Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
X     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 26, 2019  
OR 
_ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
Commission File Number: 001-15723

unficoa01.jpg

UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
 
05-0376157
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
 
 
313 Iron Horse Way, Providence, RI
 
02908
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (401) 528-8634
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:  Yes X  No _
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes X  No _
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer X
 
Accelerated filer __
Non-accelerated filer __
 
Smaller reporting company __
Emerging growth company __
 
 
 If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. __
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes _  No X
 
As of March 1, 2019 there were 50,819,894 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.
 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2



PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
 
January 26,
2019
 
July 28,
2018
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
49,515

 
$
23,315

Accounts receivable, net
 
1,094,874

 
579,702

Inventories
 
2,242,724

 
1,135,775

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
119,659

 
50,122

Current assets of discontinued operations
 
159,893

 
—

Total current assets
 
3,666,665

 
1,788,914

Property and equipment, net
 
1,658,010

 
571,146

Goodwill
 
481,095

 
362,495

Intangible assets, net
 
1,054,222

 
193,209

Other assets
 
122,644

 
48,708

Long-term assets of discontinued operations
 
415,648

 
—

Total assets
 
$
7,398,284

 
$
2,964,472

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
1,452,643

 
$
517,125

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
277,158

 
103,526

Accrued compensation and benefits

171,669


66,132

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
143,614

 
12,441

Current liabilities of discontinued operations
 
133,981

 
—

Total current liabilities
 
2,179,065

 
699,224

Long-term debt
 
2,965,336

 
308,836

Long-term capital lease obligations
 
124,599

 
31,487

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 
222,231

 
—

Deferred income taxes
 
75,462

 
44,384

Other long-term liabilities
 
347,082

 
34,586

Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
 
1,141

 
—

Total liabilities
 
5,914,916

 
1,118,517

Commitments and contingencies
 


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 5,000 shares; issued none
 
—

 
—

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 100,000 shares; 51,433 shares issued and 50,818 shares outstanding at January 26, 2019, 51,025 shares issued and 50,411 shares outstanding at July 28, 2018
 
514

 
510

Additional paid-in capital
 
495,514

 
483,623

Treasury stock at cost
 
(24,231
)
 
(24,231
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(25,863
)
 
(14,179
)
Retained earnings
 
1,039,490

 
1,400,232

Total United Natural Foods, Inc. stockholders’ equity
 
1,485,424

 
1,845,955

Noncontrolling interests
 
(2,056
)
 
—

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,483,368

 
1,845,955

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
7,398,284

 
$
2,964,472

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
 

13-Week Period Ended

26-Week Period Ended
 

January 26,
2019

January 27,
2018

January 26,
2019

January 27,
2018
Net sales

$
6,149,206


$
2,528,011


$
9,017,362


$
4,985,556

Cost of sales

5,387,423


2,156,489


7,843,248


4,246,818

Gross profit

761,783


371,522


1,174,114

 
738,738

Operating expenses

751,922


320,076


1,115,087


632,185

Goodwill and asset impairment charges
 
370,871

 
11,242

 
370,871


11,242

Restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses

47,125


—


115,129


—

Operating (loss) income

(408,135
)

40,204


(426,973
)
 
95,311

Other expense (income):

 


 


 
 
 
Net periodic benefit income, excluding service cost
 
(10,906
)
 
—

 
(11,750
)
 
—

Interest expense, net
 
58,707

 
4,137

 
66,232

 
7,713

Other, net

(824
)

(418
)

(727
)

(1,281
)
Total other expense, net

46,977


3,719


53,755

 
6,432

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

(455,112
)

36,485


(480,728
)
 
88,879

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

(91,809
)

(14,001
)

(96,064
)

7,888

Net (loss) income from continuing operations
 
(363,303
)
 
50,486

 
(384,664
)
 
80,991

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
21,407

 
—

 
23,477

 
—

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests
 
(341,896
)
 
50,486

 
(361,187
)
 
80,991

Less net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
171

 
—

 
168

 
—

Net (loss) income attributable to United Natural Foods, Inc.

$
(341,725
)

$
50,486


$
(361,019
)
 
$
80,991



 


 


 
 
 
Basic per share data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
(7.15
)
 
$
1.00

 
$
(7.59
)
 
$
1.60

Discontinued operations
 
$
0.42

 
$
—

 
$
0.46

 
$
—

Basic (loss) income per share
 
$
(6.72
)
 
$
1.00

 
$
(7.12
)
 
$
1.60

Diluted per share data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
(7.15
)
 
$
0.99

 
$
(7.59
)
 
$
1.59

Discontinued operations
 
$
0.42

 
$
—

 
$
0.46

 
$
—

Diluted (loss) income per share
 
$
(6.72
)
 
$
0.99

 
$
(7.12
)
 
$
1.59

Weighted average share outstanding:












Basic

50,815


50,449


50,699


50,633

Diluted

50,815


50,741


50,699


50,849


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
    

4


UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
13-Week Period Ended
 
26-Week Period Ended
 
 
January 26,
2019
 
January 27,
2018
 
January 26,
2019
 
January 27,
2018
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests
 
$
(341,896
)
 
$
50,486

 
$
(361,187
)
 
$
80,991

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Change in fair value of swap agreements(1)
 
(10,898
)
 
2,256

 
(10,702
)
 
2,920

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(310
)
 
3,045

 
(982
)
 
839

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(11,208
)
 
5,301

 
(11,684
)
 
3,759

Less comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
171

 
—

 
168

 
—

Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to United Natural Foods, Inc.
 
$
(352,933
)
 
$
55,787

 
$
(372,703
)
 
$
84,750


(1)
Amounts are net of tax (benefit) expense of ($3.9 million) and $0.8 million for the 13-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively, and ($4.0 million) and $1.3 million for the 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


5


UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
Retained Earnings
 
Total United Natural Foods, Inc.
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at July 28, 2018
51,025

 
$
510

 
615

 
$
(24,231
)
 
$
483,623

 
$
(14,179
)
 
$
1,400,232

 
$
1,845,955

 
$
—

 
$
1,845,955

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
277

 
277

 
 
 
277

Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings, net of tax
401

 
4

 
 
 
 
 
(3,012
)
 
 

 
 

 
(3,008
)
 
 
 
(3,008
)
Share-based compensation
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
8,089

 
 

 
 

 
8,089

 
 
 
8,089

Other/share-based compensation
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
403

 
 

 
 

 
403

 
 
 
403

Fair value of swap agreements, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
196

 
 
 
196

 
 
 
196

Foreign currency translation
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(672
)
 
 

 
(672
)
 
 
 
(672
)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
(1,633
)
 
(1,633
)
Net (loss) income
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
(19,294
)
 
(19,294
)
 
3

 
(19,291
)
Balances at October 27, 2018
51,426

 
$
514

 
615

 
$
(24,231
)
 
$
489,103

 
$
(14,655
)
 
$
1,381,215

 
$
1,831,946

 
$
(1,630
)
 
$
1,830,316

Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings, net of tax
7

 


 
 
 
 
 
(11
)
 
 

 
 

 
(11
)
 
 
 
(11
)
Share-based compensation


 
 

 
 
 
 
 
6,422

 
 

 
 

 
6,422

 
 
 
6,422

Fair value of swap agreements, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(10,898
)
 
 
 
(10,898
)
 
 
 
(10,898
)
Foreign currency translation
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(310
)
 
 

 
(310
)
 
 
 
(310
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
(255
)
 
(255
)
Net loss
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
(341,725
)
 
(341,725
)
 
(171
)
 
(341,896
)
Balances at January 26, 2019
51,433

 
$
514

 
615

 
$
(24,231
)
 
$
495,514

 
$
(25,863
)
 
$
1,039,490

 
$
1,485,424

 
$
(2,056
)
 
$
1,483,368



6


 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
Retained Earnings
 
Total
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
Balances at July 29, 2017
50,622

 
$
506

 
—

 
$
—

 
$
460,011

 
$
(13,963
)
 
$
1,235,367

 
$
1,681,921

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
1,314

 
 

 
(805
)
 
509

Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings, net of tax
341

 
3

 
 
 
 
 
(4,241
)
 
 

 
 

 
(4,238
)
Share-based compensation
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
7,275

 
 

 
 

 
7,275

Repurchase of common stock
 
 
 
 
162

 
(6,449
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,449
)
Other/share-based compensation
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
107

 
 

 
 

 
107

Fair value of swap agreements, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
664

 
 
 
664

Foreign currency translation
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(2,206
)
 
 

 
(2,206
)
Net income
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
30,505

 
30,505

Balances at October 28, 2017
50,963

 
$
509

 
162

 
$
(6,449
)
 
$
464,466

 
$
(15,505
)
 
$
1,265,067

 
$
1,708,088

Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings, net of tax
9

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
81

 
 

 
 

 
82

Share-based compensation
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
6,571

 
 

 
 

 
6,571

Repurchase of common stock
 
 
 
 
403

 
(15,788
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(15,788
)
Fair value of swap agreements, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,256

 
 
 
2,256

Foreign currency translation
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
3,045

 
 

 
3,045

Net income
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
50,486

 
50,486

Balances at January 27, 2018
50,972

 
$
510

 
565

 
$
(22,237
)
 
$
471,118

 
$
(10,204
)
 
$
1,315,553

 
$
1,754,740

 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7


UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
 
 
26-Week Period Ended
(In thousands)
 
January 26, 2019
 
January 27, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests
 
$
(361,187
)
 
$
80,991

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
23,477

 
—

Net (loss) income from continuing operations
 
(384,664
)
 
80,991

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
97,993

 
44,249

Share-based compensation
 
14,511

 
13,846

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
 
(60
)
 
100

Gain associated with disposal of investments

—


(699
)
Restructuring charges
 
20,701

 
—

Goodwill and asset impairment charges
 
370,871

 
11,242

Net pension and other postretirement benefit income
 
(11,750
)
 
—

Deferred income taxes
 
(65,605
)
 
(22,733
)
LIFO charge
 
6,265

 
—

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
7,958

 
5,569

Loss on debt extinguishment
 
2,117


—

Non-cash interest expense
 
4,298

 
956

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses
 
(62,679
)
 
(136,932
)
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations
 
(44
)
 
(3,411
)
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
 
25,910

 
—

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
25,866

 
(3,411
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
 
(80,137
)
 
(15,535
)
Purchase of acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(2,281,934
)
 
(19
)
Proceeds from dispositions of assets
 
168,274

 
36

Proceeds from disposal of investments

—


756

Long-term investment
 
(110
)
 
(3,010
)
Other
 
363

 
—

Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations
 
(2,193,544
)
 
(17,772
)
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations
 
44,263

 
—

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(2,149,281
)
 
(17,772
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt
 
1,905,000

 
—

Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit line
 
2,698,604

 
311,061

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit line
 
(1,666,600
)

(247,632
)
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
(713,366
)
 
(6,054
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
—

 
(22,237
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
118

 
268

Payment of employee restricted stock tax withholdings
 
(3,141
)
 
(4,424
)
Payments for capitalized debt issuance costs
 
(64,519
)
 
—

Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations
 
2,156,096

 
30,982

Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations
 
(254
)
 
—

Net cash provided by financing activities
 
2,155,842

 
30,982

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
 
(1,868
)
 
188

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
30,559

 
9,987

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period
 
23,315

 
15,414

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period
 
53,874

 
25,401

Less: cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations
 
(4,359
)
 
—

Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations
 
$
49,515

 
$
25,401

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
66,016

 
$
7,900

Cash paid for federal and state income taxes, net of refunds
 
$
13,449

 
$
36,929

 See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

8


UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
January 26, 2019 (unaudited)
 
1.                                      SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Nature of Business
 
United Natural Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a leading distributor of natural, organic, specialty, and conventional grocery and non-food products, and provider of support services. On October 22, 2018, we acquired all of the outstanding equity securities of SUPERVALU INC. (“Supervalu”); refer to Note 4. “Acquisitions” for further information. The Company sells its products primarily throughout the United States and Canada.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal years end on the Saturday closest to July 31 and contain either 52 or 53 weeks. References to the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018 relate to the 13-week fiscal quarters ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. References to fiscal 2019 and 2018 year-to-date relate to the 26-week fiscal periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively.

Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements exclude all amounts related to discontinued operations. Refer to Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” for additional information, including accounting policies, about our discontinued operations.

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information, including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally required in complete financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. In the Company’s opinion, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. However, the results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2018. Except as described below, there were no material changes in significant accounting policies from those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2018.

Net sales consist primarily of sales of natural, organic, specialty, conventional and non-food products to retailers, adjusted for customer volume discounts, returns, and allowances, and professional services revenue. Net sales also include amounts charged by the Company to customers for shipping and handling and fuel surcharges. The Company recognizes freight revenue related to transportation of its products when control of the product is transferred, which is typically upon delivery. The principal components of cost of sales include the amounts paid to suppliers for product sold, plus the cost of transportation necessary to bring the product to, or move product between, the Company’s distribution facilities, offset by consideration received from suppliers in connection with the purchase, transportation, or promotion of the suppliers’ products. Cost of sales also includes amounts incurred by the Company’s manufacturing subsidiary, United Natural Trading, LLC, which does business as Woodstock Farms Manufacturing, for inbound transportation costs. Operating expenses include salaries and wages, employee benefits, warehousing and delivery, selling, occupancy, insurance, administrative, share-based compensation, depreciation, and amortization expense. Other expense (income), net includes interest on outstanding indebtedness, including direct financing and capital lease obligations, net periodic benefit plan income, excluding service costs, interest income and miscellaneous income and expenses.
 
As noted above, the Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight are generally recorded in cost of sales, whereas shipping and handling costs for receiving, selecting, quality assurance, and outbound transportation are recorded in operating expenses. Outbound shipping and handling costs, including allocated employee benefit expenses that are recorded in Operating expenses, totaled $363.4 million and $146.4 million for the

9


second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Outbound shipping and handling costs, including allocated employee benefit expenses, totaled $537.4 million and $284.4 million for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Vendor Funds
The Company receives funds from many of the vendors whose products it buys for resale. These vendor funds are provided to increase the sell-through of the related products. The Company receives vendor funds for a variety of merchandising activities; placement of the vendors’ products in its advertising; display of the vendors’ products in prominent locations in stores; supporting the introduction of new products into stores and distribution centers; exclusivity rights in certain categories; and to compensate for temporary price reductions offered to customers on products held for sale. The Company also receives vendor funds for buying activities such as volume commitment rebates, credits for purchasing products in advance of their need and cash discounts for the early payment of merchandise purchases. The majority of the vendor fund contracts have terms of less than a year, with a small proportion of the contracts longer than one year.

The Company recognizes vendor funds for merchandising activities as a reduction of Cost of sales when the related products are sold. Vendor funds that have been earned as a result of completing the required performance under the terms of the underlying agreements but for which the product has not yet been sold are recognized as a reduction to the cost of inventory.

Business Dispositions

The Company reviews the presentation of planned business dispositions in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements based on the available information and events that have occurred. The review consists of evaluating whether the business meets the definition of a component for which the operations and cash flows are clearly distinguishable from the other components of the business, and if so, whether it is anticipated that after the disposal the cash flows of the component would be eliminated from continuing operations and whether the disposition represents a strategic shift that has a major effect on operations and financial results. In addition, the Company evaluates whether the business has met the criteria as a business held for sale. In order for a planned disposition to be classified as a business held for sale, the established criteria must be met as of the reporting date, including an active program to market the business and the expected disposition of the business within one year.

Planned business dispositions are presented as discontinued operations when all the criteria described above are met. Operations of the business components meeting the discontinued operations requirements are presented within Income from discontinued operations, net of tax in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, and assets and liabilities of the business component planned to be disposed of are presented as separate lines within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” for additional information.

The carrying value of the business held for sale is reviewed for recoverability upon meeting the classification requirements. Evaluating the recoverability of the assets of a business classified as held for sale follows a defined order in which property and intangible assets subject to amortization are considered only after the recoverability of goodwill, indefinite lived intangible assets and other assets are assessed. After the valuation process is completed, the held for sale business is reported at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less cost to sell, and no additional depreciation or amortization expense is recognized.

There are inherent judgments and estimates used in determining the fair value less costs to sell of a business and any impairment charges. The sale of a business can result in the recognition of a gain or loss that differs from that anticipated prior to closing.

Benefit Plans

The Company recognizes the funded status of its company-sponsored defined benefit plans, which it acquired in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 through the acquisition of Supervalu, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and gains or losses and prior service costs or credits not yet recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company sponsors pension and other postretirement plans in various forms covering employees who meet eligibility requirements. The determination of the Company’s obligation and related income or expense for Company-sponsored pension and other postretirement benefits is dependent, in part, on management’s selection of certain actuarial assumptions in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include, among other things, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the rates of increase in healthcare and compensation costs. These assumptions are disclosed in Note 16. “Benefit Plans”. Actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods.

The Company contributes to various multiemployer pension plans under collective bargaining agreements, primarily defined benefit pension plans. Pension expense for these plans is recognized as contributions are funded. See Note 16. “Benefit Plans” for additional information on participation in multiemployer plans.

10



The Company also contributes to 401(k) retirement savings plans for its employees.

Change in Inventory Accounting Policy

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For historical United Natural Foods, Inc. inventory prior to the acquisition of Supervalu, cost was determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. For a substantial portion of legacy Supervalu inventory, cost was determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method, with the rest primarily determined using FIFO. Inventories acquired as part of the Supervalu acquisition were recorded at their fair market values as of the acquisition date. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company completed its evaluation of its combined inventory accounting policies and changed its method of inventory costing for certain historical United Natural Foods, Inc. inventory from the FIFO accounting method to the LIFO accounting method. The Company concluded that the LIFO method of inventory costing is preferable because it allows for better matching of costs and revenues, as historical inflationary inventory acquisition prices are expected to continue in the future and the LIFO method uses the current acquisition cost to value cost of goods sold as inventory is sold. Additionally, LIFO allows for better comparability of the results of the Company’s operations with those of similar companies in its peer group. As a result of the change to the LIFO method, Inventories were reduced by $3.3 million as of January 26, 2019, which resulted in increases to Cost of sales and Loss from continuing operations before income taxes of the same amount in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the 13- and 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019. This resulted in an increase to Net loss from continuing operations of $2.2 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for both the 13- and 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019. The Company has not retrospectively adjusted amounts prior to fiscal 2019 in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or Statement of Income, as applying the change in accounting policy prior to fiscal 2019 is not practicable due to data limitations of inventory costs in prior periods.
Change in Book Overdraft Accounting Policy

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company changed its accounting policy for reporting book overdrafts in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Amounts previously reported as increase in bank overdrafts on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows represent outstanding checks issued but not yet presented to financial institutions for disbursement in excess of positive balances held at financial institutions, and as such represent book overdrafts. Book overdrafts are included within the Accounts payable balance in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in these book overdraft amounts were previously reported as financing activities cash flows on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, on a line item titled Increase in bank overdrafts. The Company has elected a preferable accounting policy presentation for classifying the change in book overdrafts from financing activities to operating activities, which resulted in the reclassification of prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. The Company concluded that operating activity classification is preferable, as book overdrafts do not result in financial institution borrowing or repayment activity at the end of respective reporting periods and the presentation presents a more accurate disclosure of its cash generation and consumption activities. The reclassification resulted in a decrease to cash used in operating activities of $31.7 million and a corresponding decrease in cash provided by financing activities for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. The reclassification had no effect on previously reported Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Income and Statements of Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

Reclassifications of prior year amounts within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include:
•
the reclassification of Accrued compensation and benefits to present separately from Accrued expenses and other current liabilities;
•
the reclassification of Notes payable balances into Long-term debt;
•
the reclassification of the long-term portion of capital lease obligations from Long-term debt to present separately within Long-term capital lease obligations; and
•
the reclassification of residual financing obligations associated with build-to-suit properties for which the Company is not obligated to fund unless it is obligated under a future extension of a lease agreement from the long-term portion of capital lease obligations to Other long-term liabilities.

Reclassifications of prior year amounts within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income include:
•
the reclassification of goodwill and asset impairment charges from a line item previously titled Restructuring and asset impairment charges to a new line item titled Goodwill and asset impairment charges; and

11


•
the combination of Interest expense and Interest income to present within Interest, net.

Within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, prior year amounts for asset impairment charges have been reclassified within operating activities in a line item titled Goodwill and asset impairment. These reclassifications had no impact on reported net income, cash flows, or total assets and liabilities.

2.                                      RECENTLY ADOPTED AND ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting standard update (“ASU”) 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. ASU 2017-07 changes how benefit plan costs for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are presented in the statement of operations. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and it presents non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income, as disclosed in Note 16. “Benefit Plans”, in an other income and expense line titled “Net periodic benefit income, excluding service cost” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The service cost components are recorded within Operating expenses. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s prior period Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, as all benefit plan costs for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans incurred are attributable to the Supervalu business, which was acquired in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU clarifies the presentation of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows by requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amount generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods contained therein, beginning after December 15, 2017, with retrospective application required. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The adoption of this ASU had no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018 or January 26, 2019, as the Company did not have restricted cash in its beginning or ended amounts for those periods.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, with no impact to its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, to address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The eight specific issues are (1) Debt Prepayment or Debt Extinguishment Costs; (2) Settlement of Zero-Coupon Debt Instruments or Other Debt Instruments with Coupon Interest Rates That Are Insignificant in Relation to the Effective Interest Rate of the Borrowing; (3) Contingent Consideration Payments Made after a Businesses Combination; (4) Proceeds from the Settlement of Insurance Claims; (5) Proceeds from the Settlement of Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Policies, including Bank-Owned Life Insurance Policies; (6) Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees; (7) Beneficial Interests in Securitization Transactions; and (8) Separately Identifiable Cash and Application of the Predominance Principle. This ASU is effective for public companies with interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, with no impact to its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (Topic 606), which has been updated by multiple amending ASUs (collectively “ASC 606”) and supersedes previous revenue recognition requirements (“ASC 605”). The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally, the ASU requires new, enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures related to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The collective guidance is effective for public companies with annual periods, and interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard permits either of the following adoption methods: (i) a full retrospective application with restatement of each period presented in the financial statements with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective application with the cumulative effect of adopting the guidance recognized as of the date of initial application (“modified retrospective method”). The Company has adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective method, with no significant impact to our Condensed Consolidated Balance sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash flows.

