BRIDGFORD FOODS CORP - Quarter Report: 2014 April (Form 10-Q)

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 AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 18, 2014

OR

[   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to ___________.

Commission file number                                     0-2396

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT

INDEX

References to "Bridgford Foods" or the "Company" contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Bridgford Foods Corporation.

Items 1, 3, 4 and 5 of Part II have been omitted because they are not applicable with respect to the Company and/or the current reporting period.

Part I.  Financial Information

Item 1. a.

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 

Item 1. b.

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Item 1. c.

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Item 1. d.

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

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

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Bridgford Foods Corporation (the "Company", "we", "our", "us") for the twelve and twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014 and April 19, 2013 have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2013 (the "Annual Report") and include all adjustments considered necessary by management for a fair presentation of the interim periods.  This report should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report. Due to seasonality and other factors, interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.  Recent accounting pronouncements and their effect on the Company are discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Form 10-Q.

The November 1, 2013 balance sheet within these interim condensed consolidated financial statements was derived from the audited fiscal 2013 financial statements.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may vary from these estimates.  Some of the estimates needed to be made by management include the allowance for doubtful accounts, promotional and returns allowances, inventory reserves, the estimated useful lives of property and equipment, and the valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. Amounts estimated related to liabilities for self-insured workers’ compensation, employee healthcare and pension benefits are especially subject to inherent uncertainties and these estimated liabilities may ultimately settle at amounts which vary from our current estimates. Change in market conditions and volatility in stock markets may cause changes in the measurement of our pension fund liabilities and performance of our life insurance policies in future periods and those changes may be significant.

Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses.  The carrying amount of these instruments approximate fair market value due to their short term maturity.  At April 18, 2014, the Company had accounts in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance coverage limit.  The Company has not experienced any losses in these accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.  The Company grants payment terms to a significant number of customers that are diversified over a wide geographic area.  The Company monitors the payment histories of its customers and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts which is reviewed for adequacy on a quarterly basis.  The Company does not require collateral from its customers.

For the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014, Wal-Mart® accounted for 15.7% of consolidated revenues and 29.2% of consolidated accounts receivable.   For the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013, Wal-Mart® accounted for 16.3% of consolidated revenues and 15.6% of consolidated accounts receivable.  For the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013, Dollar General® accounted for 11.3% of consolidated revenues and 20.2% of consolidated accounts receivable. No other customer accounted for more than 20% of consolidated accounts receivable or 10% of consolidated revenues for the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014 or the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013.

Management has evaluated events subsequent to April 18, 2014 through the date that the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for transactions and other events which may require adjustments of and/or disclosure in such financial statements. 

Note 2 - Inventories:

Inventories are comprised of the following at the respective period ends:

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Costs related to warehousing, transportation and distribution to customers are considered when computing market value. Inventories include the cost of ingredients, labor and manufacturing overhead. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and write down any excess or obsolete inventories to estimated net realizable value. An inventory reserve is created when potentially slow-moving or obsolete inventories are identified in order to reflect the appropriate inventory value. Changes in economic conditions, production requirements, and lower than expected customer demand could result in additional obsolete or slow-moving inventory that cannot be sold or may need to be sold at reduced prices and could result in additional reserve provisions.

Note 3 - Commitments and Contingencies:

We invested in transportation equipment during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 financed by a capital lease obligation in the amount of $1,848.  

The total capital lease obligation remaining as of April 18, 2014 is $1,453.  The lease arrangement also contains a variable component of seven cents per mile based on miles driven over the lease life.  The capital lease arrangement replaces the long-standing month-to-month leases of transportation equipment.

The Company also leases warehouse and/or office facilities throughout the United States and Canada through month-to-month rental agreements. No material changes have been made to these agreements during the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal 2014.

The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Most flour purchases are made at market price without contracts. However, the Company may purchase bulk flour at current market prices under short-term (30 - 120 days) fixed price contracts during the normal course of business. Under these arrangements, the Company is obligated to purchase specific quantities at fixed prices, within the specified contract period.  These contracts provide for automatic price increases if agreed quantities are not purchased within the specified contract period.  The contracts are not material.  These contracts are typically settled within a month’s time and no significant contracts remain open at the close of the quarterly or annual reporting period.   No significant contracts remained unfulfilled at April 18, 2014.  The Company does not participate in the commodity futures market or hedging to limit commodity exposure.

