J&J Snack Foods Corp 10-K for FY2024
J&J Snack Foods Corp (JJSF)
About this 10-K
J&J Snack Foods Corp filed this 10-K on November 26, 2024, covering the fiscal year ended September 28, 2024 (FY2024).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended September 28, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $1.57B
- up 1.0% from $1.56B a year earlier
- Net income
- $86.55M
- up 9.7% from net income of $78.91M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $4.45
- up 9.1% from $4.08 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
Commission File No.
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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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.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Accelerated filer ☐ | |
| Non-accelerated filer ☐ | Smaller reporting company |
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
March 28, 2024 was the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for February 12, 2025 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.
2024 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||
| PART I | ||
| Note About Forward-Looking Statements | 1 | |
| Item 1 | Business | 1 |
| Item 1A | Risk Factors | 9 |
| Item 1B | Unresolved Staff Comments | 16 |
| Item 1C | Cybersecurity | 16 |
| Item 2 | Properties | 19 |
| Item 3 | Legal Proceedings | 18 |
| Item 4 | Mine Safety Disclosures | 18 |
| PART II | ||
| Item 5 | Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities | 18 |
| Item 6 | [Reserved] | 19 |
| Item 7 | Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations | 19 |
| Item 7A | Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 33 |
| Item 8 | Financial Statements And Supplementary Data | 33 |
| Item 9 | Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure | 33 |
| Item 9A | Controls and Procedures | 33 |
| Item 9B | Other Information | 35 |
| Item 9C | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections | 35 |
| PART III | ||
| Item 10 | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | 35 |
| Item 11 | Executive Compensation | 36 |
| Item 12 | Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters | 36 |
| Item 13 | Certain Relationships And Related Transactions, and Director Independence | 36 |
| Item 14 | Principal Accountant Fees and Service | 36 |
| PART IV | ||
| Item 15 | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules | 36 |
| Item 16 | Form 10-K Summary | 38 |
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historic or current facts are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on our current beliefs as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as "anticipate," "if," "may," "believe," "plan,", "goals," "estimate," "expect," "project," "continue," "forecast," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions. Statements addressing our future operating performance and statements addressing events and developments that we expect or anticipate will occur are also considered as forward-looking statements. This includes, without limitation, our statements and expectations regarding any current or future recovery in our industry and the future impact of our investments in additional production capacity and logistics and warehousing operations. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and readers must recognize that actual results may differ materially from the expectations of management. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the risks described in Item 1A and in Item 7A of this annual report on Form 10-K.
We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak as of the date made. Any forward-looking statements represent management’s best judgment as to what may occur in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and important factors beyond our control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from historical results of operations and events and those presently anticipated or projected. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise, update, add or to otherwise correct, any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. Furthermore, all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this report. The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations included in Item 7- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Part I
Item 1. Business
General
J & J Snack Foods Corp. (the “Company” or “J & J”) manufactures snack foods and distributes frozen beverages which it markets nationally to the foodservice and retail supermarket industries. The Company’s principal snack food products are soft pretzels marketed primarily under the brand names SUPERPRETZEL, BRAUHAUS and BAVARIAN BAKERY, frozen novelties marketed primarily under the DIPPIN’ DOTS, LUIGI’S, WHOLE FRUIT, ICEE, DOGSTERS, PHILLY SWIRL and MINUTE MAID* brand names, churros marketed primarily under the ¡HOLA! and CALIFORNIA CHURROS brand names and bakery products sold primarily under the READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, MARY B’S, DADDY RAY’S and HILL & VALLEY brand names as well as for private label and contract packing. We believe we are the largest manufacturer of soft pretzels in the United States. Other snack food products include funnel cake sold under THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY brand and handheld products sold under smaller brands. 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 foodservice customers including snack bar and food stand locations in leading chain, department, discount, warehouse club and convenience stores; malls and shopping centers; fast food and casual dining restaurants; 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.
* Minute Maid is a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company
The Company was incorporated in 1971 under the laws of the State of New Jersey.
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, Retail Supermarkets and Frozen Beverages reviews detailed operating income statements and sales reports in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. Sales and operating income are key variables monitored by the Chief Operating Decision Maker and management when determining each segment’s and the Company’s financial condition and operating performance. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates 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).
Food Service
The primary products sold by the Food Service segment are soft pretzels, frozen novelties, churros, 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; fast food and casual dining restaurants; 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 or for take-away.
Retail Supermarkets
The primary products sold to the retail supermarket channel are soft pretzel products – including SUPERPRETZEL, frozen novelties including LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID Juice Bars and Soft Frozen Lemonade, WHOLE FRUIT frozen fruit bars and sorbet, DOGSTERS ice cream style treats for dogs, PHILLY SWIRL cups and sticks, ICEE Squeeze-Up Tubes and handheld products. 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 foodservice industry primarily under the names ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. We also provide repair and maintenance services to customers for customer-owned equipment.
Products
Soft Pretzels
The Company’s soft pretzels are sold under many brand names; some of which are: SUPERPRETZEL, SUPERPRETZEL BAVARIAN, NEW YORK PRETZEL, FEDERAL PRETZEL, AND BRAUHAUS; 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 18% of the Company’s revenue in fiscal year 2024, 19% in fiscal year 2023, and 19% in fiscal year 2022.
Certain of the Company’s soft pretzels qualify under USDA regulations as the nutritional equivalent of grains for purposes of the USDA school nutrition program, thereby enabling a participating school to obtain partial reimbursement for 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 twenty-four 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 baking, are quick-frozen 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 rebake 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.
Frozen Novelties
The Company’s frozen novelties are marketed primarily under the DIPPIN’DOTS, LUIGI’S, WHOLE FRUIT, DOGSTERS, PHILLY SWIRL, ICEE and MINUTE MAID brand names. Frozen novelties are sold in the Food Service and Retail Supermarkets segments. Frozen novelties sales were 17% of the Company’s revenue in fiscal year 2024, 17% in fiscal year 2023, and 14% in fiscal year 2022.
The Company’s school foodservice LUIGI’S and WHOLE FRUIT frozen juice cups are produced in various flavors and contain one half of a cup of fruit equivalent made of 100% juice with no added sugar and in accordance with USDA guidelines.
The Company’s DIPPIN’ DOTS’ frozen novelty products are cryogenically frozen beads of ice cream, created using liquid nitrogen at -320 degrees Fahrenheit. Product variations include ice cream (milk and cream based), flavored ice (water based) and frozen yogurt branded YoDots. The product is served to consumers by the cup, or via individual serving packages.
The balance of the Company’s frozen novelties products are manufactured from water, sweeteners and fruit juice concentrates in various flavors and packaging including cups, tubes, and sticks. Several of the products contain ice cream and WHOLE FRUIT bars contains pieces of fruit.
Churros
The Company’s churros are sold primarily under the ¡HOLA! and CALIFORNIA CHURROS brand names. Churros are sold to the Food Service and Retail Supermarkets segments. Churro sales were 7% of the Company’s sales in fiscal year 2024, 7% in fiscal year 2023, and 6% in fiscal year 2022. Churros are 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 chocolate-filled, fruit-filled, and crème-filled churros. The Company supplies churro merchandising equipment similar to that used for its soft pretzels.
