BRIDGFORD FOODS CORP - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended October 29, 2021

Commission file number: 000-02396

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

1707 South Good-Latimer Expressway

Dallas, Texas 75226

(Address of principal executive offices)

(214) 428-1535

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report ☐

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on April 16, 2021 was $26,203,000.

As of January 25, 2022, there were 9,076,832 shares of common stock outstanding.

Documents incorporated by reference. None.

INDEX TO FORM 10-K

PART I

Item 1. Business (dollars in thousands)

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Bridgford Foods Corporation intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Readers are cautioned that such statements, which may be identified by words including “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “expects,” and similar expressions, are only predictions or estimations and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding 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; supply chain constraints and resulting cost pressures, changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; relationships with customers and suppliers; statements regarding the anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and other factors referenced in this Report.

The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding our business, which involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic and competitive conditions, and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as representation by us or any other person that the objectives or plans of our company will be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak as of the date of this Report and we undertake no obligation to update such statements after the date hereof.

COVID-19

We are monitoring and responding to the evolving nature of state and local government actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on each of our production plant locations as well as our customer base. We coordinate with our local managers for the primary purpose of maintaining the health and safety of our team members, ensuring our ability to operate our processing facilities, and maintaining the liquidity of our business. We continue to experience multiple challenges related to the pandemic. These challenges may continue to increase our operating costs and negatively impact our sales volumes.

Operationally, we have faced temporary idling of production facilities to ensure team member safety. As a result, we have experienced lower levels of productivity and higher costs of production. This will likely continue at least for the short term until the effects of the pandemic diminish. Both of our business segments have experienced a shift in demand from foodservice to retail. During the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2021, the Frozen Food Products segment has seen a lessening of pandemic related restrictions on food service venues. In our Frozen Food Products segment, the recent sales volume increases in foodservice have not been sufficient to offset the losses in retail and as a result, we experienced decreased unit sales volume during fiscal 2021 in this segment. However, we were able to implement price increases on our products to cover higher input costs. Our Snack Food Products segment has experienced significant sales volume increases and commodity cost increases caused in part by supply and demand constraints related to reopening the economy from pandemic restrictions. The cost of significant meat commodities increased approximately $12,692 and the cost of purchased flour increased approximately $445 during fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020.

● Team Members – The health and safety of our team members is our top priority. To protect our team members, we have implemented safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) in our facilities and have implemented social distancing, temperature checks of team members, increased efforts to deep clean and sanitize facilities, the use of protective face coverings in certain environments, and making protective face coverings and other protective equipment available to team members. We encourage team members who feel sick to stay at home and provide relaxed attendance policies in some instances. We continue to explore and implement additional ways to promote social distancing in our production facilities by creating additional breakroom space and allowing extra time between shifts to reduce interaction of team members, as well as erecting dividers between workstations or increasing the space between workers on the production floor.

● Customers and Production – The most significant impact from business shutdowns relates to channel shifts and lower production in our Frozen Food Products segment. We are committed to doing our best to ensure the continuity of our business and the availability of our products to customers. During the last three quarters of fiscal 2021, we have started to see a shift in demand from our retail to our foodservice sales channels as schools and in-dining restaurants begin to reopen across the country. Our production capabilities, including our large scale and geographic proximities, allow us to adapt some of our facilities to the changing demand by shifting certain amounts of production from retail to foodservice. In addition, our production facilities were experiencing varying levels of production impacts, including reduced volumes, worker absenteeism and temporary COVID-19-related closures at some of our production facilities and may continue to experience these impacts.

● Supply Chain – Our supply chain has stayed largely intact. Although we have experienced some minor disruptions, these events have not significantly impacted our production to date. We have experienced volatility in commodity inputs, in part due to impacts caused by COVID-19 related business disruptions, and we expect this volatility to continue, which may impact our future input costs. Commodity costs increased approximately $13,137 during fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020.

● Insurance and CARES Act – Although we maintain insurance policies for various risks, we believe most COVID-19 impacts will not be covered by these policies. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferral of the employer portion of social security payments, and expanded income tax net operating loss carryback provisions. While we continue to examine the potential impacts of these actions, we anticipate new regulations related to federal income tax will have a significant impact on our financial statements and cash flow. Late in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 we began implementing the deferral of the employer portion of social security payments and intend to continue this deferral for the duration of its availability which will have a favorable impact on short-term liquidity. The deferral amount as of October 29, 2021, is approximately $1,511 with 50% due on December 31, 2021, and the remaining amount due on December 31, 2022.

● Liquidity – Operations used $5,992 in operating cash flows during the fifty-two weeks ended October 29, 2021. As of that date, we had approximately $44,638 of net working capital and $3,000 available under our revolving line of credit. On December 1, 2021, we expanded the revolving line of credit to $25,000 until June 15, 2022, upon which the credit limit will return to $15,000 for the balance of the term. Commodity price volatility or increases could adversely impact our business, financial condition including liquidity, and results of operations. Despite higher commodity costs, we may not be able to increase our product prices in a timely manner or sufficiently to offset increased commodity costs due to consumer price sensitivity, pricing in relation to competitors and the reluctance of retailers to accept the price increase. Higher product prices could potentially lower demand for our product and decrease volume. As of October 29, 2021, we have $1,065 of current debt on equipment loans. We entered into a bridge loan on August 30, 2021, for up to $25,000 which we plan to use to pay off the existing equipment loans as they come out of the lock out period and may be prepaid. As of October 29, 2021, we paid off $10,328 in equipment loans utilizing proceeds from the new bridge loan. Management believes there are various options available to generate additional liquidity to repay debt or fund operations such as mortgaging real estate, should that be necessary. Our ability to increase liquidity will depend upon, among other things, our business plans, performance of operating divisions, economic conditions of capital markets, or circumstances related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. If we are unable to increase liquidity through mortgaging real estate, or generate positive cash flow necessary to fund operations, we may not be able to compete successfully, which could negatively impact our business, operations, and financial condition. Combined with the cash expected to be generated from the Company’s operations, income tax refunds of $6,156, receivable on life insurance of $2,205 partially offset by payment on deferral of social security taxes, we anticipate that we will maintain sufficient liquidity to operate our business for a reasonable period of time. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our liquidity and, if necessary, take action to preserve liquidity and ensure that our business can operate during these uncertain times.

Background of Business

Bridgford Foods Corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Bridgford”, the “Company”, “we”, “our”), a California corporation, was organized in 1952. We originally began operations in 1932 as a retail meat market in San Diego, California and evolved into a meat wholesaler for hotels and restaurants, a distributor of frozen food products, a processor and packer of meat, and a manufacturer and distributor of frozen food products for sale on a retail and wholesale basis. Currently, we are primarily engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of an extensive line of frozen and snack food products throughout the United States. We have not been involved in any bankruptcy, receivership, or similar proceedings since inception nor have we been party to any merger, acquisition, etc. or acquired or disposed of any material amounts of assets during the past five years other than those discussed in Item 7 of this Report. Substantially all of our assets have been acquired in the ordinary course of business.

Description of Business

Bridgford currently operates in two business segments - the processing and distribution of frozen food products and the processing and distribution of snack food products. For information regarding the separate financial performance of the business segments refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

The following table shows sales, as a percentage of consolidated sales, for each business segment during the last two fiscal years:

We manufacture nearly all of our food products and distribute an extensive line of biscuits, bread dough items, roll dough items, dry sausage products and beef jerky. Our direct store delivery network consists of non-refrigerated snack food products. Our frozen food products division serves both food service and retail customers.

Although we have recently introduced several new products, most of these products have not contributed significantly to our revenue growth for fiscal year 2021. Our sales are not subject to material seasonal variations. Historically we have been able to respond quickly to the receipt of orders and, accordingly, do not maintain a significant sales backlog. Neither Bridgford nor its industry generally has unusual demands or restrictions on working capital items. During the last fiscal year, we did not enter into any new markets or any significant contractual or other material relationships other than amendments to the March 16, 2020 Purchase and Sale Agreement with CRG Acquisition, LLC on each of February 1, 2021, April 28, 2021 and July 30, 2021, relating to the sale of a parcel of land including an approximate 156,000 square foot four-story industrial building in Chicago, Illinois.

Availability of SEC Filings and Code of Conduct on Internet Website

We maintain an Internet website at www.bridgford.com. Available on this website, free of charge, are our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments thereto, and reports filed under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Code of Conduct is also available on the website.

Product Distribution Methods

Our products are delivered to customers using several distinct distribution channels. The distribution channel utilized is dependent upon the needs of our customers, the most efficient proximity to the delivery point, trade customs, and operating segment as well as product type, life, and stability. Among our customers are many of the country’s largest broadline and specialty food service distributors. These and other large-end purchasers occasionally go through extensive qualification procedures and our manufacturing capabilities are subjected to thorough review by the end purchasers prior to our approval as a vendor. Large-end purchasers typically select suppliers that can consistently meet increased volume requirements on a national basis during peak promotional periods. We believe that our manufacturing flexibility, national presence, and long-standing customer relationships should allow us to compete effectively with other manufacturers seeking to provide similar products to our current large food service end purchasers, although no assurances can be given.

