BRIDGFORD FOODS CORP - Quarter Report: 2017 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 14, 2017

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 000-02396

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

1308 N. Patt Street, Anaheim, CA 92801

(Address of principal executive offices-Zip code)

714-526-5533

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or a emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [  ] No [X]

As of May 26, 2017 the registrant had 9,076,832 shares of common stock outstanding.

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 and 4 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 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016 have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KA for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2016 (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 October 28, 2016 balance sheet amounts within these interim condensed consolidated financial statements were derived from the audited fiscal 2016 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, plant 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. Market conditions and the volatility in stock markets may cause significant changes in the measurement of our pension fund liabilities and the performance of our life insurance policies in future periods.

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 14, 2017, 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.

The table below shows customers that accounted for more than 20% of consolidated accounts receivable (“AR”) or 10% of consolidated sales for the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016, respectively.

Customer Concentration > 20% of AR or 10% of Sales *

* = No other customer accounted for more than 20% of consolidated accounts receivable or 10% of consolidated sales for the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 or the twenty-four weeks ended April 15, 2016.

Subsequent events

Management has evaluated events subsequent to April 14, 2017 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.

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding for all periods presented. No stock options, warrants, or convertible securities were outstanding as of April 14, 2017 or April 15, 2016.

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 OTR (over-the-road) tractors financed by a capital lease obligation in the amount of $1,060 during fiscal 2012. The total capital lease obligation remaining for transportation equipment as of April 14, 2017 is $485. The lease arrangement also contains a variable component of seven cents per mile based on miles driven over the lease life.

The Company also leases warehouse and/or office facilities throughout the United States through month-to-month rental agreements. No material changes have been made to these agreements during the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal 2017.

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 14, 2017. The Company does not participate in the commodity futures market or hedging to limit commodity exposure.

The Company obtained Chicago City Council approval on January 25, 2017 for a zoning change to its Chicago production plant property which management believes increases its value and flexibility going forward. The Company has purchased an existing facility in the Chicago area for approximately $5.6 million cash. The Company expects to invest approximately $2.0 million on building improvements before occupying the facility in the later part of fiscal year 2017.

Note 4 - Segment Information:

The Company has two reportable operating segments, Frozen Food Products (the processing and distribution of frozen products) and Snack Food Products (the processing and distribution of 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. Assets managed at the corporate level have been included as “other” in the accompanying segment information.

The following segment information is presented for the twelve and twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016.

Note 5 – Income Taxes:

The Company expects its effective tax rate for the 2017 fiscal year to be different from the federal statutory rate due to domestic production activities deductions, non-taxable gains and losses on life insurance policies and state taxes. The effective tax rate for the twenty-four week period ended April 14, 2017 was 30.8% for federal and state taxes. We recorded an income tax provision of $1,690 for the twenty-four week period ended April 14, 2017, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate.

We recorded an income tax provision of $2,208 for the twenty-four week period ended April 15, 2016, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate.

As of April 14, 2017, the Company did not have any outstanding federal or state, other than california, net operating loss carryforwards.

Our federal income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the fiscal years ended on or about October 31, 2013 through 2015. We are subject to income tax in California and various other state taxing jurisdictions. Our California state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the fiscal years ended on or about October 31, 2012 through 2015.

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, as amended, 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, as amended, for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2016. 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 April 30, 2017 was 4.04% as compared to 3.40% at October 28, 2016. 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 receivables 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.

The table below shows customers that accounted for more than 20% of consolidated accounts receivable (“AR”) or 10% of consolidated revenues for the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016, respectively.

Customer Concentration > 20% of AR or 10% of Sales *

* = No other customer accounted for more than 20% of consolidated accounts receivable or 10% of consolidated revenues for the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 or the twenty-four weeks ended April 15, 2016.

Sales 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.

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.

We participate in “multiemployer” pension plans administered by labor unions on behalf of their employees. We pay monthly contributions to union trust funds, a portion of which is used to fund pension benefit obligations to plan participants. The contribution amount may change depending upon the ability of participating companies to fund these pension liabilities as well as the actual and expected returns on pension plan assets. Should we withdraw from the union and cease participation in a union plan, federal law could impose a penalty for additional contributions to the plan. The penalty would be recorded as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The ultimate amount of the withdrawal liability is dependent upon several factors including the funded status of the plan and contributions made by other participating companies.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “PPACA”), was signed into law. Requirements of the law include the removal of the lifetime limits on active and retiree medical coverage, expanding dependent coverage to age 26 and elimination of pre-existing conditions that may impact OPEB costs. In addition, the PPACA includes an excise tax in 2020 on the value of benefits that exceed a pre-defined limit which may require changes in benefit plan levels in order to minimize this additional cost. Finally, the PPACA includes provisions that require employers to offer health benefits to all full time employees (defined as 30 hours per week). The health coverage must meet minimum standards for the actuarial value of the benefits offered and employee affordability. With the recent election and change in administration, the provisions of PPACA may change at some point during 2017. However, Bridgford Foods is compelled to comply with the PPACA as it exists unless and until such provisions change. We cannot anticipate changes at this point in time. The current Bridgford plans meet the existing requirements. 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 snack food products (the 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 and beef jerky.