Handheld Products
The Company's handheld products are sold primarily under private label names. Handheld products are sold to the Food Service and Retail Supermarket segments. Handheld product sales amounted to 7% of the Company’s sales in fiscal year 2024, 6% in fiscal year 2023, and 7% in fiscal year 2022.
Bakery Products
The Company’s bakery products are marketed under the MRS. GOODCOOKIE, READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, MARY B’S, DADDY RAY’S and HILL & VALLEY brand names, and under private labels. Bakery products include primarily 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 26% of the Company’s sales in fiscal year 2024, 26% in fiscal year 2023, and 29% in fiscal year 2022.
Frozen Beverages
The Company markets frozen beverages primarily under the names ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE which are sold primarily in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Frozen beverages are reported in the Frozen Beverages segment.
Frozen beverage sales amounted to 15% of the Company’s revenue in fiscal year 2024, 14% in fiscal year 2023, and 13% in fiscal year 2022.
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. 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 customer-owned equipment and sells equipment in its Frozen Beverages segment. Revenue from equipment sales and repair and maintenance services totaled 9% of the Company’s sales in each of the fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022.
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 or rebuilt by the Company.
The Company provides managed service and/or products to approximately 132,000 Company-owned and customer-owned dispensers.
The Company has the rights to market and distribute frozen beverages under the name ICEE and Slush Puppie to the entire continental United States as well as internationally.
Other Products
Other products sold by the Company include 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: foodservice and retail supermarkets. The primary products sold to the foodservice channel are soft pretzels, frozen beverages, frozen novelties, churros, handheld products and baked goods. The primary products sold to the retail supermarket channel are soft pretzels, frozen novelties and handheld products.
We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 45%, 43% and 43% of our sales during fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, with our largest customer accounting for 9% of our sales in fiscal 2024, 9% of our sales in fiscal 2023, and 8% of our sales in fiscal 2022. Five of the ten customers in 2024 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 foodservice 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 and 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 novelties 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, HILL & VALLEY baked goods, and ICEE Squeeze-Up Tubes. 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 supports its portfolio of brands with national and regional marketing programs. For the Food Service and Frozen Beverages segments’ customers, these marketing programs includes providing ovens, mobile merchandisers, display cases, freezers, kiosks, 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 consumer advertising campaigns across traditional and digital channels, and print/digital media with value added shopper offers and promotions.
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 and profit levels.
The Company’s products are sold through a network of 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, Bridgeport, and Woolwich, New Jersey; Vernon (Los Angeles), Colton and Lancaster, California; Brooklyn, New York; Scranton and Hatfield, Pennsylvania; Carrollton (Dallas) and Terrell, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Moscow Mills (St. Louis), Missouri; Pensacola and Tampa, Florida; Solon, Ohio; Weston, Oregon; Holly Ridge, North Carolina; Rock Island, Illinois; Glendale, Arizona; and Paducah, Kentucky. Frozen beverages and machine parts are distributed from 172 Company managed warehouse and distribution facilities located in 45 states, Mexico, and Canada, which allow the Company to directly service its customers in the surrounding areas. The Company’s products are shipped in frozen 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 novelties sales are generally higher during the warmer months.
Trademarks and Patents
The Company has a significant trademark portfolio, the most important of which are SUPERPRETZEL, TEXAS TWIST, NEW YORK PRETZEL, BAVARIAN BAKERY, SOFTSTIX, and BRAUHAUS for its pretzel products; DIPPIN’ DOTS, SHAPE-UPS, WHOLE FRUIT, PHILLY SWIRL, and LUIGI’S for its frozen novelties; ¡HOLA!, and CALIFORNIA CHURROS for its churros; ICEE, ARCTIC BLAST, SLUSH PUPPIE, and PARROT ICE for its frozen beverages; FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY for its funnel cake products; and MRS. GOODCOOKIE, READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, CAMDEN CREEK, MARY B’S, DADDY RAY’S, and HILL & VALLEY for its bakery products.
The Company markets frozen beverages under the trademark ICEE in all of the United 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 products.
Suppliers
The Company’s manufactured products are produced from raw materials which are readily available from numerous sources. With the exception of the Company’s churro production equipment, funnel cake production equipment and soft pretzel twisting equipment, all of which are made for the Company 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, Keurig Dr. Pepper, 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.
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 novelties, bakery products and related markets evolve, additional competitors and new competing products may enter the markets. Competitive factors in these markets include product quality, innovation, customer service, taste, price, identity and brand name awareness, method of distribution and sales promotions.
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. 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 several other companies in the frozen novelties and bakery products markets.
Risks Associated with Foreign Operations
Foreign operations can 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 from our foreign operations were $73.4 million, $70.2 million and $45.2 million in fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. At September 28, 2024, the total assets in our foreign operations were $67.6 million or 5.0% of total assets. At September 30, 2023, the total assets in our foreign operations were $61.5 million or 4.8% of total assets.
Government Regulation and Food Safety
Our business operations are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local government entities and agencies. As a producer of food products for human consumption, our operations are subject to stringent production, packaging, quality, labeling and distribution standards, including regulations promulgated under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act. We are also subject to various federal, state, and local environmental protection laws. Based upon available information, the cost of compliance with these laws and regulations did not have a material effect upon the level of capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position in fiscal 2024 and is not expected to have a material impact in fiscal 2025.
Our Food Safety & Quality (FSQA) personnel within our Compliance Department have broad, diverse academic and experience credentials and oversee all aspects of product safety & quality assurance across the Company. Our facilities are Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certified and are audited annually by third-party certification bodies. Our “Food Safety & Quality Plans” are validated and verified to ensure product safety and quality. We have implemented Corporate Standards which are aligned with GFSI and Regulatory standards and routinely conduct audits to ensure compliance. We provide bi-weekly support calls for FSQA and Plant Leadership and annual Food Safety Summit Meetings to develop and strengthen our facility teams. As part of the onboarding process, and throughout their careers, employees are engaged in food safety discussions and trainings to provide safe, high-quality products to customers and consumers.
Human Capital Management
Employees and Labor Relations
The Company has approximately 5,000 full and part-time employees and approximately 700 workers employed by staffing agencies as of September 28, 2024. About 1,500 production and distribution employees throughout the Company are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company considers its culture and employee relations to be positive.
Employee Safety
We maintain a safety culture grounded on the premise of eliminating workplace incidents, risks and hazards. We have a team of dedicated Employee Health & Safety professionals within our Compliance Department who oversee all aspects of employee safety across the company. We keep our employees safe by ensuring all employees receive ongoing support and training. We have developed and implemented processes to identify and eliminate safety incidents by reducing their frequency and severity. We also closely review and monitor our safety performance. According to data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Company’s Total Recordable Incident Rate (“TRIR”) and Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (“DART”) incident rates were lower than food manufacturing averages. Our goal is to reduce Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recordable incidents year-over-year.