The factors that contribute to higher or lower margins generated from each method of distribution depend upon the accepted selling price, level of involvement by our employees in setting up and maintaining displays, distance traveled, and fuel consumed by our company-owned fleet as well as freight and shipping costs depending on the distance the product travels to the delivery point. Management is continually evaluating the profitability of product delivery methods, analyzing alternate methods, and weighing economic inputs to determine the most efficient and cost-effective method of delivery to fulfill the needs of our customers.

Major Product Classes

Frozen Food Products

Our frozen food products division serves both food service and retail customers. We sell approximately 130 unique frozen food products through approximately 770 wholesalers, cooperatives, and distributors.

Frozen Food Products – Food Service Customers

The food service industry is composed of establishments that serve food outside the home and includes restaurants, the food operations of health care providers, schools, hotels, resorts, corporations, and other traditional and non-traditional food service outlets. Growth in this industry has been driven by the increase in away-from-home meal preparation, which has accompanied the expanding number of both dual income and single-parent households. Another trend within the food service industry is the growth in the number of non-traditional food service outlets such as convenience stores, retail stores and supermarkets. These non-traditional locations often lack extensive cooking, storage, or preparation facilities resulting in a need for pre-cooked and prepared foods similar to those we provide. The expansion in the food service industry has also been accompanied by the continued consolidation and growth of broadline and specialty food service distributors, many of which are long-standing customers. Orders from food service customers have started to increase as schools and in-dining restaurants start to reopen across the United States in response to the COVID-19 pandemic restriction changes.

Frozen Food Products – Retail Customers

The majority of our existing and targeted retail customers are involved in the resale of branded and private label packaged foods. The same trends which have contributed to the increase in away-from-home meal preparation have also fueled the growth in easy to prepare, microwaveable frozen and refrigerated convenience foods. Among the fastest growing segments is the frozen and refrigerated hand-held foods market. This growth has been driven by improved product quality and variety and the increasing need for inexpensive and healthy food items that require minimal preparation. Despite rapid growth, many categories of frozen and refrigerated hand-held foods have achieved minimal household penetration. We believe we have been successful in establishing and maintaining supply relationships with certain selected leading retailers in this market.

Frozen Food Products – Sales and Marketing

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.

Our annual advertising expenditures are directed towards retail and institutional customers. These customers participate in various special promotional and marketing programs and direct advertising allowances we sponsor. We also invest in general consumer advertising in various periodicals, and coupons to advertise in major markets. We direct advertising toward food service customers with campaigns in major industry publications and through our participation in trade shows throughout the United States. Our advertising strategy includes our presence on social media and online distribution of promotional material.

Snack Food Products

During fiscal year 2021, our snack food products division sold approximately 170 different items through customer-owned distribution centers and a direct-store-delivery network serving approximately 19,000 supermarkets, mass merchandise and convenience retail stores located in 49 states.

Products produced or distributed by the Snack Food Products segment are supplied to customers through either direct delivery to customer warehouses or direct-store-delivery to retail locations. We utilize customer managed warehouse distribution centers to lower distribution cost. Product delivered to the customer’s warehouse is then distributed to the store where it is resold to the end consumer. Our direct-store-delivery system focus emphasizes high quality service and supply of our premium branded product to our customers. We also provide the service of setting up and maintaining the display and restocking our products.

Snack Food Products — Customers

Our customers are comprised of large retail chains and smaller “independent” operators. This part of our business is highly competitive. Proper placement of our product lines is critical to selling success since most items could be considered “impulse” items which are often consumed shortly after purchase. Our ability to sell successfully to this distribution channel depends on aggressive marketing and maintaining relationships with key buyers.

Snack Food Products — Sales and Marketing

Snack food products are distributed across the United States. Regional sales managers perform several significant functions including identifying and developing new business opportunities and providing customer service and support to our customers. We also utilize the services of brokers, where appropriate, to support efficient product distribution and customer satisfaction. We sponsor a fishing team which participates at the highest levels of both the Fishing League Worldwide (also known as the “FLW”) and Wild West Bass Trail.

Product Planning and Research and Development

We continually monitor the consumer acceptance of each product within our extensive product line. Individual products are regularly added to and deleted from our product line. Historically, the addition or deletion of any individual product has not had a material effect on our operations at fiscal yearend. We believe that a key factor in the success of our products is our system of carefully targeted research and testing of our products to ensure high quality and that each product matches an identified market opportunity. The emphasis in new product introductions in the past several years has been in single-serve items. We are constantly searching to develop new products to complement our existing product lines and improve processing techniques and formulas. We utilize an in-house test kitchen and consultants to research and experiment with unique food preparation methods, improve quality control and analyze new ingredient mixtures.

Competition

Our products are sold under highly competitive conditions. All food products can be considered competitive with other food products, but we consider our principal competitors to include national, regional, and local producers and distributors of refrigerated, frozen and non-refrigerated snack food products. Several of our competitors include large companies with substantially greater financial and marketing resources than ours. Existing competitors may broaden their product lines and potential competitors may enter or increase their focus on our markets, resulting in greater competition for us. We believe that our products compete favorably with those of our competitors. Such competitors’ products compete against ours for retail shelf space, institutional distribution, and customer preference.

Effect of Government Regulations

Our operations are subject to extensive inspection and regulation by the United States Department of Agriculture (the “USDA”), the Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), and by other federal, state, and local authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and labeling of products that we manufacture, produce and process. Our processing facilities and products are subject to continuous inspection by the USDA and/or other federal, state, and local authorities. The USDA has issued strict regulations concerning the control of listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and contamination by food borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella and implemented a system of regulation known as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (“HACCP”) program. The HACCP program requires all meat and poultry processing plants to develop and implement sanitary operating procedures and other program requirements. OSHA oversees safety compliance and establishes certain employer responsibilities to help “assure safe and healthful working conditions” and keep the workplace free of recognized hazards or practices likely to cause death or serious injury. We believe that we are currently in compliance with governmental laws and regulations and that we maintain the necessary permits and licenses relating to our operations.

To date, federal, state, and local environmental laws, and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, have not had a material effect on our business.

Importance of Key Customers

Sales to Wal-Mart® comprised 35.7% of revenues in fiscal year 2021 and 5.5% of total accounts receivable was due from Wal-Mart® as of October 29, 2021. Sales to Wal-Mart® comprised 36.9% of revenues in fiscal year 2020 and 19.8% of total accounts receivable was due from Wal-Mart® as of October 30, 2020. Sales to Dollar General® comprised 14.5% of revenues in fiscal year 2021 and 35.9% of total accounts receivable was due from Dollar General® as of October 29, 2021. Sales to Dollar General® comprised 13.6% of revenues in fiscal year 2020 and 31.1% of total accounts receivable was due from Dollar General® as of October 30, 2020.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

We purchase large quantities of pork, beef, and flour. These ingredients are generally available from a number of different suppliers although the availability of these ingredients is subject to seasonal variation. We build ingredient inventories to take advantage of downward trends in seasonal prices or anticipated supply limitations.

Most flour purchases are made at market price without contracts. We also purchase bulk flour under short-term fixed price contracts at current market prices. The contracts are usually effective for a month or less and are not material to our operations. These contracts are settled within a month’s time and no significant contracts remain open at the close of the reporting period. We monitor and manage our ingredient costs to help negate volatile daily swings in market prices when possible. We do not participate in the commodity futures market or hedging to limit commodity exposure.

We continue to monitor the development of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our operations including our supply chain and labor force. The pandemic could potentially cause disruptions to our supply chain. Global supply may be restricted causing price pressure on certain ingredients and raw materials used in our products which could disrupt our operations. We are unable to accurately predict the uncertainties related to the future course of the COVID-19 pandemic including overall economic stability, the spread, length and severity of the virus and any future governmental actions.

Employees

We had 699 employees (675 full-time employees) as of October 29, 2021, approximately 47% of whose employment relationship is governed by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements currently expire between March 2022 and February 2024. We believe that our relationship with all of our employees is favorable and that contracts will be settled favorably.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other matters set forth in this Report, the continuing operations and the price of our common stock are subject to the following risks, each of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The risks described below are only the risks that we currently believe are material to our business. However, additional risks not presently known, or risks that are currently believed to be immaterial, may also impair our business operations.

We are subject to general risks in the food industry, including, among other things, risk relating to changes in consumer preferences and product contamination as well as general economic conditions, any of which risks, if realized, could negatively impact our operating results and financial position.

The food industry, and the markets within the food industry in which we compete, are subject to various risks, including the following: evolving consumer preferences, nutritional and health-related concerns, federal, state, and local food inspection and processing controls, consumer product liability claims, risks of product tampering, and the availability and expense of liability insurance. The meat and poultry industries are subject to scrutiny due to the association of meat and poultry products with recent outbreaks of illness, and on rare occasions even death, caused by food borne pathogens. Product recalls are sometimes required in the food industry to withdraw contaminated or mislabeled products from the market. Additionally, the failure to identify and react appropriately to changes in consumer trends, demands and preferences could lead to, among other things, reduced demand, and price reduction for our products. Further, we may be adversely affected by changes in domestic or foreign economic conditions, including inflation or deflation, interest rates, availability of capital markets, consumer spending rates, and energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges). These and other general risks related to the food industry, if realized by us, could have a significant adverse effect on demand for our products, as well as the costs and availability of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging materials, thereby negatively affecting our operating results and financial position.

