as reported in the National Market System. The quotations reflect actual inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
On December 11, 1998, the closing sales price of the Company's Class A Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market was $11-7/16 per share.
Dividends
The Company has paid cash dividends on its Common Stock in each of the past nineteen fiscal years, except for the 1984 fiscal year when the Company paid a 3% stock dividend. During both fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997 the Company paid quarterly dividends totaling $.66 per share of Class A Common Stock and $.60 per share of Class B Common Stock.
The Company expects to continue paying regular cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the Board of Directors periodically reconsiders the declaration of dividends. The Company pays these dividends at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the continuation of these payments, the amount of such dividends, and the form in which the dividends are paid (cash or stock) depends upon
the results of operations, the financial condition of the Company and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant. The payment of dividends is also subject to restrictions contained in certain financing arrangements. (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report on Form 10-K).
Item 6.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data set forth below has been derived from the Company's consolidated financial statements. The information should be read in conjunction with the information under the heading "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION" and in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
(1) During fiscal 1998, the Company recorded a non-recurring charge relating to a litigation settlement in principle of $14.6 million, or ($.41) per share.
Item 7.
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Ingles, a leading supermarket chain in the Southeast, operates 207 supermarkets in Georgia (84), North Carolina (63), South Carolina (32), Tennessee (24), Virginia (3) and Alabama (1). The Company locates its supermarkets primarily in suburban areas, small towns and rural communities, where management believes the market may be under-served by existing supermarkets. Ingles supermarkets offer customers a wide variety of nationally advertised food products, including grocery, meat and dairy products, produce, frozen foods and other perishables and non-food products, including health and beauty care products and general merchandise, as well as quality private label items. Within the markets it serves, the Company has developed strong name recognition and a reputation for combining low overall prices with high levels of customer service and convenience. Real estate ownership is an important component of the Company's operations, providing both operational and economic benefits.
Over the last several years, the Company has been engaged in expanding and modernizing its store base. The Company believes that these capital expenditures are necessary to compete effectively in the highly competitive supermarket industry.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Ingles operates on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in September. The consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996 all include 52 weeks of operations. Comparable store sales is defined as sales by grocery stores in operation for the entire duration of the previous fiscal year. Replacement stores and major and minor remodels are included in the comparable store sales calculation. A replacement store is a new store that is opened to replace an existing nearby store that is closed. A major remodel entails substantial remodeling of an existing store and may include additional retail square footage. A minor remodel includes repainting, remodeling and updating the lighting and equipment throughout an existing store.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected financial information as a percentage of net sales:
-------------------------------------------------- (1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-recurring charges and extraordinary items. Management believes that EBITDA is a useful measure of operating performance because it allows for a means of comparing Ingles with other companies that operate supermarkets, many of which do not own the real property on which the supermarkets are operated. EBITDA is unaffected by the debt and equity structure of Ingles. EBITDA does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund all cash flow needs and should not be considered as an alternative to net income under GAAP for evaluating Ingles' results of operations.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
Net Sales.
Fiscal 1998 was the 34th consecutive year the Company achieved an increase in net sales. Net sales for the fiscal year ended September 26, 1998 were $1.647 billion compared to $1.536 billion for the fiscal year ended September 27, 1997. The 7.2% increase in net sales for the period was fueled by the Company's opening of 11 new stores, replacement of six older stores and the completion of three major remodels and ten minor remodels during fiscal year 1998. Comparable store sales for the year increased 1.1%. Improving comparable store sales during the year were illustrated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 by strong comparable store sales growth of 3.8% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. Sales growth overall continues to be impeded somewhat by low food price inflation.
Perishable department sales experienced the largest percentage growth due to the increased perishable space available in the newer larger stores. Effective merchandising and marketing techniques in all departments improved sales overall. In fiscal 1998, Ingles began a marketing campaign, "Register Tapes for Education", that rewarded schools with educational supplies and
equipment for collecting Ingles register tapes. Customer response to the program has been positive and the program will be continued in fiscal 1999.
Gross Profit.
Gross profit for the fiscal year ended September 26, 1998 increased 8.5% to $408.7 million, or 24.8% of sales, compared to $376.8 million, or 24.5% of sales, for the fiscal year ended September 27, 1997. Increased sales in the higher margin perishable departments were the driving force of the increase. The expansion of perishable departments and a wider selection in the grocery departments is part of the Company's ongoing modernization strategy. Improved private label sales, as well as effective category management initiatives, also contributed to the gross profit improvement.
Operating and Administrative Expenses.
Operating and administrative expenses increased 11.6% to $357.1 million for the year ended September 26, 1998, or 21.7 % of sales, from $320.0 million, or 20.8% of sales, for the year ended September 27, 1997. Higher payroll, depreciation and other operating costs related to the new, larger store format and rent expense and other associated costs for the portion of time that 13 supermarket facilities purchased from Bruno's, Inc. ("Bruno's") were unoccupied contributed to the increase. Warehousing and transportation expenses, as a percentage of sales, declined due to efficiencies related to increased store sales, as well as decreases in diesel fuel costs.