Professional Development
We deploy a variety of training programs throughout the organization and go to great lengths to make learning and knowledge available to our employees. Programs such as tuition reimbursement, mentorships, internships, and internal trainings are some of the ways in which we invest in our people and their knowledge. We know that these investments are not only beneficial for our employees, but they are also important for the future success of our business. We continue to see increases in internal promotions across all levels of the organization.
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe that having an inclusive and diverse culture strengthens our ability to recruit and develop talent and allows our employees to thrive and succeed. Diversity of input and perspectives is an essential part of our strategic plan to build a winning team and culture. We believe that one key to success is attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects our consumers of today and tomorrow, and we strive to do so. We also strive to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture where colleagues feel a sense of belonging and are included in discussions and valued for their contributions.
Compensation
We believe in equal pay for equal work and that compensation should match talent, experience and skill set of a person.
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 materials are 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
Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all 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 or immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. The following is a discussion of known potentially significant risks which could result in harm to our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
General Economic Risk
The willingness of our customers and consumers to purchase our products may depend in part on economic conditions. Worsening economic conditions or future challenges to economic growth could have a negative impact on consumer demand, which could adversely affect our business. Deterioration of national and global economic conditions could cause consumers to forego certain purchases during economic downturns that could result in decreased demand for our business. The economic uncertainty may limit our ability to increase or maintain prices and reduce sales of higher margin products. In addition, changes in tax or interest rates, whether due to recession, efforts to combat inflation, financial and credit market disruptions or other reasons, could negatively impact us.
Risks of Shortages or Increased Cost of Raw Materials
We are exposed to 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 revenue and operating income. These increased costs, if not offset, may have a significant impact on our profits.
Risks Relating to Pandemics, Epidemics, or Other Disease Outbreaks
Pandemics, epidemics, or other disease outbreaks could significantly change consumption patterns for our products. These changes could force us to rapidly adapt to those new patterns, and, if we do not, our business could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, pandemics, epidemics or other disease outbreaks may depress or otherwise impact demand for our products because quarantines may inhibit consumption or as the result of other factors. Restrictions on public gatherings or interactions may also limit the opportunity for our customers and consumers to purchase our products, especially in certain of our sales channels, such as food service. Any economic downturn caused by any pandemic, epidemic, or other disease outbreak may also cause substantial changes in consumer behavior and our supply chain operations, some of which may materially affect our operations and results of operations.
General Risks of the Food Industry
We 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; changes in federal, state, local and international laws and regulations, or in the application of such laws and regulations; consumer product labeling and liability claims; risks of product tampering and contamination; and negative publicity surrounding actual or perceived product safety deficiencies. 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 customer inventory levels and access to shelf space.
Risks of Shortages or Increased Costs of Labor
Our businesses operate in highly competitive markets. The labor market in the United States is very competitive. We depend on the skills, working relationships, and continued services of employees, including our experienced management team. We must hire, train, and develop effective employees. We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented employees, and we may lose key personnel or fail to attract, train, and retain other talented personnel. In addition, our ability to achieve our operating goals depends on our ability to identify, hire, train, and retain qualified individuals. Any such loss or failure could adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and operating results. Additionally, a shortage in the labor pool and other general inflationary pressures or changes, and applicable laws and regulations could increase labor costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results or financial condition.
In addition, some of our associates are covered by collective bargaining agreements, and other associates may seek to be covered by collective bargaining agreements. Strikes or work stoppages or other business interruptions could occur if we are unable to renew these agreements on satisfactory terms or enter into new agreements on satisfactory terms or if we are unable to otherwise manage changes in, or that affect, our workforce, which could impair manufacturing or distribution of our products or result in a loss of sales, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. The terms and conditions of existing, renegotiated, or new collective bargaining agreements could also increase our costs or otherwise affect our ability to fully implement future operational changes to enhance our efficiency or adapt to changing business needs or strategy.
Environmental Risks
The disposal of solid and liquid waste material and the discharge of airborne pollutants 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 a substantial 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 expenditure by us, some of which could have a negative impact on our operations and financial condition. Additionally, the failure by any one or more of our suppliers to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, or allegations of non-compliance, may disrupt their operations and could result in accompanying disruptions to our operations.
Risks Resulting from Customer Concentration
We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 45% of our sales during fiscal year 2024 and 43% of our sales during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, with our largest customer accounting for 9% of our sales in 2024, 9% of our sales in 2023, and 8% of our sales in 2022.
Five 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.
Risks Relating to 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, brand recognition and loyalty, 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 from 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 and Distribution
Our ability to purchase, manufacture and distribute products is critical to our success. Because we source certain products from single manufacturing sites, it is possible that we could experience a production disruption that results in a reduction or elimination of the availability of some of our products. If we are not able to obtain alternate production capability in a timely manner, or on favorable terms, it could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows, including the potential for long-term loss of product placement with various customers. We are also subject to risks of other business disruptions associated with our dependence on production facilities and distribution systems. Natural disasters, terrorist activity, cyberattacks or other unforeseen events could interrupt production or distribution and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows, including the potential for long-term loss of product placement with our customers. For example, on August 19, 2024, we experienced a fire at our Holly Ridge plant in North Carolina. The building was damaged as a result of the fire, and plant operations were interrupted.
Risks Relating to the Availability and Costs of Transportation
Our ability to obtain adequate and reasonably priced methods of transportation to distribute our products, including refrigerated trailers for many of our products, is a key factor to our success. Delays in transportation, including weather-related delays, and carrier capacity limitations, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, higher fuel costs and increased line haul costs due to industry capacity constraints, customer delivery requirements and a more restrictive regulatory environment could also negatively impact our financial results. We pay fuel surcharges that fluctuate with the price of diesel fuel to third-party transporters of our products, and such surcharges can be substantial. Any sudden or dramatic increases in the price of diesel fuel would serve to increase our fuel surcharges and our cost of goods sold. These higher costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Risks Relating to Manufacturing Capacity Constraints
Our current manufacturing resources may be inadequate to meet significantly increased demand for some of our products. Our ability to increase our manufacturing capacity depends on many factors, including the costs and availability of equipment, the equipment delivery and construction lead-times, installation, qualification, regulatory permitting, and regulatory requirements. A lack of sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet demand could cause our customer service levels to decrease, which may negatively affect customer demand for our products and customer relations generally, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, operating facilities at or near capacity may also increase production and distribution costs and negatively affect relations with our employees or contractors, which could result in disruptions in our operations.
Risks Relating to Acquisition Integration
From time to time, the Company undertakes acquisitions or divestitures. The success of any acquisition or divestiture depends on the Company’s ability to identify opportunities that help the Company meet its strategic objectives, consummate a transaction on favorable contractual terms, and achieve expected returns and other financial benefits.
Acquisitions, including future acquisitions, require us to efficiently integrate the acquired business or businesses, which involves a significant degree of difficulty, including the following:
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integrating the operations and business cultures of the acquired businesses; |
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the possibility of faulty assumptions underlying our expectations regarding the prospects of the acquired businesses; |
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attracting and retaining the necessary personnel associated with the acquisitions; |
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creating uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies, and information systems and controlling the costs associated with such matters; and |
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expectations about the performance of acquired trademarks and brands and the fair value of such trademarks and brands. |
Divestitures have operational risks that may include impairment charges. Divestitures also present unique financial and operational risks, including diverting management attention from the existing core business, separating personnel and financial data and other systems, and adversely affecting existing business relationships with suppliers and customers.