Fluctuations in commodity prices and the availability of raw materials could negatively impact our financial results.

We purchase large quantities of commodity pork, beef, and flour. Historically, market prices for products we process have fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including changes in the United States government farm support programs, changes in international agricultural and trading policies, weather, and other conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons. Our operating results are heavily dependent upon the prices paid for raw materials, as well as the available supply of commodities. The marketing of our value-added products does not lend itself to instantaneous changes in selling prices. In addition, if we increase prices to offset higher costs, we could experience lower demand for our products and sales volumes. Conversely, decreases in our commodity and other input costs may create pressure on us to decrease our prices. Changes in selling prices are relatively infrequent and do not compare with the volatility of commodity markets. Production and pricing of commodities, on the other hand, are determined by constantly changing market forces of supply and demand over which we have limited or no control. Such factors include, among other things, weather patterns throughout the world, outbreaks of disease, the global level of supply inventories and demand for grains and other feed ingredients, as well as agricultural and energy policies of domestic and foreign governments. While fluctuations in significant cost structure components, such as ingredient commodities and fuel prices, have had a significant impact on profitability over the last three years, the impact of general price inflation on our financial position and results of operations has not been significant. However, current inflationary market conditions may have a negative impact on future earnings. Future volatility of general price inflation or deflation and raw material cost and availability could adversely affect our financial results.

We are subject to extensive government regulations and a failure to comply with such regulations could negatively impact our financial results.

Our operations are subject to extensive inspection and regulation by the USDA, FDA and by other federal, state, and local authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and labeling of products that are manufactured, produced, and processed by us. Our processing facilities and products are subject to continuous inspection by the USDA and/or other federal, state, and local authorities. The USDA has issued strict regulations concerning the control of listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and contamination by food borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella and implemented a system of regulation known as the HACCP program. The HACCP program requires all meat and poultry processing plants to develop and implement sanitary operating procedures and other program requirements. OSHA oversees safety compliance and establishes certain employer responsibilities to help “assure safe and healthful working conditions” and keep the workplace free of recognized hazards or practices likely to cause death or serious injury. We believe that we are currently in compliance with governmental laws and regulations and that we maintain necessary permits and licenses relating to our operations.

A failure to obtain or a loss of necessary permits and licenses could delay or prevent us from meeting current product demand and could adversely affect our operating performance. Furthermore, we are routinely subject to new or modified laws, regulations, and accounting standards. If found to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations in these or other areas, we could be subject to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls, or asset seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our financial results.

We depend on our key management, the loss of which could negatively impact our operations.

Our executive officers and certain other key employees have been primarily responsible for the development and expansion of our business, and the loss of the services of one or more of these individuals could adversely affect us. Our success will be dependent in part upon our continued ability to recruit, motivate, and retain qualified personnel. We cannot assure that we will be successful in this regard. We have no employment or non-competition agreements with key personnel except for a consulting agreement with Allan L. Bridgford that became effective October 30, 2021 after his retirement from employment with our company.

Labor shortages and increased turnover or increases in employee and employee-related costs could have adverse effects on our profitability.

We have recently experienced increased labor shortages at some of our production facilities and other locations. While we have historically experienced some level of ordinary course turnover of employees, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting actions and impacts have exacerbated labor shortages and increased turnover. A number of factors have had and may continue to have adverse effects on the labor force available to us, including reduced employment pools, federal unemployment subsidies, including unemployment benefits offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other government regulations, which include laws and regulations related to workers’ health and safety, wage and hour practices and immigration. Labor shortages and increased turnover rates within our team members have led to and could in the future lead to increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees and could negatively affect our ability to efficiently operate our production facilities or otherwise operate at full capacity. An overall or prolonged labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor inflation could have a material adverse impact on our operations, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.

We depend on our major customers and any loss of such customers could have a negative impact on our profitability.

We could suffer significant reductions in revenues and operating income if we lost one or more of our largest customers, including Wal-Mart® and Dollar General®, which accounted for 35.7% and 14.5%, respectively, of sales in fiscal year 2021. Many of our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and food distributors have consolidated in recent years. Such consolidation has produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of operating with reduced inventories while demanding lower pricing and increased promotional programs. These customers also may use their shelf space for their own private label products. Failure to respond to these trends could reduce our volume and cause us to lower prices or increase promotional spending for our product lines which could adversely affect our profitability.

With more than 80% of our stock beneficially owned by the Bridgford family, there are risks that they can exert significant influence or control over our corporate matters.

Members of the Bridgford family beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than 80% of our outstanding stock. In addition, four members of the Bridgford family currently serve on the Board of Directors. As a result, members of the Bridgford family have the ability to exert substantial influence or actual control over our management and affairs and over substantially all matters requiring action by our shareholders, including amendments to by-laws, election and removal of directors, any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may also delay or prevent a change in control otherwise favored by our other shareholders and could depress our stock price. Additionally, as a result of the Bridgford family’s significant ownership of the outstanding voting stock, we have relied on the “controlled company” exemption from certain corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ stock market. Therefore, among other things, we have elected not to implement the rule that provides for a nominating committee to identify and recommend nominees to the Board of Directors and have instead elected to have the full Board of Directors perform such function. Additionally, pursuant to this exemption, our compensation committee, which is made up of independent directors, does not have sole authority to determine the compensation of our executive officers, including our Chairman of the Board.

We participate in Multiemployer Pension Plans which could negatively impact our operations and profitability.

We participate in “multiemployer” pension plans administered by labor unions on behalf of their employees. We make monthly contributions for healthcare and pension benefit obligations. 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. Volatility in the capital markets or interest rates can impact the market value of plan assets and cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost and our future funding requirements. The exact amount of cash contributions made to the pension plans in any year is dependent upon a number of factors, including minimum funding requirements. In addition, 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. We continue to participate in other multiemployer union plans. In the event of a full or partial withdrawal from these plans, the impact to our financial statements could be material.

Eminent domain and land risk regulations could negatively impact our financial results and financial position.

We own real property on which we operate our processing and/or our distribution operations. As is the case with any owner of real property, we may be subject to eminent domain proceedings that can impact the value of investments we have made in real property as well as potentially disrupt our business operations. If subject to eminent domain proceedings or other government takings, we may not be adequately compensated.

The COVID-19 pandemic could negatively impact our operations and financial condition.

We have considered the impact of federal, state, and local government actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The business disruptions associated with the pandemic had a significant negative impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2021. We expect these events to have future business impacts, the extent of which is uncertain and largely subject to whether the severity worsens, or the duration of current business shutdowns continue. These impacts could include but may not be limited to risks and uncertainty related to shifts in demand between sales channels, market volatility, constraints in our supply chain, our ability to operate production facilities and worker availability. These unknowns may subject the Company to future risks related to long-lived asset impairments, increased reserves for uncollectible accounts, price and availability of ingredients and raw materials used in our products and adjustments to reflect the market value of our inventory.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties

We own the following properties:

We utilize the foregoing properties for processing, warehousing, distributing and administrative purposes. We also lease warehouse and/or office facilities throughout the United States through month-to-month rental agreements. We believe that our properties are generally adequate to satisfy our foreseeable needs. Additional properties may be acquired and/or plants expanded if favorable opportunities and conditions arise.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

No material legal proceedings were pending against us as of October 29, 2021, or as of the date of filing of this Report. We are likely to be subject to claims arising from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. In certain of such actions, plaintiffs may request punitive or other damages that may not be covered by insurance and, accordingly, no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such possible future claims or litigation or their effect on us. Any adverse litigation trends and outcomes could significantly and negatively affect our financial results.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Common Stock and Dividend Data

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “BRID”.

As of January 25, 2022, there were 729 shareholders of record in our common stock.

The payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon future earnings, financial requirements, and other factors.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

During the period covered by this Report, we did not sell or issue any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Repurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

Our stock repurchase program was approved by our 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 our Board of Directors, to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock on the open market. During fiscal years 2021 and 2020, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program previously authorized by the Board of Directors. As of October 29, 2021, 120,113 shares remained authorized for repurchase under the program.

Item 6. [Reserved]

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For a complete understanding, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Report.

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 (refer to Part I., Item 1. Business for more information).

Results of Operations (in thousands except percentages)

Fiscal Year Ended October 29, 2021 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year Ended October 30, 2020 (52 weeks)

Net Sales-Consolidated

Net sales in fiscal year 2021 increased $42,460 (21.4%) when compared to the prior fiscal year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Frozen Food Products segment in fiscal year 2021 increased $269 (0.7%) compared to the prior fiscal year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The slight increase in net sales for fiscal year 2021 primarily relates to higher selling prices per pound partially offset by lower unit sales volume. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by an increase in selling prices due to changes in product mix amid a decrease in sales volume to retail customers. Other institutional Frozen Food Products sales, including sheet dough and rolls, increased 16% by volume while retail sales volume decreased by 7%. Demand shifted from retail sales to foodservice sales channels as schools and in-dining restaurants began to slowly reopen across the United States following earlier shutdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Returns activity decreased compared to the 2020 fiscal year. Promotional activity was higher as a percentage of sales during the 2021 fiscal year.