The primary impact of adopting the new standard, contained within the wholesale distribution reportable segment, is related to the sale of certain private label products for which revenue is recognized over time under the new standard as opposed to at a point in time under ASC 605. Private label products are specific to the customer to which they are sold, and are typically packaged with the customer’s logo or other products for which the customer has an exclusive right to sell. The Company is contractually restricted from selling private label products with the customer’s logo or other exclusive products to other third-party customers. As a result, the underlying good has no alternative use to the Company. In some instances, the Company’s contracts also require the customer to purchase private label inventory held by the Company if the agreement is terminated, the customer discontinues selling the specific product, or the product is nearing its expiration date. This gives the Company an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date from certain customers, once it has procured private label product. As a result, the Company now recognizes revenue from these product sales over time, as control is transferred to the customer, using a cost-incurred input measure of progress, as opposed to at a point in time, typically upon delivery, under ASC 605. Control of these products is transferred to the customer upon incurrence of substantially all of the Company’s costs related to the product, and therefore the cost-incurred input method is determined to be a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods.

The effect of adopting this change resulted in an increase to Retained earnings of $0.3 million, which was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. This change did not materially impact our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 or the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019. Refer to Note 3. “Revenue Recognition” for further discussion of our adoption of the new standard.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance under ASU No. 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. This ASU adds the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) rate based on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. This ASU is effective for public companies with interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which for the Company is the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard and evaluating its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. ASU 2018-05 requires implementation costs incurred by customers in cloud computing arrangements (i.e., hosting arrangements) to be capitalized under the same premises of authoritative guidance for internal-use software, and deferred over the noncancellable term of the cloud computing arrangements plus any option renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised by the customer or for which the exercise is controlled by the service provider. The Company is required to adopt this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company has outstanding cloud computing arrangements and continues to incur costs that it believes would be required to be capitalized under ASU 2018-05. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard and evaluating its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General: Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. ASU 2018-14 eliminates requirements for certain disclosures and requires additional disclosures under defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans. The Company is required to adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard and evaluating its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This ASU is effective for all entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which for the Company will be the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard and evaluating its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model and generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The Company is required to adopt this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard and evaluating its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides new comprehensive lease accounting guidance that supersedes existing lease guidance. The objective of this ASU is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. Criteria for distinguishing leases between finance and operating are substantially similar to criteria for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases in existing lease guidance. Lease agreements that are 12 months or less are permitted to be excluded from the balance sheet. In addition, this ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. This ASU will require the Company to recognize most current operating lease obligations as right-of-use assets with a corresponding liability based on the present value of future operating leases, which the Company believes will result in a significant impact to its consolidated balance sheets. The Company expects to use the additional transition method under ASU 2018-11, which allows for a cumulative effect adjustment within retained earnings in the period of adoption. In addition, the Company currently expects to elect the “package of three” practical expedients which allows companies to not reassess whether arrangements contain leases, the classification of leases, and the capitalization of initial direct costs. The ASU is effective for public companies in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which for the Company will be the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and continues its assessment of the impacts of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and any necessary changes to our accounting policies, processes and controls, and systems. Information about the amounts and timing of our undiscounted future operating lease payments can be found in Note 15. “Leases”.

3.                                      REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue Recognition Accounting Policy
The Company recognizes revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for goods or services when its performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of those promised goods or services to its customers. ASC 606 defines a five-step process to recognize revenue that requires judgment and estimates, including identifying the contract with the customer, identifying the performance obligations in the contract, determining the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognizing revenue when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. This footnote addresses the Company’s revenue recognition policies for its continuing operations only; refer to Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” for additional information about our revenue recognition policies of discontinued operations.
Revenues from wholesale product sales are recognized when control is transferred, which typically happens upon either shipment or delivery, depending on the contract terms with the customer. Typically, shipping and customer receipt of wholesale products occur on the same business day. Discounts and allowances provided to customers are recognized as a reduction in Net sales as control of the products is transferred to customers. The Company recognizes freight revenue related to transportation of its products when control of the product is transferred, which is typically upon delivery.
Sales tax is excluded from Net sales. Limited rights of return or product warranties exist with the Company’s customers due to the nature of the products it sells.
Product sales
The Company enters into wholesale customer distribution agreements that provide terms and conditions of our order fulfillment. The Company’s distribution agreements often specify levels of required minimum purchases in order to earn certain rebates or incentives. Certain contracts include rebates and other forms of variable consideration, including consideration payable to the customer up-front, over time or at the end of a contract term.
In transactions for goods or services where the Company engages third-parties to participate in its order fulfillment process, it evaluates whether it is the principal or an agent in the transaction. The Company’s analysis considers whether it controls the goods or services before they are transferred to its customer, including an evaluation of whether the Company has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all the remaining benefits from, the specified good or service before it is transferred to the customer. Agent transactions primarily reflect circumstances where the Company is not involved in order fulfillment or where it is involved in the order fulfillment but is not contractually obligated to purchase the related goods or services from vendors, and instead extends wholesale customers credit by paying vendor trade accounts payable and do not control products prior to their sale. Under ASC 606, if the Company determines that it is acting in an agent capacity, transactions are recorded on a net basis. If the Company determines that it is acting in a principal capacity, transactions are recorded on a gross basis.
The Company also evaluates vendor sales incentives to determine whether they reduce the transaction price with its customers. The Company’s analysis considers which party tenders the incentive, whether the incentive reflects a direct reimbursement from

12


a vendor, whether the incentive is influenced by or negotiated in conjunction with any other incentive arrangements and whether the incentive is subject to an agency relationship with the vendor, whether expressed or implied. Typically, when vendor incentives are offered directly by vendors to the Company’s customers, require the achievement of vendor-specified requirements to be earned by customers, and are not negotiated by the Company or in conjunction with any other incentive agreement whereby it does not control the direction or earning of these incentives, then Net sales are not reduced as part of the Company’s determination of the transaction price. In circumstances where the vendors provide the Company consideration to promote the sale of their goods and the Company determines the specific performance requirements for its customers to earn these incentives, Net sales are reduced for these customer incentives as part of the determination of the transaction price.
Certain customer agreements provide for the right to license one or more of the Company’s tradenames, such as FESTIVAL FOODS®, SENTRY®, COUNTY MARKET®, NEWMARKET®, FOODLAND®, JUBILEE® and SUPERVALU®. The Company typically does not separately charge for the right to license its tradenames. The Company believes that these tradenames are capable of being distinct, but are not distinct within the context of the contracts with its customers. Accordingly, the Company does not separately recognize revenue related to tradenames utilized by its customers. In addition, the Company enters into franchise agreements to separately charge its customers, who the Company also sells wholesale products to, for the right to use its CUB FOODS® tradename.
The Company enters into distribution agreements with manufacturers to provide wholesale supplies to the Defense Commissary Agency (“DeCA”) and other government agency locations. DeCA contracts with manufacturers to obtain grocery products for the commissary system. The Company contracts with manufacturers to distribute products to the commissaries after being authorized by the manufacturers to be a military distributor to DeCA. The Company must adhere to DeCA’s delivery system procedures governing matters such as product identification, ordering and processing, information exchange and resolution of discrepancies. DeCA identifies the manufacturer with which an order is to be placed, determines which distributor is contracted by the manufacturer for a particular commissary or exchange location, and then places a product order with that distributor that is covered under DeCA’s master contract with the applicable manufacturer. The Company supplies product from its existing inventory, delivers it to the DeCA designated location, and bills the manufacturer for the product price plus a drayage fee. The manufacturer then bills DeCA under the terms of its master contract. The Company has determined that it controls the goods before they are transferred to the customer, and as such it is the principal in the transaction. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis when control of the product passes to the DeCA designated location.
Professional services and equipment sales
Many of the Company’s agreements with customers include various professional services and other promises to customers, in addition to the sale of the product itself, such as retail store support, advertising, store layout and design services, merchandising support, couponing, e-commerce, network and data hosting solutions, training and certifications classes, and administrative back-office solutions. These professional services may contain a single performance obligation for each respective service, in which case such services revenues are recognized when delivered. The Company determined that certain services provided are immaterial within the overall context of the respective contract, and as such has not allocated the transaction price to these obligations.
Wholesale equipment sales are recorded as direct sales to customers when shipped or delivered, consistent with the recognition of product sales.
Customer incentives
The Company provides incentives to its wholesale customers in various forms established under the applicable agreement, including advances, payments over time that are earned by achieving specified purchasing thresholds, and upon the passage of time. The Company typically records customer advances within Other assets and Other current assets and typically recognizes customer incentive payments that are based on expected purchases over the term of the agreement as a reduction to Net sales. To the extent that the transaction price for product sales includes variable consideration, such as certain of these customer incentives, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price primarily by utilizing the expected value method. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the agreement will not occur. The Company believes that there will not be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration, as the uncertainty will be resolved within a relatively short time and there is a significant amount of historical data that is used in the estimation of the amount of variable consideration to be received. Therefore, the Company has not constrained its estimates of variable consideration.
Customer incentive assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances exist for which the Company no longer expects to recover the applicable customer incentives.
Disaggregation of Revenues
The Company records revenue to four customer channels, which are described below:

13


•
Supernatural, which consists of chain accounts that are national in scope and carry primarily natural products, and at this time currently consists solely of Whole Foods Market;
•
Independents, which include single store and chain accounts (excluding supernatural, as defined above), which carry primarily natural products and buying clubs of consumer groups joined to buy products;
•
Supermarkets, which include accounts that also carry conventional products, and at this time currently include chain accounts, supermarket independents, and gourmet and ethnic specialty stores; and
•
Other, which includes foodservice, e-commerce and international customers outside of Canada, as well as sales to Amazon.com, Inc.

The following tables detail the Company’s revenue recognition for the periods presented by customer channel for each of its segments. The Company does not record its revenues within its wholesale reportable segment for financial reporting purposes by product group, and it is therefore impracticable for it to report them accordingly.
 
 
Net Sales for the 13-Week Period Ended
(in millions)
 
January 26, 2019
Customer Channel
 
Wholesale
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Supernatural
 
$
1,100

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,100

Independents
 
810

 
—

 
—

 
810

Supermarkets
 
3,902

 
—

 
—

 
3,902

Other
 
318

 
58

 
(39
)
 
337

Total
 
$
6,130

 
$
58

 
$
(39
)
 
$
6,149

 
 
Net Sales for the 13-Week Period Ended
(in millions)
 
January 27, 2018 (1)
Customer Channel
 
Wholesale
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Supernatural
 
$
931

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
931

Independents
 
646

 
—

 
—

 
646

Supermarkets
 
716

 
—

 
—

 
716

Other
 
222

 
55

 
(42
)
 
235

Total
 
$
2,515


$
55

 
$
(42
)
 
$
2,528

 
 
Net Sales for the 26-Week Period Ended
(in millions)
 
January 26, 2019 (2)
Customer Channel
 
Wholesale
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Supernatural
 
$
2,127

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2,127

Independents
 
1,502

 
—

 
—

 
1,502

Supermarkets
 
4,807

 
—

 
—

 
4,807

Other
 
550

 
107

 
(76
)
 
581

Total
 
$
8,986

 
$
107

 
$
(76
)
 
$
9,017

 
 
Net Sales for the 26-Week Period Ended
(in millions)
 
January 27, 2018 (3)
Customer Channel
 
Wholesale
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Supernatural
 
$
1,784

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,784

Independents
 
1,309

 
—

 
—

 
1,309

Supermarkets
 
1,412

 
—

 
—

 
1,412

Other
 
455

 
113

 
(87
)
 
481

Total
 
$
4,960


$
113

 
$
(87
)
 
$
4,986

(1)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the presentation of net sales by customer channel was adjusted to reflect changes in the classification of customer types as a result of a detailed review of customer channel definitions. There was no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of revising the classification of customer types. As a result of this adjustment, net sales

14


to our supermarkets channel and to our other channel for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased approximately $12 million and $15 million, respectively, compared to the previously reported amounts, while net sales to the independents channel for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 increased approximately $27 million compared to the previously reported amounts.
(2)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the presentation of net sales attributable to Supervalu was incorporated into our definitions of sales by customer channel. There was no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of revising the classification of customer types. Net sales as reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 by customer channel were recast, resulting in an increase in supermarket sales of $198 million, independents of $25 million, and other of $1 million with an offsetting decrease to the Supervalu customer channel.
(3)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the presentation of net sales by customer channel was adjusted to reflect changes in the classification of customer types as a result of a detailed review of customer channel definitions. There was no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of revising the classification of customer types. As a result of this adjustment, net sales to our supermarkets channel and to our other channel for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018 decreased approximately $20 million and $31 million, respectively, compared to the previously reported amounts, while net sales to the independents channel for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018 increased approximately $51 million compared to the previously reported amounts.
The Company serves customers in the United States and Canada, as well as customers located in other countries. However, all of the Company’s revenue is earned in the U.S. and Canada and international distribution occurs through freight-forwarders. The Company does not have any performance obligations on international shipments subsequent to delivery to the domestic port.
Contract Balances
The Company does not typically incur costs that are required to be capitalized in connection with obtaining a contract with a customer. Expenses related to contract origination primarily relate to employee costs that the Company would incur regardless of whether the contract was obtained with the customer.
The Company typically does not have any performance obligations to deliver products under its contracts until its customers submit a purchase order, as it stands ready to deliver product upon receipt of a purchase order under contracts with its customers. These performance obligations are generally satisfied within a very short period of time. Therefore, the Company has utilized the practical expedient that provides an exemption from disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less. The Company does not typically receive pre-payments from its customers.
Customer payments are due when control of goods or services are transferred to the customer and are typically not conditional on anything other than payment terms, which typically range less than 30 days. Since no significant financing components exist between the period of time the Company transfers goods or services to the customer and when it receives payment for those goods or services, the Company has elected not to adjust its revenue recognition policy to recognize financing components. Customer incentives are not considered contract assets as they are not generated through the transfer of goods or services to the customers. No material contract assets exist for any period reported within these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounts and notes receivable are as follows:
(in thousands)
 
January 26, 2019
 
July 28, 2018
Customer accounts receivable
 
$
1,093,195

 
$
595,698

Allowance for uncollectible receivables
 
(15,278
)
 
(15,996
)
Other receivables, net
 
16,957

 
—

Accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,094,874

 
$
579,702

 
 
 
 
 
Customer notes receivable, included within Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
16,473

 
$
—

Long-term notes receivable, included within Other assets
 
$
37,863

 
$
—


4.                                      ACQUISITIONS

Supervalu Acquisition

On July 25, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) to acquire all of the outstanding equity securities of Supervalu, which was then the largest publicly traded food wholesaler in the United States. The acquisition of Supervalu diversifies the Company’s customer base, enables cross-selling opportunities, expands market reach and scale, enhances technology, capacity and systems, and is expected to deliver significant synergies and accelerate potential growth. The merger was completed on October 22, 2018. At the effective time of the acquisition, each share of Supervalu common stock,

15

par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding, was canceled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to $32.50 per share, without interest. Total consideration related to this acquisition was approximately $2.3 billion, $1.3 billion of which was paid in cash to Supervalu shareholders and $1.0 billion of which was used to satisfy Supervalu’s outstanding debt obligations.

The assets and liabilities of Supervalu were recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a provisional basis at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. In conjunction with the Supervalu acquisition, the Company announced its plan to sell the remaining acquired retail operations of Supervalu. Refer to Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” for more information.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid, preliminary fair values of the Supervalu assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and the resulting preliminary goodwill. Due to the recent closing of the transaction, management’s ongoing assessment of the fair values of acquired assets and liabilities, and its further review of certain disposal components being classified as held for sale, as of January 26, 2019, the purchase price allocation was preliminary and will be finalized when valuations are complete and final assessments of the fair value of other acquired assets and assumed liabilities are completed. There can be no assurance that such final assessments will not result in material changes from the preliminary purchase price allocations, and such changes may result in increases or decreases to the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 due to changes in the opening balance sheet value of goodwill. The Company’s estimates and assumptions are subject to change during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date), as the Company finalizes the valuations of certain tangible and intangible asset acquired and liabilities assumed.
 
As of October 22, 2018
(in thousands)
Preliminary as of October 27, 2018
 
Preliminary as of January 26, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents
$
25,102

 
$
25,102

Accounts receivable
557,680

 
556,562

Inventories
1,162,360

 
1,162,360

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
66,440

 
70,440

Current assets of discontinued operations(1)
196,615

 
196,615

Property, plant and equipment
1,148,001

 
1,221,925

Goodwill
347,485

 
491,695

Intangible assets(2)
1,077,541

 
885,658

Other assets(2)
109,445

 
80,105

Long-term assets of discontinued operations(1)
404,301

 
442,701

Accounts payable
(967,429
)
 
(972,340
)
Other current liabilities
(282,692
)
 
(327,713
)
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations
(579,677
)
 
(579,677
)
Current liabilities of discontinued operations(1)
(150,611
)
 
(150,690
)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations(3)
(179,262
)
 
(138,163
)
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
(234,324
)
 
(234,324
)
Deferred income taxes
(177,231
)
 
(100,612
)
Other long-term liabilities(3)
(200,913
)
 
(306,816
)
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations(1)
(1,401
)
 
(1,398
)
Total fair value of net assets acquired
2,321,430

 
2,321,430

Plus: noncontrolling interests
1,633

 
1,633

Less: cash and cash equivalents(4)
(30,596
)
 
(30,596
)
Less: assumed equity award liabilities
(18,638
)
 
(18,638
)
Plus: cash paid for equity awards
—

 
8,105

Total consideration paid in cash
2,273,829

 
2,281,934

Plus: unpaid assumed equity award liabilities(5)
18,638

 
10,533

Total consideration
$
2,292,467

 
$
2,292,467


16

(1)
Refer to Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” for additional Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets information regarding the carrying value of discontinued operations at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2019, subsequent to the acquisition date.
(2)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company reclassified favorable operating lease intangible assets from Other assets to in Intangible assets within this table.
(3)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company reclassified residual financing obligations associated with build-to-suit properties for which the Company is not obligated to fund unless it is obligated under a future extension of a lease agreement. This reclassification resulted in a reduction of Long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $23.8 million, with an offsetting increase in Other long-term liabilities assumed within this table. If the terms of the respective leases are extended and a cash obligation for a portion of this residual value balance exists, the Company will present these contractual obligations within Long-term capital lease obligations within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4)
Includes cash and cash equivalents acquired attributable to discontinued operations.
(5)
Includes equity consideration for share-based awards that have not yet been paid, which reflects non-cash consideration for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 that will become cash consideration in subsequent periods.

Preliminary goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising largely from the synergies expected from combining the operations of the Company and Supervalu that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The Company is currently evaluating the tax deductibility of the provisional goodwill amount, however it currently expects a substantial portion of its goodwill to be deductible for income tax purposes. Based on the preliminary valuation, goodwill resulting from the acquisition was primarily attributed to the Company’s wholesale segment, which is presented in Goodwill in the table above. In addition, $201 thousand of preliminary goodwill was attributed to the retail reporting unit within discontinued operations. Refer to Note 7. “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for additional information regarding the assignment of goodwill to the Company’s reporting units.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company updated its preliminary fair value estimates of its net assets primarily due to a review of the cash flows used to measure fair value of intangible assets, updated estimates of expected fair value, less costs to sell, of its retail disposal groups based on indications of value, and updates to estimated carrying values of other assets and liabilities based on an ongoing review of their fair values.

The following table summarizes the identifiable intangible assets recorded based on provisional valuations. The identifiable intangible assets are expected to be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives indicated. The preliminary fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired was determined using income approaches. Significant assumptions utilized in the income approach were based on Company-specific information and projections, which are not observable in the market and are thus considered Level 3 measurements as defined by authoritative guidance.
 
 
 
As of October 22, 2018
(in thousands)
Estimated Useful Life
 
Continuing Operations
 
Discontinued Operations
Customer relationship assets
11–19 years
 
$
785,000

 
$
—

Favorable operating leases
3–25 years
 
23,658

 
—

Tradenames
2-9 years
 
66,000

 
17,000

Pharmacy prescription files
5–7 years
 
—

 
41,100

Non-compete agreement
2 years
 
11,000

 
—

Unfavorable operating leases
2 years
 
(20,777
)
 
—

Total Supervalu finite-lived intangibles acquired
 
 
$
864,881

 
$
58,100

In addition to the acquisition of assets and assumption of liabilities above, the Company also began a restructuring plan which resulted in additional costs and expenses recorded in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13-week period and 26-week period ended January 26, 2019. Refer to Note 5. “Restructuring, Acquisition, and Integration Related Expenses” and Note 13. “Share-Based Awards” for further information.

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income include the results of operations of Supervalu since the October 22, 2018 acquisition date through January 26, 2019, which consisted of net sales from continuing operations of $3.70 billion, of which $3.47 billion was recorded in the 13-week period ended January 26, 2019. Supervalu’s net sales from discontinued operations for this time period are reported in Note 18. “Discontinued Operations”.

The following table presents unaudited supplemental pro forma consolidated Net sales and Net income from continuing operations based on Supervalu’s historical reporting periods as if the acquisition had occurred as of July 30, 2017:

17

 
13-Week Period Ended
 
26-Week Period Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)
January 27, 2018(2)
 
January 26, 2019(1)
 
January 27, 2018(2)
Net sales
$
6,159,106

 
$
12,134,176

 
$
12,056,161

Net loss from continuing operations
$
(25,388
)
 
$
(411,196
)
 
$
(34,349
)
Basic net loss from continuing operations per share
$
(0.50
)
 
$
(8.11
)
 
$
(0.68
)
Diluted net loss from continuing operations per share
$
(0.50
)
 
$
(8.11
)
 
$
(0.68
)
(1)
These pro forma results reflect an additional 12 weeks from Supervalu for the period ended, September 8, 2018.
(2)
These pro forma results reflect Supervalu’s and Associated Grocers of Florida, Inc.’s, which was acquired by Supervalu on December 8, 2017, 13-week and 26-week periods ended December 2, 2017, respectively.

These unaudited pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations of the combined companies would have been had the acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the periods being presented, nor are they indicative of future results of operations.

