Edgar Filing: PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS INC

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

Commission File Number 0-00981

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



Florida		59-0324412
(State of incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3300 Publix Corporate Parkway Lakeland, Florida		33811
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (863) 688-1188

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 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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months.

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 Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer X

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

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of October 13, 2017 was 738,568,000.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts are in thousands, except par value)



	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	670,695			438,319
Short-term investments		1,256,724				1,591,740
Trade receivables		647,332				715,292
Merchandise inventories		1,706,304				1,722,392
Prepaid expenses		48,915				50,434
Total current assets		4,329,970				4,518,177
Long-term investments		5,243,817				5,146,878
Other noncurrent assets		562,896				434,280
Property, plant and equipment		12,825,095				11,981,632
Accumulated depreciation		(4,992,734		)		(4,694,509	)
Net property, plant and equipment		7,832,361				7,287,123
		$	17,969,044			17,386,458
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,778,927			1,609,652
Accrued expenses:
Contributions to retirement plans		444,509				525,668
Self-insurance reserves		142,825				139,554
Salaries and wages		253,615				127,856
Other		398,274				414,197
Current portion of long-term debt		65,417				113,999
Federal and state income taxes		162,361				12,787
Total current liabilities		3,245,928				2,943,713
Deferred tax liabilities		462,537				396,484
Self-insurance reserves		214,546				216,125
Accrued postretirement benefit cost		102,884				102,540
Long-term debt		153,186				136,585
Other noncurrent liabilities		87,428				93,574
Total liabilities		4,266,509				3,889,021
Common stock related to Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)		3,122,163				3,068,097
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued 770,415 shares in 2017 and 763,198 shares in 2016		770,415				763,198
Additional paid-in capital		3,139,647				2,849,947
Retained earnings		10,842,179				9,836,696
Treasury stock at cost; 30,247 shares in 2017		(1,158,839		)		—
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings		70,657				23,427
Common stock related to ESOP		(3,122,163		)		(3,068,097	)
Total stockholders’ equity		10,541,896				10,405,171
Noncontrolling interests		38,476				24,169
Total equity		13,702,535				13,497,437
		$	17,969,044			17,386,458

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts)



		Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Sales		$	8,520,569		8,026,548
Other operating income		65,511			64,101
Total revenues		8,586,080			8,090,649
Costs and expenses:
Cost of merchandise sold		6,219,735			5,902,079
Operating and administrative expenses		1,731,551			1,652,933
Total costs and expenses		7,951,286			7,555,012
Operating profit		634,794			535,637
Investment income		38,430			29,000
Other nonoperating income, net		17,218			13,721
Earnings before income tax expense		690,442			578,358
Income tax expense		215,515			157,223
Net earnings		$	474,927		421,135
Weighted average shares outstanding		748,347			768,941
Basic and diluted earnings per share		$	0.63		0.55
Dividends paid per share		$	0.23		0.2225

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

(Amounts are in thousands)



		Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2017				September 24, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Net earnings		$	474,927			421,135
Other comprehensive earnings:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale (AFS) securities net of income taxes of $30,884 and $13,390 in 2017 and 2016, respectively		49,043				21,263
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on AFS securities net of income taxes of $(3,989) and $(2,346) in 2017 and 2016, respectively		(6,334		)		(3,725	)
Comprehensive earnings		$	517,636			438,673

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts)



		Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2017			September 24, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Sales		$	25,620,710		24,873,954
Other operating income		201,143			197,793
Total revenues		25,821,853			25,071,747
Costs and expenses:
Cost of merchandise sold		18,592,991			18,054,675
Operating and administrative expenses		5,240,753			4,995,297
Total costs and expenses		23,833,744			23,049,972
Operating profit		1,988,109			2,021,775
Investment income		192,906			82,222
Other nonoperating income, net		49,745			39,737
Earnings before income tax expense		2,230,760			2,143,734
Income tax expense		705,490			662,523
Net earnings		$	1,525,270		1,481,211
Weighted average shares outstanding		759,284			770,695
Basic and diluted earnings per share		$	2.01		1.92
Dividends paid per share		$	0.6825		0.645