In situations where acquisitions and divestitures are not successfully implemented or completed, or the expected benefits of such acquisitions or divestitures are not otherwise realized, the Company’s business or financial results could be negatively impacted.
New Jersey Law and Provisions of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws May Inhibit a Change In Control
The New Jersey Shareholders' Protection Act, N.J.S.A. 14A:10A-1, et seq., may delay, deter or prevent a change in control by prohibiting the Company from engaging in a business combination transaction with an interested shareholder for a period of five years after the person becomes an interested stockholder, even if a majority of our shareholders believe a change in control would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In addition, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that may delay, deter or prevent 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 of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws that could delay, deter or prevent a future acquisition include the following:
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a classified Board of Directors; |
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the requirement that our shareholders may only remove Directors for cause; |
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limitations on share holdings and voting of certain persons who exceed the “Voting Threshold” specified in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; |
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special Director voting rights are granted to certain “Experienced Directors” only in the event of a “hostile change of Board control,” as such terms are defined in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation; |
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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; |
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shareholders do not generally have the right to call special meetings or to act by written consent; |
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our Bylaws contain advance notice procedures for nominations of Directors or submission of shareholder proposals at an annual meeting; and |
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our Bylaws contain a forum selection clause providing that certain litigation against the Company can only be brought in New Jersey state or federal courts. |
Risks Relating to Gerald B. Shreiber
Gerald B. Shreiber is the founder and a Director of the Company. He is currently beneficial owner of approximately 20% of its outstanding common stock, held in a trust for his benefit. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides Mr. Shreiber with certain special voting rights with respect to any matters to be voted on by the Board of Directors. As a result, as of the date of this Report, Mr. Shreiber is entitled to cast six (6) votes on all matters upon which the Board of Directors is entitled to vote.
Risk Related to Increases in our Health Insurance Costs
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. Because of the breadth and complexity of health care 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 new or existing health care reform laws or changes in enforcement policies 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, packaging initiatives and new product introductions. We cannot be sure if our new products, product improvements, or packaging initiatives will be accepted by customers.
Risks Associated with Foreign Operations
Foreign economies may 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. Further, there may be less government regulation in various countries, and we may face difficulty in enforcing our 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. Any such difficulties noted above could affect our business. Sales of our foreign operations were $73.4 million, $70.2 million, and $45.2 million in fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. At September 28, 2024, the total assets of our foreign operations were approximately $67.6 million or 5.0% of total assets. At September 30, 2023, the total assets of our foreign operations were $61.5 million or 4.8% of total assets.
Risks Associated with our Information Technology Systems
The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply chain, manufacturing, order entry and fulfillment, and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems (including those provided to us by third parties) to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in production, billing, collecting, and ordering errors, processing inefficiencies, and the loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer.
Our information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, systems failures, security breaches or intrusions (including those against our third-party providers and theft of customer, consumer, or other confidential data), and viruses. Although we continue to monitor our information technology networks, if we are unable to prevent physical and electronic break-ins, cyber-attacks, and other information security breaches, we may suffer material financial and reputational damage, be subject to litigation or incur significant remediation costs or penalties.
Risks Associated with Real or Perceived Safety Issues Regarding our Food Products
We sell food products for human consumption, which involves risks such as product contamination or spoilage, product tampering, other adulteration of food products, mislabeling, and misbranding. We can be impacted by both real and unfounded claims regarding the safety of our operations, or concerns regarding mislabeled, adulterated, contaminated, or spoiled food products. Any of these circumstances could necessitate a voluntary or mandatory recall, a need to change a product’s labeling or other consumer safety concerns. A pervasive product recall may result in significant loss due to the costs of a recall, related legal claims, including claims arising from bodily injury or illness caused by our products, the destruction of product inventory, or lost sales due to product unavailability or negative publicity. A highly publicized product recall, whether involving us or any related products made by third parties, also could result in a loss of customers or an unfavorable change in consumer sentiment regarding our products or any category in which we operate. In addition, an allegation of noncompliance with federal or state food laws and regulations could force us to cease production, stop selling our products or create significant adverse publicity that could harm our credibility and decrease market demand for our products. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Risks Associated with our Intellectual Property Rights
We consider our intellectual property rights, particularly our trademarks, to be a significant and valuable aspect of our business. We protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of trademark, patent, copyright and trade secret protection, contractual agreements, and policing of third-party misuses of our intellectual property in traditional retail and digital environments. Our failure to obtain or adequately protect our intellectual property or any change in law that lessens or removes the current legal protections of our intellectual property may diminish our competitiveness and adversely affect our business and financial results.
Competing intellectual property claims that impact our brands or products may arise unexpectedly. Any litigation or disputes regarding intellectual property may be costly and time consuming and may divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. We may also be subject to significant damages or injunctions against development, launch and sale of certain products. Any of these occurrences may harm our business and financial results.
Risks Associated with the Favorable Perception of our Brands
We have a number of iconic brands with significant value. Maintaining and continually enhancing the value of these brands is critical to the success of our business. Brand value is primarily based on consumer perceptions. Success in promoting and enhancing brand value depends in large part on our ability to provide high-quality products. Brand value could diminish significantly due to a number of factors, including consumer perception that we have acted in an irresponsible manner, adverse publicity about our products, packaging, ingredients, our environmental, social, human capital or governance practices, our failure to maintain the quality of our products, the failure of our products to deliver consistently positive consumer experiences, or the products becoming unavailable to consumers. The growing use of social and digital media by consumers increases the speed and extent that information and opinions can be shared. Negative posts or comments about us, our brands, products, or packaging on social or digital media could seriously damage our brands and reputation. In addition, we might fail to appropriately target our marketing efforts, anticipate consumer preferences, or invest sufficiently in maintaining our brand image. If we do not maintain the favorable perception of our brands, our financial results could be adversely impacted.
Risk Associated with Generating Anticipated Cost Savings and/or Operating Efficiencies Associated with our Strategic Initiatives
Our future success and earnings growth depend in part on our ability to achieve the appropriate cost structure and operate efficiently in the highly competitive food industry, particularly in an environment of volatile cost inputs. We continuously pursue initiatives to reduce costs and increase effectiveness. We also regularly pursue cost productivity initiatives in procurement, manufacturing, and logistics. Any failure or delay in implementing our initiatives in accordance with our plans could adversely affect our ability to meet our long-term growth and profitability expectations and could adversely affect our business. If we do not continue to effectively manage costs and achieve additional efficiencies, our competitiveness and profitability could decrease.
Risks Associated with our Identified Material Weakness in our Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As described in Part II, Item 9A – Controls and Procedures, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to ineffective information technology general controls (ITGCs), including certain controls over logical access and change management. As a result, certain business process controls that are dependent on the ineffective ITGCs, or rely on the data produced from systems impacted by the ineffective ITGCs, were also deemed ineffective. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected in a timely manner.
We are in the process of developing and implementing a remediation plan to address the material weakness. If our remediation efforts are insufficient or if additional material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting are discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to revise or restate our financial results, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, restrict our ability to access the capital markets, require us to expend significant resources to correct the material weakness, subject us to fines, penalties or judgments, harm our reputation, adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, or otherwise cause a decline in investor confidence.
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 novelties 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 1C. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
Our enterprise risk management process includes an evaluation of cybersecurity risk together with other company risks. The Company has established a cybersecurity risk management program (the “program”) designed to assess, identify, and manage material cybersecurity risks. Our program is designed based on industry best practices and is aligned with the core components of frameworks established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center for Internet Security (CIS) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
An annual risk assessment is performed to identify internal and external cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, assess the likelihood and potential impact of such threats and vulnerabilities, and prioritize the risks from such threats and vulnerabilities. The results of the risk assessment, along with professional judgment, are used to develop and implement cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies and controls.
Our program includes:
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A cybersecurity incident response plan that outlines a structured approach to investigating, containing, documenting, and mitigating cybersecurity incidents, including reporting findings and keeping senior management, the Audit Committee, and other key stakeholders informed and involved as appropriate; |
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Annual external penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities, assess perimeter security, improve incident response, and strengthen security policies and procedures; |
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Regular phishing, social engineering, and cybersecurity awareness training for employees with access to the Company’s information technology environment; |
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Annual tabletop exercises to test incident response plans, improve communication and coordination between relevant employees, and identify gaps to inform needed adjustments to plans; |
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Ongoing risk assessments of third-party service providers designed to ensure they meet the Company’s standards for reliability, security, compliance, and performance. |
Third-party service providers are used in various capacities as part of our cybersecurity risk management program, including performing risk mitigation controls and providing cloud-based, cybersecurity services and platforms. For example, third-party service providers are used to conduct our external penetration testing, as well as assist the Company in detecting, responding, and mitigating cybersecurity incidents. The Company uses a variety of processes to oversee and identify material risks from cybersecurity threats associated with the use of third-party service providers. Third-party service providers are required to complete a detailed questionnaire, which is used to identify and assess material cybersecurity risks. In addition, the Company performs an annual review of independent attestation reports of the third-party service providers’ control environments designed to ensure that the controls meet Company security requirements and that any identified issues in the independent attestation reports do not present material cybersecurity risks to the Company.
To date, we have not identified any cybersecurity threats or incidents which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition; however, there is no guarantee that we will not be the subject of future successful cybersecurity threats or incidents that may materially and adversely affect the Company, including its business strategy, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Additional information on cybersecurity-related risks is discussed under the heading “Risks Associated with our Information Technology Systems” under Item 1A, which should be read in conjunction with Item 1C.
Cybersecurity Governance
Our Board of Directors has delegated oversight responsibilities for enterprise risk, including cybersecurity risk, to the Audit Committee. The Chief Information Officer (“CIO”) and Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) provide periodic updates to the Audit Committee regarding the Company's cybersecurity risk management program. The Company has a cybersecurity incident response plan that includes a process to evaluate cybersecurity incidents for materiality. The escalation protocol includes reporting potentially material cybersecurity incidents to senior members of management for further evaluation. Any cybersecurity incident determined to have a material impact on the Company is timely reported to the Audit Committee.
The CISO has primary responsibility for the development, operation, and maintenance of our cybersecurity risk management program. Our CISO has 25 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity generally, which has been gained from a combination of education, including relevant degrees, and prior work experience.
Item 2. Properties
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Location |
Reporting Segment |
Facility Type |
Products Manufactured |
Owned Square Footage |
Leased Square Footage |
Total Square Footage |
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|
Pennsauken, NJ |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Manufacturing |
Soft Pretzels, Churros, Bakery Products |
70,000 | - | 70,000 | ||||||||
|
Pennsauken, NJ |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Warehousing/Distribution |
N/A | 171,000 | - | 171,000 | ||||||||
|
Mt. Laurel, NJ |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Office |
N/A | - | 30,000 | 30,000 | ||||||||
|
Bellmawr, NJ |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Manufacturing |
Soft Pretzels, Bakery Products |
150,000 | - | 150,000 | ||||||||
|
Vernon, CA |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Soft Pretzels, Churros, Bakery Products |
- | 107,000 | 107,000 | ||||||||
|
Vernon, CA |
Food Service |
Warehousing/Distribution |
N/A | - | 30,000 | 30,000 | ||||||||
|
Vernon, CA |
Food Service |
Office/Warehousing |
N/A | - | 80,000 | 80,000 | ||||||||
|
Brooklyn, NY |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Soft Pretzels |
- | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||||||||
|
Colton, CA |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Churros, Bakery Products |
- | 45,000 | 45,000 | ||||||||
|
Atlanta, GA |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Manufacturing |
Bakery Products |
- | 85,000 | 85,000 | ||||||||
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Rock Island, IL |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Bakery Products |
- | 129,000 | 129,000 | ||||||||
|
Scranton, PA |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Manufacturing |
Frozen Novelties |
46,000 | - | 46,000 | ||||||||
|
Scranton, PA |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Warehousing |
N/A | 42,000 | - | 42,000 | ||||||||
|
Hatfield, PA |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Soft Pretzels |
- | 29,600 | 29,600 | ||||||||
|
Carrollton, TX |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Soft Pretzels |
- | 48,000 | 48,000 | ||||||||
|
Carrollton, TX |
Food Service |
Warehousing |
N/A | - | 6,500 | 6,500 | ||||||||
|
Bridgeport, NJ |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Bakery Products |
- | 133,000 | 133,000 | ||||||||
|
Moscow Mills, MO |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Bakery Products |
165,000 | - | 165,000 | ||||||||
|
Holly Ridge, NC |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Manufacturing |
Handheld Products |
84,000 | - | 84,000 | ||||||||
|
Weston, OR |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Manufacturing |
Handheld Products |
- | 70,000 | 70,000 | ||||||||
|
Weston, OR |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Warehousing |
N/A | - | 11,300 | 11,300 | ||||||||
|
Paducah, KY |
Food Service |
Manufacturing |
Frozen Novelties |
183,000 | - | 183,000 | ||||||||
|
Paducah, KY |
Food Service |
Office |
N/A | - | 34,000 | 34,000 | ||||||||
|
Lancaster, CA |
Food Service |
Warehousing |
N/A | - | - | - | ||||||||
|
Tampa, FL |
Retail Supermarket |
Manufacturing |
Frozen Novelties |
- | 67,000 | 67,000 | ||||||||
|
LaVergne, TN |
Frozen Beverages |
Office |
N/A | - | 84,000 | 84,000 | ||||||||
|
Terrell, TX |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Warehousing |
N/A | - | 117,000 | 117,000 | ||||||||
|
Woolwich, NJ |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Warehousing |
N/A | - | 201,000 | 201,000 | ||||||||
|
Glendale, AZ |
Food Service/Retail Supermarket |
Warehousing |
N/A | - | 87,000 | 87,000 | ||||||||
| 911,000 | 1,414,400 | 2,325,400 |
The Company also leases approximately 172 smaller warehouse and distribution facilities in 45 states, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and China.