5.                                      RESTRUCTURING, ACQUISITION, AND INTEGRATION RELATED EXPENSES

Restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses incurred were as follows:
 
13-Week Period Ended
 
26-Week Period Ended
(in thousands)
January 26, 2019
 
January 26, 2019
2019 SUPERVALU INC. restructuring expenses
$
18,097

 
$
54,166

Acquisition and integration costs
9,481

 
41,416

Closed property charges
19,547

 
19,547

Total
$
47,125

 
$
115,129


Closed Property Reserves

Changes in reserves for closed properties, included additions noted above, consisted of the following:
(in thousands)
 
January 26, 2019
(26 weeks)
Reserves for closed properties at beginning of the fiscal year
 
$
—

Acquired liabilities
 
34,426

Additions, accretion and changes in estimates
 
17,671

Payments
 
(4,051
)
Reserves for closed properties at the end of the fiscal period
 
$
48,046


18



Reserves for closed property are included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities. Closed property charges recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 primarily relate to 15 retail stores, including certain Shop ‘n Save and Shop ‘n Save East branded stores, and are net of estimated sublease assumptions.

Restructuring Programs

The following is a summary of the restructuring reserves by reserve type included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, primarily within Accrued compensation and benefits for severance and other employee separation costs and tax payments, within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities for the current portion of closed property reserves and within Other long-term liabilities for the long-term portion of closed property reserves.
(in thousands)
2019 SUPERVALU INC.
 
2018 Earth Origins Market
 
Total
Balances at July 28, 2018
$
—

 
$
2,219

 
$
2,219

Restructuring program charge(1)
54,166

 
—

 
54,166

Acquired restructuring liability
6,193

 
—

 
6,193

Adjustments
—

 
—

 
—

Cash payments
(41,820
)
 
(2,164
)
 
(43,984
)
Balances at January 26, 2019
$
18,539

 
$
55

 
$
18,594

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative program charges incurred from inception to date
$
54,166

 
$
2,219

 
$
56,385

(1)
Includes $33.8 million of charges related to change-in-control expense to satisfy outstanding equity awards and severance related costs.

2019 SUPERVALU INC.

As part of its acquisition of Supervalu and in order to achieve synergies from this combination, the Company is taking certain actions, which began during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will continue through at least fiscal 2020 to: (i) review its organizational structure and the strategic needs of the business going forward to identify and place talent with the appropriate skills, experience and qualifications to meet these needs; and (ii) dispose of and exit the Supervalu legacy retail operations, as efficiently and economically as possible in order to focus on the Company’s core wholesale distribution business. Actions associated with retail divestitures and adjustments to the Company’s core cost-structure for its wholesale food distribution business are expected to result in headcount reductions and other costs and charges.

The Company expects to incur approximately $9 million of additional restructuring expense throughout the remainder of fiscal 2019.

2018 Earth Origins Market

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018 the Company made the decision to close three non-core, under-performing stores of its total twelve stores related to its Earth Origins Market Retail business. Based on this decision, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $2.2 million during fiscal 2018. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Earth Origins Retail business was sold and the Company recorded a loss on disposition of assets of $2.7 million.


19


6.                                      EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted number of shares used in computing earnings per share:
 
 
13-Week Period Ended
 
26-Week Period Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
January 26,
2019
 
January 27,
2018
 
January 26,
2019
 
January 27,
2018
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
 
50,815

 
50,449

 
50,699

 
50,633

Net effect of dilutive stock awards based upon the treasury stock method(1)
 
—

 
292

 
—

 
216

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding(1)
 
50,815

 
50,741

 
50,699

 
50,849

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic per share data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
(7.15
)
 
$
1.00

 
$
(7.59
)
 
$
1.60

Discontinued operations(1)
 
$
0.42

 
$
—

 
$
0.46

 
$
—

Basic (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(6.72
)
 
$
1.00

 
$
(7.12
)
 
$
1.60

Diluted per share data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
(7.15
)
 
$
0.99

 
$
(7.59
)
 
$
1.59

Discontinued operations(1)
 
$
0.42

 
$
—

 
$
0.46

 
$
—

Diluted (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(6.72
)
 
$
0.99

 
$
(7.12
)
 
$
1.59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anti-dilutive stock-based awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share
 
4,094

 
293

 
1,969

 
582

(1)
The computation of diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations is calculated using diluted weighted average shares outstanding which includes the net effect of dilutive stock awards, or approximately 107 thousand shares for the 13-week period ended January 26, 2019 and 353 thousand shares for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019.

7.                                      GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

We account for acquired businesses using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the acquisition date at their respective estimated fair values. Goodwill represents the excess acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination that generated the goodwill. The Company has seven goodwill reporting units, three of which represent separate operating segments and are aggregated within the Wholesale reportable segment, three of which are separate operating segments that do not qualify as separate reportable segments, and a single retail reporting unit, which is included within discontinued operations. Goodwill reporting units are evaluated for events or changes in circumstances indicating a goodwill reporting unit has changed. Relative fair value allocations are performed when components of an aggregated goodwill reporting unit become separate reporting units.

During fiscal 2019, a relative fair value allocation was performed when the Canada Wholesale reporting unit became a separate operating segment and reporting unit.

In conjunction with the acquisition of Supervalu, goodwill resulting from the acquisition was assigned to the Supervalu Wholesale reporting unit and the legacy Company Wholesale reporting unit, as both of these reporting units are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. The assignment was based on the relative synergistic value estimated as of the acquisition date. This systematic approach utilized the relative cash flow contributions and value created from the acquisition to each reporting unit on a stand-alone basis. As of the acquisition date, approximately $121 million was attributed to the legacy Company Wholesale reporting unit, which is preliminary and subject to the final determinations of the fair value of net assets acquired and a proportionate assignment adjustment between the Supervalu Wholesale reporting unit and the legacy Company reporting unit.

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment at least annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. The annual review for goodwill impairment is performed as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The Company tests for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level, which is at or one level below the operating segment level.


20


Goodwill Impairment Review

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company experienced a decline in its stock price and market capitalization. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the stock price continued to decline, and the decline in the stock price and market capitalization became significant and sustained. Due to this sustained decline in stock price, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the carrying value of the Supervalu Wholesale reporting unit exceeded its fair value and performed an interim quantitative impairment test of goodwill.

The Company estimated the fair values of all reporting units using both the market approach, applying a multiple of earnings based on guidelines for publicly traded companies, and the income approach, discounting projected future cash flows based on management’s expectations of the current and future operating environment for each reporting unit. The calculation of the impairment charge includes substantial fact-based determinations and estimates including weighted average cost of capital, future revenue, profitability, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities. The rates used to discount projected future cash flows under the income approach reflect a weighted average cost of capital of 10%, which considered guidelines for publicly traded companies, capital structure and risk premiums, including those reflected in the current market capitalization. The Company corroborated the reasonableness of the estimated reporting unit fair values by reconciling to its enterprise value and market capitalization. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that the carrying value of its Supervalu Wholesale reporting unit exceeded its fair value by an amount that exceeded the assigned goodwill as of the acquisition date. As a result, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $370.9 million, which is reflected in Goodwill and asset impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter of fiscal 2019. The goodwill impairment charge reflects all of Supervalu Wholesale’s reporting unit goodwill, based on the preliminary acquisition date assigned fair values.

The goodwill impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 is subject to change based upon the final purchase price allocation during the measurement period for estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Supervalu acquisition. There can be no assurance that such final assessments will not result in material increases or decreases to the recorded goodwill impairment charge based upon the preliminary purchase price allocations, due to changes in the provisional opening balance sheet estimates of goodwill. The Company’s estimates and assumptions are subject to change during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). Refer to Note 4. “Acquisitions” for further information about the preliminary purchase price allocation and provisional goodwill estimated as of the acquisition date.

2018 Earth Origins Market Impairment

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company made the decision to close three non-core, under-performing stores of its total twelve stores. Based on this decision, coupled with the decline in results in the first half of fiscal 2018 and the future outlook as a result of competitive pressure, the Company determined that both a test for recoverability of long-lived assets and a goodwill impairment analysis should be performed. The determination of the need for a goodwill analysis was based on the assertion that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was below its carrying amount. As a result of both these analyses, the Company recorded a total impairment charge of $3.4 million on long-lived assets and $7.9 million to goodwill, respectively, during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 the Company disposed of its Earth Origins retail business.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Changes

Changes in the carrying value of Goodwill by reportable segment that have goodwill consisted of the following:
(in thousands)
Wholesale
 
Other
 
Total
Goodwill as of July 28, 2018
$
352,342

(1) 
$
10,153

(2) 
$
362,495

Preliminary goodwill from current fiscal year business combinations
491,695

 
—

 
491,695

Impairment charge
(370,871
)
 
—

 
(370,871
)
Other adjustments
(1,952
)
 
—

 
(1,952
)
Change in foreign exchange rates
(272
)
 
—

 
(272
)
Goodwill as of January 26, 2019
$
470,942

(1) 
$
10,153

(2) 
$
481,095


(1)
Amounts are net of accumulated goodwill impairment charges of $0.0 million and $370.9 million as of July 28, 2018 and January 26, 2019, respectively.
(2)
Amounts are net of accumulated goodwill impairment charges of $9.3 million as of both July 28, 2018 and January 26, 2019.


21


Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following:
 
January 26, 2019
 
July 28, 2018
(in thousands)
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amortizing intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
982,097

 
$
79,756

 
$
902,341

 
$
197,246

 
$
61,543

 
$
135,703

Non-compete agreements
13,900

 
2,805

 
11,095

 
2,900

 
1,914

 
986

Operating lease intangibles
23,658

 
594

 
23,064

 
—

 
—

 
—

Trademarks and tradenames
67,700

 
5,790

 
61,910

 
1,700

 
981

 
719

Total amortizing intangible assets
1,087,355

 
88,945

 
998,410

 
201,846

 
64,438

 
137,408

Indefinite lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks and tradenames
55,812

 
—

 
55,812

 
55,801

 
—

 
55,801

Intangible assets, net
$
1,143,167

 
$
88,945

 
$
1,054,222

 
$
257,647

 
$
64,438

 
$
193,209

Amortization expense was $24.6 million and $7.5 million for 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter on definite lived intangible assets existing as of January 26, 2019 is shown below:
Fiscal Year:
(In thousands)
Remaining fiscal 2019
$
41,940

2020
79,953

2021
69,194

2022
65,225

2023
65,642

2024 and thereafter
676,456

 
$
998,410


8.                                      FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table provides the fair value for financial assets and liabilities under the fair value hierarchy that are measured on a recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value at January 26, 2019
(In thousands)
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
—

 
$
2,393

 
$
—

Interest rate swap not designated as a hedging instrument
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
—

 
$
220

 
$
—

Mutual funds
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
1,053

 
$
—

 
$
—

Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
 
Other Assets
 
$
—

 
$
2,876

 
$
—

Mutual funds
 
Other Assets
 
$
1,845

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
$
—

 
$
2,502

 
$
—

Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
$
—

 
$
10,128

 
$
—


22



 
 
 
 
Fair Value at July 28, 2018
(in thousands)
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
—

 
$
1,459

 
$
—

Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
 
Other Assets
 
$
—

 
$
5,860

 
$
—


Interest Rate Swap Contracts

The fair values of interest rate swap contracts are measured using Level 2 inputs. The interest rate swap contracts are valued using an income approach interest rate swap valuation model incorporating observable market inputs including interest rates, LIBOR swap rates and credit default swap rates. As of January 26, 2019, a 100 basis point increase in forward LIBOR interest rates would increase the fair value of the interest rate swaps by approximately $65.5 million; a 100 basis point decrease in forward LIBOR interest rates would decrease the fair value of the interest rate swaps by approximately $69.0 million. Refer to Note 9. “Derivatives” for further information on interest rate swap contracts.

Mutual Funds

Mutual fund assets consist of balances held in investments to fund certain deferred compensation plans. The fair values of mutual fund assets are based on quoted market prices of the mutual funds held by the plan at each reporting period. Mutual funds traded in active markets are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Deferred compensation liabilities consist of obligations to participants in deferred compensation plans, and are determined based on the fair value of the related deferred compensation plan investments or designated phantom investments of the plan at each reporting period.

Fair Value Estimates

For certain of the Company’s financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, accrued vacation, compensation and benefits, and other current assets and liabilities the fair values approximate carrying amounts due to their short maturities. The carrying amount of borrowings on the ABL Credit Facility approximates fair value as interest rates on the ABL Credit Facility approximate current market rates (Level 2 criteria).

Notes receivable estimated fair value is determined by a discounted cash flow approach applying a market rate for similar instruments that is determined using Level 3 inputs. The estimated fair value of borrowings under the Company’s Term Loan Facility, including current portion, is determined by using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies taking into account the instruments’ interest rate, terms, maturity date and collateral, if any, in comparison to the Company’s incremental borrowing rate for similar financial instruments and are therefore deemed Level 2 inputs. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
 
 
January 26, 2019
 
July 28, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes receivable, including current portion
 
$
54,336

 
$
53,596

 
$
—

 
$
—

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Long-term debt, including current portion and excluding debt issuance costs
 
$
3,141,762

 
$
2,940,150

 
$
320,000

 
$
320,000


9.                                      DERIVATIVES

Management of Interest Rate Risk

The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts from time to time to mitigate its exposure to changes in market interest rates as part of its overall strategy to manage its debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of notional debt amounts subject to fixed and floating interest rates. Interest rate swap contracts are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company’s interest rate swap contracts are designated

23


as cash flow hedges at January 26, 2019, except for one interest rate swap contract which matures on March 21, 2019 and is described in more detail in footnote 1 to the table below. Interest rate swap contracts are reflected at their fair values in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 8. “Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments” for further information on the fair value of interest rate swap contracts.

Details of outstanding swap contracts as of January 26, 2019, which are all pay fixed and receive floating, are as follows:
Swap Maturity
 
Notional Value (in millions)
 
Pay Fixed Rate
 
Receive Floating Rate
 
Floating Rate Reset Terms
March 21, 2019(1)
 
$
300.0

 
2.0075
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
June 9, 2019(2)
 
50.0

 
0.8725
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
April 29, 2021(2)
 
25.0

 
1.0650
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
June 30, 2019(3)
 
50.0

 
0.7265
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
April 29, 2021(3)
 
25.0

 
0.9260
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
August 15, 2022(4)
 
64.5

 
1.7950
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
August 15, 2022(5)
 
43.0

 
1.7950
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2020(6)
 
100.0

 
2.8240
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2022(6)
 
100.0

 
2.8915
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2023(6)
 
100.0

 
2.9210
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 22, 2025(6)
 
50.0

 
2.9550
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
March 31, 2023(7)
 
150.0

 
2.8950
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 22, 2025(7)
 
50.0

 
2.9580
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 22, 2025(7)
 
50.0

 
2.9590
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 29, 2021(8)
 
100.0

 
2.8084
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
September 30, 2023(8)
 
50.0

 
2.8315
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2024(8)
 
100.0

 
2.8480
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2022(9)
 
50.0

 
2.4678
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
March 28, 2024(9)
 
100.0

 
2.4770
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2024(9)
 
100.0

 
2.5010
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
April 29, 2021(10)
 
50.0

 
2.5500
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2022(10)
 
50.0

 
2.5255
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
March 31, 2023(10)
 
50.0

 
2.5292
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
March 28, 2024(10)
 
100.0

 
2.5420
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 31, 2024(11)
 
50.0

 
2.5210
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
October 22, 2025(11)
 
50.0

 
2.5558
%
 
One-Month LIBOR
 
Monthly
 
 
$
2,007.5

 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
On October 22, 2018, as a result of the acquisition of Supervalu, the Company assumed a pay fixed and receive floating interest rate swap contract originally entered into by Supervalu to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The Company entered into a novation agreement with the counterparty to novate this agreement to the Company, keeping it in place through its scheduled maturity date of March 2019. The interest rate swap contract has a notional principal amount of $300 million and requires the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the contract at a fixed annual rate of 2.0075%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract period at one-month LIBOR on the same notional principal amount. This interest rate swap contract is not designated as a hedging instrument as of January 26, 2019, and as such gains or losses resulting from the change in fair value of the contract are reported as Interest expense within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)
On June 7, 2016, the Company entered into two pay fixed and receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of June 9, 2016 and expire at varied dates between June 2019 and April 2021. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $75 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 0.8725% and 1.0650%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.

24


(3)
On June 24, 2016, the Company entered into two pay fixed and receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of June 24, 2016 and expire at varied dates between June 2019 and April 2021. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $75 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 0.7265% and 0.9260%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.
(4)
On January 23, 2015, the Company entered into a pay fixed and receive floating interest rate swap contract to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreement has an effective date of August 3, 2015 and expires in August 2022. On March 31, 2015, the Company amended the original contract to reduce the beginning notional principal amount from $140 million to $84 million. The interest rate swap contract has an amortizing notional principal amount which adjusts down on a quarterly basis and requires the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the contract at a fixed annual rate of 1.7950%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract period at one-month LIBOR on the same notional principal amount.
(5)
On March 31, 2015, the Company entered into a pay fixed and receive floating interest rate swap contract to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreement has an effective date of August 3, 2015 and expires in August 2022. The interest rate swap contract has an amortizing notional principal amount which adjusts down on a quarterly basis and requires the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the contract at a fixed annual rate of 1.7950%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract period at one-month LIBOR on the same notional principal amount.
(6)
On October 26, 2018, the Company entered into four pay fixed receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of October 26, 2018 and expire at varied dates between October 2020 and October 2025. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $350 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 2.8240% and 2.9550%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.
(7)
On November 16, 2018, the Company entered into three pay fixed receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of November 16, 2018 and expire at varied dates between March 2023 and October 2025. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $250 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 2.8950% and 2.9590%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.
(8)
On November 30, 2018, the Company entered into three pay fixed receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of November 30, 2018 and expire at varied dates between October 2021 and October 2024. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $250 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 2.8084% and 2.8480%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.
(9)
On January 11, 2019, the Company entered into three pay fixed receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of January 11, 2019 and expire at varied dates between October 2022 and October 2024. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $250 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 2.4678% and 2.5010%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.
(10)
On January 23, 2019, the Company entered into four pay fixed receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of January 23, 2019 and expire at varied dates between April 2021 and March 2024. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $250 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 2.5255% and 2.5500%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.
(11)
On January 24, 2019, the Company entered into two pay fixed receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the underlying variability in expected interest payment cash outflows on its LIBOR based debt. The agreements have an effective date of January 24, 2019 and expire at varied dates between October 2024 and October 2025. These interest rate swap contracts have an aggregate notional principal amount of $100 million and require the Company to pay interest payments during the duration of the respective contracts at fixed annual rates between 2.5210% and 2.5558%, while receiving interest for the same respective contract periods at one-month LIBOR on the same aggregate notional principal amounts.
The Company performs an initial quantitative assessment of hedge effectiveness using the “Hypothetical Derivative Method” in the period in which the hedging transaction is entered. Under this method, the Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging

25


relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transactions. In future reporting periods, the Company performs a qualitative analysis for quarterly prospective and retrospective assessments of hedge effectiveness. The Company also monitors the risk of counterparty default on an ongoing basis and noted that the counterparties are reputable financial institutions. The entire change in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in Other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings in interest expense when the hedged transactions affect earnings.

The location and amount of gains or losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for interest rate swap contracts for each of the periods, presented on a pretax basis, are as follows:
 
 
13-Week Period Ended
 
26-Week Period Ended
 
 
January 26, 2019
 
January 27, 2018
 
January 26, 2019
 
January 27, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Interest Expense, net
 
Interest Expense, net
 
Interest Expense, net
 
Interest Expense, net
Total amounts of expense presented in the consolidated statements of income in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded
 
$
58,707

 
$
4,137

 
$
66,232

 
$
7,713

Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain or (loss) reclassified from comprehensive income into income
 
$
(108
)
 
$
81

 
$
443

 
$
51

Gain or (loss) on interest rate swap contracts not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain or (loss) recognized as interest expense
 
$
22

 
$
—

 
$
(66
)
 
$
—


10.                                      TREASURY STOCK

On October 6, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The repurchase program is scheduled to expire upon the Company’s repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $200.0 million. Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The Company may also implement all or part of the repurchase program pursuant to a plan or plans meeting the conditions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Company records the repurchase of shares of common stock at cost based on the settlement date of the transaction. These shares are classified as treasury stock, which is a reduction to stockholders’ equity. Treasury stock is included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares. The Company repurchased 614,660 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $24.2 million in the fiscal year ended July 28, 2018. The Company did not purchase any shares of the Company’s common stock in the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019.

11.                                      INCOME TAXES

Effective Tax Rate

Our effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 20.2%, which represents a tax benefit on a pre-tax loss, compared to a benefit of 38.4% on pre-tax income for the 13-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively, and 20.0% and 8.9% for the 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily driven by the one-time tax benefit of $21.9 million recorded in fiscal 2018 for the impact of the re-measurement of U.S. net deferred tax liabilities due to tax reform. 

26


The total (benefit) provision for income taxes included in the consolidated statements of income consisted of the following:
 
 
13-Week Period Ended
 
26-Week Period Ended
(in thousands)
 
January 26, 2019
 
January 27, 2018
 
January 26, 2019
 
January 27, 2018
Continuing operations
 
$
(91,809
)
 
$
(14,001
)
 
$
(96,064
)
 
$
7,888

Discontinued operations
 
5,239

 
—

 
5,987

 
—

Total
 
$
(86,570
)
 
$
(14,001
)
 
$
(90,077
)
 
$
7,888

Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Given the significance of the legislation, the SEC staff issued SAB 118, which allowed registrants to record provisional or estimated amounts concerning TCJA impacts during a one year “measurement period” similar to that used when accounting for business combinations. The measurement period was deemed to end when the registrant has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting.

As of the current quarterly period, the Company has closed the measurement period relating to the effects of TCJA. The final amounts the Company has reported may change further only in the event of return to provision adjustments.

Uncertain Tax Positions

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
26-Week Period Ended
(in thousands)
January 26,
2019
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period
$
1,104

Unrecognized tax benefits assumed in a business combination
49,566

Decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to statute expiration
(9,789
)
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period
$
40,881


In addition, the Company has $14 million paid on deposit to various governmental agencies to cover the above liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For the 13-week period ended January 26, 2019, total gross interest and penalties was a benefit of $1.2 million due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on various reserves. For the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, total gross interest and penalties was a benefit of $1.1 million.