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

(Amounts are in thousands)



		Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2017				September 24, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Net earnings		$	1,525,270			1,481,211
Other comprehensive earnings:
Unrealized gain on AFS securities net of income taxes of $70,268 and $34,017 in 2017 and 2016, respectively		111,585				54,019
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on AFS securities net of income taxes of $(40,526) and $(5,007) in 2017 and 2016, respectively		(64,355		)		(7,951	)
Comprehensive earnings		$	1,572,500			1,527,279

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts are in thousands)



		Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2017				September 24, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from customers		$	25,786,802			25,024,422
Cash paid to employees and suppliers		(22,593,366		)		(21,995,448	)
Income taxes paid		(478,456		)		(505,330	)
Self-insured claims paid		(270,036		)		(242,803	)
Dividends and interest received		185,542				175,698
Other operating cash receipts		197,277				193,482
Other operating cash payments		(14,748		)		(31,258	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		2,813,015				2,618,763
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for capital expenditures		(1,063,152		)		(1,110,516	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		4,460				4,300
Payment for investments		(2,353,947		)		(1,891,611	)
Proceeds from sale and maturity of investments		2,593,592				1,352,848
Net cash used in investing activities		(819,047		)		(1,644,979	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment for acquisition of common stock		(1,438,628		)		(722,641	)
Proceeds from sale of common stock		215,424				252,803
Dividends paid		(519,787		)		(497,318	)
Repayment of long-term debt		(46,019		)		(40,831	)
Other, net		27,418				(13,412	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,761,592		)		(1,021,399	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		232,376				(47,615	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		438,319				352,176
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	670,695			304,561

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. (Continued)

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts are in thousands)



		Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2017				September 24, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net earnings		$	1,525,270			1,481,211
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		484,307				458,694
Increase in LIFO reserve		20,720				7,020
Retirement contributions paid or payable in common stock		280,571				278,335
Deferred income taxes		36,311				(10,889	)
Loss on disposal and impairment of property, plant and equipment		1,991				2,756
Gain on AFS securities		(104,881		)		(12,958	)
Net amortization of investments		87,982				105,968
Changes in operating assets and liabilities providing (requiring) cash:
Trade receivables		67,952				90,128
Merchandise inventories		(4,632		)		70,809
Prepaid expenses and other noncurrent assets		(5,410		)		(18,999	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		264,196				42,951
Self-insurance reserves		1,692				930
Federal and state income taxes		162,748				129,501
Other noncurrent liabilities		(5,802		)		(6,694	)
Total adjustments		1,287,745				1,137,552
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	2,813,015			2,618,763

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1)	Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Publix Super Markets, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, the accompanying statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire 2017 fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


(2)	Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) requiring companies to change the methodology used to measure credit losses on financial instruments. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted only for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The adoption of the ASU will have no effect on the Company’s cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU on lease accounting. The ASU requires the lease rights and obligations arising from lease contracts, including existing and new arrangements, to be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. While the Company is still evaluating the ASU, the Company expects the adoption of the ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition due to the recognition of the lease rights and obligations as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations. The adoption of the ASU will have no effect on the Company’s cash flows.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU requiring companies to measure equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings as opposed to other comprehensive earnings. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of the ASU will have an effect on the Company’s results of operations. The extent of the effect on results of operations will vary with the changes in the fair value of equity securities. The adoption of the ASU will have no effect on the Company’s financial condition or cash flows.

In November 2015, the FASB issued an ASU requiring companies to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities in the noncurrent section of the balance sheet. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company retrospectively adopted the ASU during the quarter ended April 1, 2017, and therefore reclassified $77,496,000 from current deferred tax assets to noncurrent deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2016 on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The ASU requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(3)	Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable, approximates their respective carrying amounts due to their short-term maturity.

The fair value of available-for-sale (AFS) securities is based on market prices using the following measurement categories:

Level 1 – Fair value is determined by using quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. AFS securities that are included in this category are primarily mutual funds, exchange traded funds and equity securities.

Level 2 – Fair value is determined by using other than quoted prices. By using observable inputs (for example, benchmark yields, interest rates, reported trades and broker dealer quotes), the fair value is determined through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities and matrix pricing of corporate, state and municipal bonds by using pricing of similar bonds based on coupons, ratings and maturities. AFS securities that are included in this category are primarily debt securities (tax exempt and taxable bonds).

Level 3 – Fair value is determined by using other than observable inputs. Fair value is determined by using the best information available in the circumstances and requires significant management judgment or estimation. No AFS securities are currently included in this category.

Following is a summary of fair value measurements for AFS securities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



	Fair Value		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
	(Amounts are in thousands)
September 30, 2017	$	6,500,541	2,266,877	4,233,664	—
December 31, 2016	6,738,618		1,286,625	5,451,993	—


(4)	Investments

Debt and equity securities are classified as AFS and are carried at fair value. The Company evaluates whether AFS securities are other-than-temporarily impaired (OTTI) based on criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the duration of the market value decline, the credit rating of the issuer or security, the failure of the issuer to make scheduled principal or interest payments and the financial health and prospects of the issuer or security.

Declines in the value of AFS securities determined to be OTTI are recognized in earnings and reported as OTTI losses. Debt securities with unrealized losses are considered OTTI if the Company intends to sell the debt security or if the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to any anticipated recovery. If the Company determines that a debt security is OTTI under these circumstances, the impairment recognized in earnings is measured as the difference between the amortized cost and the current fair value. A debt security is also determined to be OTTI if the Company does not expect to recover the amortized cost of the debt security. However, in this circumstance, if the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and will not be required to sell the debt security, the impairment recognized in earnings equals the estimated credit loss as measured by the difference between the present value of expected cash flows and the amortized cost of the debt security. Expected cash flows are discounted using the debt security’s effective interest rate. An equity security is determined to be OTTI if the Company does not expect to recover the cost of the equity security. Declines in the value of AFS securities determined to be temporary are reported net of income taxes as other comprehensive losses and included as a component of stockholders’ equity.

Interest and dividend income, amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts and realized gains and losses on AFS securities are included in investment income. Interest income is accrued as earned. Dividend income is recognized as income on the ex-dividend date of the security. The cost of AFS securities sold is based on the first-in, first-out method.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Following is a summary of AFS securities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	(Amounts are in thousands)
September 30, 2017
Tax exempt bonds	$	2,054,341		5,308		2,841	2,056,808
Taxable bonds	2,185,377			3,639		14,000	2,175,016
Restricted investments	164,548			463		—	165,011
Equity securities	1,971,825			134,123		2,242	2,103,706
	$	6,376,091		143,533		19,083	6,500,541
December 31, 2016
Tax exempt bonds	$	3,036,060		2,211		24,649	3,013,622
Taxable bonds	2,469,192			1,359		33,903	2,436,648
Restricted investments	164,548			—		463	164,085
Equity securities	1,021,340			110,879		7,956	1,124,263
	$	6,691,140		114,449		66,971	6,738,618

Realized gains on sales of AFS securities totaled $11,179,000 and $109,815,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Realized losses on sales of AFS securities totaled $856,000 and $4,934,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

Realized gains on sales of AFS securities totaled $7,012,000 and $18,896,000 for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2016, respectively. Realized losses on sales of AFS securities totaled $941,000 and $5,938,000 for the three and nine months ended September 24, 2016, respectively.

The amortized cost and fair value of AFS securities by expected maturity as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value	Amortized Cost	Fair Value
	(Amounts are in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	1,256,912	1,256,724	1,592,144	1,591,740
Due after one year through five years	2,583,254		2,577,163	3,218,371	3,187,739
Due after five years through ten years	389,425		387,386	680,641	656,162
Due after ten years	10,127		10,551	14,096	14,629
	4,239,718		4,231,824	5,505,252	5,450,270
Restricted investments	164,548		165,011	164,548	164,085
Equity securities	1,971,825		2,103,706	1,021,340	1,124,263
	$	6,376,091	6,500,541	6,691,140	6,738,618

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Following is a summary of temporarily impaired AFS securities by the time period impaired as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:



	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer			Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value	Unrealized Losses		Fair Value	Unrealized Losses
	(Amounts are in thousands)
September 30, 2017
Tax exempt bonds	$	510,790		1,699	232,906		1,142	743,696		2,841
Taxable bonds	964,755			5,332	643,454		8,668	1,608,209		14,000
Equity securities	62,700			1,239	3,526		1,003	66,226		2,242
	$	1,538,245		8,270	879,886		10,813	2,418,131		19,083
December 31, 2016
Tax exempt bonds	$	2,360,143		24,416	6,099		233	2,366,242		24,649
Taxable bonds	1,921,367			33,354	51,769		549	1,973,136		33,903
Restricted investments	164,085			463	—		—	164,085		463
Equity securities	61,625			3,924	38,141		4,032	99,766		7,956
	$	4,507,220		62,157	96,009		4,814	4,603,229		66,971

There are 282 AFS securities contributing to the total unrealized loss of $19,083,000 as of September 30, 2017. Unrealized losses related to debt securities are primarily due to interest rate volatility impacting the market value of certain bonds. The Company continues to receive scheduled principal and interest payments on these debt securities. Unrealized losses related to equity securities are primarily due to temporary equity market fluctuations that are expected to recover.


(5)	Consolidation of Joint Ventures and Long-Term Debt

From time to time, the Company enters into Joint Ventures (JV), in the legal form of limited liability companies, with certain real estate developers to partner in the development of shopping centers with the Company as the anchor tenant. The Company consolidates certain of these JVs in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company is considered to have a controlling financial interest in a JV when it has (1) the power to direct the activities of the JV that most significantly impact the JV’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the JV that could potentially be significant to such JV.

The Company evaluates a JV using specific criteria to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of the JV. Factors considered in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of the other JV members, voting rights, involvement in routine capital and operating decisions and each member’s influence over the JV owned shopping center’s economic performance.

Generally, most major JV decision making is shared between all members. In particular, the use and sale of JV assets, business plans and budgets are generally required to be approved by all members. However, the Company, through its anchor tenant operating lease agreement, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly influence the economic performance of the JV owned shopping center. Additionally, through its member equity interest in the JV, the Company will receive a significant portion of the JV’s benefits or is obligated to absorb a significant portion of the JV’s losses.

As of September 30, 2017, the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated JVs were $143,312,000 and $66,018,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated JVs were $102,254,000 and $53,278,000, respectively. The assets are owned by and the liabilities are obligations of the JVs, not the Company, except for a portion of the long-term debt of certain JVs guaranteed by the Company. The JVs are financed with capital contributions from the members, loans and/or the cash flows generated by the JV owned shopping centers once in operation. Total earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests for 2017 and 2016 were immaterial. The Company’s involvement with these JVs does not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company’s long-term debt results primarily from the consolidation of loans of certain JVs and loans assumed in connection with the acquisition of certain shopping centers with the Company as the anchor tenant. No loans were assumed during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company assumed loans totaling $63,971,000 during the nine months ended September 24, 2016. Maturities of JV loans range from June 2020 through April 2027 and have variable interest rates based on a LIBOR index plus 175 to 250 basis points. Maturities of assumed shopping center loans range from October 2017 through January 2027 and have fixed interest rates ranging from 3.7% to 7.5%.