Note 4 - Segment Information:

The Company has two reportable operating segments, Frozen Food Products (the processing and distribution of frozen products) and Refrigerated and Snack Food Products (the processing and distribution of refrigerated meat and other convenience foods).

We evaluate each segment's performance based on revenues and operating income. Selling, general and administrative expenses include corporate accounting, information systems, human resource management and marketing, which are managed at the corporate level. These activities are allocated to each operating segment based on revenues and/or actual usage.

The following segment information is presented for the twelve and twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014 and April 19, 2013.

Note 5 – Income Taxes:

The Company expects its effective tax rate for the 2014 fiscal year to be different from the federal statutory rate due to the state taxes and a change in valuation allowance as follows:

We recorded zero benefit on income taxes for the twenty-four week period ended April 18, 2014, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company's expected annual effective tax rate. We recorded tax expense for non income related taxes of $41 which are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Management evaluated the need for a full valuation allowance at the end of the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014. Management evaluated both positive and negative evidence.  The weight of negative factors and level of economic uncertainty in our current business continued to support the conclusion that the realization of our deferred tax assets does not meet the more likely than not standard.  Therefore, a full valuation allowance will remain against the net deferred tax assets.

As of April 18, 2014, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,394 and $3,302, respectively.  These loss carryforwards will expire at various dates from 2019 through 2033.

Our federal income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009 through 2012. We are subject to income tax in California and various other state taxing jurisdictions. Our state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009 through 2012. 

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

(dollars in thousands)

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Bridgford Foods Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; success of operating initiatives; development and operating costs; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; acceptance of new product offerings; consumer trial and frequency; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; commodity, labor, and employee benefit costs; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; and other factors referenced in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Assumptions relating to budgeting, marketing, and other management decisions are subjective in many respects and thus susceptible to interpretations and periodic revisions based on actual experience and business developments, the impact of which may cause us to alter our marketing, capital expenditure or other budgets, which may in turn affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  The reader is therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein and to consider other risks detailed more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2013.  We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Critical Accounting Policies and Management Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods.   Some of the estimates needed to be made by management include the allowance for doubtful accounts, promotional and returns allowances, inventory reserves, the estimated useful lives of property and equipment, and the valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. We determine the amounts to record based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we view as reasonable under the circumstances and consider all relevant available information.  The results of this analysis form the basis for our conclusion as to the value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other independent sources.   Amounts estimated related to liabilities for self-insured workers’ compensation, employee healthcare and pension benefits are especially subject to inherent uncertainties and these estimated liabilities may ultimately settle at amounts which vary from our current estimates.

Current accounting principles require that our pension benefit obligation be measured using an internal rate of return (“IRR”) analysis to be included in the discount rate selection process. The IRR calculation for the Retirement Plan for Employees of Bridgford Foods Corporation is measured annually and based on the Citigroup Pension Discount Rate. The Citigroup Pension Discount Rate as of March 31, 2014 was 4.54% as compared to 4.65% at November 1, 2013. The discount rate applied can significantly affect the value of the projected benefit obligation as well as the net periodic benefit cost.

Our credit risk is diversified across a broad range of customers and geographic regions. Losses due to credit risk have recently been immaterial.  The provision for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical trends and current collection risk.  We have significant amounts receivable with a few large, well known customers which, although historically secure, could be subject to material risk should these customers’ operations suddenly deteriorate. We monitor these customers closely to minimize the risk of loss. For the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014, Wal-Mart® accounted for 15.7% of consolidated revenues and 29.2% of consolidated accounts receivable.   For the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013, Wal-Mart® accounted for 16.3% of consolidated revenues and 15.6% of consolidated accounts receivable.  For the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013, Dollar General® accounted for 11.3% of consolidated revenues and 20.2% of consolidated accounts receivable. No other customer accounted for more than 20% of consolidated accounts receivable or 10% of consolidated revenues for the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014 or the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013.