Net Sales-Snack Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Snack Food Products segment in fiscal year 2021 increased $42,191 (26.9%) compared to the prior fiscal year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Net sales of Snack Food Products increased due to higher sales through our direct store delivery distribution channel during fiscal year 2021. The weighted average selling price per pound increased due to selling price increases and reductions in packaging size. Returns activity was lower compared to the 2020 fiscal year. Promotional offers decreased as a percentage of sales due to higher sales to high-volume, high-promotion customers.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated

Cost of products sold from continuing operations increased by $50,594 (36.5%) compared to the prior fiscal year. The gross margin decreased from 30.1% to 21.4% during fiscal year 2021 compared to the prior fiscal year.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin–Frozen Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products segment increased by $1,860 (6.7%) in fiscal year 2021 compared to the prior fiscal year. Higher direct distribution and production materials were the primary contributing factors to the increase. Higher flour commodity costs of approximately $445 contributed to the increase in costs of goods sold. The gross margin percentage decreased from 32.9% to 28.8% during fiscal year 2021 compared to the prior fiscal year.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin–Snack Food Products Segment

Cost of products sold in the Snack Food Products segment increased by $48,734 (44.0%) compared to the prior fiscal year due primarily to a substantial increase in sales volume. Meat commodity costs increased during fiscal year 2021 adding to the increase in cost of products sold. The cost of meat commodities increased approximately $12,692 during fiscal year 2021 compared to the prior fiscal year. As a result, a net realizable value reserve of $2,353 was recorded during the fiscal year after determining that the market value on some meat products was less than the costs associated with completion and sale of the product. Higher depreciation on processing equipment impacted the cost of products sold. The gross margin earned in this segment decreased from 29.3% to 19.8% during fiscal year 2021 primarily as a result of higher commodity costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in fiscal year 2021 increased $4,961 (9.0%) when compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase in this category did not directly correspond to the change in sales.

The table below summarizes the primary expense variances 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 fiscal year 2021. Higher sales commissions resulted in higher wages and bonus expenses in the 2021 fiscal year compared to the 2020 fiscal year. Healthcare costs have increased due to claim activity increasing as pandemic restrictions are lifted. Other income increased due to an estimated gain on life insurance proceeds caused by the passing of a former executive employee during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. The decrease in pension expense was due to higher pension discount rates being used to compute the future liability estimate. The increase in fuel expense was driven by per gallon fuel price increases compared to the prior year as a result of higher cost trends in petroleum markets. Postage expense increased due to higher product shipments to customers. Outside storage costs to warehouse products prior to shipment increased due to reaching storage capacity at our new facility as a result of higher sales volume. Travel expenses increased due to the gradual lifting of travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders which had been imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Insurance expense increased due to unfavorable market conditions, a change in coverage levels and unfavorable claims experience. 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 customer fines, equipment rental, sales taxes and employee training expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased by $840 (6.6%) compared to the prior fiscal year. The overall decrease in SG&A expenses was due to lower unit sales volume and profit-sharing accruals.

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

SG&A expenses in the Snack Food Products segment increased by $5,801 (13.7%) during fiscal year 2021 compared to the prior fiscal year. Most of the increase was due to higher unit sales volume.

Gain on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment

The gain during fiscal years 2021 and 2020 was due to the ordinary gain on disposal of assets.

Income Taxes

Income tax for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively, was as follows:

We recorded a tax benefit of $1,779 and $2,193, for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate. The effective tax rate was 24.4% and -42.7% for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2020 was impacted by the rate differential on our net operating loss carryback available under the CARES Act. In addition, the effective tax rates for fiscal years 2021 and 2020 were impacted by such items as non-deductible meals and entertainment, non-taxable gains and losses on life insurance policies and state income taxes. (Refer to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information).

Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands except share amounts, percentages, and ratios)

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 such products. We normally fund our operations from cash balances and cash flow generated from operations. We borrowed $18,450 during the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2020 to purchase specific equipment for our new Chicago processing facility. Additionally, we borrowed $12,000 under our line of credit with Wells Fargo during fiscal year 2021 to fund operations. As of October 29, 2021, we had a book overdraft of $469. The book overdraft is recorded as a liability in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. On December 1, 2021, we expanded the revolving line of credit to $25,000 until June 15, 2022, at which time the credit limit will return to $15,000. Commodity price volatility or increases could adversely impact our business, financial condition including liquidity and results of operations. Despite higher commodity costs, we may not be able to increase our product prices in a timely manner or sufficiently to offset increased commodity costs due to consumer price sensitivity, pricing in relation to competitors and the reluctance of retailers to accept the price increase. Higher product prices could potentially lower demand for our product and decrease volume. As of October 29, 2021, we had $1,065 of current debt on equipment loans. We entered into a bridge loan on August 30, 2021 for up to $25,000, which we plan to use to pay off the existing equipment loans as they come out of the lock out period and may be prepaid. As of October 29, 2021, we paid off $10,328 in equipment loans utilizing proceeds from the new bridge loan.

Management believes there are various options available to generate additional liquidity to repay debt or fund operations such as mortgaging real estate, should that be necessary. Our ability to increase liquidity will depend upon, among other things, our business plans, the performance of operating divisions and economic conditions of capital markets, or circumstances related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. If we are unable to increase liquidity through mortgaging real estate, or generate positive cash flow necessary to fund operations, we may not be able to compete successfully, which could negatively impact our business, operations, and financial condition. Combined with the cash expected to be generated from the Company’s operations, income tax refunds of $6,156 and deferral of social security taxes, we anticipate that we will maintain sufficient liquidity to operate our business for a reasonable period of time. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our liquidity and, if necessary, take action to preserve liquidity and ensure that our business can operate during these uncertain times.

Cash flows from operating activities:

For the fifty-two weeks ended October 29, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $5,992, a decrease of $15,909 compared to the fifty-two weeks ended October 30, 2020. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily related to an increase in inventory of $7,475, a net loss of $5,503 and higher accounts receivable of $1,010, partially offset by a decrease in refundable income taxes and deferred taxes of $1,454. During fiscal year 2021, we did not contribute towards our defined benefit pension plan. Plan funding strategies may be adjusted depending upon economic conditions, investment options, tax deductibility, or legislative changes in funding requirements.

Our cash conversion cycle (defined as days of inventory and trade receivables less days of trade payables outstanding) was equal to 74 days for the fifty-two weeks ended October 29, 2021, and 66 days for the fifty-two weeks ended October 30, 2020.

For the fifty-two weeks ended October 30, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $9,917. The result was primarily related to higher net income, an increase in accounts payable and deferred income taxes, partially offset by an increase in inventory and accounts receivable. During fiscal year 2020, we did not contribute towards our defined benefit pension plan.

Cash used in investing activities:

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment include the acquisition of 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 of repairs and maintenance. We 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. Proceeds from deposits in escrow of $1,650 relate to the pending sale of a parcel of land including an approximate 156,000 square foot four-story industrial food processing building located at 170 N. Green Street in Chicago, Illinois. As of October 29, 2021, we have received a total of $1,650 in deposits in escrow less $1,275 received as non-refundable earnest money.

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

Expenditures for additions to property, plant and equipment during the fifty-two weeks ended October 29, 2021, include projects in process of $553 related to the new facility in Chicago.

Cash provided by financing activities:

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 were 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 the end of fiscal year 2021, 120,113 shares remained authorized for repurchase under the program.

The Company leases three long-haul trucks pursuant to six-year leases that expire in 2025. Amortization of equipment under capital lease was $83 in 2021. The Company also leased one long-haul truck for $40 during fiscal year 2020, and that lease term is two years.

The following table reflects major components of our line of credit and borrowing agreements as of October 29, 2021 and October 30, 2020.

Revolving Credit Facility

We maintain a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that extends through March 1, 2022 (extended to March 1, 2023, per expanded line of credit signed December 1, 2021). As of October 29, 2021, under the terms of this line of credit, we may borrow up to $15,000 at an interest rate equal to the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.0%. The line of credit has an unused commitment fee of 0.25% of the available loan amount. We borrowed $2,000 under this line of credit on December 2, 2020, $2,000 on April 27, 2021, $2,000 on July 1, 2021, $3,000 on July 19, 2021 and $3,000 on October 15, 2021, for a combined total of $12,000. The line of credit is presented under non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On December 1, 2021, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. expanded our line of credit to $25,000 through June 15, 2022, upon which the credit limit will return to $15,000 for the balance of the term. Under the terms of this expanded line of credit, we may borrow up to $25,000 at an interest rate equal to the bank’s prime rate or secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus 2.0%. Under the amended line of credit, the benchmark interest rate of LIBOR has been transitioned to SOFR which could impact the cost of credit and alter the value of debt and loans. We borrowed an additional $2,000 on November 1, 2021, and $2,000 on December 16, 2021. Refer to Note 1 – Subsequent Events of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report for further information.

Equipment Notes Payable

On December 26, 2018, we entered into a master collateral loan and security agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Original Wells Fargo Loan Agreement”) for up to $15,000 in equipment financing which was amended and expanded as detailed below. We subsequently entered into additional master collateral loan and security agreements with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. on each of December 19, 2019, March 5, 2020, and April 17, 2020 (the Original Wells Fargo Loan Agreement and the subsequent agreements collectively referred to as the “Wells Fargo Loan Agreements”). Pursuant to the Wells Fargo Loan Agreements, we owe the amounts as stated in the table above.