The cost of labor at the store level grew due to both the restructuring of the store wage scale in April 1997 and the increase in the minimum wage in September 1997. Low unemployment rates in many of the Company's operating areas increased competition for employees. The Company adjusted its wage scale in order to attract and retain competent personnel. Labor intensive perishable departments in the new larger stores also increased labor costs, as a percentage of sales.
The Company's expansion and modernization of its store base resulted in increases in depreciation and amortization expense, utilities and property taxes as larger, more capital intensive stores were constructed.
On March 11, 1998, Ingles acquired two shopping centers (including supermarket facilities), 11 leased supermarket facilities and all furniture, fixtures and equipment at each supermarket location from Bruno's, a supermarket chain. Between March 11, 1998 and September 26, 1998, Ingles opened five of the stores as Ingles supermarkets and leased five of the stores to other supermarket chains. One of the stores is scheduled to open as an Ingles supermarket in the first quarter of fiscal 1999. The plans for the other two locations are not yet finalized.
Rental Income, Net.
Rental income, net increased to $7.2 million for the 1998 year from $5.3 million for the 1997 year. The improvement consists of gross rental income increases of $2.6 million, net of operating cost increases of $.7 million. The rise in gross rental income was due in part to the purchase of seven shopping centers in fiscal 1998, including the two former Bruno's centers.
Non-recurring Charge.
The non-recurring charge in fiscal 1998 resulted from a settlement in principle that has been reached with the plaintiffs in a lawsuit, Weddington et. al. v. Ingles Markets, Incorporated, filed in the United States District Court in Rome, Georgia in March 1998. The settlement in principle includes all
material elements of a final settlement. Four employees alleging gender discrimination on behalf of past, current and future female Ingles employees filed the lawsuit. Ingles continues to deny the material allegations contained in the complaint. As a result of the agreement, which will include a stipulation that the case should be treated as a class action for settlement purposes only, Ingles recorded a one-time pretax charge of $14.6 million (after tax $9.1 million or $.41 per share) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. Payments to the named plaintiffs, other class members and their attorneys will be made over a three-year period. In addition, Ingles has agreed to establish or enhance certain human resource programs. Management does not believe that settlement of this lawsuit will have a material adverse impact on the future earnings of the Company.
Other Income, Net.
Other income, net increased $.1 million to $2.4 million for the year ended September 26, 1998 from $2.3 million for the year ended September 27, 1997. Other income, net includes $1.2 million in gains on the sale of assets for the year ended September 26, 1998 and $.8 million in gains on the sale of assets for the year ended September 27, 1997.
Income Before Interest, Income Taxes and Extraordinary Item.
Income before interest, income taxes and the extraordinary item decreased $17.8 million to $46.6 million, or 2.8% of sales, during the 1998 year compared to $64.4 million, or 4.1% of sales during the 1997 year. The non-recurring charge in 1998 accounted for $14.6 million of the decrease.
Interest Expense.
Interest expense increased $8.8 million to $40.1 million for the year ended September 26, 1998 from $31.3 million for the year ended September 27, 1997 mainly as a result of additional debt incurred to fund expansion and renovation. Capital expenditures for the 1998 year totaled $155.9 million. The Company has incurred additional costs in its ongoing effort to open new stores and modernize its existing store base. Retail square footage increased 10.4% to 8.3 million square feet in 1998 from 7.5 million square feet in 1997.
Income Taxes.
Income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax income declined to 35.6% in the 1998 year compared to 38.1% in fiscal 1997, due primarily to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and lower state income taxes.
Net Income.
Net income for the 1998 fiscal year was $4.2 million, or .3% of sales, compared to $19.9 million, or 1.3% of sales, for the 1997 fiscal year. Basic earnings per common share were $.19 for the 1998 year compared to $.95 for the 1997 year. Diluted earnings per common share were $.19 per share for the 1998 year compared to $.92 per share for the 1997 year. Earnings per share amounts have been restated to conform to SFAS 128.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
Net Sales.
Net sales for the year ended September 27, 1997 increased $63.4 million, to $1.536 billion, up 4.3% over sales of $1.473 billion in fiscal 1996. Comparable store sales decreased 1.5%. Sales were affected by increased competition and low food price inflation.
In fiscal 1997, the Company opened 11 new stores, replaced five existing stores, closed one older store and performed minor remodels at 16 existing store locations. In fiscal 1996, the Company opened seven new stores, replaced five older stores, closed one older store, completed major remodels and expansions of two existing stores and performed minor remodels at 12 existing store locations.
Gross Profit.
Gross profit for fiscal 1997 increased 9.0% to $376.8 million, or 24.5% of sales, compared with $345.6 million, or 23.5% of sales, in fiscal 1996. A larger percentage of sales came from higher margin perishable departments, increasing gross profit overall. Grocery gross profit, as a percentage of sales, improved because of aggressive purchasing, pricing and merchandising programs, a well-executed promotional strategy, better product mix and strong private label sales. Meat, produce, frozen food and bakery gross profit, as a percentage of sales, improved due to aggressive purchasing, pricing and merchandising programs.
Operating and Administrative Expenses.
Operating and administrative expenses increased $28.7 million to $320.0 million, or 20.8% of sales, in fiscal 1997 from $291.3 million, or 19.8% of sales, in fiscal 1996. The cost of labor at store level, depreciation and amortization expense, taxes and licenses and repairs and maintenance, as a percentage of sales, increased. The cost of labor at store level grew primarily due to the restructuring of the store wage scale in April 1997. Depreciation and amortization expense increased as a result of the Company's ongoing expansion and renovation program. Repairs and maintenance costs rose due to increases in refrigeration repairs, sanitation and common area maintenance.
Rental Income, Net.
Rental income, net increased to $5.3 million in fiscal 1997 from $5.1 million in fiscal 1996. The increase was due to an increase in gross rental income, $0.6 million, net of increased expense, $0.4 million, associated with the remodeling and operation of shopping centers.
Other Income, Net.
Other income, net decreased $0.8 million to $2.3 million in fiscal 1997 from $3.1 million in fiscal 1996. Other income, net for fiscal 1996 included gains of $2.4 million on the sale of seven outparcels of land located adjacent to shopping centers owned by the Company; while other income, net for fiscal 1997 included gains of $0.8 million on the sale of three outparcels.
Income Before Interest, Income Taxes and Extraordinary Item.
Income before interest, income taxes and the extraordinary item increased $1.8 million to $64.4 million, or 4.2% of sales in fiscal 1997 compared to $62.6 million, or 4.3% of sales, in fiscal 1996.
Interest Expense.
Interest expense increased by $2.3 million to $31.3 million in fiscal 1997 from $29.0 million in fiscal 1996. The increase was principally due to greater borrowings to fund the Company's aggressive capital expenditure program, net of a reduction in expense of $0.6 million resulting from the conversion of the Company's Convertible Subordinated Debentures.
Income Taxes.
The provision for income taxes yielded an effective tax rate of 38.1% in fiscal 1997 compared to 38.4% in fiscal 1996.
Extraordinary Item.
On January 20, 1997, the Company redeemed $.8 million of its outstanding Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") at 101.8% of face value. In connection with the redemption, the holders of the remaining $36.7 million of the Debentures converted their Debentures into approximately 3.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock at $11.10 per share. The write-off of unamortized loan costs and redemption premium related to the converted Debentures totaled $565,275 (net of the income tax benefit of $350,000).
Net Income.
Net income for fiscal 1997 was $19.9 million, or 1.3% of sales, compared to $20.7 million, or 1.4% of sales, in fiscal 1996. Basic earnings per common share were $0.95 in fiscal 1997 versus $1.15 in fiscal 1996; diluted earnings per common share were $0.92 in fiscal 1997 versus $1.04 in fiscal 1996. Earnings per share amounts have been restated to conform to SFAS 128.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital Expenditures
The Company believes that a key to its ability to continue to develop a loyal customer base is providing conveniently located, clean and modern stores which provide customers with good service and a broad selection of competitively priced products. As such, the Company has invested and will continue to invest significant amounts of capital toward the modernization of its store base. The Company's modernization program includes the opening of new stores, the completion of major remodels and expansion of selected existing stores, the relocation of selected existing stores to larger, more convenient locations and the completion of minor remodeling of its remaining existing stores.
Capital expenditures totaled $155.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 26, 1998, including the development and opening of 11 new stores, the replacement of six older stores, major remodels of three stores and minor remodels at ten stores. Capital expenditures also included the purchase of two shopping centers (including supermarket facilities), 11 leased supermarket facilities and related furniture, fixtures and equipment from Bruno's and the acquisition of five other shopping centers in which the Company was a tenant. Also included are the costs of upgrading and replacing store equipment, technology investments, the purchase of future store sites, and capital expenditures related to the Company's distribution operation and its milk processing plant.
The investment in the former Bruno's stores is a departure from the Company's usual plan of building stores from the ground up. The Company viewed the acquisition as an attractive opportunity from both a real estate and a grocery operation perspective. The stores are all in the Company's current operating market. As mentioned above, the Company leased five of the supermarket locations to other supermarket chains and is currently operating or plans to operate at least six of the other stores as Ingles supermarkets. Plans are not yet finalized for the remaining two facilities.
The Company plans to moderate its growth somewhat in 1999 and concentrate on improving existing operations through modernized facilities and technology. Ingles capital expenditure plans in 1999 include investments of approximately $75 million. The Company plans to open two new stores, including the former Bruno's store, replace six existing stores and perform minor remodels of twenty stores. Expenditures will also include investments in stores expected to open in fiscal 2000 as well as technology improvements, upgrading and replacing existing store equipment and warehouse and transportation equipment and improvements to the Company's milk processing plant.
Liquidity
The Company generated $71.4 million of cash from operations in 1998 compared with $37.0 million in 1997. Increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses, resulting primarily from timing differences in trade payables, principally contributed to the increase.
Cash used by investing activities totaled $152.0 million. The primary use of this cash was the $155.9 million of capital expenditures during the period, which were partially offset by $3.9 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.
During 1998, the Company's financing activities provided $74.3 million in cash. Proceeds from long-term debt totaled $141.1 million, while payments on long-term debt were $97.6 million. At the end of the fourth quarter, the Company completed an equipment sale/leaseback transaction that netted proceeds of $50.7 million. The proceeds were used to reduce secured long-term debt by $31.8 million (included in the $97.6 million above) and unsecured lines of credit by $18.9 million. Payments on short-term borrowings, net during fiscal 1998 were $10.0 million.
