Certain statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Bridgford Foods Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; success of operating initiatives; development and operating costs; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; acceptance of new product offerings; consumer trial and frequency; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; commodity, labor, and employee benefit costs; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; and other factors referenced in this Quarterly Report on Form 10Q. Assumptions relating to budgeting, marketing, and other management decisions are subjective in many respects and thus susceptible to interpretations and periodic revisions based on actual experience and business developments, the impact of which may cause the Company to alter its marketing, capital expenditure or other budgets, which may in turn affect the Company's business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The reader is therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein and to consider other risks detailed more fully in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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. The Company records promotional and returns allowances based on recent and historical trends. Management believes its current estimates are reasonable and based on the best information available at the time.
The Company records the cash surrender or contract value for life insurance policies as an adjustment of premiums paid in determining the expense or income to be recognized under the contract for the period.
Deferred taxes are provided for items whose financial and tax bases differ. A valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when it is expected that it is more likely than not that the related asset will not be fully realized.
The Company provides tax reserves for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to audit results, tax planning initiatives and compliance responsibilities. The development of these reserves requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective estimate. Although the outcome of these tax audits is uncertain, in management’s opinion adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities emanating from these reviews. Actual outcomes may differ materially from these estimates.
The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets on an annual basis or whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances or business climate indicate that expected undiscounted future cash flows related to such long-lived assets may not be sufficient to support the net book value of such assets. If undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to support the recorded assets, the Company recognizes an impairment to reduce the carrying value of the applicable long-lived assets to their estimated fair value.
Executive Level Overview of Business Segments
The Company operates in two business segments -- the processing and distribution of frozen products (the Frozen Food Products Segment), and the processing and distribution of refrigerated and snack food products, (the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment). For information regarding the separate financial performance of the business segments refer to Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The products manufactured and distributed by the Company consist of an extensive line of food products, including biscuits, bread dough items, roll dough items, dry sausage products, beef jerky and a variety of sandwiches and sliced luncheon meats. The products purchased by the Company for resale include a variety of jerky, cheeses, salads, party dips, Mexican foods, nuts and other delicatessen type food products. Although the Company has recently introduced several new products, most of these products have not contributed significantly to the Company’s revenue growth for the 2008 fiscal year
Frozen Food Products Segment
The products manufactured and distributed by the Company in the Frozen Food Products Segment consist of an extensive line of food products, including biscuits, bread dough items, roll dough items and sandwiches. All items within this segment are considered similar products and have been aggregated at this level. The Company’s frozen food division serves both food service and retail customers. The Company sells approximately 200 unique frozen food products through wholesalers, cooperatives and distributors to approximately 21,000 retail outlets and 22,000 restaurants and institutions.
Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment
The products distributed by the Company in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment consist of both products manufactured by the Company and products manufactured or processed by third parties. All items within this segment are considered similar products and have been aggregated at this level. The dry sausage division includes products such as jerky, meat snacks, sausage, summer sausage and pepperoni products. The deli division includes products such as ham, sandwiches, cheese, Mexican food, pastries and other delicatessen type food products. The Company’s refrigerated and snack food products division sells approximately 260 different items through a direct store delivery network serving approximately 35,000 supermarkets, mass merchandise and convenience retail stores located in 49 states and Canada. These customers are comprised of large retail chains and smaller “independent” operators.
Results of Operations for the Twelve Weeks ended April 18, 2008 and Twelve Weeks ended April 20, 2007
(in thousands, except percentages)
Net Sales-Consolidated
Net sales decreased by $2,994 (10.7%) to $24,900 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period last year. Unit volume decreased approximately 14.2%, offset by unit price increases of 5.9%. Promotional allowances increased by approximately 0.8%, as a percent of sales, compared to the same twelve-week period last year. Product return levels increased 0.6% as a percent of sales compared to the same twelve-week period last year.
Compared to the prior twelve-week period ended January 25, 2008 (not shown), average weekly sales decreased $535 (20.5%). The change results primarily from a unit volume decrease of 12.0% as well as an average unit price decrease of 6.0% during the first twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the previous twelve-week period. The decrease in average unit price and revenue from the prior period resulted from normal seasonal factors such as changes in product mix and the previous quarter including the high volume holiday season.
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Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment
Net sales in the Frozen Food Products Segment decreased by $395 (3.4%) to $11,111 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period last year. Unit volume decreases of 4.5% were offset by unit price increases of 2.8%. Also contributing to the net sales decline were promotional allowances, which were higher compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior year.