Bridge Loan

On August 30, 2021, we entered into a loan commitment note for a bridge loan of up to $25,000 which we plan to use to pay off the existing equipment loans as they come out of the lock out (dates detailed in the table above). The outstanding principal balances of the bridge loan shall be due and payable in full on the earlier of the following dates (1) August 31, 2023 or (2) one Federal Reserve business day after the closing of the transactions contemplated under that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated March 16, 2020, as amended, between Bridgford Foods Processing Corporation and CRG Acquisition, LLC (the “March 2020 Purchase and Sale Agreement”). As of October 29, 2021, we prepaid $10,328 in equipment loans (equipment loans 4.13% and 3.98% above) utilizing proceeds from the new bridge loan. The Company evaluated the exchange under ASC 470 and determined that the exchange should be treated as a debt modification prospectively. The Company accounted for this transaction as a debt modification and did not incur any gain or loss relating to the modification. The debt modification did not meet the greater than ten percent test and was deemed not substantial. On January 12, 2022, we paid off $2,778 of equipment loans (equipment loan 3.70% above) utilizing proceeds from the new bridge loan. Refer to Note 1 - Subsequent Events of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report for further information.

Loan Covenants

The Wells Fargo Loan Agreements contain various affirmative and negative covenants that limit the use of funds and define other provisions of the loan. The main financial covenants are listed below:

The Company was in violation of the capital expenditure covenant and fixed charge coverage ratio which were subsequently waived (per letter dated January 25, 2022). The Company was in compliance with all other covenants under the Wells Fargo Loan Agreements as of October 29, 2021.

Aggregate contractual maturities of debt in future fiscal years are as follows as of October 29, 2021:

Impact of Inflation

Our operating results are heavily dependent upon the prices paid for raw materials. The marketing of our value-added products does not lend itself to instantaneous changes in selling prices. Changes in selling prices are relatively infrequent and do not compare with the volatility of commodity markets. While fluctuations in significant cost structure components, such as ingredient commodities and fuel prices, have had a significant impact on profitability over the last two fiscal years, the impact of general price inflation on our financial position and results of operations has not been significant. However, future volatility of general price inflation or deflation and raw material cost and availability could adversely affect our financial results.

Management is of the opinion that our strong financial position and our capital resources are sufficient to provide for our operating needs and capital expenditures for fiscal year 2022.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements within the meaning of Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K.

Contractual Obligations

Except as described above, we had no other debt or other contractual obligations within the meaning of Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K, as of October 29, 2021.

Our expected future liability related to construction of the new Chicago processing facility is approximately $3,006 as of October 29, 2021.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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. Actual results could differ from those 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 not originally estimated. We record promotions, returns allowances, bad debt and inventory allowances based on recent and historical trends. Management believes its current estimates are reasonable and based on the best information available at the time.

Disclosure concerning our policies on credit risk, revenue recognition, cash surrender or contract value for life insurance policies, deferred income tax and the recoverability of our long-lived assets are provided in Notes 1 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Regulations

Various accounting standard-setting bodies have been active in soliciting comments and issuing statements, interpretations, and exposure drafts. For information on new accounting pronouncements and the impact, if any, on our financial position or results of operations, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable for a smaller reporting company.

Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The Consolidated Financial Statements required by this Item are set forth in Part IV, Item 15 of this Report.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on this evaluation, the Chairman of the Board and Chief 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, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Our management, including our Chairman of the Board and Chief 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 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 our independent registered public accounting firm. 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 Statement of Auditing Standards No. 16 (Communication with Audit Committees). In addition, the Audit Committee and the independent registered public accounting firm have discussed the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence from our 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”.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reports

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter covered by this Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In order to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have undertaken and continue a comprehensive effort, which includes the documentation and review of our internal controls. In order to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we centralized most accounting and many administrative functions in an effort to control the cost of maintaining our control systems.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law by the President on July 21, 2010, permanently exempts small public companies with less than $75 million in public float, such as the Company, from the requirement to obtain an external audit on the effectiveness of internal financial reporting controls provided in Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As a result, an attestation report on internal controls over financial reporting by an independent registered public accounting firm has not been presented. Section 404(a) is still effective for smaller public companies and requires the disclosure of management attestations on internal controls over financial reporting.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting based on the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) and related illustrative documents as an update to Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992). Management determined that the 17 principles were present and functioning during its assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for our fiscal year ended October 29, 2021. Based on management’s assessment and the above-referenced criteria, management believes that the internal control over financial reporting for our fiscal year ended October 29, 2021 was effective.

Item 9B. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Identification of Directors

The following table and biographical summaries set forth, with respect to each director serving as of October 29, 2021, his or her age, his or her principal occupation and the year in which he or she first became a director of the Company. The directors of the Company are elected annually to serve until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or until their respective successors are elected and duly qualified.

Directors

William L. Bridgford

William L. Bridgford served as Chairman of the Board from March of 2006 to October 30, 2021. He is currently Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee. He previously served as President of the Company from June of 2004 until March of 2006, and Secretary of the Company for more than five years. Mr. Bridgford has been a full-time employee of the Company since 1981. He has also served as a member of the Executive Committee since 2004. Mr. Bridgford is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Business Management.

Mr. Bridgford is one of the principal owners of Bridgford Industries Incorporated, the Company’s majority shareholder. He brings to the Board extensive experience in the operations of the Company and provides strong leadership skills that provide strategic business guidance to the Company. The Board believes his executive managerial experience and Company knowledge base combined with his understanding of corporate values and culture qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.

Michael W. Bridgford

Michael W. Bridgford was appointed as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Executive Committee in October of 2021. He previously served as Vice President of the Company from March of 2015 until November of 2021 and as Assistant Secretary of the Company from March of 2007 until November of 2021. Mr. Bridgford has been a full-time employee of the Company since 2002. He graduated from Vanguard University in 2004 with a degree in Business with an emphasis in Organizational Management.

Mr. Bridgford brings a wide range of experience to the Board. He has overseen sandwich and lunch meat production in the Anaheim and Frozen-Rite plants, led the Anaheim Deli Route division, worked as a Regional Sales Manager in the Frozen Foods division, and most recently been responsible for leading the entire Frozen Foods division’s sales efforts. He also has extensive experience controlling inventory, administering payroll, managing employees, and working with customers. The Board believes his experience working in and managing various divisions of the Company since 2002 make him well-equipped to oversee both the sales efforts and the processing operations of the Company. The Board believes these skills and experiences qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.

Allan L. Bridgford, Sr.

Allan L. Bridgford, Sr. served as Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee from 2011 until is retirement from employment effective October 29, 2021. Mr. Bridgford retired from the Board in October 2011 and was reappointed to the Board in August 2019. He previously served as Senior Chairman of the Board from March of 2006 to October of 2011. From March of 1995 through March of 2006, Mr. Bridgford served as Chairman of the Board. He has been an employee of the Company since 1957, and reduced his work schedule to 80% in March of 2000, 60% in March of 2005 and 50% in November 2014. Mr. Bridgford’s base compensation was reduced by the same percentage as his regular work schedule reduction. Mr. Bridgford has also served as a member of the Executive Committee since 1972. He is a graduate of Stanford University with a degree in Economics.

Mr. Bridgford is one of the principal owners of Bridgford Industries Inc., the Company’s majority shareholder. He has extensive knowledge of the Company’s business and experience in the food industry developed during his long tenure with the Company. The Board believes he is qualified to serve as a director based on these experiences as well as his other valuable attributes and skills.

Todd C. Andrews

Todd C. Andrews is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and retired in April 2021 as Senior Vice President and Controller of Public Storage, a member of the S&P 500, headquartered in Glendale, California. Mr. Andrews had been employed by Public Storage since 1997. Mr. Andrews graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting and finance from California State University, Northridge, and received an Elijah Watt Sells award with high distinction on the November 1988 CPA exam.

Mr. Andrews has over 30 years of experience with responsibilities including financial reporting, strategic financial planning and analysis, capital markets, treasury operations, SEC reporting, Sarbanes Oxley internal controls and procedures, operational analysis, operational control design, real estate acquisition and development underwriting, and system design and implementation. In addition, Mr. Andrews brings a diverse set of perspectives to the Board from serving in positions in multiple industries, including public accounting, entertainment, retail, and real estate. The Board believes his skills and extensive experience qualify him to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. Andrews also qualifies as an audit committee financial expert and is financially sophisticated within the meaning of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

Raymond F. Lancy

Raymond F. Lancy has served as Treasurer of the Company for more than the past five years. He has also served as a member of the Executive Committee since 2001, Vice President since 2001 and Chief Financial Officer since 2003. Mr. Lancy is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and worked for ten years as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Administration with high honors from California State University, San Bernardino.

Mr. Lancy has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of finance and management developed at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and as an employee of the Company since July of 1992 and as Chief Financial Officer since 2003. The Board believes these skills and experiences qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.

