0001437749-15-021364.txt : 20151123 0001437749-15-021364.hdr.sgml : 20151123 20151123172124 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001437749-15-021364 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 21 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20150926 FILED AS OF DATE: 20151123 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20151123 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: J&J SNACK FOODS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000785956 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COOKIES & CRACKERS [2052] IRS NUMBER: 221935537 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NJ FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-14616 FILM NUMBER: 151250503 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6000 CENTRAL HGWY CITY: PENNSAUKEN STATE: NJ ZIP: 08109 BUSINESS PHONE: 6096659533 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6000 CENTRAL HIGHWAY CITY: PENNSAUKEN STATE: NJ ZIP: 08109 10-K 1 jjsf20150926_10k.htm FORM 10-K jjsf20150926_10k.htm

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(X)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 2015

 

(   )

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM         TO        

 

Commission File No. 0-14616

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New Jersey

22-1935537

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

6000 Central Highway

08109

    Pennsauken, New Jersey 

(Zip Code)

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (856) 665-9533

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, no par value

The NASDAQ Global Select Exchange

 

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   X   No      

 

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

 

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 such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   X   No      

  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ___

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer (X)

Accelerated filer (  )

Non-accelerated filer (  )

Smaller reporting company (  )

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

As of November 5, 2015, the latest practicable date, 18,686,025 shares of the Registrant’s common stock were issued and outstanding. The aggregate market value of shares held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on such date was $1,624,968,709 based on the last sale price on March 27, 2015 of $109.04 per share. March 27, 2015 was the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for February 16, 2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

 
 

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.

2015 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

 

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page 

 

   

PART I

     

Item 1

Business 1

Item 1A

Risk Factors 6

Item 1B

Unresolved Staff Comments 9

Item 2

Properties 9

Item 3

Legal Proceedings 10

Item 4

Mine Safety Disclosures 10
     

PART II

     

Item 5

Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities 11

Item 6

Selected Financial Data 12

Item 7

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations 13

Item 7A

Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 24

Item 8

Financial Statements And Supplementary Data 24

Item 9

Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure 24

Item 9A

Controls and Procedures 24

Item 9B

Other Information 25
     

PART III

     

Item 10

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 26

Item 11

Executive Compensation 26

Item 12

Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters 27

Item 13

Certain Relationships And Related Transactions, and Director Independence 27

Item 14

Principal Accountant Fees and Service 27
     

PART IV

     

Item 15

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 28

 

 
 

 

 

In addition to historical information, this document and analysis contains forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

 

Part I

 

Item 1.     Business

 

General

 

J & J Snack Foods Corp. (the “Company” or “J & J”) manufactures nutritional snack foods and distributes frozen beverages which it markets nationally to the food service and retail supermarket industries. The Company’s principal snack food products are soft pretzels marketed primarily under the brand names SUPERPRETZEL and BAVARIAN BAKERY, frozen juice treats and desserts marketed primarily under the LUIGI’S, WHOLE FRUIT, ICEE, PHILLY SWIRL and MINUTE MAID* brand names, churros marketed primarily under the TIO PEPE’S, CALIFORNIA CHURROS and OREO** brand names and bakery products sold primarily under the READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, MARY B’S AND DADDY RAY’S brand names as well as for private label and contract packing. J & J believes it is the largest manufacturer of soft pretzels in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Other snack food products include funnel cake sold under THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY brand and dough enrobed handheld products sold under the PATIO brand and other smaller brands as well. The Company’s principal frozen beverage products are the ICEE brand frozen carbonated beverage and the SLUSH PUPPIE brand frozen non- carbonated beverage.

 

The Company’s Food Service and Frozen Beverages sales are made primarily to food service customers including snack bar and food stand locations in leading chain, department, discount, warehouse club and convenience stores; malls and shopping centers; fast food outlets; stadiums and sports arenas; leisure and theme parks; movie theatres; independent retailers; and schools, colleges and other institutions. The Company’s retail supermarket customers are primarily supermarket chains.

   

The Company was incorporated in 1971 under the laws of the State of New Jersey.

 

The Company has made acquisitions as described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

 

The Company operates in three business segments: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and Frozen Beverages. These segments are described below.

 

The Chief Operating Decision Maker for Food Service and Retail Supermarkets and the Chief Operating Decision Maker for Frozen Beverages monthly review detailed operating income statements and sales reports in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. Sales is considered to be the one and only key variable monitored by the Chief Operating Decision Makers and management when determining each segment’s and the company’s financial condition and operating performance. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Makers review and evaluate depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment (see Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for financial information about segments).

 

 

*Minute Maid is a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company

**OREO is a registered trademark of Mondelez International, Inc.

 

 
1

 

  

Food Service

 

The primary products sold by the food service segment are soft pretzels, frozen juice treats and desserts, churros, dough enrobed handheld products and baked goods. Our customers in the food service segment include snack bars and food stands in chain, department and discount stores; malls and shopping centers; casual dining restaurants; fast food outlets; stadiums and sports arenas; leisure and theme parks; convenience stores; movie theatres; warehouse club stores; schools, colleges and other institutions. Within the food service industry, our products are purchased by the consumer primarily for consumption at the point-of-sale.

  

Retail Supermarkets

 

The primary products sold to the retail supermarket channel are soft pretzel products – including SUPERPRETZEL, frozen juice treats and desserts including LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID Juice Bars and Soft Frozen Lemonade, WHOLE FRUIT frozen fruit bars and sorbet, PHILLY SWIRL cups and sticks, ICEE Squeeze-Up Tubes and dough enrobed handheld products including PATIO burritos. Within the retail supermarket channel, our frozen and prepackaged products are purchased by the consumer for consumption at home.

 

Frozen Beverages

 

We sell frozen beverages to the food service industry primarily under the names ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE in the United States, Mexico and Canada. We also provide repair and maintenance service to customers for customers’ owned equipment.

 

Products

 

Soft Pretzels

 

The Company’s soft pretzels are sold under many brand names; some of which are: SUPERPRETZEL, PRETZEL FILLERS, PRETZELFILS, GOURMET TWISTS, MR. TWISTER, SOFT PRETZEL BITES, SOFTSTIX, SOFT PRETZEL BUNS, TEXAS TWIST,BAVARIAN BAKERY,SUPERPRETZEL BAVARIAN, NEW YORK PRETZEL, KIM & SCOTT’S GOURMET PRETZELS and SERIOUSLY TWISTED!; and, to a lesser extent, under private labels.

 

Soft pretzels are sold in the Food Service and Retail Supermarket segments. Soft pretzel sales amounted to 21% of the Company’s revenue in fiscal year 2015, 22% in 2014 and 21% in 2013.

 

Certain of the Company’s soft pretzels qualify under USDA regulations as the nutritional equivalent of bread for purposes of the USDA school lunch program, thereby enabling a participating school to obtain partial reimbursement of the cost of the Company’s soft pretzels from the USDA.

  

The Company’s soft pretzels are manufactured according to a proprietary formula. Soft pretzels, ranging in size from one to ten ounces in weight, are shaped and formed by the Company’s twister machines. These soft pretzel tying machines are automated, high-speed machines for twisting dough into the traditional pretzel shape. Additionally, we make soft pretzels which are extruded or shaped by hand. Soft pretzels, after processing, are primarily quick-frozen in either raw or baked form and packaged for delivery.

 

The Company’s principal marketing program in the Food Service segment includes supplying ovens, mobile merchandisers, display cases, warmers and similar merchandising equipment to the retailer to prepare and promote the sale of soft pretzels. Some of this equipment is proprietary, including combination warmer and display cases that reconstitute frozen soft pretzels while displaying them, thus eliminating the need for an oven. The Company retains ownership of the equipment placed in customer locations, and as a result, customers are not required to make an investment in equipment.

 

 
2

 

  

Frozen Juice Treats and Desserts

 

The Company’s frozen juice treats and desserts are marketed primarily under the LUIGI’S, WHOLE FRUIT, PHILLY SWIRL, ICEE and MINUTE MAID brand names. Frozen juice treats and desserts are sold in the Food Service and Retail Supermarkets segments. Frozen juice treats and dessert sales were 13% of the Company’s revenue in fiscal year 2015, 12% in 2014 and 11% in 2013.

 

The Company’s school food service MINUTE MAID and WHOLE FRUIT frozen juice bars and cups contain three to four ounces of 100% apple or pineapple juice with no added sugar and 100% of the daily US FDA value of vitamin C.  The juice bars are produced in various flavors and are packaged in a sealed push-up paper container referred to as the Milliken M-pak, which the Company believes has certain sanitary and safety advantages.

 

The balance of the Company’s frozen juice treats and desserts products are manufactured from water, sweeteners and fruit juice concentrates in various flavors and packaging including cups, tubes, sticks, M-paks and pints. Several of the products contain ice cream and WHOLE FRUIT contains pieces of fruit.

  

Churros

 

The Company’s churros are sold primarily under the TIO PEPE’S, CALIFORNIA CHURROS and OREO brand names. Churros are sold to the Food Service and Retail Supermarkets segments. Churro sales were 6% of the Company’s sales in fiscal year 2015, 6% in 2014 and 7% in 2013. Churros are Hispanic pastries in stick form which the Company produces in several sizes according to a proprietary formula. The churros are deep fried, frozen and packaged. At food service point-of-sale they are reheated and topped with a cinnamon sugar mixture. The Company also sells fruit and crème-filled churros. The Company supplies churro merchandising equipment similar to that used for its soft pretzels.

 

Handheld Products

 

The Company's dough enrobed handheld products are marketed under the PATIO, SUPREME STUFFERS and SWEET STUFFERS brand names and under private labels. Handheld products are sold to the Food Service and Retail Supermarket segments. Handheld product sales amounted to 4% of the Company’s sales in fiscal year 2015, 5% in 2014 and 6% in 2013.

 

Bakery Products

 

The Company’s bakery products are marketed under the MRS. GOODCOOKIE, READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, MARY B’S and DADDY RAY’S brand names, and under private labels. Bakery products include primarily biscuits, fig and fruit bars, cookies, breads, rolls, crumb, muffins and donuts. Bakery products are sold to the Food Service segment. Bakery products sales amounted to 31% of the Company’s sales in fiscal year 2015, 31% in 2014 and 32% in 2013.

  

Frozen Beverages

 

The Company markets frozen beverages primarily under the names ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Frozen beverages are sold in the Frozen Beverages segment.

 

Frozen beverage sales amounted to 15% of revenue in fiscal year 2015, 14% in 2014 and 15% in 2013.

 

Under the Company’s principal marketing program for frozen carbonated beverages, it installs frozen beverage dispensers for its ICEE brand at customer locations and thereafter services the machines, arranges to supply customers with ingredients required for production of the frozen beverages, and supports customer retail sales efforts with in-store promotions and point-of-sale materials. In most cases, the Company retains ownership of its dispensers, and as a result, customers are not required to make an investment in equipment or arrange for the ingredients and supplies necessary to produce and market the frozen beverages. The Company sells frozen non-carbonated beverages under the SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE brands through a distributor network and through its own distribution network. The Company also provides repair and maintenance service to customers for customers’ owned equipment and sells equipment in its Frozen Beverages segment, revenue from which amounted to 9% of sales in 2015, 9% in 2014 and 8% in 2013.

 

 

 
3

 

 

Each new frozen carbonated customer location requires a frozen beverage dispenser supplied by the Company or by the customer. Company-supplied frozen carbonated dispensers are purchased from outside vendors, built new or rebuilt by the Company.

 

The Company provides managed service and/or products to approximately 111,000 Company-owned and customer-owned dispensers.

 

The Company has the rights to market and distribute frozen beverages under the name ICEE to the entire continental United States (except for portions of nine states) as well as internationally.

 

Other Products

 

Other products sold by the Company include soft drinks, funnel cakes sold under the FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY brand name and smaller amounts of various other food products. These products are sold in the Food Service and Frozen Beverages segments.