Net Sales-Refrigerated and Snack Food Segment
Net sales in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment, excluding intersegment sales, decreased by $2,599 (15.9%) to $13,789 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period last year. Unit volume decreased by 24.0% compared to the same twelve-week period last year. An increase in unit selling prices (9.9%) helped to offset the impact of the unit volume decreases, when comparing to the prior year.
Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated
Cost of products sold decreased by $1,595 (8.9%) to $16,349 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal 2007. The gross margin before depreciation decreased from 35.7% to 34.3% primarily due to higher commodity costs and decreased net sales volume when compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal 2007. Recent internal production of previously outsourced items also improved margins by lowering unit overhead costs.
Compared to the prior twelve-week period ended January 25, 2008 (not shown), the average weekly cost of products sold during the second twelve weeks of fiscal year 2008 decreased $386 (22.1%). This decrease is consistent with the overall sales volume decrease from the prior period.
Cost of Products Sold-Frozen Food Products Segment
Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products Segment increased by $556 (8.0%) to $7,511 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal 2007. Higher flour commodity costs were the primary contributing factor to this increase.
Cost of Products Sold-Refrigerated and Snack Food Segment
Cost of products sold in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment decreased by $2,137 (19.0%) to $9,128 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal 2007. Unit volume declines were the primary factor causing this decrease.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $456 (4.8%) to $9,068 in the second twelve weeks of fiscal year 2008 compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior fiscal year. The change in this category for the twelve-week period ended April 18, 2008 did not directly correspond to the sales decrease. Favorable trends in cash surrender value gains, pension and workers’ compensation expenses helped reduce the expenses in this category compared to the same twelve week period in the prior year. Unfavorable trends were experienced in healthcare partially offsetting the decrease in this category.
Compared to the prior twelve-week period ended January 25, 2008 (not shown), average weekly selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $80 (9.6%). The decrease was primarily caused by a decrease in average weekly sales and staff reductions. Unfavorable trends in healthcare were offset by lower cost trends related to pension and workers’ compensation expenses.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Frozen Food Products Segment decreased by $39 (1.1%) to $3,552 in the second twelve weeks of fiscal year 2008 compared to the same twelve week period in the prior fiscal year.The decrease was primarily driven by lower sales volumes and lower workers’ compensation costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Refrigerated and Snack Food Segment
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment decreased by $417 (7.0%) to $5,516 in the second twelve weeks of fiscal year 2008 compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior fiscal year. Lower unit volume, pension, and workers’ compensation expenses were the most significant contributors to the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses when compared to the same twelve-week period in the prior fiscal year.
Depreciation Expense-Consolidated
Depreciation expense decreased by $34 (4.3%) to $748 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal year 2007. The decrease in depreciation expense reflects certain significant assets becoming fully depreciated in the 2007 fiscal year. Compared to the prior twelve-week period ended January 25, 2008 (not shown), average weekly depreciation remained constant.
Depreciation Expense-Frozen Food Products and Refrigerated and Snack Food Segments
Depreciation expense in the Frozen Food Products Segment decreased by $27 (13.3%) to $176 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal year 2007. This decrease reflects lower capital spending activity and significant facilities becoming fully depreciated.
Depreciation expense in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment increased by $14 (2.9%) to $498 in the second twelve weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twelve-week period in fiscal year 2007. The increase in depreciation expense reflects the impact of a new major manufacturing line put in service in the last sixteen weeks of fiscal year 2007.
Income Taxes-Consolidated
The Company recorded an income tax benefit based on an estimated annual effective tax rate of 38.0% in the second twelve weeks of fiscal 2008 as compared to 23.3% in the prior fiscal year and 38.9% for the prior twelve-week period. The change in the effective income tax rate correlates to revisions in the Company’s projected tax rates related to updated income estimates.
Net Loss-Consolidated
The net loss of $784 in the twelve weeks ended April 18, 2008 included a non-taxable gain on life insurance policies in the amount of $128. Gains and losses on life insurance policies are dependent upon the performance of the underlying equities and future results may not produce gains of equal magnitude or may produce losses. Taxable investment income also decreased on a comparative basis during the second twelve weeks of fiscal 2008 in the amount of $94 due to lower cash balances and lower short-term interest rates.
After considering the effect of these transactions, the Company’s results for the twelve week periods ended April 18, 2008 and April 20, 2007 are as follows:
| | 12 Weeks Ended | | 12 Weeks Ended |
| | April 18, 2008 | | April 20, 2007 |
Net loss before taxes, life insurance gain | | | | | | | | |
and investment income | | | $ (1,487 | ) | | | $(720 | ) |
Life insurance gain and investment income | | | 222 | | | | 364 | |
Loss before taxes | | | (1,265 | ) | | | (356 | ) |
Income tax benefit | | | (481 | ) | | | (83 | ) |
Net loss | | | $ (784 | ) | | | $(273 | ) |
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Results of Operations for the Twenty-Four Weeks ended April 18, 2008 and Twenty-Four Weeks ended April 20, 2007
(in thousands, except percentages)
The Company presents net income or loss before taxes, life insurance gain or loss and investment income because the Company believes it is an important measure for investors to use in understanding the Company’s underlying operations.
Net Sales-Consolidated
Net sales decreased by $3,989 (6.6%) to $56,218 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period last year. The sales decline was caused by a 13.0% decrease in unit volume, offset partially by a 6.7% increase in unit price. Promotional allowances, as a percent of sales, stayed the same at 6.0% compared to the same twenty-four week period last year.
Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment
Net sales in the Frozen Food Products Segment increased by $1,135 (4.8%) to $24,559 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period last year. This change resulted from a 5.9% unit price increase which was offset by a unit volume decrease of 3.3%.
Net Sales-Refrigerated and Snack Food Segment
Net sales in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment, excluding inter-segment sales, decreased by $5,124 (13.9%) to $31,659 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period last year. Unit volumes were 22.2% lower than the comparative twenty-four week period, and were offset by average unit selling prices which were 8.0% higher.
Cost of Products Sold-Consolidated
Cost of products sold decreased by $2,174 (5.5%) to $37,326 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal 2007. The decrease in cost of products sold on a comparative basis was due primarily to lower unit sales volume. The 0.8% decrease in gross margin percentage was partially due to higher flour commodity costs when compared to the same twenty-four-week period in fiscal year 2007.
Cost of Products Sold–Frozen Food Products Segment
Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products Segment increased by $1,844 (12.8%) to $16,261 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal 2007. Higher flour commodity costs contributed to the increase in costs of products sold.
Cost of Products Sold–Refrigerated and Snack Food Segment
Cost of products sold in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment decreased by $3,845 (15.0%) to $21,813 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four-week period in fiscal 2007. Lower unit volume and a decrease in the amount of distributed items purchased contributed to the decrease in costs of products sold.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $351 (1.8%) to $19,093 in the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal year 2008 compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior fiscal year. The change in this category for the twenty-four week period ended April 18, 2008 did not directly correspond to the sales decrease. Reductions in employee healthcare and pension expense contributed to the decline. Costs for fuel increased, a loss on the cash surrender value of life insurance policies and lower interest income offset the decline in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Frozen Food Products Segment increased by $13 (0.2%) to $7,042 in the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal year 2008 compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior fiscal year. Higher vehicle expenses and fuel contributed to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses when compared to the same twenty-four-week period in fiscal 2007.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Refrigerated and Snack Food Segment
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment decreased by $364 (2.9%) to $12,051 in the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal year 2008 compared to the same twenty-four week period in the prior fiscal year. Lower labor, healthcare and pension expenses contributed to the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses when compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal 2007.
Depreciation Expense-Consolidated
Depreciation expense decreased by $66 (4.2%) to $1,497 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal year 2007. The decrease in depreciation expense was due to lower capital expenditures in recent years and certain significant assets becoming fully depreciated in a prior period.
Depreciation Expense-Frozen Food Products and Refrigerated and Snack Food Segments
Depreciation expense in the Frozen Food Products Segment decreased by $49 (12.1%) to $357 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal year 2007. The decrease in depreciation expense was due to lower capital expenditures in recent years and certain significant assets becoming fully depreciated in a prior period.
Depreciation expense in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment increased by $26 (2.7%) to $992 in the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year compared to the same twenty-four week period in fiscal year 2007. This increase in depreciation expense results primarily from the Jerky production line that was placed into service in fiscal year 2007.
Income Taxes-Consolidated
The Company recorded an income tax provision based on an estimated annual effective tax rate of 38.2% in the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal 2008 as compared to 22.7% in the prior fiscal year. The change in the effective income tax rate relates to significant non-taxable gains on life insurance policies and revisions to the Company’s projected tax rates related to updated estimates and the recognition of research and development tax credits.
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Net Loss-Consolidated
Net loss in the twenty-four weeks ended April 18, 2008 was affected by non-taxable losses on life insurance policies in the amount of $190. Gains and losses on life insurance policies are dependent upon the performance of the underlying equities and future results may produce losses of equal magnitude. Taxable investment income also decreased on a comparative basis during the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal 2008 in the amount of $157 due to lower cash balances and a decrease in short-term interest rates. After considering the effect of these transactions, the Company’s results were as follows:
| 24 Weeks Ended | | 24 Weeks Ended |
| April 18, 2008 | | April 20, 2007 |
Net loss before taxes, life insurance gain | | | | | | | |
and investment income | | ($1,703 | ) | | | ($1,012 | ) |
Life insurance gain and investment income | | 5 | | | | 712 | |
Loss before taxes | | (1,698 | ) | | | (300 | ) |
Income tax benefit | | (649 | ) | | | (68 | ) |
Net loss | | ($1,049 | ) | | | ($232 | ) |
The Company presents net income or loss before taxes, life insurance gain or loss and investment income because the Company believes it is an important measure for investors to use in understanding the Company’s underlying operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands)
The Company’s need for operations growth, capital expenses and share repurchases are expected to be met with cash flows provided by operating activities.
Cash flows from operating activities for the twenty-four weeks ended:
| April 18, 2008 | | April 20, 2007 |
Net loss | $ | (1,049 | ) | | $ | (232 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by | | | | | | | |
operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | 1,497 | | | | 1,563 | |
Recovery on accounts receivable | | (96 | ) | | | (329 | ) |
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment | | (29 | ) | | | (5 | ) |
Changes in working capital | | 1,003 | | | | 14,447 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,326 | | | $ | 15,444 | |
Significant changes in working capital for the twenty-four weeks ended:
April 18, 2008 – Operating cash flows for the period ended April 18, 2008 increased primarily due to a significant reduction in accounts receivable in the amount of $1,863 offset by a reduction in accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses in the amount of $1,590. During the period the Company funded $1,792 toward its defined benefit pension plan.
April 20, 2007- Operating cash flows for the period ended April 20, 2007 increased primarily due to the sale of trading securities in the amount of $12,200 and a significant reduction in inventories in the amount of $3,180 offset reductions in accounts payable and accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses in the amount of $2,539. During the period the Company funded $1,833 toward its defined benefit pension plan.
Cash used in investing activities for the twenty-four weeks ended:
| April 18, 2008 | | April 20, 2007 |
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | $ | 35 | | | $ | 5 | |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | | (880 | ) | | | (835 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (845 | ) | | $ | (830 | ) |
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Expenditures for property, plant and equipment include the acquisition of new equipment, upgrading of facilities to maintain operating efficiency and investments in cost effective technologies to lower costs. Overall capital spending has declined in recent years as the Company carefully scrutinizes capital investments for short term pay-back of investment.
Cash used in financing activities for the twenty-four weeks ended:
| April 18, 2008 | | April 20, 2007 |
Shares repurchased | $ | (2,941 | ) | | $ | (176 | ) |
Cash dividends paid | | — | | | | — | |
Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (2,941 | ) | | $ | (176 | ) |
The Company’s stock repurchase program was approved by the Board of Directors in November 1999 and was expanded in June 2005. Under the stock repurchase program, the Company is authorized, at the discretion of management and the Board of Directors, to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market. On March 17, 2008, the Company repurchased approximately 402 shares of its common stock from a stockholder in a privately-negotiated transaction outside of the Company’s stock repurchase program for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,700. The repurchased shares were retired and constitute authorized but unissued shares. As of April 18, 2008, up to approximately 483 shares were still authorized for repurchase under the program. No cash dividends were paid during the first twenty-four weeks of the 2008 fiscal year. The Board of Directors suspended the quarterly cash dividend at its May 2004 meeting in recognition of lower profitability levels in recent periods.
The Company remained free of interest bearing debt during the first twenty-four weeks of fiscal year 2008. The Company's revolving line of credit with Bank of America expires on April 30, 2010 and provides for borrowings up to $2,000. The Company has not borrowed under this line for more than twenty consecutive years and expects to renew the line of credit prior to its expiration.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination: 1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; 2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and 3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Therefore, the Company expects to adopt SFAS 141R for any business combinations entered into beginning in fiscal 2010.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). This Statement defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require fair value measurements; it does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, the Company’s fiscal year 2010. The Company does not expect this Statement will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position upon adoption.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans–an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires employers to recognize the over- or under-funded status of defined benefit plans and other postretirement plans in the statement of financial position and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. In addition, SFAS 158 requires employers to measure the funded status of plans as of the date of the year-end statement of financial position. The recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS 158 became effective for the Company’s fiscal year ended November 2, 2007 while the requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of a company’s year-end date is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008 (effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending October 30, 2009). The impact of the Company’s initial adoption of SFAS 158 is disclosed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Report on Form 10K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007 and is reflected in those statements.