Keith A. Ross

Keith A. Ross is President of KR6, Inc., a commercial real estate consultant and continues as founder/principal of Centra Realty Corporation (discussed below). From August 2013 to 2018, Mr. Ross served as Executive Vice President of CT Realty, or CTR, a real estate investment, development and management company based in Newport Beach, California. At CTR, Mr. Ross oversaw all development and was responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and closing on all commercial development opportunities. In addition, Mr. Ross served on CTR’s Executive Committee and Investment Committee. CTR was founded in 1994 and together with its affiliates and principals have developed, acquired and managed over $8 billion in industrial and office properties. Prior to joining CTR, from June 2009 to January 2014, Mr. Ross was Founder, President and CEO of Peligroso Spirits which sold to Diageo in London (the world’s largest spirits company). From 2001 to present, Mr. Ross acts as Founder and Principal of Centra Realty Corporation, ranked as one of the most active real estate development companies in Orange County, California, where he oversaw the company’s land acquisitions, capital raises of both equity and debt, architectural design, engineering, construction and sales/leasing efforts.

Mr. Ross began his professional career at the Koll Company and was with Koll for over a decade and served in various roles from project manager to marketing before leading the real estate development efforts of the company in Southern California. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and is a Co-Founder of Miocean, a nonprofit foundation that applies proven business approaches to curb the harmful effects of urban run-off pollution to the Ocean. Mr. Ross attended San Diego State University.

Mr. Ross has extensive real estate acquisition and development experience as well as project management and marketing expertise, which the Board believes qualifies him to serve as a member of the Board. In addition to his service on the Board, Mr. Ross continues to provide real estate consulting services to the Company.

Mary Schott

Mary Schott is currently working as a consultant in the financial services industry. Previously, she was Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of California Commerce Club, Inc., a privately held gaming and hospitality company, for which she had served from March 2014 through January 2020. Prior to California Commerce Club, Ms. Schott served as Chief Financial Officer of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a sovereign American Indian tribe, and Chief Accounting Officer of First American Title Insurance Company, a publicly traded financial services company. Ms. Schott holds an EMBA from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Cal Poly Pomona University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (active) and a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Ms. Schott possesses leadership skills and a vast knowledge base on finance, accounting, strategic planning, risk management as well as decision support for portfolio development, acquisitions, divestures, and establishing governance protocols. The Board believes that these skills and experiences qualify her to serve as a member of the Board. Ms. Schott also qualifies as an audit committee financial expert and has financial sophistication as described in the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

D. Gregory Scott

D. Gregory Scott is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and currently serves as the Managing Director of Peak Holdings, LLC, an investment management company based in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Scott has been with Peak Holdings, LLC for more than the past five years. Peak Holdings, LLC and its affiliates own and manage in excess of three million square feet of office, retail and warehouse space throughout the United States.

Mr. Scott has extensive financial and managerial experience, which the Board believes qualifies him to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. Scott also qualifies as an audit committee financial expert and has financial sophistication as described in the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

John V. Simmons

John V. Simmons served as President of the Company and member of the Executive Committee from 2006 to November 2021. He is currently Vice President and member of the Executive Committee. He previously served as Vice President of the Company for more than five years. Mr. Simmons earned a B.A. degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin.

Mr. Simmons has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of marketing, product research and development, trade relations and operations developed as an employee of the Company since 1979. The Board believes these skills and experiences qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.

Baron R. H. Bridgford II

Baron R. H. Bridgford II is serving his first year as President of the Company and member of the Executive Committee. He previously served as Vice President of the Chicago Meat Snack division from 2008 to 2021 and works closely in the Chicago plant with his father, Baron Bridgford Sr., and brothers, Brian and Richard Bridgford. Mr. Bridgford earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado.

Mr. Bridgford is a member of the fourth generation of the Bridgford family and has worked for the Company throughout its operations from an early age. He served as a DSD route driver and Route Specialist during the early part of his career, gaining hands-on experience with the Company’s unique DSD distribution model. He has worked closely with Senior Vice President Chris Cole making headquarter calls on our largest customers. In addition to retail headquarter calls, Mr. Bridgford has developed and grown the Company’s co-packing and warehouse business out of the Chicago plant. The Board believes these skills and experiences qualify him to serve as a member of the Board.

Public Company Directorships

None of the directors have been a director of any other public company in the past five years.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

None of the directors have been involved in any legal events reportable under Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K during the last ten years.

Arrangements or Understandings with Directors

There are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any of the directors was or is to be elected to serve as a director or nominee.

Further, none of our directors have arrangements or understandings with any person or entity, other than the Company, relating to compensation or other payments in connection with such director’s service to the Company.

Identification of Executive Officers

The names, ages, and positions of all our executive officers as of January 25, 2022, are listed below. Officers are normally appointed annually by the Board of Directors at their meeting immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders. Four executive officers are full-time employees of our company. Raymond F. Lancy reduced his work schedule to 80% as of October 30, 2021. There are no agreements or understandings pursuant to which any of the executive officers was or is selected to serve as an executive officer.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee currently consists of three members, including Ms. Schott (Chairperson) and Messrs. Andrews and Scott. The Audit Committee has been established in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and each of the current members of the Audit Committee is an “independent director” as defined in Rule 5605(c)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. In addition, the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Andrews and Scott, and Ms. Schott qualify as “audit committee financial experts” as such term is used in the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Code of Ethics

The Company adopted a code of ethics that is applicable to, among other individuals, its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and posted the code of ethics on its website at www.bridgford.com (and designated therein as the Code of Conduct). Any amendment or waiver to the Company’s code of ethics that applies to its directors or executive officers will be posted on its website or in a report filed with the SEC on Form 8-K.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Overview

This section provides information regarding the compensation paid to the Company’s “named executive officers” or “NEOs,” all of whom are members of the Executive Committee. The Company has historically been and continues to be principally managed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, as a unit, serves as the Company’s “Chief Executive Officer.” For fiscal year 2021, the Executive Committee consisted of the following four members:

For fiscal year 2022, the Executive Committee consists of the following five members

The Company’s executive compensation program is overseen by the Compensation Committee, which is comprised of certain non-employee members of the Board and, notwithstanding that the Company is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Listing Rules, each member is independent as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. The basic responsibility of the Compensation Committee is to review the performance of the officers and key employees toward achieving the Company’s strategic goals and to help ensure that the Company is able to attract and retain individuals who can lead the Company to achieve those goals.

One of the Company’s primary strategic goals is to increase shareholder value while meeting its objectives for customer satisfaction, improved sales and financial performance, sound corporate governance, and competitive advantage. The Company’s current emphases on controlling costs and improving profit margins on a consistent basis are also important factors which affect the Company’s compensation decisions. The Compensation Committee’s goal is to work with management to balance the Company’s financial goals and circumstances with the need to attract, motivate and retain the fully qualified and capable individuals the Company needs to meet and surpass its customers’ and shareholders’ expectations in a highly-competitive industry.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The core of the Company’s executive compensation philosophy is to pay for performance. To that end, incentive bonus targets are set each year to reward excellent executive performance based upon the achievement of profit objectives by business units and the Company’s overall profitability based on pretax income, thus stimulating all executives to assume broad responsibility for the Company’s overall financial welfare and financial performance.

The Compensation Committee’s guiding principles are as follows:

Role of the Compensation Committee

The compensation of all NEOs and other executive officers is determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met one time during fiscal year 2021. The primary responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include, without limitation, the following:

Role of Management in the Compensation Determination Process

The Company’s senior management team, particularly the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Executive Committee, support the Compensation Committee in the executive compensation decision-making process. At the request of the Compensation Committee, one or more members of the Executive Committee may present a performance assessment and recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding base salaries, bonus payments, incentive plan structure and other compensation-related matters for the Company’s executive officers (other than with respect to their own compensation).

Role of Compensation Consultant

The Compensation Committee has decided not to utilize the services of a paid compensation consultant after concluding that such a consultant would provide insufficient value compared to the cost.

Total Compensation for Executive Officers

The compensation packages offered to the Company’s executive officers are comprised of one or more of the following elements:

The Company does not have any formal policies which dictate the amount to be paid with respect to each element, nor does it have any policies which dictate the relative proportion of the various elements. The Company also does not have any formal policies for allocating between cash and non-cash compensation and short-term and long-term compensation. Instead, the Company relies on the judgment of the Compensation Committee and input and feedback from the management team, including in particular members of the Executive Committee. The Compensation Committee has no plans to adopt any such formulas, ratios or other such targets that might artificially dilute the Company’s effectiveness in achieving its overall profit objectives. In fact, all of the Company’s compensation policy decisions are made in the context of its current financial position and are subordinated to the Company’s current goal of achieving overall profitability on an annual basis. Each of the compensation components is described in more detail below.

Base Salary

The Company provides executive officers and other employees with base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year. The purpose of base salary is to reward effective fulfillment of an executive’s assigned job responsibilities, and to reflect the position’s relative value to the Company and competitiveness of the executive job market. Base salaries for executive officers are determined based on the nature and responsibility of the position, salary norms for comparable positions at similar companies, the expertise and effectiveness of the individual executive, and the competitiveness of the market for the executive officer’s services.

The Company has successfully held most base salaries at the low end of the competitive range in order to reduce its overall cost structure and to achieve systematic improvement in the financial performance of the business without incurring a large turnover in executive talent and leadership.

Any “merit increases” for the Company’s executive officers are subject to the same budgetary constraints that apply to all other employees. Executive officer salaries are evaluated as part of the Company’s annual review process and may be adjusted where justified in the context of the Company’s current focus on profitability and controlling expenses.

For fiscal year 2021, the Compensation Committee set a base salary of $5,713 per week for each Executive Committee member, reduced on a pro-rata basis for any member working less than a full-time schedule. This base salary amount is unchanged compared to fiscal year 2020.