  

Customers

 

The Company sells its products to two principal channels: food service and retail supermarkets. The primary products sold to the food service channel are soft pretzels, frozen beverages, frozen juice treats and desserts, churros, dough enrobed handheld products and baked goods. The primary products sold to the retail supermarket channel are soft pretzels, frozen juice treats and desserts and dough enrobed handheld products.

 

We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 43%, 43% and 43% of our sales during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with our largest customer accounting for 8% of our sales in 2015, 8% of our sales in 2014 and 8% of our sales in 2013. Three of the ten customers are food distributors who sell our product to many end users. The loss of one or more of our large customers could adversely affect our results of operations. These customers typically do not enter into long-term contracts and make purchase decisions based on a combination of price, product quality, consumer demand and customer service performance. If our sales to one or more of these customers are reduced, this reduction may adversely affect our business. If receivables from one or more of these customers become uncollectible, our operating income would be adversely impacted.

 

The Food Service and the Frozen Beverages segments sell primarily to food service channels. The Retail Supermarkets segment sells primarily to the retail supermarket channel.

 

The Company’s customers in the food service segment include snack bars and food stands in chain, department and mass merchandising stores, malls and shopping centers, fast food outlets, casual dining restaurants, stadiums and sports arenas, leisure and theme parks, convenience stores, movie theatres, warehouse club stores, schools, colleges and other institutions, and independent retailers. Machines and machine parts are sold to other food and beverage companies. Within the food service industry, the Company’s products are purchased by the consumer primarily for consumption at the point-of-sale.

  

The Company sells its products to an estimated 85-90% of supermarkets in the United States. Products sold to retail supermarket customers are primarily soft pretzel products, including SUPERPRETZEL, frozen juice treats and desserts including LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID Juice Bars and Soft Frozen Lemonade, WHOLE FRUIT frozen fruit bars, WHOLE FRUIT Sorbet, PHILLY SWIRL cups and sticks, MARY B’S biscuits and dumplings, DADDY RAY’S fig and fruit bars, ICEE Squeeze-Up Tubes, PATIO burritos and TIO PEPE’S Churros. Within the retail supermarket industry, the Company’s frozen and prepackaged products are purchased by the consumer for consumption at home.

 

Marketing and Distribution

 

The Company has developed a national marketing program for its products. For Food Service and Frozen Beverages segments’ customers, this marketing program includes providing ovens, mobile merchandisers, display cases, warmers, frozen beverage dispensers and other merchandising equipment for the individual customer’s requirements and point-of-sale materials as well as participating in trade shows and in-store demonstrations. The Company’s ongoing advertising and promotional campaigns for its Retail Supermarket segment’s products include trade shows, newspaper advertisements with coupons, in-store demonstrations and consumer advertising campaigns.

 

 
4

 

 

The Company develops and introduces new products on a routine basis. The Company evaluates the success of new product introductions on the basis of sales levels, which are reviewed no less frequently than monthly by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Makers.

 

The Company’s products are sold through a network of about 100 food brokers, independent sales distributors and the Company’s own direct sales force. For its snack food products, the Company maintains warehouse and distribution facilities in Pennsauken, Bellmawr and Bridgeport, New Jersey; Vernon (Los Angeles) and Colton, California; Brooklyn, New York; Scranton, Pittsburgh, Hatfield and Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Carrollton (Dallas), Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Moscow Mills (St. Louis), Missouri; Pensacola and Tampa, Florida; Solon, Ohio; Weston, Oregon; and Holly Ridge, North Carolina. Frozen beverages are distributed from 161 Company managed warehouse and distribution facilities located in 44 states, Mexico and Canada, which allow the Company to directly service its customers in the surrounding areas. The Company’s products are shipped in refrigerated and other vehicles from the Company’s manufacturing and warehouse facilities on a fleet of Company operated tractor-trailers, trucks and vans, as well as by independent carriers.

  

Seasonality

 

The Company’s sales are seasonal because frozen beverage sales and frozen juice treats and desserts sales are generally higher during the warmer months.

 

Trademarks and Patents

 

The Company has numerous trademarks, the most important of which are SUPERPRETZEL, TEXAS TWIST, NEW YORK PRETZEL, BAVARIAN BAKERY, MR. TWISTER, SOFT PRETZEL BITES, SOFTSTIX, PRETZEL FILLERS and PRETZELFILS for its pretzel products; SHAPE-UPS, WHOLE FRUIT, PHILLY SWIRL and LUIGI’S for its frozen juice treats and desserts; TIO PEPE’S and CALIFORNIA CHURROS for its churros; ARCTIC BLAST, SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE for its frozen beverages; FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY for its funnel cake products, PATIO for its handheld burritos and MRS. GOODCOOKIE, READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, CAMDEN CREEK, MARY B’S and DADDY RAY’S for its bakery products.

 

The Company markets frozen beverages under the trademark ICEE in all of the continental United States, except for portions of nine states, and in Mexico and Canada. Additionally, the Company has the international rights to the trademark ICEE.

 

The trademarks, when renewed and continuously used, have an indefinite term and are considered important to the Company as a means of identifying its products. The Company considers its trademarks important to the success of its business.

 

The Company has numerous patents related to the manufacturing and marketing of its product.

  

Supplies

 

The Company’s manufactured products are produced from raw materials which are readily available from numerous sources. With the exception of the Company’s soft pretzel twisting equipment, churros and funnel cake production equipment, which are made for J & J by independent third parties, and certain specialized packaging equipment, the Company’s manufacturing equipment is readily available from various sources. Syrup for frozen beverages is purchased primarily from The Coca-Cola Company, Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., the Pepsi Cola Company, and Jogue, Inc. Cups, straws and lids are readily available from various suppliers. Parts for frozen beverage dispensing machines are purchased from several sources. Frozen beverage dispensers are purchased primarily from IMI Cornelius, Inc. and FBD Partnership.

 

Competition

 

Snack food and bakery products markets are highly competitive. The Company’s principal products compete against similar and different food products manufactured and sold by numerous other companies, some of which are substantially larger and have greater resources than the Company. As the soft pretzel, frozen juice treat and dessert, bakery products and related markets grow, additional competitors and new competing products may enter the markets. Competitive factors in these markets include product quality, customer service, taste, price, identity and brand name awareness, method of distribution and sales promotions.

 

 
5

 

  

The Company believes it is the only national distributor of soft pretzels. However, there are numerous regional and local manufacturers of food service and retail supermarket soft pretzels as well as several chains of retail pretzel stores.

 

In Frozen Beverages the Company competes directly with other frozen beverage companies. These include several companies which have the right to use the ICEE name in portions of nine states. There are many other regional frozen beverage competitors throughout the country and one large retail chain which uses its own frozen beverage brand.

 

The Company competes with large soft drink manufacturers for counter and floor space for its frozen beverage dispensing machines at retail locations and with products which are more widely known than the ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE frozen beverages.

 

The Company competes with a number of other companies in the frozen juice treat and dessert and bakery products markets.

  

Risks Associated with Foreign Operations

 

Foreign operations generally involve greater risk than doing business in the United States. Foreign economies differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States’ economy in such respects as the level of inflation and debt, which may result in fluctuations in the value of the country’s currency and real property. Sales of our foreign operations were $25,313,000, $23,633,000 and $23,161,000 in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At September 26, 2015, the total assets of our foreign operations were approximately $28 million or 3.8% of total assets. At September 27, 2014, the total assets of our foreign operations were approximately $28 million or 3.9% of total assets.

 

Employees

 

The Company has about 3,400 full and part time employees and approximately 1,500 workers employed by staffing agencies as of September 26, 2015.  About 900 production and distribution employees throughout the Company are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

 

The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

 

Available Information

 

The Company’s internet address is www.jjsnack.com. On the investor relations section of its website, the Company provides free access to its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information on the website listed above is not and should not be considered part of this annual report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference in this document.

  

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this report, in considering our business and prospects. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem insignificant may also impair our business operations. Following is a discussion of known potentially significant risks which could result in harm to our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Risks of Shortages or Increased Cost of Raw Materials

 

We are exposed to the market risks arising from adverse changes in commodity prices, affecting the cost of our raw materials and energy. The raw materials and energy which we use for the production and distribution of our products are largely commodities that are subject to price volatility and fluctuations in availability caused by changes in global supply and demand, weather conditions, agricultural uncertainty or governmental controls. We purchase these materials and energy mainly in the open market. Our procurement practices are intended to reduce the risk of future price increases, but also may potentially limit the ability to benefit from possible price decreases. If commodity price changes result in increases in raw materials and energy costs, we may not be able to increase our prices to offset these increased costs without suffering reduced volume, revenue and operating income.

 

 

 
6

 

 

General Risks of the Food Industry

 

Food processors are subject to the risks of adverse changes in general economic conditions; evolving consumer preferences and nutritional and health-related concerns; changes in food distribution channels; federal, state and local food processing controls or other mandates; consumer product liability claims; and risks of product tampering. The increased buying power of large supermarket chains, other retail outlets and wholesale food vendors could result in greater resistance to price increases and could alter the pattern of customer inventory levels and access to shelf space.

  

Environmental Risks

 

The disposal of solid and liquid waste material resulting from the preparation and processing of foods is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Such laws and regulations have an important effect on the food processing industry as a whole, requiring substantially all firms in the industry to incur material expenditures for modification of existing processing facilities and for construction of upgraded or new waste treatment facilities.

 

We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist. Enactment of more stringent laws or regulations or more strict interpretation of existing laws and regulations may require additional expenditures by us, some of which could be material.

 

Risks Resulting from Several Large Customers

 

We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 43%, 43% and 43% of our sales during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with our largest customer accounting for 8% of our sales in 2015, 8% of our sales in 2014 and 8% of our sales in 2013. Three of the ten customers are food distributors who sell our product to many end users. The loss of one or more of our large customers could adversely affect our results of operations. These customers typically do not enter into long-term contracts and make purchase decisions based on a combination of price, product quality, consumer demand and customer service performance. If our sales to one or more of these customers are reduced, this reduction may adversely affect our business. If receivables from one or more of these customers become uncollectible, our operating income would be adversely impacted.

 

Competition

 

Our businesses operate in highly competitive markets. We compete against national and regional manufacturers and distributors on the basis of price, quality, product variety and effective distribution. Many of our major competitors in the market are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. Increased competition and anticipated actions by our competitors could lead to downward pressure on prices and/or a decline in our market share, either of which could adversely affect our results. See “Competition” in Item 1 for more information about our competitors.

  

Risks Relating to Manufacturing

 

Our ability to purchase, manufacture and distribute products is critical to our success. Damage or disruption to our manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, natural disaster, fire or explosion, terrorism, pandemic, political upheaval, strikes or other reasons could impair our ability to manufacture or distribute our products.

 

 
7

 

  

Our Certificate of Incorporation may inhibit a change in control that you may favor

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions that may delay, deter or inhibit a future acquisition of

J & J Snack Foods Corp. not approved by our Board of Directors. This could occur even if our shareholders are offered an attractive value for their shares or if a substantial number or even a majority of our shareholders believe the takeover is in their best interest. These provisions are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring us to negotiate with and obtain the approval of our Board of Directors in connection with the transaction. Provisions that could delay, deter or inhibit a future acquisition include the following:

 

--     a classified Board of Directors;

--     the requirement that our shareholders may only remove Directors for cause;

--     limitations on share holdings and voting of certain persons;

--     special Director voting rights; and

--     the ability of the Board of Directors to consider the interests of various constituencies, including our employees, customers, suppliers, creditors and the local communities in which we operate.

  

Risks Relating to the Control by Gerald B. Shreiber

 

Gerald B. Shreiber is the founder of the Company and the current beneficial owner of 20% of its outstanding stock. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that he has three votes on the Board of Directors (subject to certain adjustments). Therefore, he and one other director have voting control of the Board. The performance of this Company is greatly impacted by his leadership and decisions. His voting control reduces the restrictions on his actions. His retirement, disability or death may have a significant impact on our future operations.

  

Risk Related to Increases in our Health Insurance Costs and Costs of Compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010

 

The costs of employee health care insurance have been increasing in recent years due to rising health care costs, legislative changes, and general economic conditions.  Additionally, we may incur additional costs because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Care Reform Laws”).  Provisions of these laws have become and will become effective over the past several years and at various dates over the next several years.  Because of the breadth and complexity of these laws and the phased-in nature of the new regulations, as well as other health care reform legislation considered by Congress and state legislatures, we cannot predict with certainty the future effect of these laws on us.  A continued increase in health care costs or additional costs incurred as a result of the Health Care Reform Laws or the enforcement of the Health Care Reform Laws or other future health care reform laws imposed by Congress or state legislations could have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations.

 

Risk Related to Product Changes

 

There are risks in the marketplace related to trade and consumer acceptance of product improvements, packing initiatives and new product introductions.

Risks Related to Change in the Business

 

Our ability to successfully manage changes to our business processes, including selling, distribution, product capacity, information management systems and the integration of acquisitions, will directly affect our results of operations.

   

Risks Associated with Foreign Operations

 

Foreign operations generally involve greater risk than doing business in the United States. Foreign economies differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States’ economy in such respects as the level of inflation and debt, which may result in fluctuations in the value of the country’s currency and real property. Further, there may be less government regulation in various countries, and difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the United States. Additionally, in some foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation limitations on the removal of property or other assets, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could affect the operations and assets of U.S. companies doing business in that country. Sales of our foreign operations were $25,313,000, $23,633,000 and $23,161,000 in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At September 26, 2015, the total assets of our foreign operations were approximately $28 million or 3.8% of total assets. At September 27, 2014, the total assets of our foreign operations were approximately $28 million or 3.9% of total assets.

 

 
8

 

  

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

 

Our sales are affected by the seasonal demand for our products. Demand is greater during the summer months primarily as a result of the warm weather demand for our ICEE and frozen juice treats and desserts products. Because of seasonal fluctuations, there can be no assurance that the results of any particular quarter will be indicative of results for the full year or for future years.

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

We have no unresolved SEC staff comments to report.

 

Item 2.

Properties

 

The Company’s primary east coast manufacturing facility is located in Pennsauken, New Jersey in a 70,000 square foot building on a two-acre lot. Soft pretzels are manufactured at this Company-owned facility which also serves as the Company’s corporate headquarters. This facility operates at approximately 55% of capacity. The Company owns a 128,000 square foot building adjacent to this manufacturing facility which contains a large freezer for warehousing and distribution purposes. The warehouse has a utilization rate of 80-90% depending on product demand. The Company leases, through January 2022, 16,000 square feet of office and warehouse space located next to the Pennsauken, New Jersey plant and owns a 43,000 square foot office and warehouse building in the same complex.

  

The Company owns a 150,000 square foot building on eight acres in Bellmawr, New Jersey. The facility is used by the Company to manufacture some of its products including funnel cake, pretzels and churros. The facility operates at about 70% of capacity.

 

The Company’s primary west coast manufacturing facility is located in Vernon (Los Angeles), California. It consists of a 137,000 square foot facility in which soft pretzels, churros and various lines of baked goods are produced and warehoused. Included in the 137,000 square foot facility is a 30,000 square foot freezer used for warehousing and distribution purposes. The facility is leased through November 2030. The Company leases an additional 80,000 square feet of office and warehouse space, adjacent to its manufacturing facility, through November 2030. The manufacturing facility operates at approximately 70% of capacity.

 

The Company leases a 22,000 square foot soft pretzel manufacturing facility located in Brooklyn, New York. The lease runs through September 2016. The facility operates at about 60% of capacity.

 

The Company leases through June 2030 a 45,000 square foot churros manufacturing facility located in Colton, California which operates at approximately 55% of capacity.

 

The Company leases an 85,000 square foot bakery manufacturing facility located in Atlanta, Georgia. The lease runs through December 2020. The facility operates at about 50% of capacity.     

 

The Company owns a 46,000 square foot frozen juice treat and dessert manufacturing facility and a 42,000 square foot dry storage warehouse located on six acres in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The manufacturing facility operates at approximately 65% of capacity.

 

The Company leases a 29,600 square foot soft pretzel manufacturing facility located in Hatfield, Pennsylvania.

  

The lease runs through June 2017. The facility operates at approximately 65% of capacity.

 

The Company leases a 48,000 square foot soft pretzel manufacturing facility located in Carrollton, Texas. The lease runs through April 2019. The facility operates at approximately full capacity. The Company leases an additional property containing a 6,500 square foot storage freezer across the street from the manufacturing facility, which lease expires May 2016.

 

 

 
9

 

 

The Company leases an 18,000 square foot soft pretzel manufacturing facility located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The lease runs through September 2016. The facility operates at approximately 35% of capacity.

 

The Company’s fresh bakery products manufacturing facility and offices are located in Bridgeport, New Jersey in three buildings totaling 133,000 square feet. The buildings are leased through December 2015. A lease extension is presently being negotiated. The manufacturing facility operates at approximately 70% of capacity.

 

The Company owns a 165,000 square foot fig and fruit bar manufacturing facility located on 9-1/2 acres in Moscow Mills (St. Louis), Missouri. The facility operates at about 65% of capacity.

 

The Company leases a building in Pensacola, Florida for the manufacturing, packing and warehousing of dumplings. The building is approximately 14,000 square feet and the lease runs through December 2017. The manufacturing facility operates at approximately 75% of capacity.

 

The Company owns an 84,000 square foot handheld products manufacturing facility in Holly Ridge, North Carolina which operates at about 40% of capacity.

 

The Company leases a 70,000 square foot handheld products manufacturing facility in Weston, Oregon which operates at about 30% of capacity. The facility is leased through May 13, 2021.

 

The Company leases a 39,000 square foot frozen juice treat and dessert manufacturing facility in Tampa, Florida which operates at about 70% of capacity. The facility is leased through August 2016.

 

The Company also leases approximately 160 warehouse and distribution facilities in 44 states, Mexico and Canada.

  

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company has no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is subject.

 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable

 

 

 
10

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities

 

The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “JJSF.” The following table sets forth the high and low sale price quotations as reported by NASDAQ and dividend information for the common stock for each quarter of the years ended September 27, 2014 and September 26, 2015.

  

    Common Stock Market Price  
                         
   

High

   

Low

   

Dividend

Declared

 
                         

Fiscal 2014

                       

First quarter

  $ 90.79     $ 78.13     $ 0.3200  

Second quarter

    97.80       84.30       0.3200  

Third quarter

    100.00       90.25       0.3200  

Fourth quarter

    97.50       88.95       0.3200  
                         
                         
                         

Fiscal 2015

                       

First quarter

  $ 112.74     $ 90.71     $ 0.3600  

Second quarter

    115.63       96.53       0.3600  

Third quarter

    113.94       102.11       0.3600  

Fourth quarter

    119.99       104.63       0.3600  

 

 

As of September 26, 2015, we had approximately 14,000 beneficial shareholders.

 

In our fiscal year ended September 26, 2015, we purchased and retired 72,698 shares of our common stock at a cost of $8,011,118. In our first quarter, we purchased and retired 16,164 shares at a cost of $1,669,741. In our second quarter, we purchased and retired 4,380 shares at a cost of $443,839. In our fourth quarter, we purchased and retired 52,154 shares at a cost of $5,897,538.

 

In our fiscal year ended September 27, 2014, we purchased and retired 81,685 shares of our common stock at a cost of $7,504,729.

 

In our fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, we purchased and retired 204,397 shares of our common stock at a cost of $14,500,215.

  

On November 8, 2012 the Company’s Board of directors authorized the purchase and retirement of an additional 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock; 189,475 shares remain to be purchased under that authorization.  

 

For information on the Company’s Equity Compensation Plans, please see Item 12 herein.

 

 

 
11

 

 

Stock Performance Graph

 

  

 

Item 6.     Selected Financial Data

 

The selected financial data for the last five years was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, especially as the information pertains to fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 

    Fiscal year ended in September  
    (In thousands except per share data)  
                                         
   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

   

2011

 
                                         

Net Sales

  $ 976,256     $ 919,451     $ 867,683     $ 830,796     $ 744,071  

Net Earnings

  $ 70,183     $ 71,814     $ 64,381     $ 54,118     $ 55,063  

Total Assets

  $ 742,935     $ 704,773     $ 645,661     $ 603,044     $ 550,816  

Long-Term Debt

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Capital Lease Obligations

  $ 1,469     $ 520     $ 347     $ 687     $ 801  

Stockholders' Equity

  $ 599,919     $ 562,518     $ 516,565     $ 475,487     $ 432,388  

Common Share Data

                                       

Earnings Per Diluted Share

  $ 3.73     $ 3.82     $ 3.41     $ 2.86     $ 2.93  

Earnings Per Basic Share

  $ 3.76     $ 3.85     $ 3.43     $ 2.87     $ 2.95  

Book Value Per Share

  $ 32.12     $ 30.14     $ 27.66     $ 25.32     $ 23.09  

Common Shares Outstanding At Year End

    18,676       18,663       18,677       18,780       18,727  

Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share

  $ 1.44     $ 1.28     $ 0.64     $ 0.52     $ 0.47  

                    

 

 
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Item 7.     Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

 

In addition to historical information, this document and analysis contains forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

   

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

 

We prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of those financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The Company discloses its significant accounting policies in the accompanying notes to its audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Judgments and estimates of uncertainties are required in applying the Company’s accounting policies in certain areas. Following are some of the areas requiring significant judgments and estimates: revenue recognition, accounts receivable, cash flow and valuation assumptions in performing asset impairment tests of long-lived and intangible assets, estimates of the value and useful lives of intangible assets and insurance reserves.

 

There are numerous critical assumptions that may influence accounting estimates in these and other areas. We base our critical assumptions on historical experience, third-party data and various other estimates we believe to be reasonable. A description of the aforementioned policies follows: 

 

Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue from our products when the products are shipped to our customers. Repair and maintenance equipment service revenue is recorded when it is performed provided the customer terms are that the customer is to be charged on a time and material basis or on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract when the customer has signed a service contract. Revenue is recognized only where persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, our price is fixed or estimable and collectability is reasonably assured. We record offsets to revenue for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments, trade spending, coupon redemption costs and returned product. Customers generally do not have the right to return product unless it is damaged or defective. Off-invoice allowances are deducted directly from the amount invoiced to our customer when our products are shipped to the customer. Offsets to revenue for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending are recorded primarily as a reduction of accounts receivable based on our estimates of liability which are based on customer programs and historical experience. These offsets to revenue are based primarily on the quantity of product purchased over specific time periods. For our Retail Supermarket and Frozen Beverages segments, we accrue for the liability based on products sold multiplied by per product offsets. Offsets to revenue for our Food Service segment are calculated in a similar manner for offsets owed to our direct customers; however, because shipments to end-users are unknown to us until reported by our direct customers or by the end-users, there is a greater degree of uncertainty as to the accuracy of the amounts accrued for end-user offsets. Additional uncertainty may occur as customers take deductions when they make payments to us. This creates complexities because our customers do not always provide reasons for the deductions taken. Additionally, customers may take deductions to which they are not entitled and the length of time customers take deductions to which they are entitled can vary from two weeks to well over a year. Because of the aforementioned uncertainties, the process to determine these estimates requires judgment. We feel that due to constant monitoring of the process, including but not limited to comparing actual results to estimates made on a monthly basis, these estimates are reasonable in all material respects. Our recorded liability for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending was approximately $11.7 million at September 26, 2015 and $11.5 million at September 27, 2014.

  

Accounts Receivable - We record accounts receivable at the time revenue is recognized. Bad debt expense is recorded in marketing and administrative expenses. The amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our estimate of the accounts receivable amount that is uncollectable. It is comprised of a general reserve based on historical experience and amounts for specific customers’ accounts receivable balances that we believe are at risk due to our knowledge of facts regarding the customer(s). We continually monitor our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts and adjust it monthly. We usually have approximately 15 customers with accounts receivable balances of between $1 million to $10 million. Failure of these customers, and others with lesser balances, to pay us the amounts owed, could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 
13

 

 

Accounts receivable due from any of our customers is subject to risk. Our total bad debt expense was $310,000 and $161,000 for the fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. We had a credit to expense of $70,000 in fiscal year 2013. At September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, our accounts receivables were $102,649,000 and $99,972,000 net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $304,000 and $450,000.

  

Asset Impairment – We have three reporting units with goodwill totaling $86,442,000 as of September 26, 2015. Goodwill is evaluated annually by the Company for impairment. We perform impairment tests for our reporting units, which is also the operating segment level, with recorded goodwill utilizing primarily the discounted cash flow method. This methodology used to estimate the fair value of the total Company and its reporting units requires inputs and assumptions (i.e. revenue growth, operating profit margins, capital spending requirements and discount rates) that reflect current market conditions. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is potentially impaired, and the Company then determines the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to the carrying value of goodwill to determine if impairment exists.  Our tests at September 26, 2015 show that the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded its carrying value. Therefore no further analysis was required.  The inputs and assumptions used involve considerable management judgment and are based upon assumptions about expected future operating performance.  Assumptions used in these forecasts are consistent with internal planning. The actual performance of the reporting units could differ from management’s estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance, economic conditions, competition and consumer preferences. 

 

Licenses and rights, customer relationships and non- compete agreements are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 3 to 20 years and amortization expense is reflected throughout operating expenses.  Long-lived assets, including fixed assets and amortizing intangibles, are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.  Indefinite lived intangibles are reviewed annually for impairment. Cash flow and sales analyses are used to assess impairment. The estimates of future cash flows and sales involve considerable management judgment and are based upon assumptions about expected future operating performance.  Assumptions used in these forecasts are consistent with internal planning. The actual cash flows and sales could differ from management’s estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance, economic conditions, competition and consumer preferences. 

  

Useful Lives of Intangible Assets - Most of our trade names which have carrying value have been assigned an indefinite life and are not amortized because we plan to receive the benefit from them indefinitely. If we decide to curtail or eliminate the use of any of the trade names or if sales that are generated from any particular trade name do not support the carrying value of the trade name, then we would record impairment or assign an estimated useful life and amortize over the remaining useful life. Rights such as prepaid licenses and non-compete agreements are amortized over contractual periods. The useful lives of customer relationships are based on the discounted cash flows expected to be received from sales to the customers adjusted for an attrition rate. The loss of a major customer or declining sales in general could create an impairment charge.

 

Insurance Reserves - We have a self-insured medical plan which covers approximately 1,500 of our employees. We record a liability for incurred but not yet reported or paid claims based on our historical experience of claims payments and a calculated lag time period. We maintain a spreadsheet that includes claims payments made each month according to the date the claim was incurred. This enables us to have an historical record of claims incurred but not yet paid at any point in the past. We then compare our accrued liability to the more recent claims incurred but not yet paid amounts and adjust our recorded liability up or down accordingly. Our recorded liability at September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014 was $1,659,000 and $1,853,000, respectively. Considering that we have stop loss coverage of $200,000 for each individual plan subscriber, the general consistency of claims payments and the short time lag, we believe that there is not a material exposure for this liability. Because of the foregoing, we do not engage a third party actuary to assist in this analysis.

   

We self-insure, up to loss limits, worker’s compensation and automobile liability claims. Accruals for claims under our self-insurance program are recorded on a claims-incurred basis. Under this program, the estimated liability for claims incurred but unpaid in fiscal years 2015 and 2014 was $2,800,000 and $2,700,000 respectively. Our total recorded liability for all years’ claims incurred but not yet paid was $8,200,000 and $8,100,000 at September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively. We estimate the liability based on total incurred claims and paid claims adjusting for loss development factors which account for the development of open claims over time. We estimate the amounts we expect to pay for some insurance years by multiplying incurred losses by a loss development factor which is based on insurance industry averages and the age of the incurred claims; our estimated liability is then the difference between the amounts we expect to pay and the amounts we have already paid for those years. Loss development factors that we use range from 1.0 to 2.0. However, for some years, the estimated liability is the difference between the amounts we have already paid for that year and the maximum we could pay under the program in effect for that particular year because the calculated amount we expect to pay is higher than the maximum. For other years, where there are few claims open, the estimated liability we record is the amount the insurance company has reserved for those claims. We evaluate our estimated liability on a continuing basis and adjust it accordingly. Due to the multi-year length of these insurance programs, there is exposure to claims coming in lower or higher than anticipated; however, due to constant monitoring and stop loss coverage of $350,000 on individual claims, we believe our exposure is not material. Because of the foregoing, we do not engage a third party actuary to assist in this analysis. In connection with these self-insurance agreements, we customarily enter into letters of credit arrangements with our insurers. At September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $9,075,000 and $9,075,000, respectively.

 

 

 
14

 

 

Refer to Note A to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information on our accounting policies.

  

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

 

Fiscal 2015 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year 2014 (52 weeks)

 

Net sales increased $56,805,000, or 6%, to $976,256,000 in fiscal 2015 from $919,451,000 in fiscal 2014.

 

Excluding sales of PHILLY SWIRL, which was acquired in the third quarter of fiscal 2014,through April of this year, sales increased approximately 5% for the year.

 

We have three reportable segments, as disclosed in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and Frozen Beverages.

 

The Chief Operating Decision Maker for Food Service and Retail Supermarkets and the Chief Operating Decision Maker for Frozen Beverages monthly review detailed operating income statements and sales reports in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. Sales is considered to be the one and only key variable monitored by the Chief Operating Decision Makers and management when determining each segment’s and the company’s financial condition and operating performance. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Makers review and evaluate depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment.

 

FOOD SERVICE

 

Sales to food service customers increased $24,737,000 or 4%, to $616,635,000 in fiscal 2015. Soft pretzel sales to the food service market increased 3% to $168,970,000 for the year aided primarily by increased sales to school food service and convenience stores. Increased sales to one customer accounted for approximately 3/4 of the pretzel sales increase. Soft pretzel sales to restaurant chains were down about 4% this year to about $40 million. Frozen juice bar and ices sales increased $566,000, or 1%, to $54,454,000 for the year due entirely to increased sales of WHOLEFRUIT Frozen Organic Juice Tubes to one customer; excluding these sales, frozen juices and ices sales were down 3%. Churro sales to food service customers were up 1% to $56,602,000 for the year which include a decline in sales of $6,469,000 to one restaurant chain that discontinued carrying churros in August 2014. Churro sales to other customers were up 15% for the year with sales to four customers accounting for about 1/2 of the increase. Sales of bakery products increased $19,579,000, or 7%, for the year as sales increases were concentrated in eight customers and to school food service. Handheld sales to food service customers were down 10% to $21,817,000 in 2015 as sales declines were spread throughout our customer base. Sales of new products in the first twelve months since their introduction were approximately $18 million for the year. Price increases accounted for approximately $9 million of sales for the year and net volume increases, including new product sales as defined above, accounted for approximately $16 million of sales for the year. Operating income in our Food Service segment increased from $73,731,000 in 2014 to $75,286,000 in 2015. Operating income benefited from lower distribution costs and improved performance at some of our smaller manufacturing facilities and was negatively impacted by continuing declines in sales of our handhelds business, higher manufacturing costs and higher costs of egg raw material. Additionally, operating income was impacted in 2014 by $973,000 of shutdown costs of our Norwalk, California, manufacturing facility.

 

 
15

 

 

RETAIL SUPERMARKETS

 

Sales of products to retail supermarkets increased $10,733,000 or 10% to $123,377,000 in fiscal year 2015. Excluding sales of PHILLY SWIRL through April of this year, sales increased approximately 1% for the year, although sales in our fourth quarter were down 9% due to lower sales of handhelds and higher trade spending. Soft pretzel sales to retail supermarkets were $35,727,000 compared to $34,830,000 in 2014, an increase of 3%. Sales of frozen juices and ices increased $12,770,000 or 21% to $72,174,000. Without PHILLY SWIRL sales, sales of frozen juices and ices were up $3,669,000, or 6%, with sales increases and decreases spread across our customer base. Coupon redemption costs, a reduction of sales, increased 24% or about $918,000 for the year. Handheld sales to retail supermarket customers decreased 11% to $18,957,000 in 2015 as three customers accounted for about 3/4 of the decrease in sales. Sales of products in the first twelve months since their introduction were approximately $1.5 million in fiscal year 2015. Price increases accounted for approximately $2.7 million of sales for the year and net volume increases, including new product sales as defined above and PHILLY SWIRL’s sales and net of increased coupon costs, accounted for approximately $8 million in sales for the year. Operating income in our Retail Supermarkets segment decreased from $11,201,000 in 2014 to $11,020,000 in 2015 due primarily to higher coupon expense and advertising expenses to support our SUPERPRETZEL soft pretzel products. Additionally, in 2015, we were impacted by operating losses of PHILLY SWIRL during its off season while in 2014 we acquired PHILLY SWIRL after its off season.

   

FROZEN BEVERAGES

 

Frozen beverage and related product sales increased 10% to $236,244,000 in fiscal 2015. Beverage sales alone increased 7% to $142,705,000 for the year with increases and decreases throughout our customer base. Gallon sales were up 7% in our base ICEE business, with sales to movie theaters accounting for about half of the increase. Service revenue increased 10% to $65,765,000 for the year with sales increases and decreases spread throughout our customer base. Sales of beverage machines, which tend to fluctuate from year to year while following no specific trend, increased from $20,224,000 in 2014 to $26,413,000 in 2015. The estimated number of Company owned frozen beverage dispensers was 53,000 and 49,000 at September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively. Operating income in our Frozen Beverage segment increased from $21,916,000 in 2014 to $24,582,000 in 2015 due primarily to higher sales in all areas of the business and lower fuel costs.

 

CONSOLIDATED

 

Other than as commented upon above by segment, there are no material specific reasons for the reported sales increases or decreases. Sales levels can be impacted by the appeal of our products to our customers and consumers and their changing tastes, competitive and pricing pressures, sales execution, marketing programs, seasonal weather, customer stability and general economic conditions.

 

Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 30.82% in 2015 from 31.28% in 2014. Gross profit margins benefited from the improved performance of our frozen beverages business and from higher gross profit margins in our retail supermarket business. Gross profit margins in our food service segment were impacted by increased lower margin school food service sales, continuing decline in sales of our handhelds business, higher manufacturing costs, modest volume increases and higher egg raw material costs. We will continue to be impacted by higher egg raw material costs in our 2016 fiscal year resulting from the Avian Flu epidemic; however, we have increased our selling prices intending to recover a significant portion of the increased costs.

  

Total operating expenses increased $9,273,000 to $190,002,000 in fiscal 2015 and as a percentage of sales decreased to 19.46% of sales from 19.66% in 2014. Marketing expenses were 8.72% and 8.55% of sales in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Marketing expenses this year included additional spending to support our retail SUPERPRETZEL soft pretzel products. Distribution expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 7.60% from 7.74% in 2014 due in part to lower fuel costs. Administrative expenses were 3.16% and 3.24% of sales in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Other general income of $207,000 this year compared to other general expense of $1,154,000 in 2014. Included in other general expense in 2014 is $973,000 of shutdown costs of our Norwalk, CA manufacturing facility.

 

Operating income increased $4,040,000 or 4% to $110,888,000 in fiscal year 2015 as a result of the aforementioned items.

 

 

 
16

 

 

Our investments generated before tax income of $1.2 million this year, down from $4.5 million last year as sales of our mutual fund investments, net of capital gain distributions, generated a realized loss of $3.9 million this year.   Although we recognized losses as we decreased our investments in mutual funds, our overall return on the mutual funds has been positive since we first made the investments in October 2012. We have reduced our investments in mutual funds over the past year to $19 million at September 2015 from $128 million at September 2014. The remaining unrealized losses of $827,000 are spread over 4 funds with total fair market value of $19.2 million. The remaining mutual funds presently generate income of 4.8 % per year. We invested $20 million this year in Fixed-to-Floating Perpetual Preferred Stock which generates fixed income to call dates in 2018, 2019 and 2025 and then income is based on a spread above LIBOR if the securities are not called. The annual yield from these investments is presently 5.5%, of which 70% is not subject to income tax. The mutual funds and the Fixed-to-Floating Perpetual Preferred Stock investment securities do not have contractual maturities; however, we classify them as long term assets as it is our intent to hold them for a period of over one year, although we may sell some or all of them depending on presently unanticipated needs for liquidity or market conditions. In the fourth quarter we invested $67 million in corporate bonds which generate fixed income to maturity dates in 2017 through 2021, with $40 million maturing prior to the end of our fiscal year 2018. The bonds presently generate income of about 2.5% per year. Our expectation is that we will hold the corporate bonds to their maturity dates and redeem them at our amortized cost.

  

The effective income tax rate increased to 37.3% from 35.4% last year primarily because the realized losses on sales of our mutual fund investments in 2015 are not deductible as we do not have capital gains to offset the losses. We expect the effective income tax rate for 2016 to be between 36% and 36.5%.

 

Net investment after tax loss for the year of $516,000, or $.03 per share, compared to last year’s net investment after tax income of $2.8 million, or $.15 per share.

 

Net earnings decreased $1,631,000 or 2%, in fiscal 2015 to $70,183,000, or $.09 per diluted share as a result of the aforementioned items.

 

There are many factors which can impact our net earnings from year to year and in the long run, among which are the supply and cost of raw materials and labor, insurance costs, factors impacting sales as noted above, the continuing consolidation of our customers, our ability to manage our manufacturing, marketing and distribution activities, our ability to make and integrate acquisitions and changes in tax laws and interest rates.

  

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Fiscal 2014 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal 2013 (52 weeks)

 

Net sales increased $51,768,000, or 6%, to $919,451,000 in fiscal 2014 from $867,683,000 in fiscal 2013.

 

Excluding sales from the acquisition of New York Pretzel in October 2013 and PHILLY SWIRL in May 2014, sales increased approximately 4% for the year.

 

We have three reportable segments, as disclosed in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and Frozen Beverages.

 

The Chief Operating Decision Maker for Food Service and Retail Supermarkets and the Chief Operating Decision Maker for Frozen Beverages monthly review detailed operating income statements and sales reports in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. Sales is considered to be the one and only key variable monitored by the Chief Operating Decision Makers and management when determining each segment’s and the company’s financial condition and operating performance. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Makers review and evaluate depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment.

  

FOOD SERVICE

 

Sales to food service customers increased $31,139,000 or 6%, to $591,898,000 in fiscal 2014. Excluding New York Pretzel sales, sales increased approximately 5% for the year. Soft pretzel sales to the food service market increased 14% to $164,680,000 for the year aided by increased sales to restaurant chains, warehouse club stores, school food service and throughout our customer base. Increased sales to one customer accounted for approximately 1/4 of the pretzel sales increase. Excluding New York Pretzel sales, food service soft pretzel sales increased 11% for the year. Frozen juice bar and ices sales increased $5,057,000 or 10%, to $53,888,000 for the year primarily as the result of higher sales to warehouse club stores, school food service accounts and throughout our customer base. Increased sales to one customer accounted for approximately 50% of the frozen juice bar and ices sales increase. Churro sales to food service customers were essentially unchanged at $55,929,000 for the year with sales to one restaurant chain down $4,063,000 for the year. Excluding the decrease in sales to that restaurant chain, which were $6.8 million for the year and to which we expect no sales in 2015, sales were up $3.9 million, or 9%. Sales of bakery products increased $6,773,000, or 2%, for the year as sales increases and decreases were spread throughout our customer base. Handheld sales to food service customers were down 8% to $24,248,000 in 2014 as two customers accounted for all of the decrease in sales. Sales of new products in the first twelve months since their introduction were approximately $10 million for the year. Price increases accounted for approximately $7 million of sales for the year and net volume increases, including new product sales as defined above and sales resulting from the acquisition of New York Pretzel, accounted for approximately $24 million of sales for the year. Operating income in our Food Service segment increased from $65,907,000 in 2013 to $73,731,000 in 2014. Operating income benefited from increased sales volume, price increases and lower ingredient and packaging costs. Additionally, liability insurance costs were about $1.5 million lower this year; last year’s costs were higher than usual because of increases in insurance company estimates for actual claims incurred but not paid. Operating income was impacted in 2014 by $913,000 of shutdown costs of our Norwalk, CA manufacturing facility.

 

 
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RETAIL SUPERMARKETS

 

Sales of products to retail supermarkets increased $10,305,000 or 10% to $112,644,000 in fiscal year 2014.    Excluding PHILLY SWIRL sales, sales decreased approximately 2% for the year. Soft pretzel sales to retail supermarkets were $34,830,000 compared to $34,597,000 in 2013 on a unit volume increase of 1%. Sales of frozen juices and ices increased $11,327,000 or 24% to $59,404,000. Without PHILLY SWIRL sales, sales of frozen juices and ices were down $1,967,000, or 4%, on flat volume with sales increases and decreases spread across our customer base. Coupon redemption costs, a reduction of sales, increased 3% or about $126,000 for the year. Handheld sales to retail supermarket customers decreased 5% to $21,354,000 in 2014 as two customers accounted for all of the decrease in sales. Sales of products in the first twelve months since their introduction were approximately $700,000 in fiscal year 2014. Price increases accounted for approximately $1.2 million of sales for the year and net volume increases, including new product sales as defined above and PHILLY SWIRL’s sales and net of increased coupon costs, accounted for approximately $9 million in sales for the year. Operating income in our Retail Supermarkets segment increased from $8,594,000 in 2013 to $11,201,000 in 2014 due primarily to lower trade spending, manufacturing cost savings and lower coupon expense excluding PHILLY SWIRL.

  

FROZEN BEVERAGES

 

Frozen beverage and related product sales increased 5% to $214,909,000 in fiscal 2014. Beverage sales alone increased 1% to $133,283,000 for the year with increases and decreases throughout our customer base. Gallon sales were down 1% in our base ICEE business, but excluding significant decreases at three customers, gallon sales were up 3%. Service revenue increased 13% to $59,805,000 for the year with two customers accounting for the entire increase. Sales of beverage machines, which tend to fluctuate from year to year while following no specific trend, increased from $17,376,000 in 2013 to $20,224,000 in 2014. The estimated number of Company owned frozen beverage dispensers was 48,000 and 44,700 at September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. Operating income in our Frozen Beverage segment decreased from $22,903,000 in 2013 to $21,916,000 in 2014 as a result of decreased gallon sales and higher than usual group medical and insurance liability costs of about $670,000.

  

CONSOLIDATED

 

Other than as commented upon above by segment, there are no material specific reasons for the reported sales increases or decreases. Sales levels can be impacted by the appeal of our products to our customers and consumers and their changing tastes, competitive and pricing pressures, sales execution, marketing programs, seasonal weather, customer stability and general economic conditions.

 

Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 31.28% in 2014 from 30.35% in 2013 primarily due to higher volume in our food service segment, lower trade spending and manufacturing cost savings in our retail supermarkets segment and lower ingredients costs. Additionally, this year benefited from lower liability insurance costs of about $1.5 million compared to last year.

 

Total operating expenses increased $14,831,000 to $180,729,000 in fiscal 2014 and as a percentage of sales increased .54 percentage points to 19.66% of sales. Marketing expenses were 8.55% and 8.54% of sales in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Distribution expenses as a percent of sales increased to 7.74% from 7.49% in 2013. Administrative expenses were 3.24% and 3.16% of sales in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Other general expense of $1,154,000 this year compared to other general income of $651,000 in 2013. Included in other general income in 2013 is $805,000 of settlement income related to prior acquisitions. Included in other general expense in 2014 is $973,000 of shutdown costs of our Norwalk, CA manufacturing facility.

 

 
18

 

 

Operating income increased $9,444,000 or 10% to $106,848,000 in fiscal year 2014 as a result of the aforementioned items.

 

Investment income increased by $981,000 to $4,473,000 due to increased investments in marketable securities. We invested an additional $20 million in the second quarter in mutual funds that seek current income with an emphasis on maintaining low volatility and overall moderate duration. At September 27, 2014, we had $128 million invested in these funds. We estimate the annual yield from these funds to approximate 3.5 – 3.75%.

 

The effective income tax rate decreased to 35.4% from 36.1% last year because actual liability for last year’s taxes was less than estimated due to lower effective state tax rates and higher domestic production activities deduction and the estimate for this year’s taxes was lowered accordingly. We expect the effective income tax rate for 2015 to be between 36% and 36.5%.

 

Net earnings increased $7,433,000 or 12%, in fiscal 2014 to $71,814,000, or $3.82 per diluted share as a result of the aforementioned items.

 

There are many factors which can impact our net earnings from year to year and in the long run, among which are the supply and cost of raw materials and labor, insurance costs, factors impacting sales as noted above, the continuing consolidation of our customers, our ability to manage our manufacturing, marketing and distribution activities, our ability to make and integrate acquisitions and changes in tax laws and interest rates.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

ACQUISITIONS

 

In May 2011, we acquired the frozen handheld business of ConAgra Foods. This business had sales of approximately $50 million over the prior twelve months to food service and retail supermarket customers and sales of $18.3 million in our 2011 fiscal year from the acquisition date.

 

In June 2012, we acquired the assets of Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, Inc., a manufacturer and seller of a premium brand soft pretzel. This business had sales of approximately $8 million over the prior twelve months to food service and retail supermarket customers, and had sales of approximately $1.8 million in our 2012 fiscal year from the acquisition date.

  

In October 2013, we acquired the assets of New York Pretzel, a manufacturer and distributor of soft pretzels selling primarily in the northeast to foodservice and retail locations.  Of the purchase price of $11.8 million, $849,000 was allocated to intangible assets, $7,716,000 was allocated to goodwill and $3,049,000 was allocated to property, plant and equipment. This business had sales of about $4.3 million in our 2014 fiscal year included in the food service segment.

 

In May 2014, we acquired the stock of Philly’s Famous Water Ice, Inc. (PHILLY SWIRL). PHILLY SWIRL, located in Tampa, FL, produces frozen novelty products sold primarily to retail supermarket locations throughout the United States and to Canada with annual sales approximating $25 million.  The allocation of the purchase price of $17.4 million is $4.0 million to working capital, $1.2 million to property, plant and equipment, $11.1 million to intangible assets, $1.8 million to goodwill, $4.0 million to deferred tax assets and $95,000 to other assets and $4.8 million to deferred tax liabilities. Sales of PHILLY SWIRL from the acquisition date to September 27, 2014 were $12.6 million and are included in the retail supermarket segment.

 

These acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and their operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates.

 

 
19

 

   

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Although there are many factors that could impact our operating cash flow, most notably net earnings, we believe that our future operating cash flow, along with our borrowing capacity, our current cash and cash equivalent balances and our investment securities is sufficient to fund future growth and expansion. See Note C to these financial statements for a discussion of our investment securities.

  

Fluctuations in the value of the Mexican and Canadian currencies and the resulting translation of the net assets of our Mexican and Canadian subsidiaries caused an increase of $5,389,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss in 2015, an increase of $929,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss in 2014 and an increase of $571,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss in 2013. In 2015, sales of the two subsidiaries were $25,313,000 as compared to $23,633,000 in 2014 and $23,161,000 in 2013.

 

In our fiscal year ended September 26, 2015, we purchased and retired 72,698 shares of our common stock at a cost of $8,011,118. In our first quarter, we purchased and retired 16,164 shares at a cost of $1,669,741. In our second quarter, we purchased and retired 4,380 shares at a cost of $443,839. In our fourth quarter, we purchased and retired 52,154 shares at a cost of $5,897,538.

 

In our fiscal year ended September 27, 2014, we purchased and retired 81,685 shares of our common stock at a cost of $7,504,729.

 

In our fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, we purchased and retired 204,397 shares of our common stock at a cost of $14,500,215.

 

In November 2011, we entered into an amendment and modification to an amended and restated loan agreement with our existing banks which provides for up to a $50,000,000 revolving credit facility repayable in November 2016. The agreement contains restrictive covenants and requires commitment fees in accordance with standard banking practice. There were no outstanding balances under the facility at September 26, 2015 or at September 27, 2014. The significant financial covenants are:                                                                                                              

 

●  Tangible net worth must initially be more than $294 million.

 

●  Total funded indebtedness divided by earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization shall not be greater than 2.25 to 1. 

 

We were in compliance with the financial covenants described above at September 26, 2015.

   

We self-insure, up to loss limits, certain insurable risks such as worker's compensation and automobile liability claims. Accruals for claims under our self-insurance program are recorded on a claims-incurred basis. Under this program, the estimated liability for claims incurred but unpaid in fiscal years 2015 and 2014 was $2,800,000 and $2,700,000, respectively. In connection with certain self-insurance agreements, we customarily enter into letters of credit arrangements with our insurers. At September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $9,075,000 and $9,075,000, respectively.

 

 

 
20

 

 

The following table presents our contractual cash flow commitments on long-term debt, operating leases and purchase commitments for raw materials and packaging. See Notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on our long-term debt and operating leases.

 

    Payments Due by Period  
    (in thousands)   
           

 

                   

 

 
   

Total

   

Less

Than

1 Year

   

1-3

Years

   

4-5

Years

   

After

5 Years

 
                                         

Long-term debt,including current maturities

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Capital lease obligations

    1,469       273       541       400       255  

Purchase commitments

    68,000       65,000       3,000       -       -  

Operating leases

    51,673       10,928       16,828       8,714       15,203  

Total

  $ 121,142     $ 76,201     $ 20,369     $ 9,114     $ 15,458  

 

 

The purchase commitments do not exceed our projected requirements over the related terms and are in the normal course of business.

 

Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014

 

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities held to maturity and available for sale increased $18,110,000, or 8%, to $239,987,000 from a year ago for reasons described below.

 

Accounts receivables, net increased $2,677,000, or 3%, to $102,649,000 in 2015, generally in line with sales increases in our fourth quarter. Inventories increased $4,539,000 or 6% to $80,622,000 in 2015 due primarily to an increase in parts inventory to support our growing repair and maintenance service in our frozen beverages segment.

  

Prepaid expenses and other increased to $6,557,000 from $3,695,000 last year primarily because of an increase in prepaid income taxes of $2,314,000 this year compared to last year.

 

Net property, plant and equipment increased $16,560,000 to $174,089,000 because purchases of property, plant and equipment for the improvement and expansion of our manufacturing capabilities and frozen carbonated beverage business exceeded depreciation on existing assets. Purchasing of property, plant and equipment were $11,265,000 higher in 2015 than in 2014 because of significant manufacturing improvements in pretzel production and growth of our frozen beverage customer base.

 

Goodwill remained at $86,442,000 because there was no goodwill acquired in acquisitions.

 

Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization decreased $5,170,000 to $45,819,000 due almost entirely to amortization of $5,370,000 during the year.

 

Marketable securities available for sale and held to maturity decreased by $23,819,000 to $106,298,000 as we reduced our holdings of mutual funds from $128.1 million to $19.2 million during the year and invested $86.4 million in corporate bonds and preferred stocks.

 

Accounts Payables decreased less than 1% to $59,206,000 from $59,968,000.

 

Accrued insurance liability decreased $347,000, or 3% to $10,231,000 due to decreases in estimates for incurred but not yet paid claims under our group insurance and insurance liability programs.

 

Accrued compensation expense increased 7% to $15,318,000 due to an increase in our employee base and a general increase in the level of pay rates.

 

Dividends payable increased to $6,723,000 as our quarterly dividend payment increased to $.36/share from $.32/share.

 

 

 
21

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities decreased $1,031,000 to $43,789,000 from $44,785,000.

  

Other long-term liabilities include $334,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits at September 26, 2015 and $315,000 at September 27, 2014.

 

Common stock decreased $968,000 to $31,653,000 in 2015 because repurchases of our common stock of $8,011,000 exceeded increases totaling $6,625,000 from the exercise of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock issued under our stock purchase plan for employees, stock issued under our deferred stock plan and share-based compensation expense.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $1,269,000 to $105,273,000 in 2015 primarily because of a decrease in net earnings of $1,631,000, an increase of prepaid expenses of $2,871,000 in 2015 compared to $182,000 in 2014 and an increase of accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $287,000 compared to $6,831,000 in 2014 which were mainly offset by increased loss on sale of marketable securities of $3,958,000 and a decrease in accounts receivable of $3,123,000 in 2015 compared to $8,913,000 in 2014.

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $56,269,000 to $29,843,000 in 2015 from $86,112,000 in 2014 primarily because net proceeds from marketable securities of $19,980,000 in 2015 compared to net purchases of marketable securities of $19,687,000 in 2014 and a decline in payments for purchases of companies of $27,745,000 which were offset by increased purchases of property, plant and equipment of $11,265,000.

 

Net cash used in financing activities of $25,435,000 in 2014 increased to $29,745,000 in 2015 primarily because of increased dividend payments $5,230,000.

 

In 2015, the major variables in determining our net increase in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities were our net earnings, depreciation and amortization of fixed assets, increase in accounts receivable and accounts payable, purchases of property, plant and equipment, payments of cash dividend and the repurchase of common stock. Other variables which in the past have had a significant impact on our change in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are purchases of companies and proceeds from borrowings and payments of long-term debt. As discussed in results of operations, our net earnings may be influenced by many factors. Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets is primarily determined by past purchases of property, plant and equipment although it could be impacted by a significant acquisition. Purchases of property, plant and equipment are primarily determined by our ongoing normal manufacturing and marketing requirements but could be increased significantly for manufacturing expansion requirements or large frozen beverage customer needs. From time to time, we have repurchased common stock and we anticipate that we will do so again in the future. We are actively seeking acquisitions that could be a significant use of cash. Although we have no long-term debt at September 26, 2015, we may borrow in the future depending on our needs.

  

Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013

 

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities held to maturity and available for sale increased $14,612,000, or 7%, to $221,877,000 from a year ago for reasons described below.

 

Accounts receivables, net increased $12,427,000, or 14%, to $99,972,000 in 2014. The increase this year is primarily due to higher sales in the last month of our year. Inventories increased $4,298,000 or 6% to $76,083,000 in 2014 due to higher unit costs of inventory and an increase in parts inventory to support our growing repair and maintenance service in our frozen beverages segment.

 

Prepaid expenses and other increased to $3,695,000 from $3,284,000 last year because of prepaid income taxes of $451,000 this year compared to none last year.

 

Net property, plant and equipment increased $10,365,000 to $157,529,000 because purchases of property, plant and equipment for the improvement and expansion of our manufacturing capabilities and frozen carbonated beverage business exceeded depreciation on existing assets and we acquired $4.3 million of property, plant and equipment in the New York Pretzel and PHILLY SWIRL acquisitions.

 

Goodwill increased to $86,442,000 from $76,899,000 because of goodwill acquired in the New York Pretzel and PHILLY SWIRL acquisitions.

 

 

 
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Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization increased $6,977,000 to $50,989,000 due to intangible assets of $11,909,000 acquired in the New York Pretzel and PHILLY SWIRL acquisitions offset by amortization of $4,932,000 during the year.

  

Marketable securities available for sale and held to maturity increased by $20,453,000 to $130,117,000 as we invested an additional $20 million into mutual funds designed to generate current income while maintaining a low volatility and overall moderate duration.

 

Accounts Payables increased $9,062,000 to $59,968,000 due to increased levels of business in September and October 2014 and timing of payments.

 

Accrued insurance liability increased $624,000 to $10,578,000 due to increases in estimates for incurred but not yet paid claims under our group insurance and insurance liability programs.

 

Accrued compensation expense increased 4% to $14,286,000 due to an increase in our employee base and a general increase in the level of pay rates.

 

Dividends payable doubled to $5,972,000 as our quarterly dividend payment increased to $.32/share from $.16/share.

 

Deferred income tax liabilities was essentially unchanged at $44,785,000.

 

Other long-term liabilities at September 27, 2014 include $315,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits which decreased from $438,000 a year ago due to reductions for tax positions of prior years. Other long-term liabilities in total increased $601,000 from a year ago primarily because of deferred income due to a customer.

 

Common stock decreased $1,895,000 to $32,621,000 in 2014 because repurchases of our common stock of $7,505,000 exceeded increases totaling $5,610,000 from the exercise of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock issued under our stock purchase plan for employees, stock issued under our deferred stock plan and share-based compensation expense.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $19,994,000 to $106,542,000 in 2014 primarily because of an increase of accounts receivables in 2014 of $8,913,000 compared to an increase of $11,148,000 in 2013, an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $6,831,000 in 2014 compared to an increase of $579,000 in 2013 and an increase in prepaid expenses and other of $182,000 in 2014 compared to an increase of $1,067,000 in 2013, higher net earnings of $7,433,000 and higher depreciation and amortization of $3,541,000.

  

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $34,725,000 to $86,112,000 in 2014 from $120,837,000 in 2013 primarily because net purchases of marketable securities decreased by $66,247,000 which was offset by payments for purchases of companies of $28,360,000.

 

Net cash used in financing activities of $22,360,000 in 2013 increased to $25,435,000 in 2014 primarily because of increased dividend payments $9,456,000 offset by lower payments to purchase common stock of $7,000,000.

 

In 2014, the major variables in determining our net increase in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities were our net earnings, depreciation and amortization of fixed assets, increase in accounts receivable and accounts payable, purchases of companies, purchases of property, plant and equipment, payments of cash dividend and the repurchase of common stock. Other variables which in the past have had a significant impact on our change in cash and cash equivalents are proceeds from borrowings and payments of long-term debt. As discussed in results of operations, our net earnings may be influenced by many factors. Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets is primarily determined by past purchases of property, plant and equipment although it could be impacted by a significant acquisition. Purchases of property, plant and equipment are primarily determined by our ongoing normal manufacturing and marketing requirements but could be increased significantly for manufacturing expansion requirements or large frozen beverage customer needs. From time to time, we have repurchased common stock and we anticipate that we will do so again in the future. We are actively seeking acquisitions that could be a significant use of cash. Although we have no long-term debt at September 26, 2015, we may borrow in the future depending on our needs.

 

 
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Item 7A.

Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The following is the Company’s quantitative and qualitative analysis of its financial market risk:

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The Company has in the past entered into interest rate swaps to limit its exposure to interest rate risk and may do so in the future if the Board of Directors feels that such non-trading purpose is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. As of September 26, 2015, the Company had no interest rate swap contracts.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

At September 26, 2015, the Company had no long-term debt obligations.

 

Purchasing Risk

 

The Company’s most significant raw material requirements include flour, shortening, corn syrup, sugar, juice, cheese, chocolate, and a variety of nuts. The Company attempts to minimize the effect of future price fluctuations related to the purchase of raw materials primarily through forward purchasing to cover future manufacturing requirements, generally for periods from 1 to 12 months. Future contracts are not used in combination with forward purchasing of these raw materials. The Company’s procurement practices are intended to reduce the risk of future price increases, but also may potentially limit the ability to benefit from possible price decreases.

 

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

 

The Company has not entered into any forward exchange contracts to hedge its foreign currency rate risk as of September 26, 2015, because it does not believe its foreign exchange exposure is significant.

 

Item 8.  

Financial Statements And Supplementary Data

 

The financial statements of the Company are filed under this Item 8, beginning on page F-1 of this report.     

 

Item 9.

Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure

 

None.

   

Item 9A.

Controls And Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), as amended for financial reporting, as of September 26, 2015. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported as specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. There were no changes in these controls or procedures identified in connection with the evaluation of such controls or procedures that occurred during our last fiscal quarter, or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect these controls or procedures. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter.

 

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These disclosure controls and procedures include, among other things, controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

 
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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer and effected by the board of directors and management to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: 

 

 

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

 

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and board of directors; 

 

 

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 26, 2015. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

 

Based on our assessment, our management believes that, as of September 26, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting is effective. There have been no changes that occurred during our fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, audited our internal control over financial reporting as of September 26, 2015.  Their report, dated November 23, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on our internal control over financial reporting.  That report appears in Item 15 of Part IV of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference to this Item 9A.

    

Item9B.

Other Information

 

There was no information required on Form 8-K during the quarter that was not reported.

 

 

 
25

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Portions of the information concerning directors and executive officers, appearing under the captions “Information Concerning Nominees For Election To Board” and “Information Concerning Continuing Directors And Executive Officers” and information concerning Section 16(a) Compliance appearing under the caption “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” in the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 16, 2016 (“2015 Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Portions of the information concerning the Audit Committee, the requirement for an Audit Committee Financial Expert and the Nominating Committee in the Company’s 2015 Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 16, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which applies to the Company’s principal executive officer and senior financial officers. The Company has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which applies to all employees. The Company will furnish any person, without charge, a copy of the Code of Ethics upon written request to J & J Snack Foods Corp., 6000 Central Highway, Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109, Attn: Dennis Moore. A copy of the Code of Ethics can also be found on our website at www.jjsnack.com. Any waiver of any provision of the Code of Ethics granted to the principal executive officer or senior financial officer may only be granted by a majority of the Company’s disinterested directors. If a waiver is granted, information concerning the waiver will be posted on our website www.jjsnack.com for a period of 12 months.

  

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

 

Information concerning executive compensation appearing in the Company’s 2015 Proxy Statement under the caption “Management Remuneration” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The following is a list of the executive officers of the Company and their principal past occupations or employment. All such persons serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and have been elected to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 16, 2016 or until their successors are duly elected.

 

Name

Age

Position

 

 

 

 

Gerald B. Shreiber

73 

Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Dennis G. Moore

59 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director

Robert M. Radano

66

Senior Vice President, Sales and Chief Operating Officer

Dan Fachner

55

President of The ICEE Company Subsidiary

Gerard G. Law 

41

Senior Vice President and Assistant to the President

Robert J. Pape

58

Senior Vice President Sales

 

Gerald B. Shreiber is the founder of the Company and has served as its Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer since its inception in 1971. His term as a director expires in 2020.

 

Dennis G. Moore joined the Company in 1984. He served in various controllership functions prior to becoming the Chief Financial Officer in June 1992. His term as a director expires in 2017.

   

Robert M. Radano joined the Company in 1972 and in May 1996 was named Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Prior to becoming Chief Operating Officer, he was Senior Vice President, Sales responsible for national food service sales of J & J.

 

 Dan Fachner has been an employee of ICEE-USA Corp., which was acquired by the Company in May 1987, since 1979. He was named Senior Vice President of The ICEE Company in April 1994 and became President in May 1997.

 

 
26

 

  

Gerard G. Law joined the Company in 1992.  He served in various manufacturing and sales management capacities prior to becoming Senior Vice President, Western Operations in 2009.  He was named to his present position in 2011 in which he has responsibility for marketing, research and development and overseeing a number of the manufacturing facilities of J & J. 

 

Robert J. Pape joined the Company in 1998. He served in various sales and sales management capacities prior to becoming Senior Vice President Sales in 2010.

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters

 

Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing in the Company’s 2015 Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” is incorporated herein by reference.

   

The following table details information regarding the Company’s existing equity compensation plans as of September 26, 2015.

 

   

( a )

   

( b )

   

( c )

 
                   

Number of

 
                   

Securities

 
                   

Remaining

 
                   

available for

 
                   

future

 
   

Number of

   

Weighted-

   

issuance under

 
   

securities to

   

average

   

equity

 
   

be issued upon

   

exercise

   

compensation

 
   

exercise of

   

price of

   

plans

 
   

outstanding

   

outstandng

   

(excluding

 
   

options,

   

options,

   

securities

 
   

warrants and

   

warrants and

   

reflected in

 

Plan Category

 

rights

   

rights

   

column (a) )

 
                         

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

    637,000     $ 70.82       854,000  
                         

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

    -       -       -  
                         
                         

Total

    637,000     $ 70.82       854,000  

 

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships And Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

Information concerning the Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence in the Company’s 2015 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees And Services

 

Information concerning the Principal Accountant Fees and Services in the Company’s 2015 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 
27

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

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

 

     
      The financial statements filed as part of this report are listed on the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedule on page F-1.

 

     
      (2)  Financial Statement Schedule – Page S-1
       
      Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

All other schedules are omitted either because they are not applicable or because the information required is contained in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

  (b) Exhibits
       
  3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed February 28, 1990 (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-Q dated May 4, 1990).
   

 

  3.2   Revised Bylaws adopted November 19, 2013 (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-K dated November 26, 2013).
   

 

  4.3   Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated December 1, 2006 by and among J & J Snack Foods Corp. and Certain of its Subsidiaries and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as Agent (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-K dated December 6, 2006).
   

 

  4.4   First Amendment and Modification to Amendment and Restated Loan Agreement (Incorporated by referencefrom the Company’s Form 10-K dated December 7,  2011).
   

 

  10.2*   J & J Snack Foods Corp. Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated December 21, 2011).

  

10.7

  Lease dated August 29, 1995 between J & J Snack Foods Corp. and 5353 Downey Associated Ltd. for the lease of the Vernon, CA facility (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-K dated December 21, 1995).
     

10.8*

  J & J Snack Foods Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form S-8 dated May 16, 1996).

 

   

10.11

  Amendment No. 1 to Lease dated August 29, 1995 between J & J Snack Foods Corp. and 5353 Downey Associated Ltd. for the lease of the Vernon, CA facility (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-K dated December 18, 2002).
     

10.14

  Leases and amendments to leases between Liberty Venture I, LP and J & J Snack Foods Corp. for the three buildings located in Bridgeport, New Jersey (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-K dated December 8, 2009).
     

10.15

  Amendment No. 2 to Lease dated August 29, 1995 between J & J Snack Foods Corp. and 5353 Downey Associated Ltd. for the lease of the Vernon, CA facility (Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-K dated December 6, 2010).
     

10.16

  Amendment to Lease dated January 1, 1996 between Country Home Bakers, LLC and Borck Associates Limited Partnership for the lease of the Atlanta, GA facility (Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 10-k dated December 6, 2011).
     

 

 

 
28

 

 

14.1

  Code of Ethics Pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 10-Q dated July 20, 2004).
     

21.1

** Subsidiaries of J & J Snack Foods Corp.
     

23.1

** Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

   

31.1

** Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

   

31.2

** Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

32.1

** Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
         

32.2

** Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
         

101

** The following financial information from J & J Snack Foods Corp.'s Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):
         

 

    (i)   Consolidated Balance Sheets,

 

    (ii)   Consolidated Statements of Earnings,

 

    (iii)   Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income,

 

    (iv)   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,

 

    (v)   Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and

 

    (vi)   The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

   
 

*Compensatory Plan

 

**Filed Herewith

 

 
29

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.  

 

 

 

 

November 23, 2015

By:

/s/ Gerald B. Shreiber

 

 

 

Gerald B. Shreiber,  

 

 

Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

   

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

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

 

November 23, 2015

 

/s/ Gerald B. Shreiber

 

 

Gerald B. Shreiber,  

 

Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

    (Principal Executive Officer)
     

November 23, 2015

 

/s/ Dennis G. Moore

 

Dennis G. Moore,

   

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director

    (Principal Financial Officer)
    (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

November 23, 2015 

 

/s/ Sidney R. Brown

 

 

 

Sidney R. Brown, Director

     

November 23, 2015

 

/s/ Peter G. Stanley

 

    Peter G. Stanley, Director

 

November 23, 2015

 

/s/ Vincent A. Melchiorre

 

 

 

Vincent A. Melchiorre, Director  

 

 
30

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

Financial Statements:

 
   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-2
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014

F-3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013

F-4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013

F-5

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013

F-6

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013

F-7

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-8
   

Financial Statement Schedule:

 
   

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

S-1

 

 
F-1

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Shareholders and Board of Directors

J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries as of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 26, 2015. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15. We have also audited J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of September 26, 2015, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

   

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries as of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 26, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 26, 2015, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 

 

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 23, 2015

 

 
F-2

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

   

September 26,

   

September 27,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Assets

               

Current assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 133,689     $ 91,760  

Accounts receivable, net

    102,649       99,972  

Inventories, net

    80,622       76,083  

Prepaid expenses and other

    6,557       3,695  

Deferred income taxes

    3,266       4,096  

Total current assets

    326,783       275,606  
                 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

    573,710       538,081  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

    399,621       380,552  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    174,089       157,529  
                 

Other assets

               

Goodwill

    86,442       86,442  

Other intangible assets, net

    45,819       50,989  

Marketable securities held to maturity

    66,660       2,000  

Marketable securities available for sale

    39,638       128,117  

Other

    3,504       4,090  

Total other assets

    242,063       271,638  

Total Assets

  $ 742,935     $ 704,773  
                 

Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity

               

Current Liabilities

               

Current obligations under capital leases

  $ 273     $ 146  

Accounts payable

    59,206       59,968  

Accrued insurance liability

    10,231       10,578  

Accrued income taxes

    -       -  

Accrued liabilities

    5,365       5,007  

Accrued compensation expense

    15,318       14,286  

Dividends payable

    6,723       5,972  

Total current liabilities

    97,116       95,957  
                 

Long-term obligations under capital leases

    1,196       374  

Deferred income taxes

    43,789       44,785  

Other long-term liabilities

    915       1,139  
                 

Stockholders' Equity

               

Preferred stock, $1 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued

    -       -  

Common stock, no par value; authorized, 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 18,676,000 and 18,663,000 respectively

    31,653       32,621  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (10,897 )     (5,988 )

Retained Earnings

    579,163       535,885  

Total stockholders' equity

    599,919       562,518  

Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity

  $ 742,935     $ 704,773  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 
F-3

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

(in thousands, except per share information)

 

   

Fiscal Year Ended

 
                         
   

September 26,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
   

(52 weeks)

   

(52 weeks)

   

(52 weeks)

 
                         

Net Sales

  $ 976,256     $ 919,451     $ 867,683  

Cost of goods sold (1)

    675,366       631,874       604,381  

Gross Profit

    300,890       287,577       263,302  
                         

Operating expenses

                       

Marketing (2)

    85,160       78,632       74,076  

Distribution (3)

    74,158       71,159       65,025  

Administrative (4)

    30,891       29,784       27,448  

Other general (income) expense

    (207 )     1,154       (651 )

Total operating expenses

    190,002       180,729       165,898  

Operating Income

    110,888       106,848       97,404  
                         

Other income (expense)

                       

Investment income

    1,157       4,473       3,492  

Interest expense & other

    (126 )     (115 )     (106 )
                         

Earnings before income taxes

    111,919       111,206       100,790  
                         

Income taxes

    41,736       39,392       36,409  
                         

NET EARNINGS

  $ 70,183     $ 71,814     $ 64,381  
                         

Earnings per diluted share

  $ 3.73     $ 3.82     $ 3.41  
                         

Weighted average number of diluted shares

    18,819       18,807       18,878  
                         

Earnings per basic share

  $ 3.76     $ 3.85     $ 3.43  
                         

Weighted average number of basic shares

    18,685       18,677       18,785  

 

(1)

Includes share-based compensation expense of $471 for the year ended September 26, 2015, $466 for the year ended September 27, 2014 and $463 for the year ended September 28, 2013.

(2)

Includes share-based compensation expense of $709 for the year ended September 26, 2015, $673 for the year ended September 27, 2014 and $635 for the year ended September 28, 2013.

(3)

 Includes share-based compensation expense of $44 for the year ended September 26, 2015, $42 for the year ended September 27, 2014 and $30 for the year ended September 28, 2013.

(4)

Includes share-based compensation expense of $942 for the year ended September 26, 2015, $895 for the year ended September 27, 2014 and $742 for the year ended September 28, 2013.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 
F-4

 

 

J&J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

 

   

Fiscal Year Ended

 
   

September 26,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
   

(52 weeks)

   

(52 weeks)

   

(52 weeks)

 
                         

Net Earnings

  $ 70,183     $ 71,814     $ 64,381  
                         

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    (5,389 )     (929 )     (571 )

Unrealized holding (loss) gain on marketable securities

    (2,607 )     505       (2,227 )

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

    3,087       366       -  

Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net of tax

    (4,909 )     (58 )     (2,798 )
                         

Comprehensive Income

  $ 65,274     $ 71,756     $ 61,583  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 

 

 
F-5

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

   

Common Stock

   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

   

Retained

         
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Loss

   

Earnings

   

Total

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

    18,780     $ 43,011     $ (3,132 )   $ 435,608     $ 475,487  

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

    80       2,905       -       -       2,905  

Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan

    20       1,043       -       -       1,043  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    -       -       (571 )     -       (571 )

Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities

    -       -       (2,227 )     -       (2,227 )

Issuance of common stock under deferred stock plan

    1       103       -       -       103  

Dividends declared

    -       -       -       (12,010 )     (12,010 )

Share-based compensation

    -       1,954       -       -       1,954  

Repurchase of common stock

    (204 )     (14,500 )     -       -       (14,500 )

Net earnings

    -       -       -       64,381       64,381  
                                         

Balance at September 28, 2013

    18,677     $ 34,516     $ (5,930 )   $ 487,979     $ 516,565  

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

    52       2,227       -       -       2,227  

Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan

    16       1,102       -       -       1,102  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    -       -       (929 )     -       (929 )

Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities

    -       -       871       -       871  

Issuance of common stock under deferred stock plan

    -       34       -       -       34  

Dividends declared

    -       -       -       (23,908 )     (23,908 )

Share-based compensation

    -       2,247       -       -       2,247  

Repurchase of common stock

    (82 )     (7,505 )     -       -       (7,505 )

Net earnings

    -       -       -       71,814       71,814  
                                         

Balance at September 27, 2014

    18,663     $ 32,621     $ (5,988 )   $ 535,885     $ 562,518  

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

    72       3,489       -       -       3,489  

Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan

    14       1,174       -       -       1,174  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    -       -       (5,389 )     -       (5,389 )

Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities

    -       -       480       -       480  

Issuance of common stock under deferred stock plan

    -       21       -       -       21  

Dividends declared

    -       -       -       (26,905 )     (26,905 )

Share-based compensation

    -       2,359       -       -       2,359  

Repurchase of common stock

    (73 )     (8,011 )     -       -       (8,011 )

Net earnings

    -       -       -       70,183       70,183  
                                         

Balance at September 26, 2015

    18,676     $ 31,653     $ (10,897 )   $ 579,163     $ 599,919  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 
F-6

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

   

Fiscal Year Ended

 
                         
   

September 26,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
   

(52 weeks)

   

(52 weeks)

   

(52 weeks)

 
                         

Operating activities:

                       

Net earnings

  $ 70,183     $ 71,814     $ 64,381  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

                       

Depreciation of fixed assets

    32,356       31,660       28,801  

Amortization of intangibles and deferred costs

    5,915       5,433       4,751  

(Gains) losses from disposals and impairment of property & equipment

    (334 )     (119 )     126  

Share-based compensation

    2,166       2,076       1,870  

Deferred income taxes

    (121 )     (8 )     74  

Loss on sale of marketable securities

    4,319       361       -  

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of companies:

                       

Increase in accounts receivable, net

    (3,123 )     (8,913 )     (11,148 )

Increase in inventories

    (3,504 )     (2,411 )     (1,819 )

Increase in prepaid expenses and other

    (2,871 )     (182 )     (1,067 )

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    287       6,831       579  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    105,273       106,542       86,548  

Investing activities:

                       

Payments for purchases of companies, net of cash acquired

    (615 )     (28,360 )     -  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

    (50,096 )     (38,831 )     (35,821 )

Purchases of marketable securities

    (90,137 )     (26,932 )     (111,241 )

Proceeds from redemption and sales of marketable securities

    110,117       7,245       25,307  

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

    1,786       1,572       1,199  

Other

    (898 )     (806 )     (281 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (29,843 )     (86,112 )     (120,837 )

Financing activities:

                       

Payments to repurchase common stock

    (8,011 )     (7,505 )     (14,500 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

    4,663       3,320       3,948  

Payments on capitalized lease obligations

    (243 )     (326 )     (340 )

Payment of cash dividend

    (26,154 )     (20,924 )     (11,468 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (29,745 )     (25,435 )     (22,360 )

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

    (3,756 )     (580 )     (204 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    41,929       (5,585 )     (56,853 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    91,760       97,345       154,198  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $ 133,689     $ 91,760     $ 97,345  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 
F-7

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE A

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

J & J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries (the Company) manufactures, markets and distributes a variety of nutritional snack foods and beverages to the food service and retail supermarket industries. A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.

 

1.

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of J & J Snack Foods Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

 

2.

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue from our products when the products are shipped to our customers. Repair and maintenance equipment service revenue is recorded when it is performed provided the customer terms are that the customer is to be charged on a time and material basis or on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract when the customer has signed a service contract. Revenue is recognized only where persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, our price is fixed or estimable and collectability is reasonably assured. We record offsets to revenue for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments, trade spending, coupon redemption costs and returned product. Customers generally do not have the right to return product unless it is damaged or defective. Our recorded liability for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending was approximately $11.7 million at September 26, 2015 and $11.5 million at September 27, 2014.

 

All amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as revenues. Our product costs include amounts for shipping and handling, therefore, we charge our customers shipping and handling fees at the time the products are shipped or when services are performed. The cost of shipping products to the customer is recognized at the time the products are shipped to the customer and our policy is to classify them as Distribution expenses. The cost of shipping products to the customer classified as Distribution expenses was $74,158,000, $71,159,000 and $65,025,000 for the fiscal years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

  

During the years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, we sold $25,536,000, $22,826,000 and $22,836,000, respectively, of repair and maintenance service contracts in our frozen beverage business. At September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, deferred income on repair and maintenance service contracts was $1,579,000 and $1,577,000, respectively, of which $70,000 and $67,000 is included in other long-term liabilities as of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively and the balance is reflected as short-term and included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Repair and maintenance service contract income of $25,534,000, $22,748,000 and $22,780,000 was recognized for the fiscal years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

3.

Foreign Currency

 

Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange for the period. The cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and changes to such are included in comprehensive income.

 

4.

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 
F-8

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

 

5.

Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

6.

Cash, Accounts Receivable, Customers, Vendors and Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements Concentration

 

We maintain cash balances at financial institutions located in various states. We have cash balances at two banks totalling approximately $84 million that is in excess of FDIC insurance of $250,000 per bank.

 

Financial instruments that could potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are trade accounts receivable; however, such risks are limited due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their dispersion across geographic regions. We usually have approximately 15 customers with accounts receivable balances of between $1 million and $10 million.

  

We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 43%, 43% and 43% of our sales during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with our largest customer accounting for 8% of our sales in 2015, 8% of our sales in 2014 and 8% of our sales in 2013. Three of the ten customers are food distributors who sell our product to many end users.

 

About 25% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

 

None of our vendors supplied more than 10% of our ingredients and packaging in 2015, 2014 or 2013.  

 

The majority of our accounts receivable are due from trade customers. Credit is extended based on evaluation of our customers’ financial condition and collateral is not required. Accounts receivable payment terms vary and are stated in the financial statements at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. At September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, our accounts receivables were $102,649,000 and $99,972,000 net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $304,000 and $450,000. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the payment terms are considered past due. We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, our previous loss history, customers’ current ability to pay their obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. We write off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

7.

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out or weighted-average method) or market.  We recognize abnormal amounts of idle facilities, freight, handling costs, and spoilage as charges of the current period.  Additionally, we allocate fixed production overhead to inventories based on the normal capacity of our production facilities.  We calculate normal capacity as the production expected to be achieved over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance. This requires us to use judgment to determine when production is outside the range of expected variation in production (either abnormally low or abnormally high).  In periods of abnormally low production (for example, periods in which there is significantly lower demand, labor and material shortages exist, or there is unplanned equipment downtime) the amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of production is not increased.  However, in periods of abnormally high production the amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of production is decreased to assure inventories are not measured above cost.

 

We review for slow moving and obsolete inventory and a reserve is established for the value of inventory that we estimate will not be used. At September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, our reserve for inventory was $2,627,000 and $3,982,000, respectively.

 

 

 
F-9

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

 

8.

Investment Securities

 

We classify our investment securities in one of three categories: held to maturity, trading, or available for sale. Our investment portfolio at September 26, 2015, consists of investments classified as held to maturity and available for sale. The securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and are stated at amortized cost. Investments classified as available for sale are reported at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses related to the changes in fair value of the securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The mutual funds and preferred stock in our available for sale portfolio do not have contractual maturities; however, we classify them as long term assets as it is our intent to hold them for a period of over one year, although we may sell some or all of them depending on presently unanticipated needs for liquidity or market conditions. See Note C for further information on our holdings of investment securities.

 

9.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 Depreciation of equipment and buildings is provided for by the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. We review our equipment and buildings to ensure that they provide economic benefit and are not impaired. 

 

 Amortization of improvements is provided for by the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the assets’ estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter.  Licenses and rights, customer relationships and non-compete agreements are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 3 to 20 years and amortization expense is reflected throughout operating expenses.

 

 Long-lived assets, including fixed assets and amortizing intangibles, are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.  Indefinite lived intangibles are reviewed annually for impairment. Cash flow and sales analyses are used to assess impairment. The estimates of future cash flows and sales involve considerable management judgment and are based upon assumptions about expected future operating performance.  Assumptions used in these forecasts are consistent with internal planning. The actual cash flows and sales could differ from management’s estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance, economic conditions, competition and consumer preferences.

  

10.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying value of our short-term financial instruments, such as accounts receivables and accounts payable, approximate their fair values, based on the short-term maturities of these instruments.

 

11.

Income Taxes

 

We account for our income taxes under the liability method.  Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse.  Deferred tax expense is the result of changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

Additionally, we recognize a liability for income taxes and associated penalties and interest for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return which are more likely than not to be overturned by taxing authorities (“uncertain tax positions”).  We have not recognized a tax benefit in our financial statements for these uncertain tax positions.  

 

 
F-10

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)  

 

As of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is $334,000 and $315,000; respectively, all of which would impact our effective tax rate over time, if recognized.  We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a part of the provision for income taxes.  We had $199,000 of accrued interest and penalties as of September 26, 2015 and $180,000 as of September 27, 2014. We did not recognize any penalties and interest resulting from tax settlements in the years ended September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

   

(in thousands)

 
         

Balance at September 27, 2014

  $ 315  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

    19  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

    -  

Settlements

    -  

Balance at September 26, 2015

  $ 334  

 

 

In addition to our federal tax return and tax returns for Mexico and Canada, we file tax returns in all states that have a corporate income tax. Virtually all the returns noted above are open for examination for three to four years.

 

12.

Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS takes into consideration the potential dilution that could occur if securities (stock options) or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted into common stock.

  

Our calculation of EPS is as follows:

 

    Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015  
   

Income

   

Shares

   

Per Share

 
   

(Numerator)

   

(Denominator)

   

Amount

 
   

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
                         

Earnings Per Basic Share

                       

Net Income available to common stockholders

  $ 70,183       18,685     $ 3.76  
                         

Effect of Dilutive Securities

                       

Options

    -       134       (0.03 )
                         

Earnings Per Diluted Share

                       

Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

  $ 70,183       18,819     $ 3.73  

 

 
F-11

 

 

J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

 

1500 anti-dilutive shares have been excluded in the computation of  2015 diluted EPS.

 

    Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014  
   

Income

   

Shares

   

Per Share

 
   

(Numerator)

   

(Denominator)

   

Amount

 
   

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
                         

Earnings Per Basic Share

                       

Net Income available to common stockholders

  $ 71,814       18,677     $ 3.85  
                         

Effect of Dilutive Securities

                       

Options

    -       130       (0.03 )
                         

Earnings Per Diluted Share

                       

Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

  $ 71,814       18,807     $ 3.82  

 

No anti-dilutive shares have been excluded in the computation of  2014 diluted EPS.

   

    Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013  
   

Income

   

Shares

   

Per Share

 
   

(Numerator)

   

(Denominator)

   

Amount

 
   

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
                         

Earnings Per Basic Share

                       

Net Income available to common stockholders

  $ 64,381