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In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 expands opportunities to use fair value measurement in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or the Company’s fiscal year ending October 30, 2009. The Company does not expect this statement will have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,“Consolidated Financial Statements” to establish accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This statement clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity and should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements, rather than in the liability or mezzanine section between liabilities and equity. SFAS 160 also requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008; therefore, the Company expects to adopt SFAS 160 at the beginning of fiscal 2010. Adoption of SFAS 160 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company is not engaged in any “off-balance sheet arrangements” within the meaning of Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
General Business Risks
General risk factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; success of operating initiatives; development and operating costs; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; acceptance of new product offerings; consumer trial and frequency; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; commodity, labor, and employee benefit costs; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; and other factors referenced in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Bridgford Foods’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007. Because of these and other factors that may affect the Company’s operating results, past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
There can be no assurances that the Company’s growth objectives will be met or that product lines will be profitable. Anticipated and unanticipated declines in customer demand or taste, sales softness or aggressive competition may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. The business is also exposed to the risk of negative publicity, whether or not based in fact, which affects consumer perceptions about the health, safety or quality of food and inputs of food products.
The Company's operating results are heavily dependent upon the prices paid for raw materials. Other significant factors that influence operating results include transportation and energy costs. The marketing of the Company's value-added products does not lend itself to instantaneous changes in selling prices. While we attempt to change prices to offset changes in our cost structure, such changes cannot be made frequently enough or quickly enough to mitigate the significant volatility in our raw ingredient, transportation, fuel, and other costs. As a result, our operations and operating margins are impacted significantly by the volatility of our costs.
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Financial Instrument Risk
The Company’s financial instruments generally consist of cash and cash equivalents and life insurance policies. At April 18, 2008, the carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments approximated their fair market values based on current market prices and rates. It is not the Company’s policy to enter into derivative financial instruments.
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company did not have significant foreign currency exposure at April 18, 2008.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company’s credit risk is diversified across a broad range of customers and geographic regions. Losses due to credit risk have recently been immaterial. The provision for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical trends and current collection risk. The Company has significant amounts receivable with a few large, well known customers which, although historically secure, could be subject to material risk should these customers’ operations suddenly deteriorate. The Company monitors these customers closely to minimize the risk of loss.
Fixed – Price Contracts Risk
The Company purchases bulk flour under short-term fixed price contracts during the normal course of business. Under these arrangements, the Company is obligated to purchase specific quantities at fixed prices, within the specified contract period. These contracts provide for automatic price increases if agreed quantities are not purchased within the specified contract period. No significant contracts remained unfulfilled at April 18, 2008.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Management of the Company, with the participation and under the supervision of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10Q. Based on this evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Company’s management, including its Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s 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 its 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.
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Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002:
In order to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”), the Company has undertaken and continues a comprehensive effort, which includes the documentation and review of its internal controls. In order to comply with the Act, the Company is in the process of centralizing most accounting and many administrative functions at its corporate headquarters in an effort to control the cost of maintaining its control systems. On July 11, 2006, The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations issued guidance on how small companies should implement an effective internal control framework over financial reporting and other risks. This guidance is considered a key tool to help smaller public companies to confront the challenges of the Act. As a result, the Company may incur substantial additional expenses and diversion of management’s time. During the course of these activities, the Company may identify certain internal control issues which management believes should be improved. These improvements, if necessary, will likely include further formalization of policies and procedures, improved segregation of duties, additional information technology system controls and additional monitoring controls. Although management does not believe that any of these matters will result in material weaknesses being identified in the Company’s internal controls as defined by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 5, no assurances can be given regarding the outcome of these efforts. Additionally, control weaknesses may not be identified in a timely enough manner to allow remediation prior to the issuance of the auditor’s report on internal controls over financial reporting. Any failure to adequately comply could result in sanctions or investigations by regulatory authorities, which could harm the Company’s business or investors’ confidence in the Company.