The Company is currently under examination in several taxing jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitations expires for the respective taxing jurisdiction or an agreement is reached between the taxing jurisdiction and the Company. As of January 26, 2019, the Company is no longer subject to federal income tax examinations for fiscal years before 2015 and in most states is no longer subject to state income tax examinations for fiscal years before 2008 and 2014 for Supervalu and United Natural Foods, Inc., respectively.

Based on the possibility of the closing of pending audits and appeals, or expiration of the statute of limitations, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by up to $1.2 million during the next 12 months.

Other

Under ASU 2016-09, the Company accounts for excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies related to share-based payments in its provision for income taxes as opposed to additional paid-in capital. The Company recognized $1.3 million of income tax expense related to excess tax deficiencies for share-based payments for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and $0.9 million of income tax expense related to tax deficiencies for share-based payments for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018.


27


12.         BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company has three operating segments: legacy Company Wholesale; Supervalu Wholesale and Canada Wholesale, aggregated under the Wholesale reportable segment. In addition, the Company’s Retail operating segment is a separate reportable segment, which is primarily comprised of discontinued operations activities. The legacy Company Wholesale, Supervalu Wholesale and Canada Wholesale operating segments have similar products and services, customer channels, distribution methods and economic characteristics. The Wholesale reportable segment is engaged in the national distribution of natural, organic, specialty, and conventional grocery and non-food products, and in the provision of support services in the United States and Canada. The Company has additional operating segments that do not meet the quantitative thresholds for reportable segments and are therefore aggregated under the caption of “Other.” “Other” includes a former retail division, that engaged in the sale of natural foods and related products to the general public through retail storefronts on the east coast of the United States, a manufacturing division, which engages in the importing, roasting, packaging, and distributing of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, trail mixes, granola, natural and organic snack items and confections, the Company’s branded product lines, and the Company’s brokerage business, which markets various products on behalf of food vendors directly and exclusively to the Company’s customers. “Other” also includes certain corporate operating expenses that are not allocated to operating segments, which include, among other expenses, restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses, share-based compensation, and salaries, retainers, and other related expenses of certain officers and all directors. Non-operating expenses that are not allocated to the operating segments are under the caption of “Unallocated (Income)/Expenses.”
 (in thousands)
 
Wholesale
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Unallocated (Income)/Expenses
 
Consolidated
13-Week Period Ended January 26, 2019:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales(1)
 
$
6,130,276

 
$
57,859

 
$
(38,929
)
 
$
—

 
$
6,149,206

Goodwill and asset impairment charges
 
370,871

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
370,871

Restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses
 
4

 
47,121

 
—

 
—

 
47,125

Operating income (loss)
 
(312,208
)
 
(95,608
)
 
(319
)
 
—

 
(408,135
)
Total other expense, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
46,977

 
46,977

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(455,112
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
62,336

 
10,864

 
—

 
—

 
73,200

Capital expenditures
 
63,673

 
83

 
—

 
—

 
63,756

Total assets of continuing operations
 
6,497,883

 
361,063

 
(36,203
)
 
—

 
6,822,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13-Week Period Ended January 27, 2018:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
2,514,670

 
$
55,493

 
$
(42,152
)
 
$
—

 
$
2,528,011

Goodwill and asset impairment charges
 
67

 
11,175

 
—

 
—

 
11,242

Operating income (loss)
 
53,941

 
(16,549
)
 
2,812

 
—

 
40,204

Total other expense, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,719

 
3,719

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
36,485

Depreciation and amortization
 
21,437

 
370

 
—

 
—

 
21,807

Capital expenditures
 
9,426

 
852

 
—

 
—

 
10,278

Total assets of continuing operations
 
2,909,175

 
183,180

 
(42,675
)
 
—

 
3,049,680

(1)
For the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded $265.2 million within Net sales in its wholesale reportable segment attributable to discontinued operations inter-company product purchases from its Retail operating segment, which it expects will continue subsequent to the sale of certain retail banners.


28


 (in thousands)
 
Wholesale
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Unallocated (Income)/Expenses
 
Consolidated
26-Week Period Ended January 26, 2019:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales(1)
 
$
8,987,242

 
$
106,613

 
$
(76,493
)
 
$
—

 
$
9,017,362

Goodwill and asset impairment charges
 
370,871

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
370,871

Restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses
 
4

 
115,125

 
—

 
—

 
115,129

Operating income (loss)
 
(251,971
)
 
(173,937
)
 
(1,065
)
 
—

 
(426,973
)
Total other expense, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
53,755

 
53,755

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(480,728
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
85,853

 
12,140

 
—

 
—

 
97,993

Capital expenditures
 
79,410

 
727

 
—

 
—

 
80,137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26-Week Period Ended January 27, 2018:
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Net sales
 
$
4,959,328

 
$
112,925

 
$
(86,697
)
 
$
—

 
$
4,985,556

Goodwill and asset impairment charges
 
67

 
11,175

 
—

 
—

 
11,242

Operating income (loss)
 
113,897

 
(21,140
)
 
2,554

 
—

 
95,311

Total other expense, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,432

 
6,432

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
88,879

Depreciation and amortization
 
42,976

 
1,273

 
—

 
—

 
44,249

Capital expenditures
 
13,607

 
1,928

 
—

 
—

 
15,535

(1)
For the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, the Company recorded $287.0 million within Net sales in its wholesale reportable segment attributable to discontinued operations inter-company product purchases from its Retail operating segment, which it expects will continue subsequent to the sale of certain retail banners.

13.                                     SHARE-BASED AWARDS

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2018, as amended, each outstanding Supervalu stock option, whether vested or unvested, that was unexercised as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (“SVU Option”) was converted, effective as of the effective time of the Merger, into a stock option exercisable for shares of common stock of the Company (“Replacement Option”) in accordance with the adjustment provisions of the Supervalu stock plan pursuant to which such SVU Option was granted and the Merger Agreement, with such Replacement Option generally having the same terms and conditions as the underlying SVU Option. In addition, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each outstanding Supervalu restricted share award, restricted stock unit award, deferred share unit award and performance share unit award (“SVU Equity Award”) was converted, effective as of the effective time of the Merger, into time-vesting awards (“Replacement Award”) with a settlement value equal to the merger consideration ($32.50 per share) multiplied by the number of shares of Supervalu common stock subject to such SVU Equity Award, and generally upon the same terms of the SVU Equity Award including the applicable change in control termination protections. The Merger Agreement originally provided that the Replacement Awards were payable in cash, however, the Merger Agreement was amended on October 10, 2018, to provide that the Replacement Awards could be settled at the Company’s election, in cash and/or an equal value in shares of common stock of the Company.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company authorized for issuance and registered on a Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on October 22, 2018 (the “Form S-8”) an additional 5,000,000 shares for issuance in order to satisfy the Replacement Options and Replacement Awards. In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation- Stock Compensation, the Replacement Awards are liability classified awards as they may ultimately be settled in cash or shares at the discretion of the employee because employees holding such equity awards were offered the opportunity to participate in an immediate sale program established by the Company on their behalf. The liability will not be marked-to-market each reporting period as the share-based awards will be settled in cash or shares based on the fixed value of $32.50 per share.

The Company recognized total share-based compensation expense of $10.4 million and $18.5 million during the second quarter and 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, respectively, which included share-based compensation expense of $4.2 million and $4.8 million for Supervalu Replacement Awards, respectively, related to the post-combination period, beginning on the acquisition date through January 26, 2019. Share-based compensation expense does not include $25.2 million of charges for the settlement

29


of share-based awards recorded as part of restructuring costs, described in Note 5. “Restructuring, Acquisition, and Integration Related Expenses” of which $20.6 million relates to change-in-control payments. The Company recorded share-based compensation expense of $6.6 million and $13.8 million in the second quarter and 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, respectively. The total income tax benefit for share-based compensation arrangements was $2.7 million and $1.5 million for the second quarters of fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively and $4.6 million and $3.7 million for the 26 week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018.

Supervalu Replacement Awards generally vest in three equal installments or cliff-vest after three years from the date they were originally granted by Supervalu. The Company’s other time vesting awards are typically four equal annual installments for employees and two equal installments for non-employee directors with the first installment on the date of grant and the second installment on the six-month anniversary of the grant date. As of January 26, 2019, there was $79.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding share-based compensation arrangements (including stock options, restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units) of which $40.0 million relates to Supervalu Replacement Awards. Unrecognized compensation cost related to Replacement Options is de minimis. The total unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

New Retirement Provision

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, after reviewing retirement provisions and practices for the treatment of equity awards at comparable companies, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determined to change the terms of its long-term compensation awards to executives who might consider retiring and to better assure that their awards provided an incentive to work for the long term best interests of the Company up to their termination date, and regardless of their retirement plans. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee determined that time-based vesting restricted stock units, with the exception of Replacement Awards, will continue to vest during retirement after termination of employment on the same terms as they would if the executive had not retired, but without the requirement that they remain employed. Performance share-units will be treated similarly on retirement, but subject to actual performance at the time achievement of performance objectives is measured. In addition, an executive’s equity awards granted in the year of retirement will be prorated to reflect the service period prior to the date of retirement. Retirement vesting will only be available to employees age 59 or older who voluntarily terminate employment after at least 10 years of service to the Company. As a result of these retirement provisions, the Company recorded a share-based compensation charge of approximately $6.6 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

14.                                      LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following:
(in thousands)
Average Interest Rate at
January 26, 2019
 
Maturity Year
 
January 26,
2019
 
July 28,
2018
Term Loan Facility
6.65%
 
2019-2025
 
$
1,903,000

 
$
—

ABL Credit Facility
3.81%
 
2023
 
1,242,004

 
—

Other secured loans
5.74%
 
2023
 
40,396

 
—

Former ABL Credit Facility
 
 
 
 
—

 
210,000

Former Term Loan Facility
 
 
 
 
—

 
110,000

Debt issuance costs, net
 
 
 
 
(60,631
)
 
(1,164
)
Original issue discount on debt
 
 
 
 
(43,638
)
 
—

Long-term debt, including current portion
 
 
 
 
$
3,081,131

 
$
318,836

Less: current portion of long-term debt obligations
 
 
 
 
(115,795
)
 
(10,000
)
Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
$
2,965,336

 
$
308,836

ABL Credit Facility
On August 30, 2018, the Company entered into a loan agreement (as amended by that certain First Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2018, and as further amended by that certain Second Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated January 24, 2019, the “ABL Loan Agreement”), by and among the Company and United Natural Foods West, Inc. (together with the Company, the “U.S. Borrowers”) and UNFI Canada, Inc. (the “Canadian Borrower” and, together with the U.S. Borrowers, the “Borrowers”), the financial institutions that are parties thereto as lenders (collectively, the “ABL Lenders”), Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent for the ABL Lenders (the “ABL Administrative Agent”), Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch), as Canadian agent for the ABL Lenders (the “Canadian Agent”), and the other parties thereto.

30


The ABL Loan Agreement provides for an asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility” and the loans thereunder, the “ABL Loans”), of which up to (i) $2,050.0 million is available to the U.S. Borrowers and (ii) $50.0 million is available to the Canadian Borrower. The ABL Loan Agreement also provides for (i) a $125.0 million sublimit of availability for letters of credit of which there is a further $5.0 million sublimit for the Canadian Borrower, and (ii) a $100.0 million sublimit for short-term borrowings on a swingline basis of which there is a further $3.5 million sublimit for the Canadian Borrower. The ABL Credit Facility replaced the Company’s $900.0 million prior asset-based revolving credit facility (the “Former ABL Credit Facility”), and $1,475.0 million of proceeds from the ABL Credit Facility were drawn on the Closing Date to finance the Supervalu acquisition and related transaction costs.
Under the ABL Loan Agreement, the Borrowers may, at their option, increase the aggregate amount of the ABL Credit Facility in an amount of up to $600.0 million without the consent of any ABL Lenders not participating in such increase, subject to certain customary conditions and applicable lenders committing to provide the increase in funding. There is no assurance that additional funding would be available.
The Borrowers’ obligations under the ABL Credit Facility are guaranteed by most of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries who are not also Borrowers (collectively, the “ABL Guarantors”), subject to customary exceptions and limitations. The Borrowers’ obligations under the ABL Credit Facility and the ABL Guarantors’ obligations under the related guarantees are secured by (i) a first-priority lien on all of the Borrowers’ and ABL Guarantors’ accounts receivable, inventory and certain other assets arising therefrom or related thereto (including substantially all of their deposit accounts, collectively, the “ABL Assets”) and (ii) a second-priority lien on all of the Borrowers’ and ABL Guarantors’ assets that do not constitute ABL Assets, in each case, subject to customary exceptions and limitations.
Availability under the ABL Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base (the “Borrowing Base”), which is based on 90% of eligible accounts receivable, plus 90% of eligible credit card receivable, plus 90% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory, plus 90% of eligible pharmacy receivables, plus certain pharmacy scripts availability of the Borrowers, after adjusting for customary reserves. The aggregate amount of the ABL Loans made and letters of credit issued under the ABL Credit Facility shall at no time exceed the lesser of the aggregate commitments under the ABL Credit Facility (currently $2,100.0 million or, if increased at the Borrowers’ option as described above, up to $2,700.0 million) or the Borrowing Base. To the extent that the Borrowers’ Borrowing Base declines, the availability under the ABL Credit Facility may decrease below $2,100.0 million.
As of January 26, 2019, the U.S. Borrowers’ Borrowing Base, net of $88.8 million of reserves, was $2,259.6 million, which exceeds the $2,050.0 million limit of availability to the U.S. Borrowers under the ABL Credit Facility. As of January 26, 2019, the Canadian Borrower’s Borrowing Base, net of $3.3 million of reserves, was $35.2 million, resulting in total Borrowing Base of $2,085.2 million supporting the ABL Loans. The Company had $1,242.0 million of ABL Loans as of January 26, 2019, which are presented net of debt issuance costs of $14.2 million and are included in Long-term debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of January 26, 2019, the Company had $76.8 million in letters of credit outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility. The Company’s resulting remaining availability under the ABL Credit Facility was $766.4 million as of January 26, 2019.
The borrowings of the U.S. Borrowers under the ABL Credit Facility bear interest at rates that, at the U.S. Borrowers’ option, can be either: (i) a base rate and an applicable margin, or (ii) a LIBOR rate and an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin for base rate loans is 0.25%, and the initial applicable margin for LIBOR loans is 1.25%. The borrowings of the Canadian Borrower under the ABL Credit Facility bear interest at rates that, at the Canadian Borrower’s option, can be either: (i) prime rate and an applicable margin, or (ii) a Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptance equivalent rate and an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin for prime rate loans is 0.25%, and the initial applicable margin for Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptance equivalent rate loans is 1.25%. Commencing on the first day of the calendar month following the ABL Administrative Agent’s receipt of the Company’s aggregate availability calculation for the fiscal quarter ending on January 26, 2019, and quarterly thereafter, the applicable margins for borrowings by the U.S. Borrowers and Canadian Borrower will be subject to adjustment based upon the aggregate availability under the ABL Credit Facility. Unutilized commitments under the ABL Credit Facility are subject to a per annum fee of (i) from and after the Closing Date through and including the first day of the calendar month that is three months following the Closing Date, 0.375% and (ii) thereafter, (x) 0.375% if the total outstandings were less than 25% of the aggregate commitments, or (y) 0.25% if such total outstandings were 25% or more of the aggregate commitments. The Borrowers are also required to pay a letter of credit fronting fee to each letter of credit issuer equal to 0.125% per annum of the amount available to be drawn under each such letter of credit, as well as a fee to all lenders equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR or Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptance equivalent rate loans, as applicable, times the average daily amount available to be drawn under all outstanding letters of credit.
The ABL Loan Agreement subjects the Company to a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the ABL Loan Agreement) of at least 1.0 to 1.0 calculated at the end of each of our fiscal quarters on a rolling four quarter basis when the adjusted aggregate availability (as defined in the ABL Loan Agreement) is less than the greater of (i) $235.0 million and (ii) 10% of the aggregate borrowing base. We were not subject to the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant under the ABL Loan Agreement during the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

31



The assets included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets securing the outstanding borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility on a first-priority basis, and the unused available credit and fees under the ABL Credit Facility, were as follows:
Assets securing the ABL Credit Facility (in thousands)(1):
January 26, 2019
Certain inventory assets included in Inventories and Current assets of discontinued operations
$
2,297,742

Certain receivables included in Receivables and Current assets of discontinued operations
$
953,726

(1)
The ABL Credit Facility is also secured by all of the Company’s pharmacy scripts, which are included in Long-term assets of discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 26, 2019.
Unused available credit and fees under the ABL Credit Facility (in thousands, except percentages):
January 26, 2019
Outstanding letters of credit
$
76,763

Letter of credit fees
1.375
%
Unused available credit
$
731,234

Unused facility fees
0.375
%

Term Loan Facility

On August 14, 2014, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a real estate-backed term loan agreement (as amended by the First Amendment Agreement, dated April 29, 2016, and the Second Amendment Agreement, dated September 1, 2016, the “Former Term Loan Agreement”). The Former Term Loan Agreement provided for secured first lien term loans in an aggregate amount of $150.0 million (the “Former Term Loan Facility”). Proceeds from this Former Term Loan Facility were used to pay down borrowings under the Former ABL Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the Former Term Loan Facility bore interest at rates that, at the Company’s option, could have been either: (1) a base rate and a margin of 0.75%; or, (2) a LIBOR rate and a margin of 1.75%. The borrowers’ obligations under the Former Term Loan Facility were secured by certain parcels of the Company’s real property.

The Former Term Loan Agreement included financial covenants that required (i) the ratio of the Company’s consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Former Term Loan Agreement) minus the unfinanced portion of Capital Expenditures (as defined in the Former Term Loan Agreement) to the Company’s consolidated Fixed Charges (as defined in the Former Term Loan Agreement) to be at least 1.20 to 1.00 as of the end of any period of four fiscal quarters, (ii) the ratio of the Company’s Consolidated Funded Debt (as defined in the Former Term Loan Agreement) to the Company’s EBITDA for the four fiscal quarters most recently ended to be not more than 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter and (iii) the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the Company’s outstanding borrowings under the Former Term Loan Facility), divided by the Mortgaged Property Value (as defined in the Former Term Loan Agreement) to be not more than 75% at any time.
On August 22, 2018, the Company notified its lenders of its intention to prepay its borrowings outstanding under its Former Term Loan Facility on October 1, 2018. The Former Term Loan Facility was previously scheduled to terminate on the earlier of (a) August 14, 2022 and (b) the date that is ninety days prior to the termination date of the Former ABL Loan Agreement. On October 1, 2018, the Company prepaid the $110.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Former Term Loan Agreement utilizing borrowings under its Former ABL Credit Facility and terminated the Former Term Loan Agreement. In connection with the prepayment, the Company incurred a loss on debt extinguishment related to unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.0 million, which was recorded as Other expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
On the Closing Date, the Company entered into a new term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”), by and among the Company and Supervalu (collectively, the “Term Borrowers”), the financial institutions that are parties thereto as lenders (collectively, the “ Term Lenders”), Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “TLB Administrative Agent”), and the other parties thereto. The Term Loan Agreement provides for senior secured first lien term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,950.0 million, consisting of a $1,800.0 million seven-year tranche (the “Term B Tranche”) and a $150.0 million 364-day tranche (the “364-day Tranche” and, together with the Term B Tranche, collectively, the “Term Loan Facility”). The entire amount of the net proceeds from the Term Loan Facility were used to finance the Supervalu acquisition and related transaction costs.

The loans under the Term B Tranche will be payable in full on October 22, 2025; provided that if on or prior to December 31, 2024 that certain Agreement for Distribution of Products, dated as of October 30, 2015, by and between Whole Foods Market Distribution, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the Company has not been extended until at least October 23, 2025 on terms not

32


materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Company and its subsidiaries than those in effect on the date of the Acquisition, then the loans under the Term B Tranche will be payable in full on December 31, 2024. The loans under the 364-day Tranche will be payable in full on October 21, 2019.

Under the Term Loan Agreement, the Term Borrowers may, at their option, increase the amount of the Term B Tranche, add one or more additional tranches of term loans or add one or more additional tranches of revolving credit commitments, without the consent of any Term Lenders not participating in such additional borrowings, up to an aggregate amount of $656.25 million plus additional amounts based on satisfaction of certain leverage ratio tests, subject to certain customary conditions and applicable lenders committing to provide the additional funding. There can be no assurance that additional funding would be available.

The Term Borrowers’ obligations under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by most of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries who are not also Term Borrowers (collectively, the “Term Guarantors”), subject to customary exceptions and limitations, including an exception for immaterial subsidiaries designated by the Company from time to time. The Term Borrowers’ obligations under the Term Loan Facility and the Term Guarantors’ obligations under the related guarantees are secured by (i) a first-priority lien on substantially all of the Term Borrowers’ and the Term Guarantors’ assets other than the ABL Assets and (ii) a second-priority lien on substantially all of the Term Borrowers’ and the Term Guarantors’ ABL Assets, in each case, subject to customary exceptions and limitations, including an exception for owned real property with net book values of less than $10.0 million.

The loans under the Term Loan Facility may be voluntarily prepaid in certain minimum principal amounts, subject to the payment of breakage or other similar costs. Pursuant to the Term Loan Facility, we must, subject to certain exceptions and customary reinvestment rights, apply 100 percent of Net Cash Proceeds (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) from certain types of asset sales to prepay the loans outstanding under the Term Loan Facility. Commencing with the fiscal year ending August 1, 2020, we must also prepay loans outstanding under the Term Loan Facility no later than 130 days after the fiscal year end in an aggregate principal amount equal to a specified percentage (which percentage ranges from 0 to 75 percent depending on our Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) as of the last day of such fiscal year) of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) in excess of $10 million for the fiscal year then ended, minus any voluntary prepayments of the loans under the Term Loan Facility, the ABL Credit Facility (to the extent they permanently reduce commitments under the ABL Facility) and certain other indebtedness made during such fiscal year.
The borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at rates that, at the Term Borrowers’ option, can be either: (i) a base rate and a margin of (ii) (A) with respect to the Term B Tranche, 3.25% and (B), with respect to the 364-day Tranche, 1.00%, or (ii) a LIBOR rate and a margin of (ii) (A) with respect to the Term B Tranche, 4.25% and (B), with respect to the 364-day Tranche, 2.00%; provided that the LIBOR rate shall never be less than 0.0%.
The Term Loan Agreement does not include any financial maintenance covenants.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company made mandatory prepayments of $47.0 million on the 364-day Tranche with asset sale proceeds. In connection with the prepayment, the Company incurred a loss on debt extinguishment related to unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.0 million, which was recorded as Other expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
As of January 26, 2019, the Company had borrowings of $1,800.0 million and $103.0 million under the Term B Tranche and 364-day Tranche, respectively, which are presented net of debt issuance costs of $46.4 million and an original issue discount on debt of $43.6 million. As of January 26, 2019, $18.0 million and $103.0 million of the Term B Tranche and 364-day Tranche, respectively, was classified as current, excluding debt issuance costs and original issue discount on debt.