(6)	Retirement Plan

The Company has a trusteed, noncontributory Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the benefit of eligible employees. Since the Company’s common stock is not traded on an established securities market, the ESOP includes a put option for shares of the Company’s common stock distributed from the ESOP. Shares are distributed from the ESOP primarily to separated vested participants and certain eligible participants who elect to diversify their account balances. Under the Company’s administration of the ESOP’s put option, if the owners of distributed shares desire to sell their shares, the Company is required to purchase the shares at fair value for a specified time period after distribution of the shares from the ESOP. The fair value of distributed shares subject to the put option totaled $348,486,000 and $425,514,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The cost of the shares held by the ESOP totaled $2,773,677,000 and $2,642,583,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Due to the Company’s obligation under the put option, the distributed shares subject to the put option and the shares held by the ESOP are classified as temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $3,122,163,000 and $3,068,097,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The fair value of the shares held by the ESOP totaled $7,173,372,000 and $8,356,659,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.


(7)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings

A reconciliation of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings net of income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 is as follows:



	AFS Securities				Postretirement Benefits			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings
		(Amounts are in thousands)
2017
Balances at July 1, 2017		$	33,639			(5,691	)		27,948
Unrealized gain on AFS securities		49,043				—			49,043
Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income		(6,334		)		—			(6,334	)
Net other comprehensive earnings		42,709				—			42,709
Balances at September 30, 2017		$	76,348			(5,691	)		70,657

2016
Balances at June 25, 2016		$	59,825			(5,027	)		54,798
Unrealized gain on AFS securities		21,263				—			21,263
Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income		(3,725		)		—			(3,725	)
Net other comprehensive earnings		17,538				—			17,538
Balances at September 24, 2016		$	77,363			(5,027	)		72,336

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A reconciliation of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings net of income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 is as follows:



	AFS Securities				Postretirement Benefits			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings
		(Amounts are in thousands)
2017
Balances at December 31, 2016		$	29,118			(5,691	)		23,427
Unrealized gain on AFS securities		111,585				—			111,585
Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income		(64,355		)		—			(64,355	)
Net other comprehensive earnings		47,230				—			47,230
Balances at September 30, 2017		$	76,348			(5,691	)		70,657

2016
Balances at December 26, 2015		$	31,295			(5,027	)		26,268
Unrealized gain on AFS securities		54,019				—			54,019
Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income		(7,951		)		—			(7,951	)
Net other comprehensive earnings		46,068				—			46,068
Balances at September 24, 2016		$	77,363			(5,027	)		72,336


(8)	Subsequent Event

On October 2, 2017, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share or $169,900,000, payable November 1, 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business October 13, 2017.

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

Overview

The Company is engaged in the retail food industry and as of September 30, 2017 operated 1,154 supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, 27 supermarkets were opened (including four replacement supermarkets) and 100 supermarkets were remodeled. Nine supermarkets were closed during the period. The four replacement supermarkets that opened during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 replaced two supermarkets that closed during the same period and two supermarkets that closed in 2016. The seven remaining supermarkets closed in 2017 will be replaced on site in subsequent periods. In the normal course of operations, the Company replaces supermarkets and closes supermarkets that are not meeting performance expectations. The impact of future supermarket closings is not expected to be material.

Hurricane Impact

In September 2017, the Company was impacted by Hurricane Irma. Temporary supermarket closings occurred primarily in Florida due to weather conditions and evacuations of certain areas. Almost all affected supermarkets were reopened within two days following the passing of Hurricane Irma, operating on generator power if normal power had not been restored. All supermarkets were reopened within six days except one supermarket in Key West, Florida, which reopened the following week.

The Company estimates that its sales increased $250 million due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. The Company incurred additional costs for inventory losses due to power outages, fuel for generators and facility repairs and clean-up totaling an estimated $25 million. The Company is self-insured for these losses. The Company estimates the profit on the incremental sales resulting from customers stocking up and replenishing, as well as sales of hurricane supplies, more than offset the losses incurred.

Results of Operations

Sales

Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $8.5 billion as compared with $8.0 billion for the three months ended September 24, 2016, an increase of $494.0 million or 6.2%. The increase in sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the three months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to new supermarket sales and the impact of Hurricane Irma. The Company estimates that its sales increased $250 million or 3.1% due to the hurricane. Comparable store sales (supermarkets open for the same weeks in both periods, including replacement supermarkets) increased 4.3% primarily due to the hurricane. Sales for supermarkets that are replaced on site are classified as new supermarket sales since the replacement period for the supermarket is generally 9 to 12 months.

Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $25.6 billion as compared with $24.9 billion for the nine months ended September 24, 2016, an increase of $746.8 million or 3.0%. The increase in sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the nine months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to new supermarket sales and the impact of Hurricane Irma. The Company estimates that its sales increased $250 million or 1.0% due to the hurricane. Comparable store sales increased 1.2% primarily due to the hurricane.

Gross profit

Gross profit (sales less cost of merchandise sold) as a percentage of sales was 27.0% and 26.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the three months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to volume driven efficiencies related to Hurricane Irma. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 27.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016.

Operating and administrative expenses

Operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 20.3% and 20.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The decrease in operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the three months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to volume driven efficiencies related to Hurricane Irma. Operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 20.5% and 20.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the nine months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to increases in payroll and facility costs as a percentage of sales.

Investment income

Investment income was $38.4 million and $29.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the three months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to increases in dividend income and realized gains on the sale of equity securities. Investment income was $192.9 million and $82.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the nine months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to an increase in realized gains on the sale of equity securities.

Income tax expense

The effective income tax rate was 31.2% and 27.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in the effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the three months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in investment related tax credits and the decreased impact of the permanent deductions due to the increase in earnings before income tax expense. The effective income tax rate was 31.6% and 30.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the nine months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in investment related tax credits.

Net earnings

Net earnings were $474.9 million or $0.63 per share and $421.1 million or $0.55 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. Net earnings as a percentage of sales were 5.6% and 5.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in net earnings as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the three months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to the increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales and the decrease in operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales.

Net earnings were $1,525.3 million or $2.01 per share and $1,481.2 million or $1.92 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. Net earnings as a percentage of sales was 6.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments totaled $7,171.2 million as of September 30, 2017, as compared with $7,176.9 million as of December 31, 2016 and $7,355.1 million as of September 24, 2016. The decrease from the third quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to the increase in common stock repurchases, partially offset by the increase in cash generated by operations, including the extension of the September 15, 2017 federal income tax payment until January 31, 2018 due to Hurricane Irma.

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,813.0 million and $2,618.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with the nine months ended September 24, 2016 was primarily due to the net effect of timing differences related to operating assets and liabilities, including the extension of the federal income tax payment due to Hurricane Irma.

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $819.0 million and $1,645.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The primary use of net cash in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was funding capital expenditures, partially offset by net investment activities. Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled $1,063.2 million. These expenditures were incurred in connection with the opening of 27 new supermarkets (including four replacement supermarkets) and remodeling 100 supermarkets. Expenditures were also incurred for supermarkets and remodels in progress, new or enhanced information technology hardware and applications and the acquisition of shopping centers with the Company as the anchor tenant. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments, net of the payment for such investments, was $239.6 million.

Net cash used in financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $1,761.6 million and $1,021.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The primary use of net cash in financing activities was funding net common stock repurchases and dividend payments. Net common stock repurchases totaled $1,223.2 million and $469.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The Company currently repurchases common stock at the stockholders’ request in accordance with the terms of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), Non-Employee Directors Stock Purchase Plan (Directors Plan), 401(k) Plan and ESOP. The amount of common stock offered to the Company for repurchase is not within the control of the Company, but is at the discretion of the stockholders. The Company expects to continue to repurchase its common stock, as offered by its stockholders from time to time, at its then current value. However, with the exception of certain shares distributed from the ESOP, such purchases are not required and the Company retains the right to discontinue them at any time.

Dividends

The Company paid quarterly dividends on its common stock totaling $0.6825 per share or $519.8 million and $0.645 per share or $497.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively.

Capital expenditures projection

Capital expenditures for the remainder of 2017 are expected to be approximately $400 million, primarily consisting of new supermarkets, remodeling existing supermarkets, new or enhanced information technology hardware and applications and the acquisition of shopping centers with the Company as the anchor tenant. The shopping center acquisitions are financed with internally generated funds and assumed debt, if prepayment penalties for the debt are determined to be significant. This capital program is subject to continuing change and review.

Cash requirements

In 2017, the cash requirements for operations, capital expenditures, common stock repurchases and dividend payments are expected to be financed by internally generated funds or liquid assets. Based on the Company’s financial position, it is expected that short-term and long-term borrowings would be available to support the Company’s liquidity requirements, if needed.

Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, certain information provided by the Company, including written or oral statements made by its representatives, may contain forward-looking information as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking information includes statements about the future performance of the Company, which is based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to them. When used, the words “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and other similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements including, but not limited to, the following: competitive practices and pricing in the food and drug industries generally and particularly in the Company’s principal markets; results of programs to increase sales, including private label sales; results of programs to control or reduce costs; changes in buying, pricing and promotional practices; changes in shrink management; changes in the general economy; changes in consumer spending; changes in population, employment and job growth in the Company’s principal markets; and other factors affecting the Company’s business within or beyond the Company’s control. These factors include changes in the rate of inflation, changes in federal, state and local laws and regulations, adverse determinations with respect to litigation or other claims, ability to recruit and retain employees, increases in operating costs including, but not limited to, labor costs, credit card fees and utility costs, particularly electric rates, ability to construct new supermarkets or complete remodels as rapidly as planned and stability of product costs. Other factors and assumptions not identified above could also cause the actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, nor does it utilize leveraged financial instruments. There have been no material changes in the market risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information has been accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

As reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company is subject from time to time to various lawsuits, claims and charges arising in the normal course of business. The Company believes its recorded reserves are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. The estimated amount of reasonably possible losses for lawsuits, claims and charges, individually and in the aggregate, is considered to be immaterial. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2017 were as follows (amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts):

Period

Total Number of Shares Purchased

Average Price Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾

July 2, 2017

through

August 5, 2017

12,975

38.53

N/A

August 6, 2017

through

September 2, 2017

7,114

36.05

N/A

September 3, 2017

through

September 30, 2017

2,440

36.05

N/A

Total

22,529

37.48

N/A

⁽¹⁾

Common stock is made available for sale by the Company only to its current employees and members of its Board of Directors through the ESPP and Directors Plan and to participants of the 401(k) Plan. In addition, common stock is provided to employees through the ESOP. The Company currently repurchases common stock subject to certain terms and conditions. The ESPP, Directors Plan, 401(k) Plan and ESOP each contain provisions prohibiting any transfer for value without the owner first offering the common stock to the Company.

The Company’s common stock is not traded on an established securities market. The amount of common stock offered to the Company for repurchase is not within the control of the Company, but is at the discretion of the stockholders. The Company does not believe that these repurchases of its common stock are within the scope of a publicly announced plan or program (although the terms of the plans discussed above have been communicated to the participants). Thus, the Company does not believe that it has made any repurchases during the three months ended September 30, 2017 required to be disclosed in the last two columns of the table.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

Item 5. Other Information

Not Applicable

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101

The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 is formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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.




		PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.



Date:	November 1, 2017	/s/ John A. Attaway, Jr.
		John A. Attaway, Jr., Secretary



Date:	November 1, 2017	/s/ David P. Phillips
		David P. Phillips, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)