Discretionary Cash Bonuses

The Company’s policy is to make a significant portion of each NEO’s total compensation contingent upon the Company’s financial performance. The Compensation Committee believes that the payment of cash bonuses based on the Company’s financial success allows the Company to offer a competitive total compensation package despite relatively lower base salaries, while aligning a significant portion of executive compensation with the achievement of positive Company financial results. However, while the payment of these cash bonuses to the NEOs is generally correlated with the achievement of positive Company financial results, there are no specific performance targets communicated to the NEOs in advance, and the bonuses are ultimately paid at the discretion of the Compensation Committee after receiving input from the Chairman of the Board. For the fiscal year ended October 29, 2021, discretionary bonuses were awarded to the members of the Company’s Executive Committee as disclosed in detail in the Summary Compensation Table.

Long-Term Equity-Based Incentive Compensation

The Compensation Committee has concluded that long-term stock-related compensation has very limited value as an employee incentive or retention tool because the Company’s equity-based incentive awards have historically provided little or no value to the recipient. In addition, beginning in 2005, U.S. accounting rules required the Company to expense any stock option awards according to a formula which could impose a costly charge on the Company’s income statements, thereby burdening or erasing its profit margins. Because of these factors, the Company has not granted stock options or restricted stock awards for many years. Instead, the Compensation Committee aims to align the interests of the NEOs with those of the Company’s shareholders by creating a link between the payment of executive compensation and the achievement of Company financial goals as described above. The Company’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan expired by its own terms on April 29, 2009 and no additional stock options or restricted stock may be granted thereunder.

Pension and Retirement Benefits

Retirement Plan for Administrative and Sales Employees of Bridgford Foods Corporation. The Company has a defined benefit plan (the “Primary Benefit Plan”) for certain of its employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Primary Benefit Plan, administered by a major life insurance company, presently provides that participants receive an annual benefit on retirement equal to 1.5% of their total compensation from the Company during their period of participation from 1958. Benefits are not reduced by Social Security payments or by payments from other sources and are payable in the form of a monthly lifetime annuity commencing at age 65 or the participant’s date of retirement, whichever is later. Effective May 12, 2006, future benefit accruals under the Primary Benefit Plan were frozen.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Retirement benefits otherwise available to certain key executives under the Primary Benefit Plan have been limited by the effects of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (“TEFRA”) and the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (“TRA”). To offset the loss of retirement benefits associated with TEFRA and TRA, the Company has adopted a non-qualified “makeup” benefit plan (the “Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan”). Benefits will be provided under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan in an amount equal to 60% of each participant’s final average earnings minus any pension benefits and primary insurance amounts available to them under Social Security. However, in all cases the benefits are capped at $120,000 per year for Allan L. Bridgford. Benefits provided under this plan for William L. Bridgford and Raymond F. Lancy are calculated at 50% of final average earnings, capped at $200,000 per year, without offsets for other pension or Social Security benefits.

Bridgford Foods Retirement Savings 401(k) Plan. The Company implemented a 401(k) plan effective May 13, 2006. The Company makes a matching contribution to each employee’s account based on pretax contributions in an amount equal to 100% of the first 3% of compensation and 50% of the next 2% of compensation contributed to the Plan. Certain limitations on optional pre-tax contributions to the plan are imposed pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. No amounts are contributed by the Company unless the employee elects to make a pretax contribution to the Plan.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

Effective January 1, 1991 the Company adopted a deferred compensation savings plan for certain key employees. Under this arrangement, selected employees contributed a portion of their annual compensation to the plan. The Company contributed an amount to each participant’s account by computing an investment return equal to Moody’s Average Seasoned Bond Rate plus 2%. The purpose of the plan was to provide tax planning and supplemental funds upon retirement or death for certain selected employees and to aid in retaining and attracting employees of exceptional ability. Separate accounts are maintained for each participant to properly reflect his or her total vested account balance. No contributions or salary deferrals have been made in the past ten years.

Perquisites and Other Benefits

The Company provides its executive officers with various health and welfare programs and other employee benefits which are generally available on the same cost-sharing basis to all of its employees. However, in keeping with the Company’s policy of controlling costs in connection with its profitability objectives, it does not provide any significant perquisites or other special benefits to its executive officers including, but not limited to, payment of club memberships, fees associated with financial planning, executive dining rooms or special transportation rights. The Company does not own an airplane and does not provide aircraft for executives for business or personal purposes.

The Company provides post-retirement healthcare benefits for certain executives and their spouses (who are within fifteen years of age of the employee) who have reached normal retirement age. This coverage is secondary to Medicare. Coverage for spouses continues upon the death of the employee. The maximum benefit under the plan is $100,000 per year per retiree. The combined loss on this plan during fiscal year 2021 was $12,000 for all active and retired participants.

The Company paid life and disability insurance premiums on policies for John V. Simmons under which he is the named owner and beneficiary. No further premiums are due on these policies.

Employment Agreements

The Company currently does not have any employment agreements with any of its NEOs. However, on August 12, 2019, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Allan L. Bridgford, Sr., pursuant to which the Company has engaged Mr. Bridgford to provide consulting services to the Company, which commenced effective October 30, 2021 upon his retirement from employment with the Company on October 29, 2021. Under the terms of the consulting agreement, Mr. Bridgford will provide to the Company consulting services, including, but not limited to, business development and strategic partnering, commencing on the date of his retirement and until such agreement is terminated by either party upon at least thirty (30) days’ notice to the other party. Mr. Bridgford will be compensated at a rate of $20,833.33 per month and will be reimbursed for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in rendering such services.

Payments Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control

The Company currently does not have any severance, change of control or similar agreements with any of its NEOs. Refer to the compensation discussion below for information on pension, deferred compensation, and benefit-related payments payable in the event of a qualifying event such as employment termination, disability, death, or sale/merger/acquisition.

Tax and Accounting Implications

The Compensation Committee is responsible for considering the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which in fiscal year 2021 provided that it could not deduct compensation of more than $1,000 that is paid to its executive officers. The Company believes that the compensation paid under the current management incentive programs is fully deductible for federal income tax purposes. In certain situations, the Compensation Committee may approve compensation that will not meet the requirements for deductibility in order to ensure competitive levels of compensation for its executives and to meet its obligations under the terms of various incentive programs. However, the issue of deductibility has not come before the Compensation Committee in recent years and is not expected to be a concern for the foreseeable future.

Summary Compensation Table

The table below provides summary information concerning cash and certain other compensation paid to or accrued for the Company’s NEOs during fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. Each of the NEOs named below were also members of the Executive Committee during the referenced periods, which Committee acts in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of the Company. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for further discussion of compensation arrangements pursuant to which the amounts listed in the table below were paid or awarded and the criteria for such payment or award.

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table

See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for further discussion of compensation arrangements pursuant to which amounts listed under the Summary Compensation Table were paid or awarded and the criteria for such payment or award.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

There were no stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or equity or non-equity-based performance awards granted to the Company’s NEOs during fiscal years 2021 or 2020. The Company’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan expired by its own terms on April 29, 2009 and no additional stock options or restricted stock may be granted thereunder.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

There were no outstanding options or stock awards held by any NEOs as of October 29, 2021.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

There were no shares acquired upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of stock awards by any NEOs during fiscal years 2021 or 2020.

Pension Benefits

The tables below provide information concerning retirement plan benefits for each NEO and payments due upon certain termination scenarios.

Retirement Plan for Administrative and Sales Employees of Bridgford Foods Corporation

Normal Retirement: Benefits commence upon reaching the “Normal Retirement Date”, which is the first day of the month on or after attainment of age 65. Pension benefit payments begin on the normal retirement date and continue until death.

Early Retirement: A participant may choose to retire up to ten years before the normal retirement date. If a participant retires early, the accrued pension will be reduced by a percentage to reflect the longer period over which pension benefits will be received. If a participant is married for at least one year and dies before retirement, a pension benefit will be payable to the surviving spouse for his or her life, provided certain eligibility requirements have been met.

Death Benefits: Payments to a surviving spouse will begin on the first day of the month following a participant’s death but not sooner than the earliest date a participant could have elected to retire.

Disability Benefits: A disability benefit is the accrued pension credited to a participant as of the date of disability.

The years of credited service, present value of accumulated plan benefits and payments made during the fiscal year were as follows:

For the Fiscal Year ended October 29, 2021:

For the Fiscal Year ended October 30, 2020:

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)

Payment of Retirement Benefit: All retirement, disability and death benefits shall be paid in monthly installments beginning on the commencement date following the participant’s retirement, disability or death and shall continue for a period of fifteen years.

Normal Retirement: Benefits commence upon reaching the “Normal Retirement Date”, which means the date on which the participant has both attained age 65 and completed at least ten years of participation. SERP benefit payments begin at the normal retirement date or later depending on the election of the participant.

Early Retirement: A participant may choose to retire up to ten years before the normal retirement date if the participant has completed at least five years of participation. If a participant retires early, the SERP benefit will be determined based on the vested percentage attained as the time of retirement.

Death Benefits: If a participant dies prior to having commenced receipt of benefits and is eligible for benefits hereunder, the participant’s beneficiary shall be entitled to receive an annual death benefit equal to the Normal Retirement Benefit determined as if the participant attained Normal Retirement Age on the date of his death, or, if after the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, equal to the Late Retirement Benefit. If a participant dies after having commenced receipt of benefits, benefits shall continue to be paid but to the Participant’s Beneficiary at the same time and in the same form as the benefits would have been payable to the participant. No benefit will be payable to a participant’s beneficiary if the participant terminates employment with the Company before he is eligible for a retirement benefit and thereafter dies.

Disability Benefits: A disability benefit is the vested percentage of SERP benefit credited to a participant as of the date of disability.

The present value of accumulated plan benefits and payments made during the fiscal year were as follows:

For the Fiscal Year ended October 29, 2021:

For the Fiscal Year ended October 30, 2020:

The following table estimates the present value of SERP benefits under different employment termination scenarios as of October 29, 2021:

The following table estimates future SERP payments under different termination scenarios as of October 29, 2021:

See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Total Compensation for Executive Officers — Pension and Retirement Benefits” for further discussion of the pension benefits contained in the tables above.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

The table below provides information concerning deferred compensation plan benefits for each NEO during the fiscal year ended October 29, 2021.

The table below provides information concerning deferred compensation plan benefits for each NEO during the fiscal year ended October 30, 2020.

The following table estimates the present value of non-qualified deferred compensation benefits under different employment termination scenarios as of October 29, 2021:

The deferred compensation amounts are calculated using a crediting rate equal to Moody’s Average Seasoned Bond Rate, plus 2%. This rate is subject to fluctuation. Upon death, the deferred compensation benefits are paid in a lump sum equal to the individual’s remaining account balance.

See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Total Compensation for Executive Officers – Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation” for further discussion of the non-qualified deferred compensation benefits contained in the tables above.

Director Compensation

The following table summarizes the total compensation paid by the Company to directors who were not employees during fiscal year 2021. Directors who were employees did not receive any additional compensation for their services as directors.

Narrative to Director Compensation Table

The Company uses cash compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on its Board of Directors. In setting director compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the demands that have been placed and will continue to be placed on the directors and the skill-level required by its directors. In addition, as with the Company’s executive officers, compensation decisions for directors are made in the context of the Company’s focus on controlling costs and increasing profitability.

The directors are not paid an annual retainer for their service on the Board. Instead, each non-employee director was paid $2,480 for each of the first two Board meetings attended during fiscal year 2021 and $2,830 for each subsequent Board meeting attended in fiscal year 2021. Members of the Audit Committee were paid $350 to $550 for each Audit Committee meeting attended in fiscal year 2021 depending on the length of the meeting. Directors were not paid any additional compensation for their service on the Nominating Committee in fiscal year 2021.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth certain information known to the Company with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock as of January 21, 2022 by each shareholder known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock, by each director and nominee for director, by each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table and by all executive officers and directors as a group. The information as to each person or entity has been furnished by such person or group.

Amount and Nature of Shares Beneficially Owned

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Not applicable, as we do not have any compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions, and Director Independence

Related Transactions

The Company’s general legal counsel is the son of Allan L. Bridgford, Sr. For his legal counsel, he currently is paid a fee of $2,480 for each Board of Directors meeting attended. Total fees paid for attending Board of Directors meetings were $27,280 in fiscal year 2021 and $24,600 in fiscal year 2020 . In addition, legal services are performed on behalf of the Company and billed by a firm in which he is a partner. Total fees billed for legal services under this arrangement for each of fiscal years 2021 and 2020 were approximately $170,500 and $293,000, respectively.

Former director Allan L. Bridgford, Jr., son of Allan L. Bridgford, Sr., is providing consulting services to the Chicago plant and management. The contract on behalf of the Company with Allan L. Bridgford, Jr. is for consulting services at $1,200 per day. Total fees billed under this arrangement were approximately $191,000 in fiscal year 2021 and $168,000 in fiscal year 2020. Under an arrangement with Allan L. Bridgford, Jr., we did not accrue any profit sharing due to a net loss during fiscal year 2021.

Director Keith A. Ross provides real-estate consulting services to the Board and management. Fees of approximately $5,375 and $75,500 were paid for consulting services in fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Other than the relationships noted above, the Company is not aware of any related party transactions that would require disclosure as a related party transaction under SEC rules.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions With Related Persons

The Company’s executive officers, directors, nominees for directors and principal shareholders, including their immediate family members and affiliates, are prohibited from entering into related party transactions with the Company that would be reportable under Item 404 of Regulation S-K without the prior approval of its Audit Committee (or other independent committee of the Board of Directors in cases where it is inappropriate for the Audit Committee to review such transaction due to a conflict of interest). Any request for the Company to enter into a transaction with an executive officer, director, or nominee for director, principal shareholder or any of such persons’ immediate family members or affiliates that would be reportable under Item 404 of Regulation S-K must first be presented to the Audit Committee for review, consideration and approval. In approving or rejecting the proposed agreement, the Audit Committee will consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant, including but not limited to, the risks, costs, and benefits to the Company, the terms of the transactions, the availability of other sources for comparable services or products, and, if applicable, the impact on director independence. The Audit Committee shall only approve those agreements that, in light of known circumstances, are in or are not inconsistent with the Company’s best interests, as determined in good faith by the Audit Committee (or other independent committee, as applicable). The requirement for the Audit Committee to review related-party transactions (defined as those transactions required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K) is set forth in the Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter, which was approved on November 8, 2010.

Director Independence

The Company is considered a “controlled company” within the meaning of Rule 5615(c)(1) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules based on the approximate 80% beneficial ownership of its outstanding common stock by Bridgford Industries Incorporated and are therefore exempted from various NASDAQ Listing Rules pertaining to certain “independence” requirements of its directors. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Andrews and Scott, and Ms. Schott who together comprise the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee, are all “independent directors” within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Additionally, based on its status as a “controlled company,” the Company is not required to have a Nominating Committee comprised solely of independent directors. Rather, the full Board fulfills the role of Nominating Committee and identifies and screens new candidates for Board membership. Nevertheless, actions of the Board, in its role as Nominating Committee, can be taken only with the affirmative vote of a majority of the independent directors on the Board, as defined by the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit Fees

Fees charged by Baker Tilly for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and the review of the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for fiscal years 2021 and 2020 were approximately $221,000 and $183,000, respectively.

Audit-Related Fees

Audit-related fees typically consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services may include consultations related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards. There were no audit-related fees billed by Baker Tilly for fiscal year 2021 or fiscal year 2020.

Tax Fees

Tax fees are comprised of services that include assistance related to state tax compliance services and consultations regarding federal and state research and development tax credits. No fees were billed by Baker Tilly for tax consulting during fiscal year 2021 or fiscal year 2020.

All Other Fees

All other fees are comprised of fees for initial planning for certification of internal controls over financial reporting. No such fees were billed by Baker Tilly for fiscal year 2021 or fiscal year 2020.

POLICY ON AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT SERVICES AND PERMISSIBLE NON-AUDIT

SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accountants. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. During fiscal years 2021 and 2020, the Audit Committee approved all such services rendered by its independent registered public accountants. For audit services, the independent registered public accountants provide the Audit Committee with an audit plan including proposed fees in advance of the annual audit. The Audit Committee approves the plan and fees for the audit.

For non-audit services, the Company’s senior management will submit from time to time to the Audit Committee for approval non-audit services that it recommends the Audit Committee engage the independent registered public accountants to provide during the fiscal year. The Company’s senior management and the independent registered public accountants will each confirm to the Audit Committee that each non-audit service is permissible under all applicable legal requirements. A budget, estimating non-audit service spending for the fiscal year, will be provided to the Audit Committee along with the request. The Audit Committee must approve both permissible non-audit services and the budget for such services.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) Financial Statements. The following documents are filed as a part of this Report:

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Not applicable for a smaller reporting company.

(3) Exhibits

(a) The exhibits below are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Date: January 27, 2022

POWER OF ATTORNEY

We, the undersigned directors and officers of Bridgford Foods Corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint Michael W. Bridgford and Raymond F. Lancy, or either of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, our true and lawful attorneys and agents, to do any and all acts and things in our name and behalf in our capacities as directors and officers and to execute any and all instruments for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, which said attorneys and agents, or either of them, or their substitutes, may deem necessary or advisable to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including specifically, but without limitation, power and authority to sign for us or any of us in our names and in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments; and we do hereby ratify and confirm all that the said attorneys and agents, or either of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Bridgford Foods Corporation

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bridgford Foods Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 29, 2021 and October 30, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 29, 2021 and October 30, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Net Revenue - Reserves for Promotional Allowances

Critical Audit Matter Description

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, contracts with customers often include some form of variable consideration in the form of discounts, trade allowances, consumer incentives, coupons, volume-based incentives, cooperative advertising, product returns and other such programs. Promotional allowances are treated as a reduction in revenue when the related revenue is recognized, and are recorded at the net estimated to be received, with updates to estimates and related accruals of promotional allowances occurring each period based on historical experience and changes in circumstances.

We identified the estimation of reserves for promotional allowances by management as a critical audit matter because the inputs and assumptions utilized by management in estimating these reserves, including consistency of historical data and contract pricing, require significant judgment and create a high degree of estimation uncertainty. Consequently, auditing these assumptions requires subjective auditor judgment.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included: