Biggest changeThe Company only includes retail food stores in the calculation. Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income Percentage Change (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) 2022 2021 2020 2022 vs. 2021 vs. For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2022, December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020 (53 Weeks) (52 Weeks) (52 Weeks) 2021 2020 Net sales $ 4,695,943 $ 4,224,417 $ 4,112,601 11.2 % 2.7 % Cost of sales, including advertising, warehousing and distribution expenses 3,514,029 3,108,710 3,012,167 13.0 3.2 Gross profit on sales 1,181,914 1,115,707 1,100,434 5.9 1.4 Gross profit margin 25.2 % 26.4 % 26.8 % Operating, general and administrative expenses 1,024,862 968,996 937,256 5.8 3.4 O, G & A, percent of net sales 21.8 % 22.9 % 22.8 % Income from operations 157,052 146,711 163,178 7.0 (10.1) Operating margin 3.3 % 3.5 % 4.0 % Investment income (loss) and interest expense (82) 5,007 3,817 (101.6) 31.2 Investment income (loss) and interest expense, percent of net sales - % 0.1 % 0.1 % Other income (expense) 3,807 (3,411) (3,316) 211.6 2.9 Other income (expense), percent of net sales 0.1 % (0.1) % (0.1) % Income before provision for income taxes 160,777 148,307 163,679 8.4 (9.4) Income before provision for income taxes, percent of net sales 3.4 % 3.5 % 4.0 % Provision for income taxes 35,581 39,458 44,762 (9.8) (11.8) Effective income tax rate 22.1 % 26.6 % 27.3 % Net income $ 125,196 $ 108,849 $ 118,917 15.0 % (8.5) % Net income, percent of net sales 2.7 % 2.6 % 2.9 % Basic and diluted earnings per share $ 4.65 $ 4.05 $ 4.42 14.8 % (8.4) % Net Sales Individual Year-Over-Year Analysis of Sales Percentage Change 2022 vs. 2021 vs. 2021 2020 Net sales 11.2 % 2.7 % Net sales, excluding fuel 9.6 1.2 Net sales, adjusted for an additional week in 2022 8.8 Net sales, adjusted for an additional week in 2022, excluding fuel 7.5 Comparable store sales 10.9 1.7 Comparable store sales, excluding fuel 9.5 % 0.2 % The 2021 and 2020 years were comprised of 52 weeks, whereas the 2022 year was comprised of 53 weeks. When calculating the percentage change in comparable store sales, the Company defines a new store to be comparable when it has been in operation after five full fiscal quarters.
Biggest changeThe Company only includes retail food stores in the calculation. Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income Percentage Change (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) 2023 2022 2021 2023 vs. 2022 vs. For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021 (52 Weeks) (53 Weeks) (52 Weeks) 2022 2021 Net sales $ 4,696,950 $ 4,695,943 $ 4,224,417 0.0 % 11.2 % Cost of sales, including advertising, warehousing and distribution expenses 3,535,009 3,514,029 3,108,710 0.6 13.0 Gross profit on sales 1,161,941 1,181,914 1,115,707 (1.7) 5.9 Gross profit margin 24.7 % 25.2 % 26.4 % Operating, general and administrative expenses 1,024,755 1,024,862 968,996 (0.0) 5.8 O, G & A, percent of net sales 21.8 % 21.8 % 22.9 % Income from operations 137,186 157,052 146,711 (12.6) 7.0 Operating margin 2.9 % 3.3 % 3.5 % Investment income (loss) and interest expense 13,162 (82) 5,007 16151.2 (101.6) Investment income (loss) and interest expense, percent of net sales 0.3 % 0.0 % 0.1 % Other income (expense) (3,652) 3,807 (3,411) (195.9) 211.6 Other income (expense), percent of net sales (0.1) % 0.1 % (0.1) % Income before provision for income taxes 146,696 160,777 148,307 (8.8) 8.4 Income before provision for income taxes, percent of net sales 3.1 % 3.4 % 3.5 % Provision for income taxes 42,868 35,581 39,458 20.5 (9.8) Effective income tax rate 29.2 % 22.1 % 26.6 % Net income $ 103,828 $ 125,196 $ 108,849 (17.1) % 15.0 % Net income, percent of net sales 2.2 % 2.7 % 2.6 % Basic and diluted earnings per share $ 3.86 $ 4.65 $ 4.05 (17.0) % 14.8 % Net Sales Individual Year-Over-Year Analysis of Sales Percentage Change 2023 vs. 2022 vs. 2022 2021 Net sales, adjusted for an additional week in 2022, excluding fuel 2.6 % 7.5 % Net sales, adjusted for an additional week in 2022 1.9 8.8 Net sales, excluding fuel 0.6 9.6 Net sales 0.0 11.2 Comparable store sales excluding fuel 0.3 9.5 Comparable store sales (0.2) % 10.9 % The 2023 and 2021 years were comprised of 52 weeks, whereas the 2022 year was comprised of 53 weeks. When calculating the percentage change in comparable store sales, the Company defines a new store to be comparable when it has been in operation after five full fiscal quarters.