Revenues are recognized upon passage of title to the customer, typically upon product pick-up, shipment or delivery to customers. Products are delivered to customers primarily through our own long-haul fleet or through our own direct store delivery system.   

We record the cash surrender or contract value for life insurance policies as an adjustment of premiums paid in determining the expense or income to be recognized under the contract for the period.

Management is required to evaluate whether a valuation allowance should be established against its deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon taxable income in prior carryback years, estimates of future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. Management concluded at the end of 2008 that it was more likely than not that deferred tax assets would not be realized and recorded a full valuation allowance on all deferred tax assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Management re-evaluated the need for a full valuation allowance as of April 18, 2014. Management evaluated both positive and negative evidence. The weight of negative factors and level of economic uncertainty in our current business continued to support the conclusion that the realization of our deferred tax assets does not meet the more likely than not standard. Therefore, a full valuation allowance remains against the net deferred tax assets at April 18, 2014.

We provide tax reserves for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to audit results, tax planning initiatives and compliance responsibilities.  The development of these reserves requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective estimate.  Although the outcome of these tax audits is uncertain, in management’s opinion adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities, if any, resulting from these reviews.  Actual outcomes may differ materially from these estimates.

We assess the recoverability of our long-lived assets on a quarterly basis or whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances or business climate indicate that expected undiscounted future cash flows related to such long-lived assets may not be sufficient to support the net book value of such assets.  If undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to support the recorded assets, we recognize an impairment to reduce the carrying value of the applicable long-lived assets to their estimated fair value.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “PPACA”), was signed into law.  The PPACA contains provisions which may impact the Company’s accounting of other postemployment benefit (“OPEB”) obligations in future periods.  Regulatory guidance for implementation of some of the provisions of the PPACA has not yet been established.  Requirements of the law include the removal of the lifetime limits on retiree medical coverage, expanding dependent coverage to age 26 and elimination of pre-existing conditions that may impact OPEB costs.  We will continue to assess the accounting implications of the PPACA and its impact on our financial position and results of operations as more legislative and interpretive guidance becomes available.  The potential future effects and cost of complying with the provisions of the PPACA are not determinable at this time.

Overview of Reporting Segments

We operate in two business segments – the processing and distribution of frozen products (the Frozen Food Products segment), and the processing and distribution of refrigerated and snack food products (the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment).  For information regarding the separate financial performance of the business segments refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  We manufacture and distribute an extensive line of food products, including biscuits, bread dough items, roll dough items, dry sausage products, beef jerky and a variety of sandwiches and sliced luncheon meats.  We purchase products for resale including a variety of cheeses, Mexican foods, pastries and other delicatessen type food products.

Frozen Food Products Segment

In our Frozen Food Products segment, we manufacture and distribute an extensive line of food products, including biscuits, bread dough items, roll dough items and sandwiches.  All items within this segment are considered similar products and have been aggregated at this level.  Our Frozen Food Products segment serves both food service and retail customers.  Products produced in this segment are supplied through leased long-haul vehicles to food service and retail distributors that take title to the product upon shipment receipt.  Approximately 170 unique frozen food products are sold through wholesalers, cooperatives and distributors to approximately 21,000 retail outlets and 22,500 restaurants and institutions. 

Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

In our Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment, we distribute both products manufactured by us and products manufactured or processed by third parties.   All items within this segment are considered similar products and have been aggregated at this level.  The dry sausage division includes products such as jerky, meat snacks, sausage and pepperoni products.  The deli division includes products such as ham, sandwiches, cheese, Mexican food, pastries and other delicatessen type food products.  Our Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment sells approximately 210 different items through a direct store delivery network serving approximately 19,000 supermarkets, mass merchandise and convenience retail stores located in 49 states and Canada.  These customers are comprised of large retail chains and smaller “independent” operators.  

Products produced or distributed by the Refrigerated and Snack Food segment are supplied to customers through either direct delivery to customer warehouses or direct-store-delivery. Product delivered to a customer warehouse is then distributed to the store and stocked by the customer where it is then resold to the end consumer.  Product delivered using the company-owned fleet direct to the store is considered a direct-store-delivery. In this case, we provide the service of setting up and maintaining the display and stocking our products.    