Supervalu Senior Notes

On October 22, 2018, the Company delivered an irrevocable redemption notice for the remaining $350.0 million of 7.75% Supervalu Senior Notes and the remaining $180.0 million of 6.75% Supervalu Senior Notes assumed in conjunction with the Supervalu acquisition. In connection with the redemption notice, the Company placed $566.4 million on account with the trustee of the Supervalu Senior Notes to satisfy and discharge its obligations under the indenture governing the Supervalu Senior Notes. On November 21, 2018, following the required 30-day notice period, the trustee used this $566.4 million to extinguish the remaining principal balances, to pay the required redemption premiums and to pay accrued and unpaid interest on the redeemed Supervalu Senior Notes. As a result of the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture governing the redemption of the Supervalu Senior Notes, the Company has fully satisfied and discharged its obligations under the Supervalu Senior Notes.


33


15.                                      LEASES
On October 23, 2018, the Company received $101.0 million in aggregate proceeds, excluding taxes and closing costs, for the sale and leaseback of its final distribution center of eight distribution center sale-leaseback transactions entered into by Supervalu in April 2018. On October 26, 2018, the Company received $48.5 million in aggregate proceeds, excluding taxes and closing costs, for the sale and leaseback of a separate distribution center under an agreement entered into by Supervalu in March 2018, as amended. Both distribution center sale-leasebacks qualified for sale accounting, with the lease-backs being classified as operating leases. No gain or loss was recognized or deferred on the sale of these facilities, as these facilities were valued at their contractual sales price as of the Supervalu acquisition date.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company closed the remaining Shop ‘n Save St. Louis-based retail stores and the dedicated distribution center, and we continue to hold the owned real estate assets related to these locations for sale. The Company recorded a closed store reserve charge of approximately $17.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company entered into a lease for a new distribution facility in California for approximately 1.2 million square feet.
The Company leases certain of its distribution centers and leases most of its retail stores, and leases certain office facilities and equipment from third parties. Many of these leases include renewal options and, in certain instances, also include options to purchase. Rent expense, other operating lease expense and subtenant rentals all under operating leases included within Operating expenses consisted of the following:
 
13-Week Period Ended
 
26-Week Period Ended
(in thousands)
January 26,
2019
 
January 27,
2018
 
January 26,
2019
 
January 27,
2018
Minimum rent
63,793

 
21,295

 
$
90,133

 
$
41,994

Contingent rent
46

 
—

 
35

 
—

Rent expense(1)
63,839

 
21,295

 
90,168

 
41,994

Less subtenant rentals
(4,159
)
 
(403
)
 
(4,819
)
 
(824
)
Total net rent expense
$
59,680

 
$
20,892

 
$
85,349

 
$
41,170

(1)
Rent expense as presented here includes $12.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, and $13.3 million year-to-date in fiscal 2019, of operating lease rent expense related to stores within discontinued operations, but for which GAAP requires the expense to be included within continuing operations, as we expect to remain primarily obligated under these leases.
Future minimum lease payments to be made by the Company or certain third parties in the case of assigned leases for noncancellable operating leases and capital leases have not been reduced for future minimum subtenant rentals under certain operating subleases, including assignments. As of January 26, 2019, these lease obligations consisted of following amounts (in thousands):
 
Lease Obligations
Fiscal Year
Operating Leases
 
Capital Leases
Remaining fiscal 2019
$
97,688

 
$
26,255

2020
185,238

 
42,904

2021
157,999

 
34,871

2022
139,821

 
31,013

2023
121,034

 
27,814

Thereafter
1,006,721

 
74,339

Total future minimum obligations
$
1,708,501

 
237,196

Less interest
 
 
(84,778
)
Present value of net future minimum obligations
 
 
152,418

Less current capital lease obligations
 
 
(27,819
)
Long-term capital lease obligations
 
 
$
124,599

The Company leases certain property to third parties under operating, capital and direct financing leases, including assigned leases for which we have future minimum lease payment obligations that are included in the table above. Future minimum lease and subtenant rentals to be received under lease assignments and noncancellable operating and deferred financing income leases, under which the Company is the lessor, as of January 26, 2019, consisted of the following (in thousands):

34


 
Lease Receipts
Fiscal Year
Operating Leases
 
Direct Financing Leases
Remaining fiscal 2019
$
18,648

 
$
225

2020
32,510

 
225

2021
25,953

 
—

2022
22,389

 
—

2023
14,631

 
—

Thereafter
31,342

 
—

Total minimum lease receipts
$
145,473

 
$
450


16.                                      BENEFIT PLANS
The Company acquired various pension and other post retirement benefit plans with the acquisition of Supervalu, which resulted in the revaluation of pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations as of the acquisition date.
The Company’s employees who participate are covered by various contributory and non-contributory pension, profit sharing or 401(k) plans. The Company’s primary defined benefit pension plan, the SUPERVALU INC. Retirement Plan, and certain supplemental executive retirement plans were closed to new participants and service crediting ended for all participants as of December 31, 2007. Pay increases were reflected in the amount of benefits accrued in these plans until December 31, 2012. Approximately one-half of the union employees participate in multiemployer retirement plans under collective bargaining agreements. The remaining either participate in plans sponsored by the Company or are not currently eligible to participate in a retirement plan. In addition to sponsoring both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, the Company provides healthcare and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees under postretirement benefit plans. The Company also provide certain health and welfare benefits, including short-term and long-term disability benefits, to inactive disabled employees prior to retirement. The terms of the postretirement benefit plans vary based on employment history, age and date of retirement. For many retirees, the Company provides a fixed dollar contribution and retirees pay contributions to fund the remaining cost.
Net periodic benefit (income) cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Net periodic benefit income, excluding service cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans consist of the following (in thousands):
 
13-Week Period Ended January 26, 2019
 
26-Week Period Ended January 26, 2019
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
Service cost
$
—

 
$
55

 
$
—

 
$
59

Interest cost
24,004

 
477

 
25,851

 
515

Expected return on plan assets
(35,415
)
 
(58
)
 
(38,139
)
 
(63
)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost
$
(11,411
)
 
$
474

 
$
(12,288
)
 
$
511

Contributions to benefit plans
$
(151
)
 
$
(117
)
 
$
(188
)
 
$
(126
)
The benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets and funded status of our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans assumed with the Supervalu acquisition consisted of the following as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
 
October 22,
2018
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
Benefit obligation as of October 22, 2018
$
2,499,954

 
$
52,276

Fair value of plan assets at October 22, 2018
2,305,020

 
11,586

Unfunded status at October 22, 2018
$
(194,934
)
 
$
(40,690
)

35


For the defined benefit pension plans, the accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation.
Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the acquisition date consist of the following (in thousands):
 
October 22,
2018
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
Accrued compensation and benefits
$
1,300

 
$
—

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
193,634

 
40,690

Total
$
194,934

 
$
40,690

Assumptions
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost consisted of the following:
 
October 22,
2018
Benefit obligation assumptions:
 
Discount rate
4.30% - 4.42%
The Company reviews and select the discount rate to be used in connection with measuring our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations annually. In determining the discount rate, the Company uses the yield on corporate bonds (rated AA or better) that coincides with the cash flows of the plans’ estimated benefit payouts. The model uses a yield curve approach to discount each cash flow of the liability stream at an interest rate specifically applicable to the timing of each respective cash flow. The model totals the present values of all cash flows and calculates the equivalent weighted average discount rate by imputing the singular interest rate that equates the total present value with the stream of future cash flows. This resulting weighted average discount rate is then used in evaluating the final discount rate to be used.
For those retirees whose health plans provide for variable employer contributions, the assumed healthcare cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation before age 65 was 7.80 percent as of October 22, 2018. The assumed healthcare cost trend rate for retirees before age 65 will decrease each year through fiscal 2026, until it reaches the ultimate trend rate of 4.50 percent. For those retirees whose health plans provide for variable employer contributions, the assumed healthcare cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation after age 65 was 8.70 percent as of October 22, 2018. The assumed healthcare cost trend rate for retirees after age 65 will decrease through fiscal 2026, until it reaches the ultimate trend rate of 4.50 percent. For those retirees whose health plans provide for a fixed employer contribution rate, a healthcare cost trend is not applicable. The healthcare cost trend rate assumption would have had the following impact on the amounts reported: a 100 basis point increase in the trend rate would have impacted the Company’s service and interest cost by approximately $0.1 million for the portion of the Company’s fiscal year following the transaction date; a 100 basis point decrease in the trend rate would have decreased the Company’s accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of the Company’s acquisition date by approximately $2.7 million; and a 100 basis point increase would have increased our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $3.2 million.
Pension Plan Assets
Pension plan assets are held in a master trust and invested in separately managed accounts and other commingled investment vehicles holding domestic and international equity securities, domestic fixed income securities and other investment classes. The Company employs a total return approach whereby a diversified mix of asset class investments is used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for an acceptable level of risk. Alternative investments are also used to enhance risk-adjusted long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Risk is managed through diversification across asset classes, multiple investment manager portfolios and both general and portfolio-specific investment guidelines. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of the plan liabilities, plan funded status and our financial condition. This asset allocation policy mix is reviewed annually and actual versus target allocations are monitored regularly and rebalanced on an as-needed basis. Plan assets are invested using a combination of active and passive investment strategies. Passive, or “indexed” strategies, attempt to mimic rather than exceed the investment performance of a market benchmark. The plan’s active investment strategies employ multiple investment management firms. Managers within each asset class cover a range of investment styles and approaches and are combined in a way that controls for capitalization, and style biases (equities) and interest rate exposures (fixed income) versus benchmark indices. Monitoring activities to evaluate performance against targets and measure investment risk take place on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.

36


The asset allocation targets and the actual allocation of pension plan assets are as follows:
Asset Category
Target
 
October 22,
2018
Domestic equity
20.8
%
 
19.8
%
International equity
6.0
%
 
5.4
%
Private equity
5.0
%
 
5.0
%
Fixed income
64.8
%
 
64.2
%
Real estate
3.4
%
 
5.6
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for investments measured at fair value:
Common stock—Valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
Common collective trusts—Investments in common/collective trust funds are stated at net asset value (“NAV”) as determined by the issuer of the common/collective trust funds and is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund less its liabilities. The majority of the common/collective trust funds have a readily determinable fair value and are classified as Level 2.  Other investments in common/collective trust funds determine NAV on a less frequent basis and/or have redemption restrictions.  For these investments, NAV is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value.
Corporate bonds—Valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. When quoted prices are not available for identical or similar bonds, the fair value is based upon an industry valuation model, which maximizes observable inputs.
Government securities—Certain government securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the security is traded. Other government securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
Mortgage backed securities—Valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. When quoted prices are not available for identical or similar securities, the fair value is based upon an industry valuation model, which maximizes observable inputs.
Mutual funds—Mutual funds are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
Private equity and real estate partnerships—Valued based on NAV provided by the investment manager, updated for any subsequent partnership interests’ cash flows or expected changes in fair value. The NAV is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value.
Other—Valued under an approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as gathering consensus data from the market participant’s best estimate of mid-market pricing for actual trades or positions held.
The valuation methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement.

37


The fair value of assets of our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans held in master trusts as of October 22, 2018 assumed with the Supervalu acquisition, by asset category, consisted of the following as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Measured at NAV
 
Total
Common stock
$
299,234

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
299,234

Common collective trusts
—

 
739,822

 
—

 
78,230

 
818,052

Corporate bonds
—

 
368,145

 
—

 
—

 
368,145

Government securities
51,030

 
155,279

 
—

 
—

 
206,309

Mutual funds
887

 
309,582

 
—

 
—

 
310,469

Mortgage-backed securities
—

 
14,920

 
—

 
—

 
14,920

Other
52,952

 
2,193

 
—

 
—

 
55,145

Private equity and real estate partnerships
—

 
—

 
—

 
244,332

 
244,332

Total plan assets at fair value
$
404,103

 
$
1,589,941

 
$
—

 
$
322,562

 
$
2,316,606

Contributions
No minimum pension contributions are required to be made to the SUPERVALU Retirement Plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (“ERISA”) in fiscal 2019. The Company expects to contribute approximately $5.0 million to $10.0 million to its defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans in fiscal 2019.
The Company funds its defined benefit pension plans based on the minimum contribution required under the Code, ERISA the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and other applicable laws, as determined by our external actuarial consultant, and additional contributions made at its discretion. The Company may accelerate contributions or undertake contributions in excess of the minimum requirements from time to time subject to the availability of cash in excess of operating and financing needs or other factors as may be applicable. The Company assesses the relative attractiveness of the use of cash including such factors as expected return on assets, discount rates, cost of debt, reducing or eliminating required Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation variable rate premiums or the ability to achieve exemption from participant notices of underfunding.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The estimated future benefit payments to be made from our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, which reflect expected future service, are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
Remaining fiscal 2019
$
79,319

 
$
2,547

2020
158,500

 
4,800

2021
163,100

 
4,700

2022
169,900

 
4,600

2023
174,600

 
4,500

Years 2024-2027
849,500

 
19,400

Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors defined contribution and profit sharing plans pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees may contribute a portion of their eligible compensation to the plans on a pre-tax basis. We match a portion of certain employee contributions by contributing cash into the investment options selected by the employees. The total amount contributed by us to the plans is determined by plan provisions or at our discretion. Total employer contribution expenses for these plans were $10.4 million and $5.6 million for the 26 weeks of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Post-Employment Benefits
The Company recognizes an obligation for benefits provided to former or inactive employees. The company is self-insured for certain disability plan programs, which comprise the primary benefits paid to inactive employees prior to retirement.

38


Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
Post-Employment Benefits
 
 
January 26,
2019
Accrued compensation and benefits
 
$
2,730

Other long-term liabilities
 
5,135

Total
 
$
7,865

Multiemployer Pension Plans
The Company contributes to various multiemployer pension plans under collective bargaining agreements, primarily defined benefit pension plans. These multiemployer plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. Plan trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as the investment of the assets and plan administration. Trustees are appointed in equal number by employers and the unions that are parties to the relevant collective bargaining agreements.
Expense is recognized in connection with these plans as contributions are funded, in accordance with GAAP. The Company acquired multiemployer plan obligations related to continuing and discontinued operations as part of the Supervalu acquisition. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from the risks associated with single-employer plans in the following respects:
a.
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer are held in trust and may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
b.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
c.
If we choose to stop participating in some multiemployer plans, or make market exits or closures or otherwise have participation in the plan drop below certain levels, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
The Company’s participation in these plans is outlined in the table below. The EIN-Pension Plan Number column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number, if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, the most recent Pension Protection Act (“PPA”) zone status available in 2018 and 2017 relates to the plans’ two most recent fiscal year-ends. The zone status is based on information that we received from the plan and is annually certified by each plan’s actuary. Among other factors, red zone status plans are generally less than 65 percent funded and are considered in critical status, plans in yellow zone status are less than 80 percent funded and are considered in endangered or seriously endangered status, and green zone plans are at least 80 percent funded. The Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014 (“MPRA”) created a new zone status called “critical and declining” or “Deep Red”. Plans are generally considered Deep Red if they are projected to become insolvent within 15 years. The FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented column indicates plans for which a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented by the trustees of each plan.


39


The following table contains information about the Company’s significant multiemployer plans:
 
EIN—Pension
Plan Number
 
Plan
Month/Day
End Date
 
Pension Protection Act Zone Status
 
FIP/RP Status
Pending/ Implemented
 
Surcharges
Imposed(1)
 
Amortization
Provisions
Pension Fund
2019
 
Minneapolis Food Distributing Industry Pension Plan(2)
416047047-001
 
12/31
 
Green
 
No
 
No
 
No
Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters and Food Handlers Pension Fund(3)
410905139-001
 
2/28
 
Red
 
Implemented
 
No
 
No
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund(2)(3)
366044243-001
 
12/31
 
Deep Red
 
Implemented
 
No
 
Yes
UFCW Unions and Participating Employer Pension Fund(3)
526117495-001
 
12/31
 
Red
 
Implemented
 
No
 
No
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan Trust(2)
916145047-001
 
12/31
 
Green
 
No
 
No
 
No
UFCW Unions and Employers Pension Plan(3)
396069053-001
 
10/31
 
Deep Red
 
Implemented
 
Yes
 
Yes
All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
PPA surcharges are 5 percent or 10 percent of eligible contributions and may not apply to all collective bargaining agreements or total contributions to each plan.
(2)
These multiemployer pension plans reflect plans underlying continuing operations.
(3)
These multiemployer pension plans reflect plans underlying discontinued operations.
(4)
All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans include 6 plans, none of which is individually significant when considering contributions to the plan, severity of the underfunded status or other factors.
The following table describes the expiration of the Company’s collective bargaining agreements associated with the significant multiemployer plans in which we participate:
 
 
 
Most Significant Collective Bargaining Agreement
 
 
Pension Fund
Range of Collective Bargaining Agreement Expiration Dates
 
Total Collective Bargaining Agreements
 
Expiration Date
 
% of Associates under Collective Bargaining Agreement (1)
 
Over 5% Contribution 2018
Minneapolis Food Distributing Industry Pension Plan(2)
5/31/2022
 
1

 
5/31/2022
 
100.0
%
 
Yes
Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters and Food Handlers Pension Fund(3)
3/4/2023
 
1

 
3/4/2023
 
100.0
%
 
Yes
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund(2)(3)
5/31/2019 - 9/14/2019
 
4

 
9/14/2019
 
41.7
%
 
No
UFCW Unions and Participating Employer Pension Fund(3)
7/11/2020
 
2

 
7/11/2020
 
71.0
%
 
Yes
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust(2)
4/20/2019 - 4/22/2023
 
21

 
7/17/2021
 
16.6
%
 
No
UFCW Unions and Employers Pension Plan(3)
4/6/2019
 
1

 
4/6/2019
 
100.0
%
 
Yes
(1)
Company participating employees in the most significant collective bargaining agreement as a percent of all Company employees participating in the respective fund.
(2)
These multiemployer pension plans reflect plans of continuing operations.
(3)
These multiemployer pension plans reflect plans of discontinued operations.
In connection with the closure of the Shop ‘n Save locations and the acquisition of Supervalu, we acquired a $35.7 million multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability, under which payments will be made over the next 20 years and is included in Other long-term liabilities.
The Company contributed $7.6 million and $0.1 million in the second quarters of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $7.7 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2019 and 2018 year-to-date, respectively to multiemployer pension plans.
Multiemployer Postretirement Benefit Plans Other than Pensions
The Company also makes contributions to multiemployer health and welfare plans in amounts set forth in the related collective bargaining agreements. These plans provide medical, dental, pharmacy, vision and other ancillary benefits to active employees and retirees as determined by the trustees of each plan. The vast majority of the Company’s contributions benefit active employees and as such, may not constitute contributions to a postretirement benefit plan. However, the Company is unable to separate contribution amounts to postretirement benefit plans from contribution amounts paid to benefit active employees.

40


If healthcare provisions within these plans cannot be renegotiated in a manner that reduces the prospective healthcare cost as we intend, our Operating expenses could increase in the future.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
As of January 26, 2019, we had approximately 20,400 employees. Approximately 5,000 employees are covered by 46 collective bargaining agreements, and negotiations are in progress for 3 initial collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 30 employees. During the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2019, 8 collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 800 employees were renegotiated. No collective bargaining agreements expired without their terms being renegotiated. During the remainder of fiscal 2019, 11 collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 1,100 employees are scheduled to expire. During fiscal 2020, 6 collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 450 employees are scheduled to expire.

17.                                      COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
We have outstanding guarantees related to certain leases, fixture financing loans and other debt obligations of various retailers as of January 26, 2019. These guarantees were generally made to support the business growth of wholesale customers. The guarantees are generally for the entire terms of the leases, fixture financing loans or other debt obligations with remaining terms that range from less than one year to twelve years, with a weighted average remaining term of approximately six years. For each guarantee issued, if the wholesale customer or other third-party defaults on a payment, we would be required to make payments under our guarantee. Generally, the guarantees are secured by indemnification agreements or personal guarantees of the primary obligor/retailer.
We review performance risk related to our guarantee obligations based on internal measures of credit performance. As of January 26, 2019, the maximum amount of undiscounted payments we would be required to make in the event of default of all guarantees was $44.6 million ($31.8 million on a discounted basis). Based on the indemnification agreements, personal guarantees and results of the reviews of performance risk, we believe the likelihood that we will be required to assume a material amount of these obligations is remote. Accordingly, no amount has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these contingent obligations under our guarantee arrangements as the fair value has been determined to be de minimis.
We are contingently liable for leases that have been assigned to various third parties in connection with facility closings and dispositions. We could be required to satisfy the obligations under the leases if any of the assignees are unable to fulfill their lease obligations. Due to the wide distribution of our lease assignments among third parties, and various other remedies available, we believe the likelihood that we will be required to assume a material amount of these obligations is remote. No amount has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these contingent obligations under our guarantee arrangements as the fair value has been determined to be de minimis.
We are a party to a variety of contractual agreements under which we may be obligated to indemnify the other party for certain matters in the ordinary course of business, which indemnities may be secured by operation of law or otherwise. These agreements primarily relate to our commercial contracts, service agreements, contracts entered into for the purchase and sale of stock or assets, operating leases and other real estate contracts, financial agreements, agreements to provide services to us and agreements to indemnify officers, directors and employees in the performance of their work. While our aggregate indemnification obligations could result in a material liability, we are not aware of any matters that are expected to result in a material liability. No amount has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these contingent obligations as the fair value has been determined to be de minimis.
In connection with Supervalu’s sale of New Albertson’s, Inc. (“NAI”) on March 21, 2013, we remain contingently liable with respect to certain self-insurance commitments and other guarantees as a result of parental guarantees issued by Supervalu with respect to the obligations of NAI that were incurred while NAI was Supervalu’s subsidiary. Based on the expected settlement of the self-insurance claims that underlie our commitments, we believe that such contingent liabilities will continue to decline. Subsequent to the sale of NAI, NAI collateralized most of these obligations with letters of credit and surety bonds to numerous state governmental authorities. Because NAI remains a primary obligor on these self-insurance and other obligations and has collateralized most of the self-insurance obligations for which we remain contingently liable, we believe that the likelihood that we will be required to assume a material amount of these obligations is remote. Accordingly, no amount has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these guarantees, as the fair value has been determined to be de minimis.

41


Agreements with Save-A-Lot and Onex
The Agreement and Plan of Merger pursuant to which Supervalu sold the Save-A-Lot business in 2016 (the “SAL Merger Agreement”) contains customary indemnification obligations of each party with respect to breaches of their respective representations, warranties and covenants, and certain other specified matters, on the terms and subject to the limitations set forth in the SAL Merger Agreement. Similarly, Supervalu entered into a Separation Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) with Moran Foods, LLC d/b/a Save-A-Lot (“Moran Foods”), which contains indemnification obligations and covenants related to the separation of the assets and liabilities of the Save-A-Lot business from us. We also entered into a Services Agreement with Moran Foods (the “Services Agreement”), pursuant to which we are providing Save-A-Lot various technical, human resources, finance and other operational services for a term of five years, subject to termination provisions that can be exercised by each party. The initial annual base charge under the Services Agreement is $30 million, subject to adjustments. The Services Agreement generally requires each party to indemnify the other party against third-party claims arising out of the performance of or the provision or receipt of services under the Services Agreement. While our aggregate indemnification obligations to Save-A-Lot and Onex could result in a material liability, we are not aware of any matters that are expected to result in a material liability. We have recorded the fair value of the guarantee in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Other long-term liabilities.
Agreements with AB Acquisition LLC and Affiliates
In connection with the sale of NAI, Supervalu entered into various agreements with AB Acquisition LLC and its affiliates related to on-going operations, including a Transition Services Agreement with each of NAI and Albertson’s LLC (collectively, the “TSA”). Supervalu is now providing services to NAI and Albertson’s LLC to transition and wind down the TSA. On October 17, 2017, Supervalu entered into a letter agreement with each of Albertson’s LLC and NAI pursuant to which the parties agreed that the TSA would expire on September 21, 2018 as to those services that we are providing to Albertson’s LLC and NAI, other than with respect to certain limited services. NAI may notify us that it requires services for certain stores beyond September 21, 2018. The fees for these extended services, if any, will be the same per-store weekly fee (subject to a minimum fee) and the same weekly fee for the distribution center that Albertson’s LLC and NAI currently pay to us. The parties do not expect any of these services, or any of the transition and wind down services, to extend beyond April 2019. We also agreed that Albertson’s would no longer provide services to us after September 21, 2019.
Other Contractual Commitments
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into supply contracts to purchase products for resale and purchase, and service contracts for fixed asset and information technology commitments. These contracts typically include either volume commitments or fixed expiration dates, termination provisions and other standard contractual considerations. As of January 26, 2019, we had approximately $0.3 million of non-cancelable future purchase obligations.
Legal Proceedings
We are subject to various lawsuits, claims and other legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of conducting business. In the opinion of management, based upon currently available facts, the likelihood that the ultimate outcome of any lawsuits, claims and other proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our overall results of our operations, cash flows or financial position is remote.
In December 2008, a class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin against Supervalu alleging that a 2003 transaction between Supervalu and C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (“C&S”) was a conspiracy to restrain trade and allocate markets. In the 2003 transaction, Supervalu purchased certain assets of the Fleming Corporation as part of Fleming Corporation’s bankruptcy proceedings and sold certain of Supervalu’s assets to C&S that were located in New England. Three other retailers filed similar complaints in other jurisdictions and the cases were consolidated and are proceeding in the United States District Court in Minnesota. The complaints alleged that the conspiracy was concealed and continued through the use of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements and the closing down of the distribution facilities that Supervalu and C&S purchased from each other. Plaintiffs are divided into Midwest plaintiffs and a New England plaintiff and are seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief and attorney’s fees. At a mediation on May 25, 2017, Supervalu reached a settlement with the non-arbitration Champaign distribution center class, which was the one Midwest class suing Supervalu. The court granted final approval of the settlement on November 17, 2017. The material terms of the settlement include: (1) denial of wrongdoing and liability by Supervalu; (2) release of all Midwest plaintiffs’ claims against Supervalu related to the allegations and transactions at issue in the litigation that were raised or could have been raised by the non-arbitration Champaign distribution center class; and (3) payment by Supervalu of $9 million. The New England plaintiff is not a party to the settlement and is pursuing its individual claims and potential class action claims against Supervalu, which at this time are determined as remote. On February 15, 2018, Supervalu filed a summary judgment and Daubert motion and the New England plaintiff filed a motion for class certification and on July 27, 2018, the District Court granted Supervalu’s motions. The New England plaintiff appealed to the 8th Circuit on August 15, 2018.

42


In August and November 2014, four class action complaints were filed against Supervalu relating to the criminal intrusion into Supervalu’s computer network that were previously announced by Supervalu in its fiscal 2015. The cases were centralized in the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota under the caption In Re: SUPERVALU Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation. On June 26, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint. Supervalu filed a Motion to Dismiss the Consolidated Class Action Complaint and the hearing took place on November 3, 2015. On January 7, 2016, the District Court granted the Motion to Dismiss and dismissed the case without prejudice, holding that the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue as they had not met their burden of showing any compensable damages. On February 4, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a motion to vacate the District Court’s dismissal of the complaint or in the alternative to conduct discovery and file an amended complaint, and Supervalu filed its response in opposition on March 4, 2016. On April 20, 2016, the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion to vacate the District Court’s dismissal or in the alternative to amend the complaint. On May 18, 2016, plaintiffs appealed to the 8th Circuit and on May 31, 2016, Supervalu filed a cross-appeal to preserve its additional arguments for dismissal of the plaintiffs’ complaint. On August 30, 2017, the 8th Circuit affirmed the dismissal for 14 out of the 15 plaintiffs finding they had no standing. The 8th Circuit did not consider Supervalu’s cross-appeal and remanded the case back for consideration of Supervalu’s additional arguments for dismissal against the one remaining plaintiff. On October 30, 2017, Supervalu filed a motion to dismiss the remaining plaintiff and on November 7, 2017, the plaintiff filed a motion to amend its complaint. The court held a hearing on the motions on December 14, 2017, and on March 7, 2018, the District Court denied plaintiff’s motion to amend and granted Supervalu’s motion to dismiss. On March 14, 2018, plaintiff appealed to the 8th Circuit and the oral argument occurred on February 12, 2019. Supervalu had $50 million of cyber threat insurance above a per incident deductible of $1 million at the time of the Criminal Intrusion, which the Company believes should cover any potential loss related to this litigation.
On September 21, 2016, Supervalu’s Farm Fresh retail banner, which Supervalu exited in May 2018, received an administrative subpoena issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). In addition to requesting information on Farm Fresh’s pharmacy policies and procedures generally, the subpoena also requested the production of documents that are required to be kept and maintained by Farm Fresh pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations. On November 23, 2016, Farm Fresh responded to the subpoena and cooperated fully with DEA’s additional requests for information. On February 8, 2018, Farm Fresh received a letter from the US Attorney’s Office asserting violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the potential for penalties. Farm Fresh’s response to the alleged violations was due April 30, 2018. In March 2018, representatives for Farm Fresh engaged in discussions with representatives for the DEA and the US Attorney’s Office. On January 28, 2019, the Company settled this matter for an immaterial amount.
Predicting the outcomes of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and exposures involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes, costs and exposures to vary materially from current expectations. We regularly monitor our exposure to the loss contingencies associated with these matters and may from time to time change our predictions with respect to outcomes and estimates with respect to related costs and exposures.
With respect to the matters discussed above, we believe the chance of a material loss is remote. It is possible, although management believes that the likelihood is remote, that material differences in actual outcomes, costs and exposures relative to current predictions and estimates, or material changes in such predictions or estimates, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

18.                                      DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In conjunction with the Supervalu acquisition, the Company announced its plan to sell the remaining acquired retail operations of Supervalu (“Retail”). The results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s, Shoppers and Shop ‘n Save St. Louis and Shop ‘n Save East retail operations have been presented as discontinued operations and the related assets and liabilities have been classified as held-for-sale.
On November 7, 2018, the Company announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell five of its eight Shop ‘n Save East stores to GIANT Food Store, LLC. The transaction is expected to close in early 2019, subject to customary closing conditions, including compliance with certain federal and state level requirements. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company closed three Shop ‘n Save East stores.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company closed the remaining Shop ‘n Save St. Louis retail stores and the distribution center that were not sold prior to the acquisition date.
In December 2018, the Company completed the sale of seven of its eight Hornbacher's locations, as well as Hornbacher's newest store currently under development in West Fargo, ND, to Coborn's Inc. (“Coborn’s”). The Hornbacher's store in Grand Forks, ND is not included in the sale to Coborn's and will close pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement. As part of the sale, Coborn's entered into a long-term agreement for the Company to serve as the primary supplier of the Hornbacher's locations and expand its existing supply arrangements for other Coborn’s locations.

43


Operating results of discontinued operations (in thousands) are summarized below:
 
13-Week Period Ended January 26, 2019
 
26-Week Period
 
 
Ended January 26, 2019(1)
Net sales
$
727,037

 
$
773,635

Cost of sales
533,639

 
568,173

Gross profit
193,398

 
205,462

Operating expenses
167,092

 
176,586

Operating income
26,306

 
28,876

Interest income
661

 
453

Net periodic benefit income, excluding service cost
(147
)
 
(158
)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
(853
)
 
(883
)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
26,645

 
29,464

Income tax provision
5,239

 
5,987

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
21,407

 
$
23,477

(1)
These results reflect retail operations from the Supervalu acquisition date of October 22, 2018 to January 26, 2019.
The Company recorded $265.2 million and $287 million within Net sales from continuing operations attributable to discontinued operations inter-company product purchases in the 13-week and 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019, respectively, which we expect will continue subsequent to the sale of certain retail banners. These amounts were recorded at gross margin rates consistent with sales to other similar wholesale customers of the acquired Supervalu business. No sales were recorded within continuing operations for retail banners that the Company expects to dispose of without a supply agreement, which were eliminated upon consolidation within continuing operations and amounted to $153.6 million and $163.4 million in the 13-week and 26-week period ended January 26, 2019.

44


The carrying amounts (in thousands) of major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held-for-sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follows in the table below. The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations were acquired as part of the Supervalu acquisition, and as of January 26, 2019, the purchase price allocation related to these assets and liabilities was preliminary and will be finalized when valuations are complete and final assessments of the fair value of other acquired assets and assumed liabilities are completed. There can be no assurance that such final assessments will not result in material changes from the preliminary purchase price allocations. Due to the recent closing of the transaction, some amounts reported are provisional pending the review of valuations obtained from third parties. The Company’s estimates and assumptions are subject to change during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date), as the Company finalizes the valuations of certain tangible and intangible asset acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair value of discontinued operations, determined as of the acquisition date, includes estimated consideration expected to be received, less costs to sell. Within the Company’s determination of fair value of the respective disposal groups, the Company incorporates the impact of the fair value of off-balance sheet multiemployer pension plan obligations that it expects to sell so that long-lived assets are not reduced below their fair value.
(in thousands)
January 26, 2019
Current assets
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,359

Receivables, net
3,187

Inventories
145,476

Other current assets
6,871

Total current assets of discontinued operations
159,893

Long-term assets
 
Property, plant and equipment
356,271

Goodwill
201

Intangible assets
57,105

Other assets
2,071

Total long-term assets of discontinued operations
415,648

Total assets of discontinued operations
$
575,541

 
 
Current liabilities
 
Accounts payable
$
69,021

Accrued compensation and benefits
38,592

Other current liabilities
26,368

Total current liabilities of discontinued operations
133,981

Long-term liabilities
 
Other long-term liabilities
1,141

Total long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
1,141

Total liabilities of discontinued operations
135,121

Net assets of discontinued operations
$
440,420

Additional Retail Accounting Policies

Revenues from retail product sales are recognized at the point of sale upon customer check-out. Sales tax is excluded from Net sales. Limited rights of return exist with our customers due to the nature of the products we sell. Advertising income earned from franchisees that participate in the Company’s retail advertising program are recognized as Net sales. Loyalty program expense in the form of fuel rewards is recognized as a reduction of Net sales. Franchise agreement revenue is recognized within Net sales.

Retail advertising expenses are included in cost of sales of discontinued operations, net of cooperative advertising reimbursements. Operating expenses of discontinued operations include employee-related costs, such as salaries and wages, incentive compensation, health and welfare and workers’ compensation, and occupancy costs, including utilities and operating costs of retail stores, and depreciation and amortization expense, impairment charges on property, plant and equipment and other administrative costs. Rent expense on operating leases and capital lease amortization expense of retail stores have not been included in discontinued operations, as we expect to remain primarily obligated under these leases. Refer to Note 15. “Leases” for additional information.


45


Retail inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market under LIFO. Substantially all of our inventory consists of finished goods and are valued under the retail inventory method (“RIM”) or replacement cost method to value discrete inventory items at lower of cost or market under the FIFO method before application of any LIFO reserve.

19.           SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 6, 2019, the Company announced the future consolidation of its Tacoma, Washington and Portland, Oregon distribution centers into a new facility in Centralia, Washington, which is currently under construction. In addition, the Company is expanding its Ridgefield, Washington facility by 541,000 square feet (to a total of nearly 800,000 square feet) to provide capacity for its growing customer base in the natural, organic and specialty channel.

46


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plans,” “planned,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” and “would,” or similar words. Statements that contain these words and other statements that are forward-looking in nature should be read carefully because they discuss future expectations, contain projections of future results of operations or of financial positions or state other “forward-looking” information.
 
Forward-looking statements involve inherent uncertainty and may ultimately prove to be incorrect or false. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or actual operating results. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to:
 
•
the Company's dependence on principal customers;
•
the Company's sensitivity to general economic conditions including changes in disposable income levels and consumer spending trends;
•
the Company’s ability to realize anticipated benefits of its acquisitions and dispositions, in particular, its acquisition of Supervalu;
•
the possibility that restructuring, asset impairment, and other charges and costs we may incur in connection with the sale or closure of Supervalu’s retail operations will exceed current estimates;
•
the potential for additional goodwill impairment charges as a result of purchase accounting adjustments or otherwise;
•
the Company's reliance on the continued growth in sales of its higher margin natural and organic foods and non-food products in comparison to lower margin conventional products;
•
increased competition in the Company's industry as a result of increased distribution of natural, organic and specialty products by conventional grocery distributors and direct distribution of those products by large retailers and online distributors;
•
increased competition as a result of continuing consolidation of retailers in the natural product industry and the growth of supernatural chains;
•
the Company's ability to timely and successfully deploy its warehouse management system throughout its distribution centers and its transportation management system across the Company and to achieve the efficiencies and cost savings from these efforts;
•
the addition or loss of significant customers or material changes to the Company's relationships with these customers;
•
volatility in fuel costs;
•
volatility in foreign exchange rates;
•
the Company's sensitivity to inflationary and deflationary pressures;
•
the relatively low margins and economic sensitivity of the Company's business;
•
the potential for disruptions in the Company's supply chain by circumstances beyond its control;
•
the risk of interruption of supplies due to lack of long-term contracts, severe weather, work stoppages or otherwise;
•
moderated supplier promotional activity, including decreased forward buying opportunities;
•
union-organizing activities that could cause labor relations difficulties and increased costs; and
•
the ability to identify and successfully complete acquisitions of other natural, organic and specialty food and non-food products distributors.

This list of risks and uncertainties, however, is only a summary of some of the most important factors and is not intended to be exhaustive. You should carefully review the risks described under Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 27, 2018 filed with the SEC on December 6, 2018 or our other reports filed with the SEC from time to time, as the occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse effect, which may be material, on our business, results of operations and financial condition.


47


EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We are a Delaware corporation based in Providence, Rhode Island and Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and we conduct business through our various subsidiaries. Since the formation of our predecessor in 1976, we have grown our business both organically and through acquisitions, which have expanded our distribution network, product selection and customer base.

Business Overview

We are a leading distributor of natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products, and provider of support services in the United States and Canada. We believe we are uniquely positioned to provide the broadest array of products and services to customers throughout North America. Through our October 2018 acquisition of SUPERVALU INC. (“Supervalu”), we are transforming into North America’s premier wholesaler with 60 distribution centers representing nearly 28 million square feet of warehouse space.

We offer more than 110,000 natural, organic and specialty foods and non-food products, consisting of national, regional and private label brands grouped into six product categories: grocery and general merchandise, produce, perishables and frozen foods, nutritional supplements and sports nutrition, bulk and food service products and personal care items. Our product offering now also includes over 175,000 items available from the Supervalu acquisition, giving us a total assortment that we believe to be unmatched by our wholesale competitors. We plan to aggressively pursue new business opportunities to independent retailers who operate diverse formats, regional and national chains, military commissaries, as well as international customers with wide-ranging needs.
Our Strategy
We believe our significant scale and footprint will generate long-term shareholder value by positioning us to continue to grow sales of natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products across our network. We believe we will realize significant cost and revenue synergies from the acquisition of Supervalu, by leveraging the scale and resources of the combined company, by cross-selling to our customers, by integrating our merchandising offerings into existing warehouses, by optimizing our network footprint in a cost efficient manner, and by eliminating redundant administrative costs.
Our three-year strategy and focus includes:
•
Successful integration of Supervalu into UNFI;
•
Realizing cost synergies;
•
Optimizing our distribution center network;
•
Driving cross selling of products and services across our businesses; and
•
Generating cash to pay down debt.
Our Operating Structure
Our continuing operations are generally comprised of two principal divisions:
•
our wholesale division, which includes:
◦
Our broadline natural, organic and specialty distribution business in the United States, including our Select Nutrition business which distributes vitamins, minerals and supplements;
◦
Supervalu, which distributes grocery and other products, includes a Private Brands business with the Essential Everyday®, Wild Harvest®, and Culinary Circle® brands, and provides logistics and professional service solutions to retailers across the United States and internationally; 
◦
Tony’s, which distributes a wide array of specialty protein, cheese, deli, foodservice and bakery goods, principally throughout the Western United States;
◦
Albert’s, which distributes organically grown produce and non-produce perishable items within the United States, and includes the operations of Nor-Cal, a distributor of organic and conventional produce and non-produce perishable items principally in Northern California; and
◦
UNFI Canada, Inc. (“UNFI Canada”), which is our natural, organic and specialty distribution business in Canada.

•
our manufacturing and branded products division, consisting of:
◦
Our Blue Marble Brands branded product lines;
◦
Woodstock Farms Manufacturing, which specializes in importing, roasting, packaging and the distribution of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, trail mixes, granola, natural and organic snack items and confections.


48


We currently operate approximately 101 retail grocery stores acquired from Supervalu. Our intent is to thoughtfully and economically divest these stores. These stores are reported within discontinued operations in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our Customers
Our legacy UNFI business continues to serve more than 40,000 customer locations primarily located across the United States and Canada, which we classify into four channels:
•
Supernatural, which consists of chain accounts that are national in scope and carry primarily natural products, and at this time currently consists solely of Whole Foods Market;
•
Supermarkets, which include accounts that also carry conventional products, and at this time currently include chain accounts, supermarket independents, and gourmet and ethnic specialty stores;
•
Independents, which include single store and chain accounts (excluding supernatural, as defined above), which carry primarily natural products and buying clubs of consumer groups joined to buy products; and
•
Other, which includes foodservice, e-commerce and international customers outside of Canada, as well as sales to Amazon.com, Inc.

Our Supervalu business continues to supply over 5,500 store locations, including over 3,300 stores where we are the primary supplier and 2,200 stores where we are the secondary supplier, which we determine based on certain dollar thresholds of product category purchases over consecutive fiscal periods. Our Supervalu customers include single and multiple independent grocery store operators, regional chains and the military, many of which are long tenured customers.
We maintain long-standing customer relationships with customers in our supernatural, supermarket and independent channels, and within our Supervalu business. Some of these long-standing customer relationships are established through contracts with our customers in the form of distribution agreements.
Our Operations
In recent years, our sales to existing and new customers have increased through the continued growth of the natural and organic products industry in general; increased market share as a result of our high quality service and a broader product selection, including specialty products; the acquisition of, or merger with, natural and specialty products distributors and most recently the largest publicly traded conventional distributor, Supervalu; the expansion of our existing distribution centers; the construction of new distribution centers; the introduction of new products and the development of our own line of natural and organic branded products. Through these efforts, we believe that we have been able to broaden our geographic penetration, expand our customer base, enhance and diversify our product selections and increase our market share. Our strategic plan is focused on increasing the type of products we distribute to our customers, including perishable products and conventional produce to “build out the store” and cover center of the store, as well as perimeter offerings. Refer to “Results of Operations” section below for further information.
We have been the primary distributor to Whole Foods Market for more than twenty years. We continue to serve as the primary distributor to Whole Foods Market in all of its regions in the United States pursuant to a distribution agreement that expires on September 28, 2025. Following the acquisition of Whole Foods Market by Amazon.com, Inc. in August 2017, our sales to Whole Foods Market increased resulting in year-over-year growth in net sales to this customer in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 of 18% compared to the second quarter fiscal 2018. Whole Foods Market accounted for approximately 18% and 37% of our net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, year-over-year growth in net sales to Whole Foods Market increased 19% compared to the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. Whole Foods Market accounted for approximately 24% and 36% of our net sales for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, respectively.

To maintain our market position and improve our operating efficiencies, we seek to continually:
•
expand our marketing and customer service programs across regions;
•
expand our national purchasing opportunities; 
•
offer a broader selection of products to our customers than our competitors;
•
offer operational excellence with high service levels and a higher percentage of on-time deliveries than our competitors;
•
centralize general and administrative functions to reduce expenses;
•
consolidate systems applications among physical locations and regions;
•
increase our investment in people, facilities, equipment and technology;
•
integrate administrative and accounting functions; and
•
reduce the geographic overlap between regions.
 

