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 29,28, 20212022

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, 202115, 2022, was $26,203,00018,519,000.

As of January 25, 2022,26, 2023, 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,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 asand 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 2021,2022, the Frozen Food Products segment has seencontinued to see 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 decreasedincreased unit sales volume during fiscal 2021year 2022 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 andcontinued 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$7,949 and the cost of purchased flour increased approximately $445$1,844 during fiscal year 20212022 compared to fiscal year 2020.2021.

● 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. DuringSince the last three quarterssecond quarter of fiscal year 2021, we have startedcontinued to see a shift in demand from our retail to our foodservice sales channels as schools and in-dining restaurants begin to reopenreopened 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 experiencinghave experienced varying levels of production impacts, including reduced volumes, worker absenteeism, and temporary COVID-19-related closures at some of our production facilities andwe 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$9,794 during fiscal year 20212022 compared to fiscal year 2020.2021.

● 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 remaining deferral amount as of October 29, 2021,28, 2022, is approximately $1,511 with 50% due on December 31, 2021, and the remaining amount$758 due on December 31, 2022.

● Liquidity – Operations used $5,992$7,830 in operating cash flows during the fifty-two weeksfifty-two-weeks ended October 29, 2021. As28, 2022. We received $55,388 in net proceeds on June 1, 2022, from the closing of that date, we had approximately $44,638the sale of net working capitalreal property located at 170 N. Green Street in Chicago (the “Green Street Property”) pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and $3,000 available under our revolving line of credit.Sale Agreement dated March 16, 2020, as amended, between Bridgford Food Processing Corporation and CRG Acquisition, LLC (“the CRG Purchase Agreement”). On December 1, 2021, we expanded the maximum borrowing under our revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) to $25,000 untilfrom $15,000. The credit limit returned to $15,000 on June 15, 2022 upon which the credit limit will return to $15,000 for the balance of the term.term to March 1, 2023. The line of credit was paid off on June 7, 2022, using $18,000 in proceeds from the sale of the Green Street Property. As of October 28, 2022, we had approximately $66,076 of net working capital and $15,000 available under our revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. We entered into a bridge loan with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. on August 30, 2021, for up to $25,000 of which we used $18,653 to pay off a portion of the existing equipment loans as they came out of the lock out period and could be repaid. We repaid and terminated the bridge loan on June 2, 2022, using $18,653 in proceeds from the sale of the Green Street Property. As of October 28, 2022, we have $1,089 of current debt remaining on equipment loans. Refer to Note 5 – Line of Credit and Borrowing Agreements of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this Report for further information. 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. We received $2,205 from a life insurance receivable during the second quarter of fiscal year 2022. 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 withFrom 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.at least the next twelve months. 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 2021.2022. 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.

relationships.

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, as amended, 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-endLarge 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 770800 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 startedcontinued to increase as schools and in-dining restaurants start to reopenhave reopened 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 leasedCompany-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 2021,2022, our snack food products division sold approximately 170160 different items through customer-owned distribution centers and a direct-store-delivery network serving approximately 19,00020,000 supermarkets, mass merchandise and convenience retail stores located in 4950 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 inon 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 29.8% of revenues in fiscal year 2022 and 26.1% of total accounts receivable was due from Wal-Mart® as of October 28, 2022. 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. The increase in accounts receivable from Wal-Mart® as of October 28, 2022 versus October 29, 2021 is attributable to the Company no longer accelerating payments from Wal-Mart®. Sales to Wal-Mart®Dollar General® comprised 36.9%16.9% of revenues in fiscal year 20202022 and 19.8%19.9% of total accounts receivable was due from Wal-Mart®Dollar General® as of October 30, 2020.28, 2022. 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 monthand settle within three months 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.less. 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 699705 employees (675(695 full-time employees) as of October 29, 2021,28, 2022, approximately 47%45% of whose employment relationship is governed by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements currently expire between September 2023 and March 2022 and February 2024.2027. 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. Commodity costs have and may continue to fluctuate due to political and economic conditions, including the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia. 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 (1) a consulting agreement with Allan L. Bridgford Sr. that became effective October 30, 2021, after his retirement from employment with our company.company, (2) a consulting agreement with Raymond F. Lancy which will become effective on February 1, 2022, after his retirement from employment with our company and (3) a consulting agreement with Allan Bridgford Jr. to provide consulting services to the Chicago plant and management.