Results of Operations for the Twelve Weeks ended April 18, 2014 and April 19, 2013

Net Sales-Consolidated

Net sales increased by $2,659 (9.3%) to $31,243 in the second twelve-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period last year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Selling price per pound and unit sales volume in pounds in fiscal 2014 increased significantly in the Refrigerated and Snack Food segment as discussed in the segment analysis below. Returns and promotional activity increased compared to the same period in fiscal 2013.

Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Frozen Food Products segment, excluding inter-segment sales, increased by $513 (4.4%) to $12,130 in the second twelve-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period last year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The increase in sales for the twelve weeks ended April 18, 2014 primarily relates to a favorable change in product mix and to a lesser extent an increase in selling price. Returns activity remained constant.  Lower promotional activity compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal year 2013 favorably impacted net sales.

Net Sales-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment, excluding inter-segment sales, increased by $2,146 (12.6%) to $19,113 in the second twelve-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period last year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The increase in net sales in fiscal 2014 was attributable to higher per pound selling prices and unit sales volume compared to the prior year. These increases resulted from large seasonal programs with a customer that did not occur in the prior year. Higher promotional activity and returns related to these programs partially offset the increases. 

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated

Cost of products sold increased by $3,501 (18.6%) to $22,308 in the second twelve-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal year 2013.  Higher unit sales volume of low margin products and an increase in meat commodity costs were the primary causes of the increase in cost of products sold as described in the segment analysis below.  The gross margin decreased from 34.2% to 28.6%.

Cost of Products Sold-Frozen Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased by $85 (1.1%) to $7,495 in the second twelve-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal year 2013. Lower flour commodity costs were the primary contributing factor to this decrease.  The cost of purchased flour decreased approximately $31 in the second twelve-week period of fiscal 2014 compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior year.  Favorable product mix changes and lower flour costs caused the gross margin percentage to increase from 34.8% to 38.2% in the second twelve-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior fiscal year.

Cost of Products Sold-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment increased by $3,518 (30.7%) to $14,961 in the second twelve-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal year 2013 due to higher unit sales volume.  The cost of significant meat commodities increased approximately $374 in the second twelve-week period of fiscal 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year.  The gross margin earned in this segment decreased from 33.8% to 22.5% in the second twelve-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of high volume, low margin product sales and higher meat commodity costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by $560 (5.8%) to $10,215 in the second twelve-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior fiscal year.  The table below summarizes the significant expense/gain increases/decreases included in this category:

Healthcare costs have increased due to recent unfavorable claim activity. Wages and bonuses increased due to higher labor commissions paid out on higher sales dollars in the second twelve weeks of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same period in the prior year. None of the changes individually or as a group of expenses in “Other SG&A” were significant enough to merit separate disclosure.  The major components comprising the increase of “Other SG&A” expenses were increases in insurance expense, the reserve for bad debts and depreciation partially offset by a decrease in pension cost.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Frozen Food Products segment increased by $28 (0.7%) to $3,945 in the second twelve-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior fiscal year.  The overall increase in SG&A expenses was mainly due to higher reserves for bad debts and increases in healthcare costs, broker commissions and property and liability insurance.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment increased by $537 (9.4%) to $6,270 in the second twelve-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior fiscal year.  Higher healthcare costs, workers’ compensation, property and liability insurance, outside storage and depreciation for new vehicles led to the increase in SG&A expenses as compared to the prior year.  

Income Taxes-Consolidated

Income tax for the twelve weeks ended April 18, 2014 and April 19, 2013 was as follows:

We recorded zero benefit on income taxes for the twelve-week period ended April 18, 2014, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company's expected annual effective tax rate.  