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, on December 15, 2006, adopted new measures to grant relief to smaller public companies by extending the date of compliance with Section 404 of the Act. Under these new measures, the Company will be required to comply with the Act in two phases. The first phase will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending October 31, 2008 and will require the Company to issue a management report on internal control over financial reporting. The second phase will require the Company to provide an auditor’s attestation report on internal control over financial reporting beginning with the Company’s fiscal year ending in 2010.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risk factors listed in Part I “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 2, 2007, should be considered with the information provided elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which could materially adversely affect the business, financial condition or results of operations. There have been no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in such Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The Company has not sold any equity securities during the period covered by this report. The following table provides information regarding repurchases by the Company of its common stock, for each of the three four-week periods included in the interim twelve-week period ended April 18, 2008.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
| | | | | | | | Maximum |
| | | | | | Total Number of | | Number of |
| | | | | | Shares | | Shares that May |
| | | | | | Purchased as | | Yet Be |
| | Total Number of | | | | Part of Publicly | | Purchased Under |
| | Shares | | Average Price | | Announced Plans | | the Plans or |
Period(1) | | Purchased | | Paid Per Share | | or Programs(2) | | Programs(2) |
January 26, 2008 – February 22, 2008 | | | 11,044 | | | $6.96 | | | 11,044 | | | 486,472 |
|
February 23, 2008 – March 21, 2008 | | | 404,735 | | | $6.70 | | | 2,480 | | | 483,992 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 22, 2008 – April 18, 2008 | | | 1,223 | | | $6.08 | | | 1,223 | | | 482,769 |
Total | | | 417,002 | | | $6.71 | | | 14,747 | | | |
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(1) | | The periods shown are the Company’s fiscal periods during the twelve-week quarter ended April 18, 2008. |
|
(2) | | Except as noted below, all repurchases reflected in the foregoing table were made on the open market. The Company’s stock repurchase program was approved by the Board of Directors in November 1999 (1,500,000 shares authorized, disclosed in a Form 10-K filed on January 26, 2000) and was expanded in June 2005 (500,000 additional shares authorized, disclosed in a press release and Form 8-K filed on June 17, 2005). Under the stock repurchase program, the Company is authorized, at the discretion of management and the Board of Directors, to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market. The Company’s Stock Purchase Plan (“Purchase Plan”) is administered by Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGM”) for purchase of shares of common stock issued by the Company in compliance with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. Commencing on September 16, 2007 and continuing through and including September 15, 2008, CGM shall act as the Company’s exclusive agent to purchase Stock under the Purchase Plan. This Purchase Plan supplements any purchases of stock by the Company “outside” of the Purchase Plan, which may occur from time to time, in open market transactions pursuant to Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act or in privately-negotiated transactions. On March 17, 2008, the Company repurchased 402,255 shares of its common stock from a stockholder in a privately-negotiated transaction for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,700,000. As of April 18, 2008, the total maximum number of shares that may be purchased under the Purchase Plan is 482,769 at a total maximum aggregate price (exclusive of commission) of $4,827,690. |
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1500 South Raymond Avenue, Fullerton, California at 10:00 am. Shareholders representing 9,559,194 or 97% of the 9,856,482 shares entitled to vote were present in person or by proxy. Proxies for the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The following persons were nominated and elected directors:
Allan L. Bridgford | | Hugh W. Bridgford | | William L. Bridgford |
Todd C. Andrews | | Richard A. Foster | | Robert E. Schulze |
D. Gregory Scott | | Paul R. Zippwald | | |
The shareholder voting for board members is summarized as follows:
Director | Votes For | Votes Withheld |
Allan L. Bridgford | 9,211,287 | 347,907 |
Hugh W. Bridgford | 9,211,287 | 347,907 |
William L. Bridgford | 9,211,287 | 347,907 |
Todd C. Andrews | 9,493,817 | 65,377 |
Richard A. Foster | 9,494,774 | 64,420 |
Robert E. Schulze | 9,211,287 | 347,907 |
D. Gregory Scott | 9,494,774 | 64,420 |
Paul R. Zippwald | 9,493,817 | 65,377 |
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Votes cast for appointment of Haskell & White, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year commencing November 3, 2007 were as follows:
| 9,506,586 | | FOR |
| 26,201 | | AGAINST |
| 26,409 | | ABSTAIN |
Item 6.
Exhibits
Exhibit No. | | Description |
31.1 | | Certification of Chairman (Principal Executive Officer), as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
32.1 | | Certification of Chairman (Principal Executive Officer), as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
32.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION | |
| (Registrant) | |
|
Dated: June 2, 2008 | By: | /s/ | Raymond F. Lancy | | | |
| | | Raymond F. Lancy |
| | | Chief Financial Officer |
| | | (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |
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