49


Our continued growth has allowed us to expand our existing facilities and open new facilities in an effort to achieve increasing operating efficiencies.

Acquisition of Supervalu

On July 25, 2018, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which we agreed to acquire Supervalu for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.3 billion (the “Merger”), including the assumption of outstanding debt and liabilities. The transaction closed on October 22, 2018. The acquisition of Supervalu accelerates our build out the store strategy and diversifies the Company’s customer base, enables cross-selling opportunities, expands market reach and scale, enhances technology, capacity and systems, and is expected to deliver significant synergies and accelerate potential growth.

Distribution Center Network

Supervalu acquired Unified Grocers, Inc. (“Unified”) and Associated Grocers of Florida, Inc. (“AG Florida”) in June 2017 and December 2017, respectively, as well as opened new distribution centers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Joliet, Illinois in 2017. As we integrate the distribution networks of Supervalu, Unified and AG Florida with our distribution network, transition from the Lancaster distribution center to our Harrisburg distribution center, expand our capacity and take steps to improve the efficiency of our warehouse capabilities including with our Joliet distribution center, we expect to incur start-up and transition costs including higher employee, trucking and inventory shrink costs. Certain of these costs are expected to subside as we complete this work to realign our network, and we are working to both minimize these costs and obtain new business to further improve the efficiency of our transforming distribution network. In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we closed on the sale and leaseback of two acquired Supervalu distribution centers and received aggregate proceeds of approximately $149.5 million. One of these distribution centers was the last remaining distribution center Supervalu sold and leased back as part of a previous portfolio transaction, and the other is related to our pacific northwest consolidation strategy. In addition, we sold an additional surplus facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and received aggregate proceeds of approximately $13.7 million.

As part of our “one company” approach, we are in the process of converting to a single national warehouse management and procurement system to integrate our existing facilities, including acquired Supervalu facilities, onto one nationalized processing platform across the organization. We continue to be focused on the automation of our new or expanded distribution centers that are at different stages of construction and implementation. These steps and others are intended to promote operational efficiencies and improve operating expenses as a percentage of net sales as we attempt to offset the lower gross margins we expect to generate by increased sales to the supernatural and supermarkets channels and as a result of additional competition in our business.

Goodwill Impairment Review

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company experienced a decline in its stock price and market capitalization. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the stock price continued to decline, and the decline in the stock price and market capitalization became significant and sustained. Due to this sustained decline in stock price, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the carrying value of the Supervalu Wholesale reporting unit exceeded its fair value and performed an interim quantitative impairment test of goodwill.

The Company estimated the fair values of all reporting units using both the market approach, applying a multiple of earnings based on guidelines for publicly traded companies, and the income approach, discounting projected future cash flows based on management’s expectations of the current and future operating environment for each reporting unit. The calculation of the impairment charge includes substantial fact-based determinations and estimates including weighted average cost of capital, future revenue, profitability, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities. The rates used to discount projected future cash flows under the income approach reflect a weighted average cost of capital of 10%, which considered guidelines for publicly traded companies, capital structure and risk premiums, including those reflected in the current market capitalization. The Company corroborated the reasonableness of the estimated reporting unit fair values by reconciling to its enterprise value and market capitalization. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that the carrying value of its Supervalu Wholesale reporting unit exceeded its fair value by an amount that exceeded the assigned goodwill as of the acquisition date. As a result, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $370.9 million, which is reflected in Goodwill and asset impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter of fiscal 2019. The goodwill impairment charge reflects all of Supervalu Wholesale’s reporting unit goodwill, based on the preliminary acquisition date assigned fair values. Following this impairment charge, approximately $481.1 million of goodwill remains on the balance sheet.

The goodwill impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 is subject to change based upon the final purchase price allocation during the measurement period for estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Supervalu acquisition. There can be no assurance that such final assessments will not result in material increases or decreases to

50


the recorded goodwill impairment charge based upon the preliminary purchase price allocations, due to changes in the provisional opening balance sheet estimates of goodwill. The Company’s estimates and assumptions are subject to change during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date).

The estimated fair value of the Supervalu Wholesale reporting unit was below its estimated carrying value by approximately 20%. The goodwill impairment review indicated that the estimated fair value of the legacy Company Wholesale and Canada Wholesale reporting units were in excess of their carrying values by over 20%.  Other continuing operations reporting units were substantially in excess of their carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the Company were to decrease further, or other circumstances were to arise that indicate the value of one of these other reporting units have decreased, the Company may incur additional impairment charges for other reporting units based on additional impairment reviews. The Company’s goodwill impairment review included a reconciliation of all of the reporting units’ fair value of to the Company’s market capitalization and enterprise value.

Refer to Note 4. “Acquisitions” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information about the preliminary purchase price allocation and provisional goodwill estimated as of the acquisition date.

Divestiture of Retail Operations

We have announced our intention to divest Supervalu’s retail businesses as soon as practical in an efficient and economic manner in order to focus on our core wholesale distribution business. We plan to effectively minimize liabilities and stranded costs associated with these divestitures. We expect to obtain ongoing supply relationships with the purchasers of some these retail operations, but we anticipate some reductions in supply volume will result from certain of these retail divestitures. Actions associated with retail divestitures and adjustments to our core cost-structure for its wholesale food distribution business are expected to result in headcount reductions and other costs and charges. These costs and charges, which may be material, include severance, multiemployer plan charges and related costs. The extent of these costs and charges will be determined based on outcomes achieved under the divestiture process. At this time, however, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or type of costs and charges expected to be incurred in connection with the foregoing actions.

Our discontinued operations include the following retail banners: Cub Foods; Hornbacher’s; Shopper’s; and Shop ‘n Save. These retail assets have been classified as held for sale as of the Supervalu acquisition date, and the results of operations, financial position and cash flows directly attributable to these operations are reported within discontinued operations in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented. The assets of these retail operations were recorded at what we believe to be their estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Prior to the Supervalu acquisition date, 19 St. Louis-based Shop ‘n Save stores, 15 in-store pharmacies, one stand-alone pharmacy, four fuel centers and all remaining prescription files were sold to Schnuck Markets, Inc. (“Schnucks”). Schnucks agreed to assume the multi-employer pension obligations related to the Shop ‘n Save stores it has agreed to acquire. The sale of the stores was completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and we closed the remaining Shop ‘n Save St. Louis-based retail stores and the dedicated distribution center in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, and we continue to hold the owned real estate assets related to these locations for sale. In addition, we entered into a supply agreement to serve as the primary supplier to nine Schnucks stores across northern Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. In connection with the closure of the Shop ‘n Save locations and the acquisition of Supervalu, we assumed a $35.7 million multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability, and recorded a closed stores’ reserve charge of approximately $17.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 based on the retail stores’ November cease-use date.

We entered into a definitive agreement to sell five of our eight Shop ‘n Save corporately-owned grocery stores on the East coast to GIANT Food Stores, LLC, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The transaction is expected to close in early 2019, subject to customary closing conditions, including compliance with certain federal and state level requirements. 
In December 2018, the Company completed the sale of seven of our eight Hornbacher's locations, as well as Hornbacher's newest store currently under development in West Fargo, North Dakota, to Coborn's Inc. (“Coborn’s”). The Hornbacher's store in Grand Forks, North Dakota is not included in the sale to Coborn's and will close pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement. As part of the sale, Coborn's entered into a long-term agreement for the Company to serve as the primary supplier of the Hornbacher's locations and an expanded supply agreement for Coborn’s other locations.

We previously disposed of our retail business, Earth Origins Market (“Earth Origins”), during fiscal 2018.


51


Supervalu Professional Services Agreements

In connection with the sale of Save-A-Lot on December 5, 2016, Supervalu entered into a services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Moran Foods, LLC (“Moran Foods”), the entity that operates the Save-A-Lot business. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, we provide certain technical, human resources, finance and other operational services to Save-A-Lot for a term of five years, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein. The initial annual base charge under the Services Agreement is $30 million, subject to adjustments.

Supervalu has provided back-office administrative support services under transition services agreements (“TSA”) with New Albertson’s, Inc. (“NAI”) and Albertson’s LLC and also provide services as needed to transition and wind down the TSA with NAI and Albertson’s LLC. On October 17, 2017, we entered into a letter agreement with each of Albertson’s LLC and NAI pursuant to which the parties agreed that the TSA would expire on September 21, 2018 as to those services that we are providing to Albertson’s LLC and NAI, other than with respect to certain limited services. We continued to provide transition and wind down services as previously agreed. In addition, we provided services to Albertson’s LLC for one distribution center until October 2018 and one distribution center will provide services for another distribution center until April 2019. Other than with respect to this one distribution center, the TSA expired on September 21, 2018. The parties do not expect any of these services, or any of the transition and wind down services, to extend beyond April 2019. We also agreed that Albertson’s LLC and NAI would no longer provide services to us after September 21, 2019.

Impact of Inflation or Deflation

We monitor product cost inflation and deflation and evaluate whether to absorb cost increases or decreases, or pass on pricing changes.

We have experienced a mix of inflation and deflation across product categories within our business segments during fiscal 2018. In aggregate across all of our legacy businesses, excluding Supervalu, and taking into account the mix of products, management estimates our businesses experienced single digit cost inflation in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. Cost inflation and deflation estimates are based on individual like items sold during the periods being compared. Changes in merchandising, customer buying habits and competitive pressures create inherent difficulties in measuring the impact of inflation and deflation on Net sales and Gross profit. Absent any changes in units sold or the mix of units sold, deflation has the effect of decreasing sales.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2019 Compared To Second Quarter of Fiscal 2018
 
Net Sales
 
Our net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 increased approximately $3.62 billion, or 143.2%, to $6.15 billion from $2.53 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 included Supervalu net sales of approximately $3.47 billion. Excluding Supervalu’s net sales, net sales increased $147 million, or 5.8%, driven by our Supernatural channel. Our net sales by customer channel, including Supervalu since its acquisition date, were as follows (in millions):
 
 
 
Net Sales for the 13-Week Period Ended
Customer Channel
 
January 26, 2019(2)
 
% of
Net Sales
 
January 27, 2018(1)
 
% of
Net Sales
Supernatural
 
$
1,100

 
18
%

$
931

 
37
%
Independents
 
810

 
13
%

646

 
26
%
Supermarkets
 
3,902

 
63
%

716

 
28
%
Other
 
337

 
5
%

235

 
9
%
Total net sales
 
$
6,149

 
100
%
*
$
2,528

 
100
%
* Reflects rounding
(1)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the presentation of net sales by customer channel was adjusted to reflect changes in the classification of customer types as a result of a detailed review of customer channel definitions. There was no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of revising the classification of customer types. As a result of this adjustment, net sales to our supermarkets channel and to our other channel for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased approximately $12 million and $15 million, respectively, compared to the previously reported amounts, while net sales to the independents channel for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 increased approximately $27 million compared to the previously reported amounts.

52


(2)
Net sales by customer channel for the 13-week period ended January 26, 2019 includes SUPERVALU.

Whole Foods Market is our only supernatural customer, and net sales to Whole Foods Market for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 increased by approximately $169 million, or 18%, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2018, and accounted for approximately 18% and 37% of our total net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in net sales to Whole Foods Market is primarily due to an increase in same store sales following its acquisition by Amazon.com, Inc. in August 2017 coupled with growth in new product categories, most notably the health, beauty and supplement categories. Net sales within our supernatural chain channel do not include net sales to Amazon.com, Inc. in either the current period or the prior period, as these net sales are reported in our other channel.
 
Net sales to our independents channel increased by approximately $164 million, or 25%, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2018, and represented approximately 13% and 26% of our total net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in independents net sales is primarily due to $134 million of net sales from the acquired Supervalu business with the remaining increase of $30 million primarily due to sales growth to existing customers.
    
Net sales to our supermarkets channel increased by approximately $3,186 million, or 445%, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2018, and represented approximately 63% and 28% of our total net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in net sales to conventional supermarkets was primarily driven by the acquisition of Supervalu. The increase in supermarkets net sales is primarily due to $3,196 million of net sales from the acquired Supervalu business with the remaining decrease of $10 million due to sales declines to existing customers.
 
Net sales to our other channel, which include foodservice customer sales, sales from the United States to other countries, military sales, e-commerce sales, branded product lines, the former Earth Origins Market retail division, manufacturing division, and our brokerage business, increased by approximately $102 million, or 43%, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2018, and represented approximately 5% and 9% of our total net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in other net sales is primarily due to $144 million of net sales from the acquired Supervalu business with the remaining decrease of $42 million due to sales declines to existing customers. The decrease in other net sales was primarily driven by our e-commerce business and lack of sales from our retail business, Earth Origins, which was disposed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.
 

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
 
Our gross profit increased $390.3 million, or 105.0%, to $761.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, from $371.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Gross profit from the acquired Supervalu business was approximately $386.9 million.
Our gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 12.39% for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to 14.70% for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The decline in gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 was driven by the addition of Supervalu at a lower gross profit rate as well as a shift in customer mix, including the faster growth of the supernatural channel relative to the other customer channels. In addition, we recognized an $8.6 million inventory fair value adjustment charge related to the acquisition of Supervalu.

Operating Expenses
 
Operating expenses increased $431.8 million, or 134.9%, to $751.9 million, or 12.23% of net sales, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to $320.1 million, or 12.66% of net sales, for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease in operating expenses, as a percent of net sales, was driven by the benefit of acquisition synergies. Total operating expenses also included share-based compensation expense of $10.4 million and $6.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Restructuring, Acquisition, and Integration Related Expenses

Restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses were $47.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and primarily included $18.1 million of employee related costs and charges due to severance, settlement of outstanding equity awards and benefits costs, $19.5 million of closed property reserve charges related to the divestiture of retail banners, and approximately $9 million of other acquisition and integration related costs. The Company expects to incur approximately $20 million of additional acquisition and integration costs and $9 million of additional restructuring expenses throughout the remainder of fiscal 2019. The estimate of additional restructuring, acquisition and integration costs does not include costs that may be incurred related to the divestiture of retail operations.


53


Goodwill and Asset Impairment Charges

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $370.9 million attributable to a portion of the goodwill recorded from the Supervalu acquisition. As discussed above, the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 is subject to change based upon the final purchase price allocation during the measurement period for estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Supervalu acquisition. Refer to the section above “—Goodwill Impairment Review” and Note 7. “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company made the decision to close three non-core, under-performing stores of its total twelve Earth Origins stores. Based on this decision, coupled with the decline in results in the first half of fiscal 2018 and the future outlook as a result of competitive pressure, the Company determined that both a test for recoverability of long-lived assets and a goodwill impairment analysis should be performed. The determination of the need for a goodwill analysis was based on the assertion that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was below its carrying amount. As a result of both these analyses, the Company recorded a total impairment charge of $3.4 million on long-lived assets and $7.9 million to goodwill, respectively, during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 the Company disposed of its Earth Origins retail business.

Operating (Loss) Income
 
Reflecting the factors described above, operating income decreased $448.3 million to an operating loss of $408.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, from operating income of $40.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. As a percentage of net sales, operating loss was 6.64% for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to operating income of 1.59% for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease in operating income was driven by the goodwill impairment charge, restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses, and an inventory fair value adjustment charge associated with the purchase of Supervalu.
 
Total Other Expense, Net
 
Total other expense, net includes interest expense incurred on indebtedness, pension benefit income and gains and losses on business sales. Total other expense, net increased approximately $43.3 million to $47.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to $3.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Interest expense, net was $58.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to $4.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Net periodic benefit income, excluding service cost, was $10.9 million for the 13-week period ended January 26, 2019 and had no impact in the prior year as it is attributable to Supervalu pension plans. Other income was $0.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to $0.4 million of other expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in outstanding debt year-over-year driven by acquisition financing. As a result of the Supervalu acquisition, we acquired defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and expect to record net periodic benefit plan income, excluding service costs, of approximately $35 million for fiscal 2019.

(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes
 
Our effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 20.2%, which represents a tax benefit on a pre-tax loss, compared to a benefit of 38.4% on pre-tax income for the 13-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily driven by the one-time non-cash net tax benefit of $21.9 million recorded in fiscal 2018 for the estimated impact of the re-measurement of U.S. net deferred tax liabilities due to tax reform. The Company made cash tax payments of approximately $59 million early in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 on ordinary income associated with anticipated section 338(g) tax elections made with respect to the acquisition of Supervalu.  The elections allow UNFI to utilize a portion of Supervalu’s $2.9 billion capital loss carryforward to generate estimated net cash tax savings of approximately $300 million over the next 15 years.

Net (Loss) Income
 
The Company had a net loss of $341.7 million, a loss of $6.72 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to net income of $50.5 million, or $0.99 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease in net income was primarily the result of goodwill and asset impairment charges as well as restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses and increased interest expense.
 
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net
 
Discontinued operations primarily include the results of Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s, Shoppers and Shop ‘n Save East. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company sold the Hornbacher’s banner, and is currently holding for sale the remaining three

54


banners. The results of operations reflect net sales of $727.0 million and Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $21.4 million. Refer to Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional financial information regarding these discontinued operations.

Fiscal 2019 Year-To-Date (26-week period ended January 26, 2019) Compared to Fiscal 2018 Year-To-Date (26-week period ended January 27, 2018)

Net Sales

Our net sales for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 increased approximately $4.03 billion, or 80.9%, to $9.02 billion, from $4.99 billion for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. Net sales for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 included Supervalu net sales of approximately $3.70 billion. Excluding Supervalu’s net sales, net sales increased $334 million, or 6.7% was primarily driven by our Supernatural channel. Our net sales by customer channel, including Supervalu since its acquisition date, were as follows (in millions):
 
 
Net Sales for the 26-Week Period Ended
Customer Channel
 
January 26, 2019(1)
 
% of
Net Sales
 
January 27, 2018(2)
 
% of
Net Sales
Supernatural
 
$
2,127

 
24
%

$
1,784

 
36
%
Independents
 
1,502

 
17
%

1,309

 
26
%
Supermarkets
 
4,807

 
53
%

1,412

 
28
%
Other
 
581

 
6
%

481

 
10
%
Total net sales
 
$
9,017


100
%

$
4,986

 
100
%

(1)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the presentation of net sales attributable to Supervalu was incorporated into our definitions of sales by customer channel. There was no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of revising the classification of customer types. Net sales as reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 by customer channel were recast, resulting in an increase in supermarkets sales of $198 million, independents of $25 million, and other of $1 million with an offsetting decrease to the Supervalu customer channel.
(2)
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the presentation of net sales by customer channel was adjusted to reflect changes in the classification of customer types as a result of a detailed review of customer channel definitions. There was no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of revising the classification of customer types. As a result of this adjustment, net sales to our supermarkets channel and to our other channel for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018 decreased approximately $20 million and $31 million, respectively, compared to the previously reported amounts, while net sales to the independents channel for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018 increased approximately $51 million compared to the previously reported amounts.

Whole Foods Market is our only supernatural customer, and net sales to Whole Foods Market for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 increased by approximately $343 million, or 19%, as compared to the prior fiscal year’s comparable period, and accounted for approximately 24% and 36% of our total net sales for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, respectively. The increase in net sales to Whole Foods Market is primarily due to an increase in same store sales following its acquisition by Amazon.com, Inc. in August 2017 coupled with growth in new product categories, most notably the health, beauty and supplement categories. Net sales within our supernatural chain channel do not include net sales to Amazon.com, Inc. in either the current period or the prior period, as these net sales are reported in our other channel.

Net sales to our independents channel increased by approximately $193 million, or 15%, during the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 compared to the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, and accounted for 17% and 26% of our total net sales for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. The increase in net sales in this channel is primarily due to growth in our wholesale division, which includes our broadline distribution business. The increase in independents net sales is primarily due to $145 million of net sales from the acquired Supervalu business with the remaining increase of $48 million primarily due to sales growth to existing customers.

Net sales to our supermarkets channel for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 increased by approximately $3,395 million, or 240%, from the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, and represented approximately 53% and 28% of total net sales for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. The increase in net sales in this channel is primarily due to growth in our wholesale division, which includes our broadline distribution business. The increase in supermarkets net sales

55


is primarily due to $3.40 billion of net sales from the acquired Supervalu business with the remaining decrease of $4 million due to sales declines to existing customers.

Net sales to our other channel, which include foodservice customer sales, sales from the United States to other countries, military sales, e-commerce sales, branded product lines, the former Earth Origins retail division, manufacturing division, and our brokerage business, increased by approximately $100 million, or 21%, during the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 compared to the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, and accounted for approximately 6% and 10% of total net sales for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. The increase in other net sales is primarily due to $154 million of net sales from the acquired Supervalu business with the remaining decrease of $54 million due to sales declines to existing customers. The decrease in other net sales was primarily driven by our e-commerce business and lack of sales from our retail business, Earth Origins, which was disposed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Our gross profit increased $435.4 million, or 58.9%, to $1.17 billion for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, from $738.7 million for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. Gross profit from the acquired Supervalu business was approximately $414.1 million. Our gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 13.02% for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 compared to 14.82% for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. The decline in the gross profit was driven by the addition of Supervalu at a lower gross profit rate as well as a shift in customer mix, including the faster growth of the supernatural channel relative to the other customer channels.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $482.9 million, or 76.4%, to $1.12 billion, or 12.37% of net sales, for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 compared to $632.2 million, or 12.68% of net sales, for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. The decrease in operating expenses, as a percent of net sales, was driven by the addition of Supervalu, at a lower operating expense rate, lower health care costs, and fixed cost leverage. In addition, we recognized a $10.5 million inventory fair value adjustment charge related to the acquisition of Supervalu.

Restructuring, Acquisition, and Integration Related Expenses

Restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses were $115.1 million for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and primarily included $54.2 million of employee related costs due to change-in-control payments made to satisfy outstanding equity awards, severance costs, and benefits costs, $41.4 million of other acquisition and integration related costs, and $19.5 million of closed property reserve charges related to the divestiture of retail banners. The Company expects to incur approximately $9 million of additional restructuring expense, and approximately $20 million of additional acquisition and integration costs throughout the remainder of fiscal 2019. The estimate of additional restructuring, acquisition and integration costs does not include costs expected to be incurred in relation to the divestiture of retail operations.