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
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.”
As of September 28, 2024, we had approximately 71 stockholders of record of our common stock.
We did not purchase any shares of our common stock in our fiscal fourth quarter, and no shares were withheld in our fiscal fourth quarter to cover taxes associated with the vesting of certain restricted stock units held by officers and employees.
A plan to purchase 500,000 shares was announced on August 4, 2017 with no expiration date. 318,858 shares remain available to be purchased under this plan.
For information on the Company’s Equity Compensation Plans, please see Item 12 herein.
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns for our stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index and our peer group, the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Packaged Foods & Meats Index.
Item 6. [ RESERVED ]
Item 7. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations
Objective
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management regarding our financial condition and results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 for additional information related to the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended September 24, 2022.
Business Overview
The Company manufactures snack foods and distributes frozen beverages which it markets nationally to the foodservice and retail supermarket industries. The Company’s principal snack food products are soft pretzels, frozen novelties, churros and bakery products. We are the largest manufacturer of soft pretzels in the United States. Other snack food products include funnel cake and handheld products. 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 foodservice customers including snack bar and food stand locations in leading chain, department, discount, warehouse club and convenience stores; malls and shopping centers; fast food and casual dining restaurants; 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.
Business Trends and Strategy
Our results are impacted by macroeconomic and demographic trends and changes in consumer behavior. The U.S. economy has experienced economic volatility and uncertainty in recent years, which has had, and we expect might continue to have, an impact on consumer behavior. Consumer spending may continue to be impacted by levels of discretionary income and the impact of that on the consumer’s decision making around their purchases. In addition, inflation continues to impact our business, and fluctuating raw material input costs may continue to impact the costs of our products.
To help combat these potential headwinds, we strategically look to improve our operational efficiencies and margins, as well expand our growth opportunities across our various channels and customers. Some recent examples of implementing these strategies include:
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Our recently completed strategic supply chain transformation in which we opened three regional distribution centers which is projected to drive significant cost reductions around warehousing and distribution costs. |
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The recent addition of six new production lines which has significantly expanded upon our capacity and allowed us to meet growth opportunities across our core products such as pretzels, churros and frozen novelties. |
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Implementation of a new ERP system in fiscal 2022 which has helped to create efficiencies and streamline internal processes. |
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Many examples of successful cross-selling and leveraging our brands across customer channels, including our recent expansion of the breadth and depth of our Dippin’ Dots brand across the theater channel, as well as looking to penetrate that brand into the retail market. |
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Further expansion of our SuperPretzel brand across the retail market through the launch of Bavarian Sticks. |
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Our fiscal year 2023 rollout of our new Hola! Churros brand. |
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Our recent fiscal year 2024 acquisition of Thinsters |
Fiscal Period
The Company’s fiscal year is the 52- or 53- week period that ends on the last Saturday of September. An additional week is included in the last fiscal quarter every five or six years to realign the Company’s fiscal quarters with calendar quarters, which occurred in the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The Company’s fiscal years 2024 and 2022 spanned 52 weeks each, whereas fiscal year 2023 spanned 53 weeks.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Fiscal Year 2024 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year 2023 (53 weeks)
Results of Consolidated Operations
The following discussion provides a review of results for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2024 as compared with the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
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Summary of Results |
Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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2024 |
2023 |
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|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
% Change |
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|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
|
Net Sales |
$ | 1,574,755 | $ | 1,558,829 | 1.0 | % | ||||||
|
Cost of goods sold |
1,088,630 | 1,088,964 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||
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Gross Profit |
486,125 | 469,865 | 3.5 | % | ||||||||
|
Operating expenses |
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Marketing |
118,805 | 110,258 | 7.8 | % | ||||||||
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Distribution |
175,601 | 172,804 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||
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Administrative |
74,771 | 75,425 | (0.9 | )% | ||||||||
|
Intangible asset impairment charges |
- | 1,678 | ||||||||||
|
Other general expense |
(597 | ) | 182 | (428.0 | )% | |||||||
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Total Operating Expenses |
368,580 | 360,347 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||
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Operating Income |
117,545 | 109,518 | 7.3 | % | ||||||||
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Other income (expense) |
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Investment income |
3,228 | 2,743 | 17.7 | % | ||||||||
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Interest expense |
(1,826 | ) | (4,747 | ) | (61.5 | )% | ||||||
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Earnings before income taxes |
118,947 | 107,514 | 10.6 | % | ||||||||
|
Income tax expense |
32,396 | 28,608 | 13.2 | % | ||||||||
|
NET EARNINGS |
$ | 86,551 | $ | 78,906 | 9.7 | % | ||||||
|
Comparisons as a Percentage of Net Sales |
Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
Basis Pt Chg |
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|
Gross profit |
30.9 | % | 30.1 | % | 80 | |||||||
|
Marketing |
7.5 | % | 7.1 | % | 40 | |||||||
|
Distribution |
11.2 | % | 11.1 | % | 10 | |||||||
|
Administrative |
4.7 | % | 4.8 | % | (10 | ) | ||||||
|
Operating income |
7.5 | % | 7.0 | % | 50 | |||||||
|
Earnings before income taxes |
7.6 | % | 6.9 | % | 70 | |||||||
|
Net earnings |
5.5 | % | 5.1 | % | 40 | |||||||
NET SALES
Net sales increased by $15.9 million, or 1%, to $1,574.8 million in fiscal 2024. Despite the headwind of the comparative extra week in fiscal 2023, organic sales growth was driven by growth across all three of the Company’s business segments. The organic sales growth was largely driven by improved marketing, new customers, and additional product placement.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit increased by $16.3 million, or 4%, to $486.1 million in fiscal 2024. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 30.9% in fiscal 2024 from 30.1% in fiscal 2023. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales was driven by enhanced production efficiencies and a better product mix, along with the continued stabilization of inflationary pressures. The cost of key ingredients including flour, oils, cheese and dairy, mixes and eggs either declined, or remained materially flat, though some increases were seen in certain ingredients, with the largest being cocoa, and to a lesser extent, sugar/sweeteners, and meats. The increases in cocoa negatively impact margins on certain products, the largest being baked goods.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total operating expenses increased by $8.2 million, or 2%, to $368.6 million in fiscal 2024 and increased as a percentage of sales to 23.4% in fiscal 2024 compared with 23.1% in fiscal 2023. The slight increase was primarily related to the higher marketing expenses to support our new product launches, along with incremental licensing fees on new churro business during the fiscal year.
Operating expenses included intangible asset impairment charges of $1.7 million in fiscal 2023, with no such charges incurred in fiscal 2024. As a percentage of sales, marketing and selling expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 7.1% in fiscal 2023 to 7.5% in fiscal 2024, with the increase driven by the additional investment in marketing spend associated with new product launches and the promotion of our core brands, along with the incremental licensing fees on new churro business during the fiscal year. Distribution expenses as a percentage of sales increased slightly to 11.2% in fiscal 2024 from 11.1% in fiscal 2023. Some decreases in distribution expenses driven by the benefits of our strategic initiatives to improve logistics management and increase efficiency across our distribution network and supply chain were more than offset by approximately $5 million of non-recurring start-up costs related to the opening of two additional regional distribution centers in fiscal 2024. Administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased slightly from 4.8% in fiscal 2023 to 4.7% in fiscal 2024, with the decrease largely attributable to improved management of expenses, and leverage from higher sales.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
Investment income increased by $0.5 million, or 18%, to $3.2 million in fiscal 2024 due to higher average cash balances and higher interest rates on foreign cash balances.
Interest expense decreased by $2.9 million, or 62%, to $1.8 million in fiscal 2024 due to the reduction in the Company’s average outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement throughout the fiscal year.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2024 was 27.2%. Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2023 was 26.6%. The slight increase between periods was primarily attributable to a slightly higher blended state tax rate.
NET EARNINGS
Net earnings increased $7.6 million, or 10%, in fiscal 2024 to $86.6 million, or $4.45 per diluted share, from $78.9 million or $4.08 per diluted share, in fiscal 2023 as a result of the aforementioned items.
There are many factors which can impact our net earnings from year to year, 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 – Segments
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, Retail Supermarkets and Frozen Beverages reviews monthly detailed operating income statements and sales reports in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. Sales and operating income are the key variables monitored by the Chief Operating Decision Maker and management when determining each segment’s and the Company’s financial condition and operating performance. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment.
The following table is a summary of sales and operating income, which is how we measure segment profit.
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Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
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|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
% Change |
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(in thousands) |
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|
Net Sales |
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Food Service |
$ | 985,195 | $ | 981,840 | 0.3 | % | ||||||
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Retail Supermarket |
221,308 | 215,428 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||
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Frozen Beverages |
368,252 | 361,561 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||
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Total Sales |
$ | 1,574,755 | $ | 1,558,829 | 1.0 | % | ||||||
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Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
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|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
% Change |
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|
(in thousands) |
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Operating Income |
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|
Food Service |
$ | 49,454 | $ | 49,778 | (0.7 | )% | ||||||
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Retail Supermarket |
16,632 | 9,375 | 77.4 | % | ||||||||
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Frozen Beverages |
51,459 | 50,365 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||
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Total Operating Income |
$ | 117,545 | $ | 109,518 | 7.3 | % | ||||||
FOOD SERVICE SEGMENT RESULTS
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Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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2024 |
2023 |
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|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
% Change |
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(in thousands) |
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Food Service Sales to External Customers |
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Soft pretzels |
$ | 222,237 | $ | 235,572 | (5.7 | )% | ||||||
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Frozen novelties |
147,995 | 145,425 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||
|
Churros |
114,306 | 108,927 | 4.9 | % | ||||||||
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Handhelds |
86,053 | 82,292 | 4.6 | % | ||||||||
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Bakery |
387,129 | 378,149 | 2.4 | % | ||||||||
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Other |
27,475 | 31,475 | (12.7 | )% | ||||||||
|
Total Food Service |
$ | 985,195 | $ | 981,840 | 0.3 | % | ||||||
|
Food Service Operating Income |
$ | 49,454 | $ | 49,778 | (0.7 | )% | ||||||
Sales to food service customers increased $3.4 million, or 0.3%, to $985.2 million in fiscal 2024. Soft pretzel sales to the food service market decreased 6% to $222.2 million for the year, with the decrease attributable to soft consumer spending in key channels, as well as the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2023. Frozen novelties sales increased $2.6 million, or 2%, to $148.0 million for the year, with a strong fiscal year performance seen across multiple brands within our frozen novelties portfolio despite the soft channel performance in amusement and convenience, which are key sales venues for Dippin’ Dots. Churro sales to food service customers were up 5% to $114.3 million for the year led by customer expansion and growing menu penetration. Sales of bakery products increased $9.0 million, or 2%, to $387.1 million for the year, with the increase attributable to contractual pricing true-up on costing on certain raw material ingredients, as well as, some volume increases amongst certain customers in the product category. Handheld sales to food service customers increased 5% to $86.1 million in fiscal 2024, with the increase largely attributable to pricing increases related to the contractual pricing true-up of costing on certain raw material ingredients, as well as some volume increases amongst certain customers in the product category.
Sales of new products in the first twelve months since their introduction were approximately $24.7 million for the fiscal year, driven primarily by the addition of churros to the menu of a major QSR customer. The benefit of the wrap of prior year price increases, as well as some current year contractual pricing true-up of costing on certain raw material ingredients had a slight favorable impact on sales in the fiscal year, and more than offset some very slight volume declines that were primarily attributable to the additional week in fiscal 2023.
Operating income in our Food Service segment remained relatively flat, with a slight decrease from $49.8 million in fiscal 2023 to $49.5 million in fiscal 2024, driven by the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2023 offsetting some slight improved gross margin performance.
RETAIL SUPERMARKETS SEGMENT RESULTS
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Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
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|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
% Change |
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(in thousands) |
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Retail Supermarket Sales to External Customers |
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|
Soft pretzels |
$ | 61,744 | $ | 60,272 | 2.4 | % | ||||||
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Frozen novelties |
112,192 | 115,807 | (3.1 | )% | ||||||||
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Biscuits |
24,229 | 25,074 | (3.4 | )% | ||||||||
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Handhelds |
26,253 | 16,655 | 57.6 | % | ||||||||
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Coupon redemption |
(3,162 | ) | (2,561 | ) | 23.5 | % | ||||||
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Other |
52 | 181 | (71.3 | )% | ||||||||
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Total Retail Supermarket |
$ | 221,308 | $ | 215,428 | 2.7 | % | ||||||
|
Retail Supermarket Operating Income |
$ | 16,632 | $ | 9,375 | 77.4 | % | ||||||
Sales of products to retail supermarkets increased $5.9 million, or 3%, to $221.3 million in fiscal year 2024. Soft pretzel sales to retail supermarkets were $61.7 million, an increase of $1.5 million, or 2%, from sales in fiscal 2023, with the increase largely attributable to the incremental distribution of our core soft pretzel brands. Sales of frozen novelties decreased $3.6 million, or 3%, to $112.2 million in fiscal 2024, with the decrease mostly attributable to the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2023. The favorable impact of very strong fiscal second and fiscal third quarters was mostly offset by a weaker fiscal fourth quarter for a majority of our frozen novelty brands. Sales of biscuits and dumplings decreased 3% to $24.2 million in fiscal 2024. Handheld sales to retail supermarket customers increased 58% to $26.3 million in fiscal 2024, with the increase largely driven by expanded placements of product with a major retailer.
Sales of new products in retail supermarkets were minimal in fiscal 2024. Sales in fiscal 2024 benefitted minimally from the impact of prior fiscal year’s price increases, and more than offset slight decreases in volume that were primarily attributable to the additional week in fiscal 2023.
Operating income in our Retail Supermarkets segment increased $7.3 million in fiscal 2024 to $16.6 million with the increase primarily driven by sales growth as well as improved gross margin performance in most of our retail product categories.