At September 26, 1998, the Company had lines of credit with eight banks totaling $135.0 million; of this amount $55.0 million was unused. The $80.0 million outstanding under lines of credit at September 26, 1998 mature in fiscal year 2000, however, the Company expects that it will be able to renew those commitments upon maturity. The Company monitors its cash position daily and makes draws or repayments on its lines of credit. The lines provide the Company with various interest rate options generally at rates less than prime. The Company is not required to maintain compensating balances in connection with these lines of credit. The Company finances its expansion and renovation program primarily with cash provided from operations and from borrowings under its credit facilities. The Company typically replaces such financing, as necessary, with long-term financing secured by equipment and real estate. As of September 26, 1998, the Company had unencumbered real property and equipment with a net book value of approximately $225 million.
The Company's principal sources of liquidity are expected to be cash flow from operations, borrowings under its lines of credit and long-term financing. The Company believes, based on its current results of operations and financial condition, that its financial resources, including existing bank lines of credit, short- and long-term financing expected to be available to it and internally generated funds, will be sufficient to meet planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future, including any debt service requirements of additional
borrowings. However, there can be no assurance that any such source of financing will be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, it is possible that, in the future, the Company's results of operations and financial condition will be different from that described in this report based on a number of intangible factors. These factors may include, among others, increased competition, changing regional and national economic conditions, adverse climatic conditions affecting food production and delivery and changing demographics. It is also possible, for such reasons, that the results of operations from new, expanded, remodeled and/or replacement stores will not meet or exceed the results of operations from existing stores that are described in this report.
Quarterly Cash Dividends
Since December 27, 1993, the Company has paid regular quarterly cash dividends of $.165 (sixteen and one-half cents) per share on its Class A Common Stock and $.15 (fifteen cents) per share on its Class B Common Stock for an annual rate of $.66 and $.60 per share, respectively.
The Company expects to continue paying regular cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the Board of Directors periodically reconsiders the declaration of dividends. The Company pays these dividends at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the continuation of these payments, the amount of such dividends, and the form in which the dividends are paid (cash or stock) depends upon the results of operations, the financial condition of the Company and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, certain loan agreements contain provisions restricting the ability of the Company to pay dividends to approximately $18.2 million at September 26, 1998.
Self-Insurance
The Company is self-insured for workers' compensation and group medical and dental benefits. Risks and uncertainties are associated with self-insurance; however, the Company has limited its exposure by maintaining excess liability coverages. Self-insurance reserves are established based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. The estimates are based on data provided by the respective claims administrators. The Company carries casualty insurance only on those properties where it is required to do so. The Company believes that its mix between insurance and self-insurance is prudent, is in accordance with general industry practice and is in the best interest of the Company.
Impact of Inflation
Inflation in food prices during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 continued to be lower than the overall increase in the Consumer Price Index. One of the Company's significant costs is labor, which increases with inflation.
Seasonality
Sales are slightly seasonal with higher volume in the summer months due to increased sales by stores located in vacation and seasonal home areas.
Impact of SFAS 128
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share, which was adopted by the Company and reflected in its financial statements for the periods ending on or after December 27, 1997. At that time, the Company was required to change the
method it previously used to compute earnings per share and to restate all prior periods. All earnings per share amounts in this report have been restated to conform to SFAS 128.
Year 2000
The Company began assessing key financial, informational and operational systems in 1996 to address the Year 2000 issue created because of date comparisons on some computers and computer programs. Ingles is modifying its existing computer software applications and installing new software and hardware to address this issue. Ingles has made assessments from both a corporate level and the store level and has appointed a project leader at both levels.
Ingles began making changes to non-compliant corporate programs in 1996 and expects to complete the process by December 31, 1998, with testing scheduled to be completed in early 1999. Costs of testing and upgrading at the corporate level are immaterial and are expensed as incurred. As a part of an overall technological upgrade at the store level to provide new and expanded functionality, Ingles will be replacing equipment and software in its stores throughout 1999. The new store equipment will be Year 2000 compliant. The estimated cost of the new technology of approximately $8 million will be capitalized as incurred and is included in the capital budget for fiscal 1999. In addition to replacing store technology, other expenditures will be required to make remaining hardware and software Year 2000 compliant. These expenditures, which the Company estimates will be approximately $1 million, will be expensed as incurred. Ingles anticipates that the store level technology upgrades will be completed by October 31, 1999.
The Company is in the process of investigating the potential impact of the Year 2000 Issue on suppliers of goods and services to the Company and any related impact on the Company and expects to be completed with this process by June 30, 1999.
The Company does not anticipate that it will encounter significant operational issues related to the Year 2000, however minimal disruptions may occur. If system failures do occur, the most significant impact anticipated could be the inability of the stores to process customer transactions, the inability of vendors to supply timely delivery of inventory or loss of electric power. The Company cannot ensure that there will be no material adverse impact on the Company if third parties do not appropriately address the Year 2000 issues. The Company currently has no contingency plans in place in the event it does not complete all phases of the Year 2000 plan. The Company plans to evaluate the status of completion in March 1999 and determine whether such a plan is necessary.
The above assessment is based on management's best estimates and may be updated from time to time as additional information becomes available.
Forward Looking Statements
This Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, capital expenditures, cost reduction, operating improvements and expected results. Such statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including, among others: business and economic conditions generally in the Company's operating area; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; results of the Company's programs to reduce costs and achieve improvements in operating results; and the availability and terms of financing. Consequently, actual events affecting the Company and the impact of such events on the Company's operations may vary significantly from those described in this report or contemplated or implied by statements in this report.
Item 7(a). QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
The Company is exposed to changes in financial market conditions in the normal course of its business as a result of its use of bank debt to finance its retail grocery and real estate lines of business.
The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of its borrowing activities, which includes borrowings under lines of credit. These lines, along with cash flow from operations, are used to maintain liquidity and fund business operations. The Company typically replaces borrowings under its lines of credit, as necessary, with long-term fixed rate financing secured by equipment and real estate. The nature and amount of the Company's debt may vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. The definitive extent of the Company's interest rate risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and business financing requirements, but the Company does not believe such risk is material. The Company does not currently use derivative instruments to adjust the Company's interest rate risk profile.
The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted average rates by year of maturity for the Company's debt obligations at September 26, 1998:
The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, nor does it utilize leveraged financial instruments. On the basis of the fair value of the Company's market sensitive instruments at September 26, 1998, the Company does not consider the potential near-term losses in future earnings, fair values and cash flows from reasonably possible near-term changes in interest rates and exchange rates to be material.
Item 8.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following consolidated financial statements of the Company are included on pages 27 through 49 of this report on Form 10-K:
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors;
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 1998, and September 27, 1997;
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997, and September 28, 1996;
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997, and September 28, 1996;
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997, and September 28, 1996;
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements;
Selected quarterly financial data required by this Item is included in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 9.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the data under the heading "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's annual meeting of stockholders to be held February 16, 1999, to be filed with the Commission.
Item 11.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the data under the heading "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's annual meeting of stockholders to be held February 16, 1999, to be filed with the Commission.
Item 12.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the data under the heading "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's annual meeting of stockholders to be held February 16, 1999, to be filed with the Commission.
Item 13.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the data under the headings "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Additional Information with Respect to Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions" and "CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's annual meeting of stockholders to be held February 16, 1999, to be filed with the Commission.
PART IV
Item 14.
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Documents filed as part of this report:
1. The following financial statements of the Registrant are included in response to Item 8 of this 10-K:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 1998, and September 27, 1997;
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997, and September 28, 1996;
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997, and September 28,1996;
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997, and September 28, 1996;
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2. The following financial statement schedule of the Registrant required by Item 8 and Item 14(d) of Form 10-K is included as page 50 of this report:
Schedule II - Supplemental schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts.
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
3. The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and Item 14(c) of Form 10-K are filed herewith or incorporated by reference as indicated.
EXHIBIT NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Ingles Markets, Incorporated, as amended. (Included as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's S-1 Registration Statement, File No. 33-23919, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
3.2 By-laws of Ingles Markets, Incorporated. (Included as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 1988, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
4.1 See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions of Articles of Incorporation, as amended and By-laws of Registrant defining rights of holders of capital stock of Registrant.
4.2 Loan Agreement between the Registrant and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company dated March 21, 1990. (Included as Exhibit 19 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990, File 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
4.3 In reliance upon Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, various instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company are not being filed herewith because the total of securities authorized under each such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instruments to the Commission upon request.
10.1 Amended and Restated Ingles Markets, Incorporated 1987 Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. (Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(c) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.2 Restatement and Amendment by the Entirety of the Ingles Markets, Incorporated Investment/Profit Sharing Plan and Trust effective September 26, 1993 (as amended through June 30, 1995). (Included as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(c) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.3 Amended and Restated Ingles Markets, Incorporated 1991 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan. (Included as Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(c) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.4 Stock Option Agreement Between the Company and Edward J. Kolodzieski, Vice President-Strategic Planning of the Company, dated as of August 2, 1995. (Included as Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(c) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.5 1997 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan. (Included as Appendix A to Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 17, 1998, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(c) OF FORM 10-K.)
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
27 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only).
- ---------------------------------
(b) The Registrant did not file any current reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ending September 26, 1998.
(c) Exhibits - The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted in the response to Item 14(a)(3) of this report.
(d) Financial Statement Schedules - The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted in the response to Item 14(a)(2) of this report.
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Stockholders and Board of Directors Ingles Markets, Incorporated
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ingles Markets, Incorporated and subsidiaries as of September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 26, 1998. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Ingles Markets, Incorporated and subsidiaries at September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 26, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Greenville, South Carolina November 6, 1998
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES - ---------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998, SEPTEMBER 27, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998, SEPTEMBER 27, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998, SEPTEMBER 27, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ingles Markets, Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Sky King, Inc., Ingles Markets Investments, Inc. and Milkco, Inc. (collectively, the "Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
FISCAL YEAR - The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in September. Fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996 each consisted of 52 weeks.
CASH EQUIVALENTS - All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The Company has overnight investments and short-term certificates of deposit included in cash. The Company's policy is to invest its excess cash nightly either in reverse repurchase agreements or in commercial paper. Commercial paper is not secured; reverse repurchase agreements are secured by government obligations. At September 26, 1998, investments in commercial paper totaled $5.6 million. Commercial paper and demand deposits of approximately $12.0 million in 26 banks exceed the $100,000 insurance limit per bank.
INVENTORIES - Warehouse inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Store inventories are valued at FIFO using the retail method.
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND DEPRECIATION - Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives (principally 5 to 30 years) of the various classes of assets by the straight-line method.
SELF-INSURANCE - The Company is self-insured for workers' compensation and group medical and dental benefits. Self-insurance reserves are established based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. The estimates are based on data provided by the respective claims administrators. The Company is required in certain cases to obtain letters of credit to support its self-insured status. At fiscal year end 1998, the Company's self-insured liabilities were supported by $5.7 million of undrawn letters of credit. The Company carries casualty insurance only on those properties where it is required to do so. The Company has elected to self-insure its other properties.
INCOME TAXES - The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates.
PRE-OPENING COSTS - Costs associated with the opening of new stores are expensed when the stores are opened.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
RECLASSIFICATIONS - Certain amounts for 1997 and 1996 have been reclassified for comparative purposes.
PER-SHARE AMOUNTS - Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing consolidated net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per common share gives effect to dilutive stock options and the assumed conversion in 1997 and 1996, if dilutive, of the Convertible Subordinated Debentures, after elimination of related interest expense, net of the bonus and income tax effect.
ADVERTISING - The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising and promotion expenses totaled $20.2 million, $19.1 million and $17.8 million for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results.
2. INCOME TAXES
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES AND ASSETS - Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
INCOME TAX EXPENSE - Income tax expense is different from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal rates to income before income taxes.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
The reasons for the differences are as follows:
Income taxes payable of $1.4 million at September 26, 1998 and $1.2 million at September 27, 1997 are included in the accompanying balance sheets in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Current and deferred income tax expense are as follows:
Current deferred income tax benefits of $3.6 million and $3.1 million at September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997, respectively, included in other current assets, result from timing differences arising from vacation pay, bad debts and self-insurance reserves, litigation settlement reserves and from capitalization of certain overhead costs in inventory for tax purposes.
3. PROPERTY HELD FOR LEASE AND RENTAL INCOME
At September 26, 1998, the Company owned and operated 80 shopping centers in conjunction with its supermarket operations. The Company leases to others a portion of its shopping center properties. The leases are noncancelable operating lease agreements for periods ranging up to 20 years. Substantially all leases covering retail properties provide for one or more renewal periods and for percentage rent based on gross sales of the lessee.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
Rental income, net included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income consists of the following:
Owned properties leased to others under operating leases by major classes are summarized as follows:
The above amounts are included in the respective captions on the balance sheet under the heading Property and Equipment.
The following is a schedule of minimum future rental income on noncancelable operating leases as of September 26, 1998:
4. LEASES AND RENTAL EXPENSE
The Company conducts part of its retail operations from leased facilities. The initial terms of the leases expire at various times over the next 20 years. The majority of the leases include one or more renewal options and provide that the Company pay property taxes, utilities, repairs and certain other costs incidental to occupation of the premises. Several leases contain clauses calling for percentage rentals based upon gross sales of the supermarket occupying the leased space.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
OPERATING LEASES - Rent expense for all operating leases of $14.7 million, $11.5 million and $11.7 million for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, is included in operating and administrative expenses.
The aggregate minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of September 26, 1998 are as follows:
The Company's minimum future rental commitments were increased substantially during fiscal 1998 after the purchase of leased supermarkets from Bruno's, Inc. in March 1998 and a sale/leaseback transaction in September 1998.
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND CURRENT PORTION OF OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current portion of other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
Self-insurance reserves are established for workers compensation and employee group medical and dental benefits based on claims filed and claims incurred but not reported. The Company is insured for covered costs in excess of $350,000 per occurrence for workers' compensation and $150,000 per covered person for medical care benefits for a policy year.
Employee insurance expense, including workers' compensation and medical care benefits, net of employee contributions, totaled $9.6 million, $9.7 million and $8.4 million for the years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996, respectively.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
6. LONG-TERM DEBT AND SHORT-TERM LOANS
Long-term debt and short-term loans are summarized as follows:
On January 20, 1997, the Company redeemed $.8 million of its outstanding Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") at 101.8% of face value. In connection with the redemption, the holders of the remaining $36.7 million of the Debentures converted their Debentures into approximately 3.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock at $11.10 per share. The write-off of unamortized loan costs and redemption premium of $565,275 (net of the income tax benefit of $350,000) relating to the converted Debentures is included as an extraordinary item in the accompanying statement of income for the year ended September 27, 1997.
During September 1997, the Company entered into a loan agreement for $12 million. The loan and related agreements contain interest rate swap provisions which convert the variable rate to a fixed rate of 8.15%. The interest differential received or paid is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. The Company is not exposed to credit risk in the event of default by others under the agreement.
At September 26, 1998, property and equipment with an undepreciated cost of approximately $400 million was pledged as collateral for long-term debt. Loan agreements relating to certain debt contain various provisions which, among other things, set minimum stockholders' equity balances. The most restrictive of these provisions at September 26, 1998, has the effect of restricting funds available for dividends to approximately $18.2 million.
At September 26, 1998, the Company had unused lines of credit of $55 million. The lines provide the Company with various interest rate options, generally at rates less than prime.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
Components of interest costs are as follows:
Maturities of long-term debt at September 26, 1998 are as follows:
7. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Other long-term liabilities are summarized as follows:
ADVANCE PAYMENTS ON PURCHASES CONTRACTS - The Company has entered into agreements with suppliers whereby payment is received in advance for commitments to purchase product from these suppliers in the future. The unearned portion, included in other long-term liabilities, will be recognized in accordance with the terms of the contract.
LITIGATION SETTLEMENT - The Company has reached a settlement in principle in a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination, resulting in recognition of the liability listed above. Additional information is provided in Note 13.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company has two classes of Common Stock: Class A and Class B. Class A Common Stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under the symbol IMKTA. There is no public market for the Company's Class B Common Stock. However, each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A Common Stock. Upon any transfers of Class B Common Stock (other than to immediate family members and the Investment/Profit Sharing Plan), such stock is automatically converted into Class A Common Stock.
The holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions as and when declared out of assets legally available therefore, subject to the dividend rights of any Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to receive a cash dividend and liquidation payment in an amount equal to 110% of any cash dividend or liquidation payment on Class B Common Stock. Any stock dividend must be paid in shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to Class A Common Stock and in shares of Class B Common Stock with respect to Class B Common Stock.
The voting powers, preferences and relative rights of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are identical in all respects, except that the holders of Class A Common Stock have one vote per share and the holders of Class B Common Stock have ten votes per share. In addition, holders of Class A Common Stock, as a separate class, are entitled to elect 25% of all directors constituting the Board of Directors (rounded to the nearest whole number). As long as the Class B Common Stock represents at least 12.5% of the total outstanding Common Stock of both classes, holders of Class B Common Stock, as a separate class, are entitled to elect the remaining directors. The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors can set the number of directors between five and eleven.
9. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996:
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
Options to purchase 1,014,000 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $13.063 to $14.00 per share were outstanding during fiscal 1998 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 128, Earnings Per Share at the beginning of fiscal year 1998. Statement 128 replaced primary and fully diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Under the new requirements for calculating basic earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock options is excluded. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the old method. All per share amounts in the accompanying income statements for all prior periods have been restated to conform to the requirements of Statement 128.
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
INVESTMENT/PROFIT SHARING PLAN - The purpose of the qualified investment/profit sharing plan is to provide retirement benefits to eligible employees. Assets of the plan, including the Company's Class B Common Stock, are held in trust for employees and distributed upon retirement, death, disability or other termination of employment. Company contributions are discretionary and are determined annually by the Board of Directors. The Plan includes a 401(k) feature.
Company contributions to the plan, included in operating and administrative expenses, were $815,000, $700,000 and $700,000 for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
CASH BONUS PLAN - The Company pays monthly bonuses to various managerial personnel based on performance of the operating units controlled by these personnel. Except for certain employees who receive monthly bonuses, annual bonuses based on pre-tax, pre-bonus income are paid to all employees who worked the entire fiscal year. The Company has a discretionary bonus plan for certain executive officers providing for bonuses upon attainment of certain operating goals. Operating and administrative expenses include bonuses of approximately $4.8 million, $5.4 million and $5.4 million for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
1987 EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN - The Company has an incentive stock option plan under which an aggregate of 250,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock were issuable to qualified employees until September 8, 1997. The options may be exercised within a period of three months after five years from the date of issue or upon death, disability or retirement. As of September 26, 1998, no options were exercisable under this plan. Information with respect to options granted, exercised, canceled and outstanding follows:
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding at September 26, 1998 is 2.6 years.
1991 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN - The Company has a nonqualified stock option plan under which an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock were issuable to qualified employees until August 6, 1996. The options may be exercised within a period of three months after five years from the date of issue or upon death, disability or retirement. As of September 26, 1998, no options were currently exercisable under this plan. Information with respect to options granted, exercised, canceled and outstanding follows:
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding at September 26, 1998 is .8 years.
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS WITH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS - During the year ended September 28, 1996, Robert P. Ingle, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Landy B. Laney, who at the time was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, each exercised their options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock at an option price of $6.00 per share. The difference between the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock at the date of the grant of the options ($7.75 per share) and the option price ($6.00 per share) was previously expensed on the Company's books.
On August 2, 1995, the Company entered into a nonqualified stock option agreement with one of its executive officers under which 100,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock may be issued to him at $10.625 per share (the fair market value of the stock at the date the option was granted). The option is exercisable within a period of three months after five years from the date of issue or upon death, disability or retirement.
1997 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN - The Company has a nonqualified stock option plan under which an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock may be issued to officers and other key employees until January 1, 2007.
Options outstanding under the plan at September 26, 1998, may be exercised within a one year period beginning five years after the date of grant or within three months after death, disability or retirement with the consent of the Company, except for 100,000 option shares granted to Vaughn C. Fisher, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company which may be exercised within a one year period beginning one year after the grant date or within three months after death, disability or retirement with the consent of the
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
Company. All options automatically terminate with termination of the optionee's employment for any other reason. As of September 26, 1998, only the options of Vaughn C. Fisher at an exercise price of $14.00 per share were currently exercisable under this plan.