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%29.8% and 14.5%16.9%, respectively, of sales in fiscal year 2021.2022. The increase in accounts receivable from Wal-Mart® as of October 28, 2022 versus October 29, 2021 is attributable to the Company no longer accelerating payments from Wal-Mart®. 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, fourtwo 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, 2021.2021, and to a lesser extent for fiscal year ended October 28, 2022. 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.worsens. 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.None

Item 2. Properties

We own the following properties:properties as of October 28, 2022:

We utilize each of 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, 2021,28, 2022, 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, 2022,23, 2023, there were 729883 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 20212022 and 2020,2021, 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, 2021,28, 2022, 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, 202128, 2022 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year Ended October 30, 202029, 2021 (52 weeks)

Net Sales-Consolidated

Net sales in fiscal year 20212022 increased $42,460 (21.4%$25,468 (10.6%) 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 20212022 increased $269 (0.7%$14,744 (35.5%) compared to the prior fiscal year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

The slight increase in net sales for fiscal year 20212022 primarily relates to higher selling prices per pound partially offset by lower unit sales volume.volume in pounds coupled with a higher selling price per pound. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by a significant increase in volume to institutional customers and an increase in selling prices due to changes in product mix amid a decrease in sales volume to retail customers.price increases implemented during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 and second quarter of fiscal year 2022. Other institutional Frozen Food Products sales, including sheet dough and rolls, increased 16%44% by volume whileand retail sales volume decreased by 7%6%. Demand has shifted from retail sales to foodservice sales channels as schools and in-dining restaurants began to slowly reopen across the United States following earlier shutdownshave reopened in response to the lifting of restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Returns activity decreased compared to the 20202021 fiscal year. Promotional activity was higher in fiscal year 2022 as a percentage of sales during the 2021 fiscal year.due to increased sales to high promotion customers.

Net Sales-Snack Food Products Segment

Net sales in the Snack Food Products segment in fiscal year 20212022 increased $42,191 (26.9%$10,724 (5.4%) 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 average selling prices per pound compared to fiscal year 2021. Price increases were implemented in the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 in response to record high meat commodity input costs. Unit sales volume in pounds through our direct store delivery distribution channel during fiscal year 2021. The weighted average selling price per pound increaseddecreased due to selling price increases and reductions in packaging size.lower demand caused by inflationary pressures on consumer spending habits. Returns activity was lowerhigher compared to the 20202021 fiscal year. Promotional offers decreased as a percentage of sales dueincreased slightly compared to higher sales to high-volume, high-promotion customers.fiscal year 2021.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated

Cost of products sold from continuing operations increased by $50,594 (36.5%$4,791 (2.5%) compared to the prior fiscal year. The gross margin decreasedincreased from 30.1%21.4% to 21.4%27.1% during fiscal year 20212022 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%$11,553 (39.1%) in fiscal year 20212022 compared to the prior fiscal year. Higher direct distributioncommodity costs, increased volume and production materialschanges in product mix were the primary contributing factors to thethis increase. HigherThe cost of purchased flour commodity costs ofincreased approximately $445$1,844, which contributed to the increase in costs of goods sold. The gross margin percentage decreased from 32.9%28.8% to 28.8%26.9% during fiscal year 20212022 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 increaseddecreased by $48,734 (44.0%$6,762 (4.2%) compared to the prior fiscal year due primarily to a substantial increase inlower unit sales volume. Meat commodity costs increased during fiscal year 2021 adding to2022 partially offsetting the increasedecrease in cost of products sold. The cost of meat commodities increased approximately $12,692$7,949 during fiscal year 20212022 compared to the prior fiscal year. As a result, a net realizable value reserve of $2,353$131 was recorded during the fiscal year after determining that the market value on some meat products was less than the costs associated with completionproduction and sale of the product. Higher depreciation on processing equipment impacted the cost of products sold. The gross margin earned in this segment decreasedincreased from 29.3%19.8% to 19.8%27.1% during fiscal year 2021 primarily as a result of higher commodity costs.2022.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in fiscal year 20212022 increased $4,961 (9.0%$5,107 (8.5%) 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 20212022 fiscal year compared to the 20202021 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 toa result of an increase in pension plan assets caused by the performance of the underlying markets that support them as well as higher pension discount rates being used to compute the future liability estimate.resulting in lower liability. 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 expenseCosts for product advertising increased mainly as a result of higher payments under brand licensing agreements in the Snack Food Products segment during fiscal year 2022. Healthcare costs have increased due to higher product shipmentsunfavorable claim trends. Other income decreased due to customers.a gain on life insurance proceeds caused by the passing of a former executive employee during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Vehicle repairs and maintenance on vehicles have increased compared to the prior year period mainly due to an aging fleet. Rent for storage units that house inventory increased due to inflationary price pressure. Travel expenses increased due to the lifting of travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders which had been imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside storage costs to warehouse products prior to shipment increased due to reaching storage capacity at our new Chicago 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, office supplies and employee training expenses.professional fees.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment

SG&A expenses in the Frozen Food Products segment decreasedincreased by $840 (6.6%$2,664 (22.3%) compared to the prior fiscal year. The overall decreaseincrease in SG&A expenses was due to lower unithigher sales volume and profit-sharing accruals.corresponding increased wages and bonus and product advertising partially offset by lower pension expense.

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%$2,444 (5.1%) during fiscal year 20212022 compared to the prior fiscal year. Most of the increase was due to higher unit sales volume.licensing fees, travel expense and taxes.

Gain on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment

The gain during fiscal years 20212022 and 20202021 was due to the sale of the Green Street facility and ordinary gain on disposal of assets.assets, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income tax for fiscal years 20212022 and 2020,2021, respectively, was as follows:

We recorded a tax provision of $16,341 and benefit of $1,779, and $2,193, for fiscal years 20212022 and 2020,2021, respectively, related to federal and state taxes, based on the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate. The effective tax rate was 24.4%26.6% and -42.7%24.4% for fiscal years 2022 and 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 20212022 and 20202021 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 received $60,000 in gross proceeds on June 1, 2022, from the closing of the sale of the Green Street Property pursuant to the terms of the CRG Purchase Agreement. 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$2,000 under our line of credit with Wells Fargo during fiscal yearBank, N.A. on December 2, 2020, $2,000 on April 27, 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$2,000 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. On DecemberJuly 1, 2021, we expanded$3,000 on July 19, 2021, $3,000 on October 15, 2021, $2,000 on November 1, 2021, $2,000 on December 16, 2021, and $2,000 on January 24, 2022, for a combined total of $18,000. The line of credit was paid off on June 7, 2022, using $18,000 in proceeds from the sale of the Green Street Property. The revolving line of credit continues in effect per its terms to March 1, 2023. We entered into a bridge loan with Wells Fargo on August 30, 2021, for up to $25,000, untilof which we used $18,653 to pay off a portion of our existing equipment loans as they came out of the lock out period and could be repaid. We repaid and terminated the bridge loan on June 15,2, 2022, using $18,653 in proceeds from the sale of real property at which time the Green Street Property. As of October 28, 2022, we had $1,089 of current debt on equipment loans, $66,076 of net working capital and $15,000 available under our revolving line of credit limit will returnwith Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Refer to $15,000. Commodity price volatility or increases could adversely impact our business, financial condition including liquidityNote 5 - Line of Credit and resultsBorrowing Agreements of operations. the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included within this Report for further information.

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 withWith 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.at least the next twelve months. 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 fromused in operating activities: