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, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Amounts estimated related to liabilities for pension benefits, self-insured workers’ compensation and employee healthcare benefits are subject to inherent uncertainties and these estimated liabilities may ultimately settle at amounts which may vary from current estimates. Other areas with underlying estimates include realization of deferred tax assets, cash surrender or contract value of life insurance policies, promotional allowances and the allowance for doubtful accounts and inventory reserves. Management believes its current estimates are reasonable and based on the best information available at the time.

We test long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If an impairment is indicated, we measure the fair value of assets to determine if and when adjustments are recorded.

During fiscal 2011, we rolled out a unique product line created to meet specific customer requirements. After a successful initial start-up period the customer determined the product did not meet their specific requirements and the company agreed to accept the return of these products. Upon inspection, we concluded that the product had no ready market and we donated the product to a local food bank. Included in cost of products sold in fiscal 2011 is $1,675 related to this fourth quarter donation.

Management has evaluated events subsequent to November 2, 2012 through the date the accompanying consolidated financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for transactions and other events that may require adjustment of and/or disclosure in such financial statements. Based on its review, no material events were identified that require adjustment to the financial statements or additional disclosure.

Our credit risk is diversified across a broad range of customers and geographic regions. Losses due to credit risk have recently been immaterial. The carrying amount of cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair market value due to the short maturity of these instruments. We maintain cash balances at financial institutions, which may at times exceed the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Management does not believe there is significant credit risk associated with these financial institutions. The provision for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical trends and current collectability risk. We have significant amounts receivable with a few large, well known customers which, although historically secure, could be subject to material risk should these customers’ operations suddenly deteriorate. Sales to Wal-Mart® comprised 16.3% of revenues in fiscal 2012 and 19.7% of accounts receivable was due from Wal-Mart® at November 2, 2012. Sales to Dollar General® comprised 9.0% revenues for fiscal year 2011. Accounts receivable from Dollar General® was 20.2% of total accounts receivable at October 28, 2011.

Our Company and its subsidiaries operate in two business segments - the processing and distribution of frozen foods, and the processing and distribution of refrigerated and snack food products. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Revenues are recognized upon passage of title to the customer, typically upon product pick-up, shipment or delivery to customers. Products are delivered to customers primarily through our own long-haul fleet or through a Company owned direct store delivery system. These delivery costs, $4,988 and $4,947 for 2012 and 2011, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company also used independent distributors to deliver products in remote geographic areas of the country. Revenues are recognized upon shipment to the distributor, net of return allowances. Historically, returns from distributors have been minimal. The distributor pays for these products in full, typically within 15 days, and such payment is not contingent upon payment from the large chain stores. As a convenience to certain large chain stores, we bill these customers on behalf of the distributor. The Company discontinued product distribution through independent third-party distributors in the last quarter of fiscal 2012 in favor of utilizing customer managed warehouse distribution centers.

We record promotional and returns allowances based on recent and historical trends. Revenue is recognized as the net amount estimated to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts, trade allowances and product returns. Promotional allowances, including customer incentive and trade promotion activities, are recorded as a reduction to sales based on amounts estimated being due to customers, based primarily on historical utilization and redemption rates. Promotional allowances deducted from sales for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 were $7,968 and $7,742, respectively.

We consider all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include money market funds and treasury bills. Cash equivalents totaled $9,744 at November 2, 2012 and $9,324 at October 28, 2011. All cash and cash equivalents at November 2, 2012 were held at Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

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

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major renewals and improvements are charged to the asset accounts while the cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to income. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over 10 to 20 years for buildings and improvements, 5 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 3 to 5 years for transportation equipment.

Leased property and equipment that meet capital lease criteria are capitalized at the lower of the present value of the minimum payments required under the lease or the fair value of the asset at inception of the lease and are included within property plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet. Obligations under capital leases are accounted for as current and noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line method based upon the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.

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. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, management recorded a full valuation allowance with respect to its deferred tax assets. The determination as to whether or not a deferred tax asset can be fully realized is subject to a significant degree of judgment, based at least partially upon a projection of future taxable income, which takes into consideration past and future trends in profitability, customer demand, supply costs, and multiple other factors, none of which are predictable.

We provide tax accruals for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to audit results, tax planning initiatives and compliance responsibilities. The development of these accruals requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing. (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). 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. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on our results of operations.

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in the financial statements based on the fair value at the date of the grant. We have not issued, awarded, granted or entered into any stock-based payment agreements since April 29, 1999.

Our foreign branch located in Canada enters into transactions that are denominated in a foreign currency. The related transaction gains and losses arising from changes in exchange rates are not material and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations in the period the transaction occurred.

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance on “Fair Value Measurements: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS" changing how existing fair value guidance is applied and expanding disclosure requirements. The updated guidance is to be applied prospectively and is effective for the Company's interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, which will be effective for us beginning the first quarter of fiscal 2013. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.