Goodwill and Asset Impairment Charges

As discussed above, during the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $370.9 million attributable to a portion of the goodwill recorded from the Supervalu acquisition and during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a total impairment charge of $3.4 million on long-lived assets and $7.9 million to goodwill, respectively. The Company’s estimates and assumptions are subject to change during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). Refer to Note 7. “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

Operating (Loss) Income

Reflecting the factors described above, operating income decreased approximately 548.0%, or $522.3 million, to an operating loss of $427.0 million for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, from operating income of $95.3 million for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. As a percentage of net sales, operating loss was 4.74% for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 as compared to operating income of 1.91% for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018.


56


Total Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net was $53.8 million and $6.4 million for the 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. Net periodic benefit income, excluding service cost, was $11.8 million for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and had no impact in the prior year as it is attributable to Supervalu pension plans. Interest expense, net was $66.2 million for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 compared to $7.7 million for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in outstanding debt year-over-year driven by acquisition financing. Interest income was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. Other income was $0.7 million for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 compared to other income of $1.3 million for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. We expect interest expense to increase substantially in future periods due to the increased indebtedness incurred to finance the acquisition of Supervalu. As a result of the Supervalu acquisition, we acquired defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and expect to record net periodic benefit plan income, excluding service costs, of approximately $35 million for fiscal 2019.

(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 20.0% and 8.9% for the 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively. The second quarter of fiscal 2019 effective tax rate reflects a tax benefit based on a consolidated pre-tax loss from continuing operations while the second quarter of fiscal 2018 reflected a tax expense on pre-tax income. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily driven by the one-time non-cash net tax benefit of $21.9 million recorded in fiscal 2018 for the estimated impact of the re-measurement of U.S. net deferred tax liabilities due to tax reform. The Company made cash tax payments of approximately $59 million early in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 on ordinary income associated with anticipated section 338(g) tax elections made with respect to the acquisition of Supervalu.  The elections allow UNFI to utilize a portion of Supervalu’s $2.9 billion capital loss carryforward to generate estimated net cash tax savings of approximately $300 million over the next 15 years.

Net (Loss) Income

Reflecting the factors described in more detail above, the Company had a net loss of $361.0 million, a loss of $7.12 per diluted common share, for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, compared to net income of $81.0 million, or $1.59 per diluted common share, for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018.

Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

Discontinued operations primarily include the results of Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s, Shoppers and Shop ‘n Save East reflect assets, liabilities, operations results and cash flows of these four banners. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company sold the Hornbacher’s banner, and is currently holding for sale the remaining three banners. The results of operations for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 reflect net sales of $773.6 million and Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $23.5 million. Refer to Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional financial information regarding these discontinued operations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
We expect to continue to replenish operating assets with internally generated funds and pay down debt obligations with internally generated funds and sale of surplus and/or non-core assets. A significant reduction in operating earnings or the incurrence of operating losses could have a negative impact on our operating cash flow, which may limit our ability to pay down our outstanding indebtedness as planned. Our credit facilities are secured by a substantial portion of our total assets.
Our primary sources of liquidity are from internally generated funds and from borrowing capacity under our credit facilities. We will continue to obtain short-term and long-term financing from our credit facilities. Long-term financing will be maintained through existing and new debt issuances. Our short-term and long-term financing abilities are believed to be adequate as a supplement to internally generated cash flows to fund debt obligations and capital expenditures as opportunities arise.
Primary uses of cash include debt servicing and maturities, capital expenditures, working capital maintenance and income tax payments. We typically finance working capital needs with cash provided from operating activities and short-term borrowings. Inventories are managed primarily through demand forecasting and replenishing depleted inventories. Strategic and operational investments in our businesses are funded by cash provided from operating activities and on a short-term basis through available

57


liquidity. Our continued access to short-term and long-term financing through credit markets depends on numerous factors including the condition of the credit markets and our results of operations, cash flows, financial position and credit ratings.
We currently do not pay a dividend on our common stock, and have no current plans to do so. In addition, we are limited in the aggregate amount of dividends that we may pay under the terms of our Term Loan Facility and our ABL Credit Facility.
Working capital increased by $397.9 million, or 36.5%, from $1.09 billion at July 28, 2018 to $1.49 billion at January 26, 2019, primarily due to the acquisition of Supervalu.
Long-Term Debt
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019 our capital structure materially changed with respect to the Supervalu acquisition. Obligations under our existing Former ABL Credit Facility and Former Term Loan Facility were repaid and we established new credit facilities under our ABL Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we paid $566.4 million to extinguish the acquired Supervalu Senior Notes and pay related prepayment premiums and accrued interest with $566.4 million of restricted cash set aside on the Closing Date for this purpose. In addition, the Company made mandatory prepayments of $47.0 million under the Term Loan Facility with asset sale proceeds. Refer to Note 14. “Long-Term Debt” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a detailed discussion of the provisions of our credit facilities and certain long-term debt agreements and additional information.
Derivatives and Hedging Activity
The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts from time to time to mitigate its exposure to changes in market interest rates as part of its overall strategy to manage its debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of notional debt amounts subject to fixed and floating interest rates. Interest rate swap contracts are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures.

As of January 26, 2019, the Company had an aggregate $2.0 billion of notional debt hedged through pay fixed and receive floating interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix the LIBOR component of its floating LIBOR based debt at fixed rates ranging from 0.7265% to 2.9590%, with maturities between March 2019 to October 2025. See Note 9. “Derivatives” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

From time-to-time, we enter into fixed price fuel supply agreements. As of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, we were not a party to any such agreements.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 were $80.1 million, compared to $15.5 million for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, an increase of $64.6 million driven primarily by distribution center expansions. In light of the Supervalu acquisition, the company is further evaluating its capital spending plans for fiscal 2019 but does not expect to spend more than 1.5% of net sales.  Fiscal 2019 capital spending is expected to include projects that optimize both the distribution network as well as the Company’s technology platform.  Longer term, capital spending is expected to be approximately 1.0% of net sales.  We expect to finance requirements with cash generated from operations and borrowings under our ABL Credit Facility.  Future investments may be financed through long-term debt or borrowings under our ABL Credit Facility.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operations was $25.9 million for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, a change of $29.3 million from the $3.4 million used in operations for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018.

Net cash used in investing activities was $2.15 billion for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019, compared to $17.8 million for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018. This change was primarily due to an increase in cash paid for acquisitions in the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019 for the acquisition of Supervalu compared to the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, offset in part by cash received from the sale and leaseback of two distribution centers for $149.5 million. In addition, we sold an additional surplus facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and received aggregate proceeds of approximately $13.7 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.16 billion for the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019. The net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to borrowings on our amended and restated revolving credit facility of $2.70 billion and borrowings on long-term debt of $1.91 billion partially offset by gross repayments on our amended and restated revolving credit facility of $1.67 billion and long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $713.4 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $31.0 million for the 26-week period ended January 27, 2018, primarily due to borrowings on our amended and restated

58


revolving credit facility of $311.1 million partially offset by repayments on our amended and restated revolving credit facility and long-term debt of $247.6 million and $6.1 million.

Other

On October 6, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The repurchase program is scheduled to expire upon the Company’s repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $200.0 million. The Company repurchased 614,660 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $24.2 million in the fiscal year ended July 28, 2018. The Company has not purchased any shares of the Company’s common stock in fiscal 2019 year-to-date.

The Company no longer intends to indefinitely reinvest accumulated earnings in the Company’s Canada operations. Accordingly, the Company has recorded the tax impacts of this treatment (a tax benefit of $0.8 million due to the foreign exchange loss on previously taxed income) in the 26-week period ended January 26, 2019.

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Guarantees
We have outstanding guarantees and are contingently liable under other contractual arrangements. See Note 17. “Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” under the caption “Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities” in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Legal Proceedings
We are a party to various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business as described in Note 17. “Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, none of which, in our opinion, is expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Multiemployer Pension Plans
The Company assumed multiemployer plan obligations related to continuing and discontinued operations as part of the Supervalu acquisition that are subject to collective bargaining agreements, primarily defined benefit pension plans. These multiemployer plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. Plan trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as the investment of the assets and plan administration. Trustees are appointed in equal number by employers and unions that are parties to the collective bargaining agreement.
Expense is recognized in connection with these plans as contributions are funded, in accordance with GAAP. During Supervalu’s fiscal year ended February 24, 2018, prior to the Supervalu acquisition date, Supervalu contributed $50 million to its multiemployer pension plans related to both continuing and discontinued operations. Our contributions to assumed multiemployer pension plan commitments could increase in the near term. Future contributions will be impacted by the extent to which multiemployer pension plan contribution requirements related to the acquired Supervalu retail discontinued operations are assumed by a buyer in sale transactions. In addition, the amount of any increase or decrease in contributions will depend on a variety of factors, including the results of our collective bargaining efforts, investment returns on the assets held in the plans, actions taken by the trustees who manage the plans and requirements under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act and Section 412(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Based on the assessment of the most recent information available from the multiemployer plans, we believe that most of the plans to which we contribute are underfunded. We are only one of a number of employers contributing to these plans and the underfunding is not a direct obligation or liability to us. Our contributions can fluctuate from year to year due to facility or store closures and reductions in headcount. Annually, we expect to contribute approximately $40 to $50 million related to continuing and discontinued operations contributions to the multiemployer pension plans, subject to the outcome of collective bargaining and capital market conditions, exclusive of multiemployer pension plan withdrawal obligations. Furthermore, if we were to significantly reduce contributions, exit certain markets or otherwise cease making contributions to these plans, it could trigger one or more partial or complete withdrawals that would require us to record a withdrawal liability. Any withdrawal liability would be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably estimated, in accordance with GAAP.
Refer to Note 16. “Benefit Plans” in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding these plans.

59


Contractual Obligations
The following table represents our significant contractual obligations as of January 26, 2019:
 
Payments Due Per Period
(in millions)
Total
 
Remaining Fiscal 2019
 
Fiscal 2020
 
Fiscal 2021-2022
 
Fiscal 2023-2024
 
Thereafter
Contractual obligations(1)(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt(3)
$
3,185

 
$
13

 
$
128

 
$
53

 
$
1,290

 
$
1,701

Interest on long-term debt (4)
1,060

 
100

 
174

 
342

 
300

 
144

Operating leases(5)
1,587

 
82

 
158

 
257

 
204

 
886

Capital leases(6)
237

 
26

 
43

 
66

 
50

 
52

Purchase obligations(7)
324

 
152

 
110

 
54

 
6

 
2

Deferred compensation
31

 
25

 
1

 
2

 
1

 
2

Multiemployer plan withdrawal liability
72

 
1

 
1

 
3

 
5

 
62

Self-insurance liabilities(8)
92

 
21

 
24

 
25

 
10

 
12

Total contractual obligations
$
6,588


$
420


$
639


$
802


$
1,866


$
2,861

(1)
Because the timing of certain future payments beyond fiscal 2019 cannot be reasonably determined, contractual obligations payments due per fiscal period presented here exclude our discretionary funding of our pension plans and required funding of our postretirement benefit obligations. Pension and postretirement benefit obligations were $222.2 million as of January 26, 2019. We expect to contribute approximately $5.0 million to $10.0 million to pension and postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2019.
(2)
Unrecognized tax benefits, which totaled $40.9 million as of January 26, 2019, were excluded from the contractual obligations table because an estimate of the timing of future tax settlements cannot be reasonably determined.
(3)
Long-term debt amounts exclude original issue discounts and deferred financing costs. Long-term debt payments due per fiscal period for 2019 through thereafter exclude any cash prepayments that may be required under the provisions of the Term Loan Facility because the amount of such future prepayment amounts, if any, are not reasonably estimable as of January 26, 2019.
(4)
Amounts include contractual interest payments (net of our interest rate swap payments) using the face value and interest rate as of January 26, 2019 applicable to our variable interest debt instruments (including the Term Loan Facility and ABL Credit Facility) and other fixed rate debt instruments. As of January 26, 2019, the face value of our variable interest debt instruments with a variable rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus an applicable margin was $3,120.5 million. As of January 26, 2019, the face value of our variable interest debt instruments with a variable rate equal to the prime rate plus an applicable margin was $24.5 million.
(5)
Represents the minimum rents payable under operating leases, excluding common area maintenance, insurance or tax payments, for which we are also obligated, offset by minimum subtenant rentals of $121.7 million total, $15.6 million, $27.3 million, $40.3 million, $19.8 million, and $18.7 million, respectively.
(6)
Represents the minimum payments under capital leases, excluding common area maintenance, insurance or tax payments, for which we are also obligated, offset by minimum subtenant rentals of $24.2 million total, $3.3 million, $5.4 million, $8.0 million, $3.9 million, and $3.6 million, respectively.
(7)
Our purchase obligations include various obligations that have annual purchase commitments of $1 million or greater. As of January 26, 2019, future purchase obligations existed that primarily related to fixed asset, information technology and inventory purchase commitments. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, we enter into supply contracts to purchase product for resale to wholesale customers and to consumers, which are typically of a short-term nature with limited or no purchase commitments. The majority of our supply contracts are short-term in nature and relate to fixed assets, information technology and contracts to purchase product for resale. These supply contracts typically include either volume commitments or fixed expiration dates, termination provisions and other standard contractual considerations. The supply contracts that are cancelable have not been included above.
(8)
Our insurance reserves include the undiscounted obligations related to workers’ compensation, general and automobile liabilities at the estimated ultimate cost of reported claims and claims incurred but not yet reported and related expenses. 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Except as described below, there were no material changes in critical accounting policies during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, in connection with the acquisition of Supervalu, the Company evaluated its critical accounting policies. As a result of this evaluation, in addition to the critical accounting policies described in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2018, we believe our critical accounting policies also include the following policies:


60


Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Substantially all of our inventory consists of finished goods. Inventories are recorded net of vendor allowances and cash discounts. We evaluate inventory shortages (shrink) throughout each fiscal year based on actual physical counts in our facilities. Allowances for inventory shortages are recorded based on the results of these counts to provide for estimated shortages as of the end of each fiscal year.

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For historical United Natural Foods, Inc. inventory prior to the acquisition of Supervalu, cost was determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. For a substantial portion of legacy Supervalu inventory, cost was determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method, with the rest primarily determined using FIFO. Inventories acquired as part of the Supervalu acquisition were recorded at their fair market values as of the acquisition date. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company completed its evaluation of its combined inventory accounting policies and changed its method of inventory costing for certain historical United Natural Foods, Inc. inventory from the FIFO accounting method to the LIFO accounting method. The Company concluded that the LIFO method of inventory costing is preferable because it allows for better matching of costs and revenues, as historical inflationary inventory acquisition prices are expected to continue in the future and the LIFO method uses the current acquisition cost to value cost of goods sold as inventory is sold. Additionally, LIFO allows for better comparability of the results of the Company’s operations with those of similar companies in its peer group. As a result of the change to the LIFO method, Inventories were reduced by $3.3 million as of January 26, 2019, which resulted in increases to Cost of sales and Loss from continuing operations before income taxes of the same amount in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the 13- and 26-week periods ended January 26, 2019. The change to the LIFO method, combined with a higher inflation assumption for the combined business, is expected to result in additional non-cash expense of approximately $10-$15 million in fiscal 2019.
Vendor Funds

We receive funds from many of the vendors whose products we buy for resale. These vendor funds are provided to increase the sell-through of the related products. We receive vendor funds for a variety of merchandising activities: placement of the vendors’ products in our advertising; display of the vendors’ products in prominent locations in our stores; supporting the introduction of new products into our stores and distribution centers; exclusivity rights in certain categories; and to compensate for temporary price reductions offered to customers on products held for sale. We also receive vendor funds for buying activities such as volume commitment rebates, credits for purchasing products in advance of their need and cash discounts for the early payment of merchandise purchases. The majority of the vendor fund contracts have terms of less than a year, although some of the contracts have terms of longer than one year.

We recognize vendor funds for merchandising activities as a reduction of Cost of sales when the related products are sold. Vendor funds that have been earned as a result of completing the required performance under the terms of the underlying agreements but for which the product has not yet been sold are recognized as reductions of inventory.

The amount and timing of recognition of vendor funds as well as the amount of vendor funds to be recognized as a reduction to ending inventory requires management judgment and estimates. Management determines these amounts based on estimates of current year purchase volume using forecast and historical data, and a review of average inventory turnover data. These judgments and estimates impact our reported gross profit, operating income and inventory amounts. The historical estimates have been reliable in the past, and we believe our methodology will continue to be reliable in the future. Based on previous experience, we do not expect significant changes in the level of vendor support. However, if such changes were to occur, cost of sales and advertising expense could change, depending on the specific vendors involved. If vendor advertising allowances were substantially reduced or eliminated, we would consider changing the volume, type and frequency of the advertising, which could increase or decrease our advertising expense.

Benefit Plans

We sponsor pension and other postretirement plans in various forms covering substantially all employees who meet eligibility requirements. Pension benefits associated with these plans are generally based on each participant’s years of service, compensation, and age at retirement or termination. Our defined benefit pension plan, the SUPERVALU Retirement Plan, and certain supplemental executive retirement plans were closed to new participants and service crediting ended for all participants as of December 31, 2007.

While we believe the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of plan assets are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

61



The determination of our obligation and related expense for Company-sponsored pension and other postretirement benefits is dependent, in part, on management’s selection of certain actuarial assumptions used in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include, among other things, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the rates of increase in compensation and healthcare costs. Refer to Note 16. “Benefit Plans” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for information related to the actuarial assumptions used in determining pension and postretirement healthcare liabilities and expenses. 

We review and select the discount rate to be used in connection with our pension and other postretirement obligations annually. The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the associated liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. We set our rate to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality, fixed-income debt instruments that would produce cash flows sufficient in timing and amount to settle projected future benefits.

Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is determined based on the portfolio’s actual and target composition, current market conditions, forward-looking return and risk assumptions by asset class, and historical long-term investment performance. The assumed long-term rate of return on pension assets ranged from 6.25 percent to 6.5 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The 10-year rolling average annualized return for a portfolio of investments applied in a manner consistent with our target allocations have generated average returns of approximately 8.04 percent based on returns from 1990 to 2017. In accordance with Accounting Standards, actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, affect expense and obligations in future periods.

For fiscal 2019, each 25 basis point reduction in the discount rate would decrease pension expense by approximately $3.5 million and each 25 basis point reduction in expected return on plan assets would increase pension expense by approximately $5.6 million. Similarly, for postretirement benefits, a 100 basis point increase in the healthcare cost trend rate would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $3.2 million as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and would increase service and interest cost by less than $0.1 million. Conversely, a 100 basis point decrease in the healthcare cost trend rate would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2019 by approximately $2.6 million and would decrease service and interest cost by less than $0.1 million. Although we believe our assumptions are appropriate, the actuarial assumptions may differ from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates and longer or shorter life spans of participants.

Amortization of net actuarial loss expense recognition

We recognize the amortization of net actuarial loss on the SUPERVALU Retirement Plan over the remaining life expectancy of inactive participants based on our determination that almost all of the defined benefit pension plan participants are inactive and the plan is frozen to new participants. For the purposes of inactive participants, we utilized an over approximately 90 percent threshold established under our policy.

Full yield curve expense recognition

We utilize the “full yield curve” approach for determining the interest and service cost components of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Under this method, the discount rate assumption used in the interest and service cost components of net periodic benefit cost is built through applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation described above, to the relevant projected future cash flows of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. We believe the “full yield curve” approach reflects a greater correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates and provides a more precise measurement of interest and service costs.

Business Dispositions

The Company reviews the presentation of planned business dispositions in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements based on the available information and events that have occurred. The review consists of evaluating whether the business meets the definition of a component for which the operations and cash flows are clearly distinguishable from the other components of the business, and if so, whether it is anticipated that after the disposal the cash flows of the component would be eliminated from continuing operations and whether the disposition represents a strategic shift that has a major effect on operations and financial results. In addition, the Company evaluates whether the business has met the criteria as a business held for sale. In order for a planned disposition to be classified as a business held for sale, the established criteria must be met as of the reporting date, including an active program to market the business and the expected disposition of the business within one year.


62


Planned business dispositions are presented as discontinued operations when all the criteria described above are met. Operations of the business components meeting the discontinued operations requirements are presented within Income from discontinued operations, net of tax in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, and assets and liabilities of the business component planned to be disposed of are presented as separate lines within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 18. “Discontinued Operations” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

The carrying value of the business held for sale is reviewed for recoverability upon meeting the classification requirements. Evaluating the recoverability of the assets of a business classified as held for sale follows a defined order in which property and intangible assets subject to amortization are considered only after the recoverability of goodwill, indefinite lived intangible assets and other assets are assessed. After the valuation process is completed, the held for sale business is reported at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less cost to sell, and no additional depreciation or amortization expense is recognized. Acquired businesses are evaluated for certain criteria to be classified as held for sale, and if so, are reported at their fair value less costs to sell as of the acquisition date and subsequently adjusted each reporting period.

There are inherent judgments and estimates used in determining impairment charges. The sale of a business can result in the recognition of a gain or loss that differs from that anticipated prior to closing.

Seasonality
 
Generally, we do not experience any material seasonality. However, our sales and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to factors such as changes in our operating expenses, management’s ability to execute our operating and growth strategies, personnel changes, demand for natural products, supply shortages and general economic conditions.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Our exposure to market risk results primarily from fluctuations in interest rates on our borrowings and price increases in diesel fuel. Except as described in Note 9. “Derivatives” and Note 14. “Long-Term Debt” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no other material changes to our exposure to market risks from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2018.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 (a)                     Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
(b)                     Changes in internal controls.    On October 22, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of SUPERVALU INC. (“Supervalu”). The Company is currently in process of integrating Supervalu’s internal controls over financial reporting. Except for the inclusion of Supervalu, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
We are party to various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business as described in Note 17. “Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, none of which, in our opinion, is expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes to our risk factors contained in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 27, 2018.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds


63


None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None.


64


Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1
 
10.2
 
10.3
 
10.4
 
10.5
 
10.6
 
10.7
 
10.8*
 
18.1*
 
31.1*
 
31.2*
 
32.1*
 
32.2*
 
101*
 
The following materials from the United Natural Foods, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 26, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
______________________________________________
*     Filed herewith.

 
*                 *                 *
 
We would be pleased to furnish a copy of this Form 10-Q to any stockholder who requests it by writing to:
 
    
United Natural Foods, Inc.
Steve Bloomquist
Vice President, Investor Relations
952-828-4144


65


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
 
 
 
/s/ Michael P. Zechmeister
 
Michael P. Zechmeister
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
Dated:  March 7, 2019


66