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 shelf stable sandwiches. All items within this segment are considered similar products and have been aggregated at this level. Our frozen food business covers the United States. Products produced by the Frozen Food Products segment are generally supplied to food service and retail distributors who take title to the product upon shipment receipt through company leased long-haul vehicles. In addition to regional sales managers, we maintain a network of independent food service and retail brokers covering most of the United States. Brokers are compensated on a commission basis. We believe that our broker relationships, in close cooperation with our regional sales managers, are a valuable asset providing significant new product and customer opportunities. Regional sales managers perform several significant functions for us, including identifying and developing new business opportunities and providing customer service and support to our distributors and end purchasers through the effective use of our broker network.

Snack Food Products Segment

In our Snack Food Products segment, we primarily distribute products manufactured by us. 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. Our Snack Food Products segment sells approximately 110 different items through a direct store delivery network serving approximately 15,000 supermarkets, mass merchandise and convenience retail stores located in 48 states. These customers are comprised of large retail chains and smaller “independent” operators.

Products produced or distributed by the Snack Food Products segment are supplied to customers through either direct-store-delivery or direct delivery to customer warehouses. 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. Products delivered to customer warehouses are distributed to the retail store and stocked by the customer where it is then resold to the end consumer.

Results of Operations for the Twelve Weeks ended April 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016.

Net Sales-Consolidated

Net sales increased by $2,952 (9.5%) to $34,097 in the second twelve week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twelve week period last year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased by $338 (3.0%) to $10,817 in the second twelve week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twelve week period last year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The decrease in net sales for the twelve weeks ended April 14, 2017 primarily relates to lower selling price per pound partially offset by an increase in unit sales volume in pounds due to a change in product mix. Promotional activity increased due to higher promotional billbacks and menu allowances while returns activity remained constant compared to the same twelve week period in the prior year.

Net Sales-Snack Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Snack Food Products segment, increased by $3,290 (16.5%) to $23,280 in the second twelve week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twelve week period last year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Unit volume in pounds increased significantly in the beef products category. The volume of pork-based products was also slightly higher compared to the prior twelve week period. The weighted average selling price per pound decreased compared to the same twelve week period in the prior year primarily as a result of more aggressive pricing on a current year promotion compared to the prior year with a significant customer and pricing pressure in the beef products market. Promotional offers increased due to the timing of programs with significant customers and post audit deductions. Returns activity was slightly lower compared to the same twelve week period in the 2016 fiscal year.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated

Cost of products sold increased by $2,226 (11.8%) to $21,140 in the second twelve week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twelve week period in fiscal year 2016. The gross margin decreased from 39.3% to 38.0%.

Cost of Products Sold-Frozen Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased by $271 (3.9%) to $6,716 in the second twelve week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twelve week period in fiscal year 2016. Lower sales volume and lower flour commodity costs were the primary contributing factors to this decrease. Overhead spending increased slightly related to higher pension and workers’ compensation costs. The cost of purchased flour decreased approximately $20 in the second twelve week period of fiscal 2017 compared to the same twelve week period in the prior year.

Cost of Products Sold-Snack Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Snack Food Products segment increased by $2,497 (20.9%) to $14,424 in the second twelve week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twelve week period in fiscal year 2016 due to a substantial increase in sales volume. The increase in cost of goods sold was partially offset by lower meat commodity costs. Higher utilities and workers’ compensation costs also impacted the cost of products sold. The cost of significant meat commodities decreased approximately $282 in the second twelve week period of fiscal 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by $1,168 (12.0%) to $10,928 in the second twelve week period of fiscal year 2017 compared to the same twelve week period in the prior fiscal year. The table below summarizes the significant expense increases included in this category:

Costs for product advertising increased mainly as a result of higher payments under brand licensing agreements in the Snack Food Products segment during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Higher profit sharing accruals resulted in increased wage and bonus expense in the second twelve weeks of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in pension costs was due to lower pension discount rates being used to compute the future liability estimate. 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 higher workers’ compensation costs, higher fuel costs and electric utilities partially offset by lower expenses related to healthcare costs and property insurance.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Frozen Food Products segment increased by $96 (2.9%) to $3,386 in the second twelve week period of fiscal year 2017 compared to the same twelve week period in the prior fiscal year. The overall increase in SG&A expenses was due to higher pension costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Snack Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Snack Food Products segment increased by $1,072 (16.6%) to $7,542 in the second twelve week period of fiscal year 2017 compared to the same twelve week period in the prior fiscal year. Most of the increase was due to higher sales, higher expenses related to licensing agreements and sales commissions as well as higher pension and fuel costs.