The Company policy outlines measurable objective criteria that must be met before a release of the valuation allowance will occur.  The three criteria set forth in the policy must all be satisfied before the valuation allowance can be reversed.  The criteria are as follows: first, the Company’s projected available federal tax net operating loss ("NOL") must be zero; second, the prior thirty-six month cumulative book basis pre-tax income (loss), after considering “one-time” events, is positive; and third, the Company considers its outlook of near term profitable operations and assesses any material negative and positive trends or events on the immediate horizon.  As of April 18, 2014, the Company (1) has a projected federal tax NOL for fiscal 2014 of $476, (2) has positive thirty-six month cumulative book income and (3) there are current negative economic trends including lower operating profit and higher commodity costs for meat.  Only the second criterion has been satisfied, therefore, the Company will maintain a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of April 18, 2014.

Net (Loss) Income -Consolidated

The net loss of $1,280 in the twelve weeks ended April 18, 2014 includes a non-taxable gain on life insurance policies in the amount of $66.  The net income of $111 in the twelve weeks ended April 19, 2013 includes a non-taxable loss on life insurance policies in the amount of $63.  Gains and losses on life insurance policies are dependent upon the performance of the underlying equities that support policy values and future results may vary considerably.

Results of Operations for the Twenty-four Weeks ended April 18, 2014 and April 19, 2013

Net Sales-Consolidated

Net sales increased by $4,354 (7.3%) to $63,709 in the twenty-four-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four-week period last year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Unit sales volume in pounds in fiscal 2014 increased significantly in the Refrigerated and Snack Food segment and to a lesser extent in the Frozen Food Products segment. Overall, the decrease in selling price per pound in fiscal 2014 primarily relates to product mix changes as discussed in the segment analysis below. Returns and promotional activity increased compared to the same period in fiscal 2013.

Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Frozen Food Products segment, excluding inter-segment sales, increased by $918 (3.8%) to $25,035 in the twenty-four-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four-week period last year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The increase in sales for the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014 primarily relates to a favorable change in product mix. Returns activity remained constant.  Lower promotional activity compared to the same twenty-four-week period in fiscal year 2013 added to the impact of favorable unit sales volume increases.

Net Sales-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment, excluding inter-segment sales, increased by $3,436 (9.8%) to $38,674 in the twenty-four-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four-week period last year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The increase in net sales in fiscal 2014 was attributable to higher unit sales volume (in pounds) compared to the prior year. This volume increase resulted from large seasonal programs with a customer that did not occur in the prior year. The combined selling price per pound in fiscal 2014 decreased since selling prices for these items were significantly lower than prices per pound obtained for other Company products. Higher promotional activity and returns related to these programs partially offset the sales volume increase. 

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated

Cost of products sold increased by $6,961 (18.5%) to $44,506 in the twenty-four-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four-week period in fiscal year 2013.  Higher unit sales volume and increased commodity costs were the primary causes of the increase in cost of products sold as described in the segment analysis below.  The gross margin decreased from 36.7% to 30.1%.

Cost of Products Sold-Frozen Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products segment increased by $477 (3.1%) to $15,663 in the twenty-four-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four-week period in fiscal year 2013. Higher unit sales volume was the primary contributing factor to this increase, partially off-set by lower flour commodity costs.  The cost of purchased flour decreased approximately $171 in the twenty-four-week period of fiscal 2014 compared to the same twenty-four-week period in the prior year.  Favorable product mix changes and lower flour costs caused the gross margin percentage to increase from 37.0% to 37.4% in the twenty-four-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twenty-four-week period in the prior fiscal year.

Cost of Products Sold-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment increased by $6,407 (28.1%) to $29,177 in the twenty-four-week period of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four-week period in fiscal year 2013 due to higher unit sales volume.  The cost of significant meat commodities increased approximately $895 in the twenty-four-week period of fiscal 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year.  The gross margin earned in this segment decreased from 36.5% to 25.4% in the twenty-four-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of higher meat commodity costs and high volume, low margin product sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by $455 (2.3%) to $20,249 in the twenty-four-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twenty-four-week period in the prior fiscal year.  The table below summarizes the significant expense/gain increases/decreases included in this category: 

Healthcare costs have increased due to recent unfavorable claim activity. Lower profits and profit sharing accruals resulted in decreased wages and bonus in the twenty-four weeks of the 2014 fiscal year compared to the same period in the prior year. The net periodic pension cost of the defined benefit pension plan decreased due to recent increases in the discount rate. The increase in depreciation expense was due to higher capital expenditures in the prior year. Customer fines are lower than in the prior year comparative period. None of the changes individually or as a group of expenses in “Other SG&A” were significant enough in value to merit separate disclosure.  The major components comprising the increase of “Other SG&A” expenses were higher payments under product licensing agreements, lower cash surrender value gains on life insurance policies and higher postage expense.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased by $133 (1.7%) to $7,820 in the twenty-four-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twenty-four-week period in the prior fiscal year.  The overall decrease in SG&A expenses was mainly due to lower product advertising and lower bonus expense.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment increased by $588 (5.0%) to $12,429 in the twenty-four-week period of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same twenty-four-week period in the prior fiscal year.  Higher payments under labor commissions and licensing agreements, higher product advertising costs and depreciation for new vehicles led to the increase in SG&A expenses as compared to the prior year.  The increase in SG&A expenses was also related to the increase in sales, increased costs for healthcare and workers’ compensation and higher outside storage costs.

Income Taxes-Consolidated

Income tax for the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014 and April 19, 2013 was as follows:

We recorded zero benefit on income taxes for the twenty-four-week period ended April 18, 2014, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company's expected annual effective tax rate.  

The Company policy outlines measurable objective criteria that must be met before a release of the valuation allowance will occur.  The three criteria set forth in the policy must all be satisfied before the valuation allowance can be reversed.  The criteria are as follows: first, the Company’s projected available federal tax net operating loss ("NOL") must be zero; second, the prior thirty-six month cumulative book basis pre-tax income (loss), after considering “one-time” events, is positive; and third, the Company considers its outlook of near term continued profitable operations and assesses any material negative and positive trends or events on the immediate horizon.  As of April 18, 2014, the Company (1) has a projected federal tax NOL for fiscal 2014 of $476, (2) has positive thirty-six month cumulative book income and (3) there are current negative economic trends including lower operating profit and higher commodity costs for meat.  Only the second criterion has been satisfied, therefore, the Company will maintain a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of April 18, 2014.

Net (Loss) Income -Consolidated

A net loss of $1,046 in the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014 includes a non-taxable gain on life insurance policies in the amount of $215.  The net income of $1,833 in the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013 includes a non-taxable gain on life insurance policies in the amount of $328.  Gains and losses on life insurance policies are dependent upon the performance of the underlying equities that support policy values and future results may vary considerably.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The principal source of our operating cash flow is cash receipts from the sale of our products, net of costs to manufacture, store, market and deliver our products.  We have remained free of bank debt for the past twenty-six years and we fund our operations from cash balances and cash flow generated from operations.  We expect positive operating cash flows in the first quarter of our fiscal year from the liquidation of inventory and accounts receivable balances related to holiday season sales.  Anticipated commodity price trends may affect future cash balances.  However, certain commodities may be purchased in advance of our immediate needs to lower the ultimate cost of processing.

Cash flows from operating activities for the twenty-four weeks ended:

For the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2014, net cash used in operating activities was $511, $900 less cash used than the same period in fiscal 2013.  The increase in net cash used in operating activities was largely due to collections of accounts receivable on sales made during the holiday season that occur just after the fiscal year end partially offset by a net loss of $1,046 and reductions in accounts payable, accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses as well as a reduction in the current portion of non-current liabilities. Specifically, a large payment of $1,107 was made to increase the loss fund balance on workers’ compensation policies due to adverse claim activity in recent policy years.  During the twenty-four week period ended April 18, 2014 we funded $714 towards our defined benefit pension plan.  Plan funding strategies may be adjusted depending upon economic conditions, investment options, tax deductibility, or recent legislation changes in funding requirements.

Our cash conversion cycle (defined as days of inventory and trade receivables less days of trade payables outstanding) is relatively quick, and was equal to 60 days for the twenty-four-week period ended April 18, 2014, and 64 days for the twenty-four-week period ended April 19, 2013.  Compared with the prior year, the favorable impact on the 2014 cash conversion cycle resulted from lower days sales outstanding in accounts receivable as well as lower days in inventory, primarily due to the liquidation of finished goods inventories during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 during the holiday selling season.