Relocated stores and stores with expanded square footage are included in comparable store sales since these units are located in existing markets and are open during construction. Planned store dispositions are excluded from the calculation. The Company only includes retail food stores in the calculation. 14 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
Relocated stores and stores with expanded square footage are included in comparable store sales since these units are located in existing markets and are open during construction. Planned store dispositions are excluded from the calculation. The Company only includes retail food stores in the calculation. 15 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
Management cannot accurately measure the full impact of inflation or deflation on retail pricing due to changes in the types of merchandise sold between periods, shifts in customer buying patterns and the fluctuation of competitive factors. 15 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
Management cannot accurately measure the full impact of inflation or deflation on retail pricing due to changes in the types of merchandise sold between periods, shifts in customer buying patterns and the fluctuation of competitive factors. 16 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
The Company pays these dividends at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the continuation of these payments and the amount of the dividends depends upon the financial condition of the Company, results of operations and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant. 17 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
The Company pays these dividends at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the continuation of these payments and the amount of the dividends depends upon the financial condition of the Company, results of operations and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant. 18 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
The assessment of the Company’s tax position relies on the judgment of management to estimate the more likely than not merits associated with the Company’s various tax positions. 19 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
The assessment of the Company’s tax position relies on the judgment of Management to estimate the more likely than not merits associated with the Company’s various tax positions. 20 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC. Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued) Results of Operations (continued) Net Sales (continued) According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report, the annual Seasonally Adjusted Food-at-Home Consumer Price Index increased 11.4% in 2022, 3.5% in 2021 and 3.5% in 2020. Even though the U.S.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued) Results of Operations (continued) Net Sales (continued) According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report, the annual Seasonally Adjusted Food-at-Home Consumer Price Index increased 5.0% in 2023, 11.4% in 2022, 3.5% in 2021. Even though the U.S.
Depreciation and amortization expense charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses” was $94.6 million, or 2.0% of net sales, for 2022 compared to $93.8 million, or 2.2% of net sales, for 2021 and $90.2 million, or 2.2% of net sales, for 2020. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section for further information regarding the Company’s capital expenditure program.
Depreciation and amortization expense charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses” was $98.0 million, or 2.1% of net sales, for 2023 compared to $94.6 million, or 2.0% of net sales, for 2022 compared to $93.8 million, or 2.2% of net sales, for 2021. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section for further information regarding the Company’s capital expenditure program.
Financing The Company paid dividends of $35.0 million in 2022, $33.6 million in 2021 and $33.4 million in 2020. The Company increased its quarterly dividend from 32 cents per share to 34 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Financing The Company paid dividends of $36.6 million in 2023, $35.0 million in 2022 and $33.6 million in 2021. The Company increased its quarterly dividend from 32 cents per share to 34 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Employee-related costs such as wages, employer paid taxes, health care benefits and retirement plans, comprise approximately 60.7% of the total “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” As a percent of sales, direct store labor decreased 0.5% in 2022 compared to 2021 and decreased 0.1% in 2021 compared to 2020.
Employee-related costs such as wages, employer paid taxes, health care benefits and retirement plans, comprise approximately 59.9% of the total “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” As a percent of sales, direct store labor increased 0.1% in 2023 compared to 2022 and decreased 0.5% in 2022 compared to 2021.
The Company’s investment portfolio consists of high-grade bonds with maturity dates between one and 20 years and four high yield, large capitalized public company equity securities. The portfolio totaled $186.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Management anticipates maintaining the investment portfolio but has the ability to liquidate if needed. See “Item 7a.