Income Taxes-Consolidated

Income tax for the twelve weeks ended April 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016, respectively, was as follows:

We recorded a tax provision of $714 for the twelve week period ended April 14, 2017, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate. The effective income tax rate differed from the applicable mixed statutory rate of approximately 37.7% primarily due to domestic production activities deductions under IRC Section 199.

Net Income -Consolidated

The net income of $1,315 in the twelve weeks ended April 14, 2017 includes a non-taxable gain on life insurance policies in the amount of $150. The net income of $1,492 in the twelve weeks ended April 15, 2016 includes a non-taxable gain on life insurance policies in the amount of $238. 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 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016.

Net Sales-Consolidated

Net sales increased by $6,877 (10.2%) to $74,178 in the twenty-four week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period last year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased by $110 (0.5%) to $22,531 in the twenty-four week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period last year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The decrease in net sales for the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 primarily relates to lower selling prices per pound due to changes in product mix. Higher unit sales volume in pounds and lower promotional activity partially offset the decline in selling price per pound. Returns activity decreased slightly compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior year.

Net Sales-Snack Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Snack Food Products segment, increased by $6,987 (15.6%) to $51,647 in the twenty-four week period of the 2017 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 increased significantly in the beef products category. The volume of pork-based products was also slightly higher compared to the prior twenty-four week period. The weighted average selling price per pound decreased compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior year primarily as a result of more aggressive pricing on a current year promotion compared to the prior year with a significant customer and pricing pressure in the beef products market. Returns activity decreased slightly and promotional offers increased compared to the same twenty-four week period in the 2016 fiscal year.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated

Cost of products sold increased by $5,015 (12.1%) to $46,306 in the twenty-four week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal year 2016. The gross margin decreased from 38.6% to 37.6%.

Cost of Products Sold-Frozen Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased by $13 (0.1%) to $14,080 in the twenty-four week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal year 2016. Lower selling prices per pound and lower flour commodity costs were the primary contributing factors to this decrease. Overhead spending increased related to higher pension and workers’ compensation costs. The cost of purchased flour decreased approximately $68 in the twenty-four week period of fiscal 2017 compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior year.

Cost of Products Sold-Snack Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Snack Food Products segment increased by $5,028 (18.5%) to $32,226 in the twenty-four week period of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal year 2016 due to a substantial increase in sales volume. The increase in cost of goods sold was partially offset by lower meat commodity costs. Higher freight and utilities costs also impacted the cost of products sold. The cost of significant meat commodities decreased approximately $1,598 in the twenty-four week period of fiscal 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by $1,955 (9.6%) to $22,393 in the twenty-four week period of fiscal year 2017 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:

Higher profit sharing accruals resulted in increased wage and bonus expense in the twenty-four weeks of the 2017 fiscal year compared to the same period in the prior year. The cash surrender value of life insurance policies increased substantially due to stock market gains compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal 2016. The increase in pension costs was due to lower pension discount rates being used to compute the future liability estimate. Costs for product advertising increased mainly as a result of higher payments under brand licensing agreements in the Snack Food Products segment during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Workers’ compensation costs increased due to a change in accounting estimate that occurred in the comparative quarter and did not reoccur in the current quarter. 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 higher outside consulting fees, telephone expenses and higher bad debt expense compared to the prior year period partially offset by lower legal expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Frozen Food Products segment increased by $20 (0.3%) to $6,959 in the twenty-four week period of fiscal year 2017 compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior fiscal year. The overall increase in SG&A expenses was due to higher pension and outside consulting fees due to the timing of USDA inspections.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Snack Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Snack Food Products segment increased by $1,935 (14.3%) to $15,434 in the twenty-four week period of fiscal year 2017 compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior fiscal year. Most of the increase was due to higher sales, higher expense related to licensing agreements, higher workers’ compensation and pension costs partially offset by higher allocated gains on life insurance.