For the twenty-four weeks ended April 19, 2013, net cash used by our operating activities was $1,411, an increase of $1,755 compared to the same period in fiscal 2012.  The increase in cash used in operating activities is primarily related to an increase in finished good and ingredient inventory partially offset by more profitable operations due to increased sales and lower commodity costs. During the twenty-four week period ended April 19, 2013 we funded $739 towards our defined benefit pension plan.  

Cash used in investing activities for the twenty-four weeks ended:

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment include the acquisition of new equipment, upgrading of facilities to maintain operating efficiency and investments in cost effective technologies to lower costs. In general, we capitalize the cost of additions and improvements and expense the cost for repairs and maintenance.  The Company may also capitalize costs related to improvements that extend the life, increase the capacity, or improve the efficiency of existing machinery and equipment.  Specifically, capitalization of upgrades of facilities to maintain operating efficiency include acquisitions of machinery and equipment used on packaging lines and refrigeration equipment used to process food products.

The table below highlights the additions to property, plant and equipment for the twenty-four weeks ended:

Cash used in financing activities for the twenty-four weeks ended:

Our stock repurchase program was approved by the Board of Directors in November 1999 and was expanded in June 2005.  Under the stock repurchase program, we are authorized, at the discretion of management and the Board of Directors, to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock on the open market.  As of April 18, 2014, 164,666 shares were still authorized for repurchase under the program.  

A one-time cash dividend was paid in the amount of five cents per share during the first twenty-four weeks of the 2013 fiscal year.

We invested in transportation equipment during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 financed by a capital lease obligation in the amount of $1,848.  The term of the lease is six years.  The total capital lease obligation remaining as of April 18, 2014 is $1,453. The capital lease arrangement replaces the long-standing month-to-month leases of transportation equipment. 

We maintain a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that expires on March 1, 2015. Under the terms of this line of credit, we may borrow up to $2,000 at an interest rate equal to the bank’s reference rate, unless we elect an optional interest rate. The borrowing agreement contains various covenants, the more significant of which require us to maintain a minimum tangible net worth no less than 2.5 to 1.0, a Quick Ratio not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a minimum quarterly net income after tax of one dollar. The Company was in violation of the net income covenant which was subsequently waived (per letter dated May 15, 2014). There were no borrowings under this line of credit during fiscal 2014 to date or fiscal 2013.

The impact of inflation on the Company’s financial position and results of operations has not been significant. Management is of the opinion that the Company’s strong financial position and its capital resources are sufficient to provide for its operating needs and capital expenditures for fiscal 2014.  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Not applicable at this reporting date.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not engaged in any “off-balance sheet arrangements” within the meaning of Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not applicable to smaller reporting company.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on this evaluation the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report in their design and operation to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management and  recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and were accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.

The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving our stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

We maintain and evaluate a system of internal accounting controls, and a program of internal auditing designed to provide reasonable assurance that our assets are protected and that transactions are performed in accordance with proper authorization, and are properly recorded. This system of internal accounting controls is continually reviewed and modified in response to evolving business conditions and operations and to recommendations made by the independent registered public accounting firm and our internal auditor.  We have established a code of conduct.  Our management believes that the accounting and internal control systems provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and financial information is reliable.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets regularly with our financial management and counsel, and with the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us.  Internal accounting controls and the quality of financial reporting are discussed during these meetings. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed by the auditing standards adopted or established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. In addition, the Audit Committee and the independent registered public accounting firm have discussed the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence from the Company and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526 “Communicating with Audit Committees Concerning Independence”.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended April 18, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Part II.  Other Information

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risk factors listed in Part I “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2013 should be considered with the information provided elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.  There have been no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in such Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

We have not sold any equity securities during the period covered by this Report.

The following table provides information regarding repurchases by us of our common stock, for each of the three four-week periods included in the interim twelve-week period ended April 18, 2014.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Item 6.

Exhibits

*                             The XBRL information is being furnished and not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not incorporated by reference into any registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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.

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