The Company’s investment portfolio consists of high-grade bonds with maturity dates between one and 30 years and four high yield, large capitalized public company equity securities. The portfolio totaled $226.0 million as of December 30, 2023. Management anticipates maintaining the investment portfolio but has the ability to liquidate if needed. See “Item 7a.
Bureau of Labor Statistics’ index rates may be reflective of a trend, it will not necessarily be indicative of the Company’s actual results. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the 53-week average price of gasoline in the Central Atlantic States increased 31.4%, or $1.00 per gallon, in 2022 compared to the 52-week average in 2021.
Bureau of Labor Statistics’ index rates may be reflective of a trend, it will not necessarily be indicative of the Company’s actual results. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the 52-week average price of gasoline in the Central Atlantic States decreased 10.1%, or $0.42 cents per gallon, in 2023 compared to the 53-week average in 2022.
Gross profit rate was 25.2% in 2022, 26.4% in 2021 and 26.8% in 2020. The decrease in gross profit rate is attributable to sales deleverage, primarily in fresh selling departments; increased pharmacy and fuel sales, which have a lower gross profit margin than grocery sales; and higher product and supply chain costs.
Gross profit rate was 24.7% in 2023, 25.2% in 2022, 26.4% in 2021. The decrease in gross profit rate is attributable to increased pharmacy and fuel sales, which have a lower gross profit margin than grocery sales; and higher product and supply chain costs.
The Company experienced unfavorable non-cash LIFO inventory valuation adjustments, decreasing gross profit by $29.2 million and $4.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. A favorable non-cash LIFO inventory valuation adjustment increased gross profit by $275 thousand in 2020. The Company has experienced retail inflation and deflation in various commodities for the periods presented.
The Company experienced unfavorable non-cash LIFO inventory valuation adjustments, decreasing gross profit by $6.7 million, $29.2 million and $4.0 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has experienced retail inflation and deflation in various commodities for the periods presented.
Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 21 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC.
The Credit Agreement matures on September 1, 2024 and provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30.0 million with an additional discretionary amount available of $70.0 million. As of December 31, 2022, the availability under the revolving credit agreement was $25.5 million with $4.5 million of letters of credit outstanding.
The Credit Agreement matures on October 1, 2027, and provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30.0 million with an additional discretionary amount available of $70.0 million. As of December 30, 2023, the availability under the revolving credit agreement was $22.3 million with $7.7 million of letters of credit outstanding.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued) Results of Operations (continued) Cash Flow Information (amounts in thousands) For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2022 2021 2020 2022 vs. 2021 vs. December 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020 (53 Weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks) 2021 2020 Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 218,024 $ 227,709 $ 277,990 $ (9,685) $ (50,281) Investing activities (111,107) (244,650) (174,895) 133,543 (69,755) Financing activities (34,968) (33,623) (33,354) (1,345) (269) Operating Cash flows from operating activities decreased in 2022 as compared to 2021 and 2021 as compared to 2020, respectively.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued) Results of Operations (continued) Cash Flow Information (amounts in thousands) For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2023, 2023 2022 2021 2023 vs. 2022 vs. December 31, 2022 and December 25, 2021 (52 weeks) (53 Weeks) (52 weeks) 2022 2021 Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 201,602 $ 218,024 $ 227,709 $ (16,422) $ (9,685) Investing activities (138,800) (111,107) (244,650) (27,693) 133,543 Financing activities (36,582) (34,968) (33,623) (1,614) (1,345) Operating Cash flows from operating activities decreased in 2023 as compared to 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Contractual Obligations The following table represents scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022. Payments due by period Less than More than (dollars in thousands) Total 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years 5 years Operating leases $ 208,567 $ 48,090 $ 77,954 $ 45,846 $ 36,677 Total $ 208,567 $ 48,090 $ 77,954 $ 45,846 $ 36,677 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 18 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC.
Contractual Obligations The following table represents scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term contractual obligations as of December 30, 2023. Payments due by period Less than More than (dollars in thousands) Total 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years 5 years Operating leases $ 209,042 $ 47,918 $ 80,001 $ 47,902 $ 33,220 Total $ 209,042 $ 47,918 $ 80,001 $ 47,902 $ 33,220 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 19 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC.