Income Taxes-Consolidated

Income tax for the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 and April 15, 2016, respectively, was as follows:

We recorded a tax provision of $1,690 for the twenty-four week period ended April 14, 2017, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate. The effective income tax rate differed from the applicable mixed statutory rate of approximately 37.7% primarily due to domestic production activities deductions under IRC Section 199.

Net Income -Consolidated

The net income of $3,789 in the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017 includes a non-taxable gain on life insurance policies in the amount of $429. The net income of $3,364 in the twenty-four weeks ended April 15, 2016 includes a non-taxable loss on life insurance policies in the amount of $84. 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. We have remained free of interest bearing debt (excluding capital leases) for twenty-eight of the last twenty-nine years (with fiscal 2014 being the only exception) and we normally fund our operations from cash balances and cash flow generated from operations. Historically, 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. 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 14, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $14,180, $8,640 more cash provided than during the same period in fiscal 2016. The net increase in cash provided by operating activities primarily related to higher accounts receivable collections and a reduction in inventory due to the timing of programs with large customers partially offset by estimated tax payments of $2,543. During the twenty-four week period ended April 14, 2017 we funded $601 towards our defined benefit pension plan. Plan funding strategies may be adjusted depending upon economic conditions, investment options, tax deductibility, or recent legislative changes in funding requirements. The Company did not borrow against the line of credit with Wells Fargo during the twenty-four weeks ended April 14, 2017.

Our cash conversion cycle (defined as days of inventory and trade receivables less days of trade payables outstanding) was equal to 64 days for the twenty-four week period ended April 14, 2017. The cash conversion cycle decreased due to collection on terms with significant customers.

For the twenty-four weeks ended April 15, 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $5,540 due to the liquidation of inventory of $1,434 and net income of $3,364 partially offset by estimated income tax payments of $1,559. During the twenty-four week period ended April 15, 2016 we funded $601 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 a new building and land in Chicago, Illinois, in the amount of $5.6 million, 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 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 14, 2017, 120,113 shares were still authorized for repurchase under the program.

We invested in OTR (over-the-road) tractors financed by a capital lease obligation in the amount of $1,060 during fiscal 2012. The total capital lease obligation remaining as of April 14, 2017 is $485. The capital lease arrangement replaced 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, 2018. The line of credit was expanded during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Under the terms of this line of credit, we may borrow up to $7,500 at an interest rate equal to the bank’s prime rate or Libor plus 1.5%. The borrowing agreement contains various covenants, the more significant of which require us to maintain a minimum tangible net worth, a minimum quick ratio, a minimum net income after tax and total capital expenditures less than $5,000. The Company was in violation of the capital expenditure covenant which was subsequently waived by letter dated May 10, 2017. The Company was in compliance with all other covenants as of April 14, 2017. There have been no borrowings under this line of credit during fiscal 2017.

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 financial position and its capital resources are sufficient to provide for its operating needs and capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2017.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” to supersede previous revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP. The guidance presents steps for comprehensive revenue recognition that requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating this statement and its impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. The guidance is part of the “Simplification Initiative” to identify and re-evaluate areas where the generally accepted accounting principles may be complex and cumbersome to apply. The guidance will require that inventory be stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value as opposed to the lower of cost or market. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price for the inventory less completion, disposal and transportation costs. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” that requires most equity investments to be measured at fair value and subsequent changes in fair value to be recognized in net income. The guidance covers presentation and disclosure requirements of financial liabilities and the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating this statement and its impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which will require a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities with lease terms of more than 12 months. Both capital and operating leases will need to be recognized on the balance sheet. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating this statement and its impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 “Compensation-Stock Compensation” guidance which simplifies various aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income tax consequences, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification of related amounts within the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this guidance should have minimal impact if any on results of Company operations or financial position.

In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses”, which requires a financial asset to be presented at the net carrying value which is the amount expected to be collected net of expected credit losses. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this statement and its impact on its results of operations or financial position.

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 a 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. On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) published Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) (the “2013 Framework”) and related illustrative documents as an update to Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) (the “1992 Framework”). The Company has adopted the 2013 Framework this fiscal year and has determined that the 17 principles are present and functioning during our assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls. 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 14, 2017 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 October 28, 2016 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 or repurchased 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 14, 2017.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Item 5. Other Information

The Company obtained Chicago City Council approval on January 25, 2017 for a zoning change to its Chicago production plant property which management believes increases its value and flexibility going forward.  The Company has purchased an existing facility in the Chicago area for approximately $5.6 million cash.  The Company expects to invest approximately $2.0 million on building improvements before occupying the facility in the later part of fiscal 2017.

Item 6.

Exhibits

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.