Information with respect to options granted, canceled and outstanding follows:
The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding at September 26, 1998 is 3.5 years.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - In 1997, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (FAS 123). FAS 123 establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based compensation plans. As permitted by FAS 123, the Company elected to account for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, compensation cost has been recognized in the Company's financial statements for those options as noted above where the option price was less than the fair market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant. In accordance with FAS 123, the fair value of each option grant was determined by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively; risk-free interest rates of 4.2, 6.0 and 6.1 percent; dividend yield of 5.2, 4.7 and 6.6 percent; expected volatility of 29.3, 28.7 and 28.7 percent; and expected lives of 5, 4 and 5 years. Had compensation cost for the Company's plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for such awards in 1998, 1997 and 1996 consistent with the provisions of FAS 123, the Company's earnings and earnings per share--basic and diluted--would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
The pro forma impact of these options is not likely to be representative of the effects on reported net income for future years.
MEDICAL CARE PLAN - Medical and dental benefits are provided to qualified employees under a self-insured plan. Expenses under the plan include claims paid, administrative expenses and an estimated liability for claims incurred but not yet paid.
11. LINES OF BUSINESS
The Company operates in two lines of business: retail grocery and food sales (principally retail sales) and shopping center rentals. Information about the Company's operations by lines of business (in thousands) is as follows:
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
Income from operations in the grocery and food sales segment for fiscal 1998 reflects a non-recurring charge relating to a litigation settlement in principle of $14.6 million.
12. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of unaudited financial data regarding the Company's quarterly results of operations. Each of the quarters in the two fiscal years presented contains thirteen weeks.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
The fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 reflects a non-recurring charge relating to a litigation settlement in principle of $14.6 million, or ($.41) per share.
13. LITIGATION
The Company has been involved in a lawsuit, Weddington et. al. v. Ingles Markets, Incorporated, filed in the United States District Court in Rome, Georgia in March 1998 by four employees alleging gender discrimination on behalf of past, present and future female Ingles employees. A settlement in principle has been reached which includes all material elements of a final settlement. Ingles continues to deny the material allegations contained in the complaint. As a result of the agreement, which will include a stipulation that the case should be treated as a class action for settlement purposes only, Ingles recorded a one-time pretax charge of $14.6 million (after tax $9.1 million or $.41 per share) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. Payments to the named plaintiffs, other class members and their attorneys will be made over a three-year period. In addition, Ingles has agreed to establish or enhance certain human resource programs.
Various other legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, from all pending legal proceedings and claims would not materially affect the Company's financial position or the results of its operations.
14. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values.
Receivables: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for receivables approximate their fair values.
Long and short-term debt: The carrying amounts of the Company's short-term borrowings approximate their fair values. The fair values of the Company's long-term debt are based on quoted market prices, where available, or discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company's current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Fiscal years ended September 26, 1998, September 27, 1997 and September 28, 1996
The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments at September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
15. CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows:
16. MAJOR SUPPLIER
A large portion of inventory is purchased from a wholesale grocery distributor. Purchases from the distributor were approximately $181 million in 1998, $159 million in 1997 and $168 million in 1996. This distributor owns approximately 3% of the Company's Class A Common Stock and approximately 1% of the Company's Class B Common Stock at September 26, 1998. Amounts owed to this distributor, included in accounts payable-trade and accrued expenses, were $4.5 million and $3.8 million at September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997, respectively.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES SEC SCHEDULE II
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED
By: /s/ Robert P. Ingle --------------------------------
Robert P. Ingle Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date: December 21, 1998
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
EXHIBIT INDEX
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Ingles Markets, Incorporated, as amended. (Included as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's S-1 Registration Statement, File No. 33-23919, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
3.2 By-laws of Ingles Markets, Incorporated. (Included as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 1988, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
4.1 See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions of Articles of Incorporation, as amended and By-laws of Registrant defining rights of holders of capital stock of Registrant.
4.2 Loan Agreement between the Registrant and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company dated March 21, 1990. (Included as Exhibit 19 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990, File 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
4.3 In reliance upon Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, various instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company are not being filed herewith because the total of securities authorized under each such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instruments to the Commission upon request.
10.1 Amended and Restated Ingles Markets, Incorporated 1987 Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. (Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(C) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.2 Restatement and Amendment by the Entirety of the Ingles Markets, Incorporated Investment/Profit Sharing Plan and Trust effective September 26, 1993 (as amended through June 30, 1995). (Included as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(C) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.3 Amended and Restated Ingles Markets, Incorporated 1991 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan. (Included as Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(C) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.4 Stock Option Agreement Between the Company and Edward J. Kolodzieski, Vice President-Strategic Planning of the Company, dated as of August 2, 1995. (Included as Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(C) OF FORM 10-K.)
10.5 1997 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan. (Included as Appendix A to Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 17, 1998, File No. 0-14706, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by this reference.)
(MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-K PURSUANT TO ITEM 14(C) OF FORM 10-K.)
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (page 54)
23 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors. (page 55)
27 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only). (page 56)