A breakdown of the material increases (decreases) as a percent of sales in "Operating, general and administrative expenses" is as follows: 2022 vs. 2021 (amounts in thousands) Increase Increase (Decrease) December 31, 2022 (Decrease) as a % of sales Employee expense $ 18,910 (1.0) % Utilities expense 12,375 0.2 Fixed expense (amortization, depreciation, insurance expenses, and occupancy costs) 5,389 (0.3) Other expenses (financial service fees, technology, repairs and maintenance, supplies) 21,209 0.1 2021 vs. 2020 (amounts in thousands) Increase Increase (Decrease) December 25, 2021 (Decrease) as a % of sales Employee expense $ 5,517 (0.2) % Utilities expense 3,819 0.1 Fixed expense (amortization, depreciation, insurance expenses, and occupancy costs) 4,007 (0.1) Other expenses (financial service fees, technology, repairs and maintenance, supplies) 11,564 0.2 The majority of the increases in other expenses from 2020 to 2021 and 2022 were higher financial service fees due to more sales transaction dollars paid with debit and credit cards and higher information technology expenses due to more third-party subscription and consulting services. 16 Table of Contents WEIS MARKETS, INC.
A breakdown of the material increases (decreases) as a percent of sales in "Operating, general and administrative expenses" is as follows: 2023 vs. 2022 (amounts in thousands) Increase Increase (Decrease) December 30, 2023 (Decrease) as a % of sales Associate insurance benefits expense $ (6,338) (0.1) % Fixed expense (amortization, depreciation, insurance expenses, and occupancy costs) 3,999 0.1 Repairs and maintenance expense 3,563 0.1 Other expenses (Employee expense, utilities, technology, asset disposals and insurance proceeds) (1,324) (0.1) 2022 vs. 2021 (amounts in thousands) Increase Increase (Decrease) December 31, 2022 (Decrease) as a % of sales Employee expense $ 18,910 (1.0) % Utilities expense 12,375 0.2 Fixed expense (amortization, depreciation, insurance expenses, and occupancy costs) 5,389 (0.3) Other expenses (financial service fees, technology, repairs and maintenance, supplies) 21,209 0.1 The majority of the increases in other expenses from 2022 to 2023 were technology expenses due to more third-party information technology subscription and consulting services and less asset disposals and insurance proceeds.
Management cannot accurately measure the full impact of inflation or deflation on retail pricing due to changes in the types of merchandise sold between periods, shifts in customer buying patterns and the fluctuation of competitive factors. In addition, impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic have caused uncertainty about future economic conditions and may change future product mix.
Management cannot accurately measure the full impact of inflation or deflation on retail pricing due to changes in the types of merchandise sold between periods, shifts in customer buying patterns and the fluctuation of competitive factors.
As a percentage of sales, capital expenditures totaled 2.5% in 2022, 3.6% in 2021 and 3.2% in 2020. Multiple projects from 2022 are expected to be completed in 2023 due to labor and supply chain disruptions. The Company significantly increased its marketable securities holdings in 2021 by approximately $96.6 million and in 2022, the Company maintained its marketable securities portfolio.
Multiple projects from 2022 and 2023 are expected to be completed in 2024 due to labor and supply chain disruptions. The Company significantly increased its marketable securities holdings in 2023 by approximately $39.5 million and in 2022 the Company maintained its marketable securities portfolio.
In addition, the Company has access to a revolving credit agreement entered into on September 1, 2016, and amended on September 29, 2021, with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Credit Agreement”).
Liquidity and Capital Resources The primary source of cash is cash flows generated from operations. In addition, the Company has access to a revolving credit agreement entered into on September 1, 2016, and amended on September 29, 2023, with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Credit Agreement”).
The Company expects to continue paying regular cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the Board of Directors reconsiders the declaration of dividends quarterly.
The Company increased its quarterly dividend from 32 cents per share to 34 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company expects to continue paying regular cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the Board of Directors reconsiders the declaration of dividends quarterly.
The 52-week average price of gasoline in the Central Atlantic States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, increased 31.2%, or $0.76 per gallon, in 2021 compared to the 52-week average in 2020. Comparable store sales increased for all years presented, in small part due to an additional selling week in 2022.
The 53-week average price of gasoline in the Central Atlantic States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, increased 31.4%, or $1.00 per gallon, in 2022 compared to the 52-week average in 2021. Comparable store sales, excluding fuel and adjusted for the 53rd week in 2022, increased for all years presented. Comparable store sales, including fuel, decreased year over year.
The effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as nondeductible employee expenses. The Company reduced its provision for income taxes by $5.5 million in 2022 primarily due to the effects of Pennsylvania House Bill 1342 which was enacted on July 8, 2022.
The Company reduced its provision for income taxes by $5.5 million in 2022 primarily due to the effects of Pennsylvania House Bill 1342 which was enacted on July 8, 2022. The bill made significant changes to the Commonwealth’s corporate income tax laws which included lowering the tax rate gradually from 9.99% in 2022 to 4.99% in 2031.
The decrease in 2022 from 2021 is due to increases in inventory and in 2021 from 2020 is due to settling working capital obligations. Investing Property and equipment purchases totaled $122.2 million in 2022, compared to $151.8 million in 2021 and $131.0 million in 2020.
The decrease in 2023 from 2022 is due to lower net income and in 2022 from 2021 is due to increases in inventory. Investing Property and equipment purchases totaled $104.0 million in 2023, $122.2 million in 2022 and $151.8 million in 2021. As a percentage of sales, capital expenditures totaled 2.2% in 2023, 2.5% in 2022 and 3.6% in 2021.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued) Results of Operations (continued) Provision for Income Taxes The effective income tax rate was 22.1%, 26.6% and 27.3% in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: (continued) Results of Operations (continued) Provision for Income Taxes The effective income tax rate was 29.2%, 22.1% and 26.6% in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as nondeductible employee-related expenses.
While direct store labor expenses increased in 2022 compared to 2021, and 2021 compared to 2020, the sales increases have outpaced the labor expense increase causing the rate to fall, primarily due to the fixed component of store labor. Management continues to monitor store labor efficiencies and develop labor standards to reduce costs while maintaining the Company’s customer service expectations.
Direct store labor expenses increased slightly in 2023 compared to 2022 due to flat net sales results for the same period. Direct store labor increased in 2022 compared to 2021, as sales increases outpaced the labor expense increase causing the rate to fall, primarily due to the fixed component of store labor.
Currently, the Company is continuing a multi-year initiative to install or upgrade self-checkouts in its stores in response to customer preference and labor supply, including adding convertible dual-use checkout lanes. The Company’s self-insured health care benefit expenses decreased by 0.2% in 2022 compared to 2021 and increased by 0.2% in 2021 compared to 2020.
Management continues to monitor store labor efficiencies and develop labor standards to reduce costs while maintaining the Company’s customer service expectations. During 2023, the Company completed a multi-year initiative to install or upgrade self-checkouts in its stores in response to customer preference and labor supply, including adding convertible dual-use checkout lanes.
Quarterly Cash Dividends Total cash dividend payments on common stock, on a per share basis, amounted to $1.30 in 2022, $1.25 in 2021 and $1.24 in 2020. The Company increased its quarterly dividend from 32 cents per share to 34 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Board of Directors’ 2004 resolution authorizing the repurchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock has a remaining balance of 752,468 shares. Quarterly Cash Dividends Total cash dividend payments on common stock, on a per share basis, amounted to $1.36 in 2023, $1.30 in 2022 and $1.25 in 2021.
Management currently plans to invest approximately $150 million in its capital expenditure program in 2023, including multiple carryover projects from 2022 that were delayed due to labor and supply chain disruptions. The Board of Directors’ 2004 resolution authorizing the repurchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock has a remaining balance of 752,468 shares.
Management continues to reinvest in its long-term capital expenditure program including plans to complete multiple carryover projects from 2022 and 2023 that were delayed due to labor and supply chain disruptions.
The Company has provided additional product offerings and customer conveniences such as “Weis 2 Go Online,” currently offered at 188 store locations. “Weis 2 Go Online” allows the customer to order on-line and have their order delivered or picked up at an expedient store drive-thru. The Company has experienced retail inflation and deflation in various commodities for the periods presented.
On a comparable store sales basis pharmacy services increased in sales. Comparable store sales, adjusted for an additional week in 2022 increased 2.3% excluding fuel and 1.7% including fuel for 2023 compared to 2022. The Company has provided additional product offerings and customer conveniences such as “Weis 2 Go Online,” currently offered at 188 store locations.