FROZEN BEVERAGES SEGMENT RESULTS
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Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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2024 |
2023 |
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|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
% Change |
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(in thousands) |
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Frozen Beverages |
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|
Beverages |
$ | 230,030 | $ | 224,655 | 2.4 | % | ||||||
|
Repair and maintenance service |
96,589 | 95,941 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||
|
Machines revenue |
38,188 | 37,933 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||
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Other |
3,445 | 3,032 | 13.6 | % | ||||||||
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Total Frozen Beverages |
$ | 368,252 | $ | 361,561 | 1.9 | % | ||||||
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Frozen Beverages Operating Income |
$ | 51,459 | $ | 50,365 | 2.2 | % | ||||||
Total frozen beverage segment sales increased $6.7 million or 2% to $368.3 million in fiscal 2024. Beverage-related sales increased 2%, or $5.4 million, in fiscal 2024. Gallon sales decreased 3% from the prior fiscal year, primarily reflecting a weaker theater performance as the prior year’s actors’ strike impacted the volume and quality of movie releases, although the weakness began to soften in Q4 as some stronger releases began to hit the market. Service revenue increased 1% to $96.6 million in fiscal 2024 and machines revenue, primarily sales of frozen beverage machines, increased 1% to $38.2 million in fiscal 2024.
The estimated number of Company-owned frozen beverage dispensers was 24,000 and 23,000 at September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Operating income in our Frozen Beverage segment increased 2%, or $1.1 million, in fiscal 2024.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Fiscal Year 2023 (53 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year 2022 (52 weeks)
The discussion of our results of operations for Fiscal Year 2023 (53 weeks) compared to Fiscal Year 2022 (52 weeks) can be found in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2023 and such discussion is incorporated by reference herein.
ACQUISITIONS
Dippin’ Dots Acquisition
On June 21, 2022, J & J Snack Foods Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, DD Acquisition Holdings, LLC, completed the acquisition of one hundred percent (100%) of the equity interests of Dippin’ Dots Holding, L.L.C. (“Dippin’ Dots”) which, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns and operates the Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn businesses. The purchase price was approximately $223.6 million, consisting entirely of cash.
Dippin’ Dots is a leading producer of flash-frozen beaded ice cream treats, and the acquisition will leverage synergies in entertainment and amusement locations, theaters, and convenience to continue to expand our business. The acquisition also includes the Doc Popcorn business operated by Dippin’ Dots.
The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and its operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates.
Thinsters Acquisition
On April 8, 2024, J & J Snack Foods Corp. completed the acquisition of the Thinsters cookie business from Hain Celestial Group. The purchase price was approximately $7.0 million, consisting entirely of cash.
The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and its operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates.
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 satisfy our cash requirements over the next twelve months and beyond, as well as fund future growth and expansion.
Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fiscal 2023
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
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|
(in thousands) |
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|
Cash flows from operating activities |
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|
Net earnings |
$ | 86,551 | $ | 78,906 | ||||
|
Non-cash items in net income: |
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|
Depreciation of fixed assets |
63,411 | 56,616 | ||||||
|
Amortization of intangibles and deferred costs |
7,190 | 6,525 | ||||||
|
Intangible asset impairment charges |
- | 1,678 | ||||||
|
Losses (Gains) from disposals of property & equipment |
11 | (409 | ) | |||||
|
Share-based compensation |
6,220 | 5,318 | ||||||
|
Deferred income taxes |
6,434 | 10,935 | ||||||
|
(Gain) on marketable securities |
- | (8 | ) | |||||
|
Other |
(199 | ) | 323 | |||||
|
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of companies |
3,448 | 12,395 | ||||||
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 173,066 | $ | 172,279 | ||||
|
● |
The increase in depreciation of fixed assets was largely due to prior year purchases of property, plant and equipment. |
|
● |
The decrease in deferred income taxes was primarily related to higher increased deferred tax liabilities in the prior year which arose in connection with overall depreciation related temporary differences in fiscal year 2023. |
|
● |
Cash flows associated with changes in assets and liabilities, net effects from purchase of companies, generated approximately $3.4 million of cash in fiscal 2024 compared with $12.4 million of cash in fiscal 2023. The higher generation of cash in fiscal 2023 was largely the result of an improved collections environment in fiscal 2023 as compared with fiscal 2022, as well as a strategic push to lower our investment in inventory related working capital balances. In fiscal 2024, $7.9 million of cash was generated through a decrease in accounts receivable, and a continued improving collections environment, with the cash generation partially offset by a $3.0 million increase in prepaid expenses, a $1.0 million increase in inventory and a $0.5 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. |
|
● |
Proceeds from insurance for fixed assets related to proceeds received in connection with losses incurred related to the fire at our Holly Ridge plant. |
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
|||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||
|
Payments for purchases of companies, net of cash acquired |
(7,014 | ) | - | |||||
|
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
(73,569 | ) | (104,737 | ) | ||||
|
Proceeds from redemption and sales of marketable securities |
- | 9,716 | ||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment | 699 | 1,781 | ||||||
|
Proceeds from insurance for fixed assets |
2,218 | - | ||||||
|
Net cash (used in) investing activities |
$ | (77,666 | ) | $ | (93,240 | ) | ||
|
● |
The payments for purchases of companies, net of cash acquired, in fiscal 2024 related to the Thinsters acquisition. |
|
● |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment include spending for production growth, in addition to acquiring new equipment, infrastructure replacements, and upgrades to maintain competitive standing and position us for future opportunities. The decrease in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to increased spend for new lines at various plants aimed at increasing capacity that had occurred in fiscal 2023. |
|
● |
Proceeds from redemption and sales of marketable securities decreased in fiscal 2024 as in prior years, we strategically chose to no longer re-invest redeemed proceeds into marketable securities given the low interest rate environment. |
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
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|
2024 |
2023 |
|||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||
|
Proceeds from issuance of stock |
15,740 | 15,212 | ||||||
|
Borrowings under credit facility |
71,000 | 114,000 | ||||||
|
Repayment of borrowings under credit facility |
(98,000 | ) | (142,000 | ) | ||||
|
Payments on finance lease obligations |
(151 | ) | (180 | ) | ||||
|
Payment of cash dividends |
(56,957 | ) | (53,877 | ) | ||||
|
Net cash (used in) financing activities |
$ | (68,368 | ) | $ | (66,845 | ) | ||
|
● |
Borrowings under credit facility and repayment of borrowings under credit facility relate to the Company’s cash draws and repayments made to primarily fund working capital needs and represent the continued net pay-down of borrowings outstanding across both fiscal periods. |
|
● |
Dividends paid during fiscal 2024 increased as our quarterly dividend was raised during fiscal 2024. |
Liquidity
As of September 28, 2024, we had $73.4 million of cash and cash equivalents.
In December 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with our existing banks which provided for up to a $50 million revolving credit facility repayable in December 2026.
On June 21, 2022, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement, the “Amended Credit Agreement” which provided for an incremental increase of $175 million in available borrowings. The Amended Credit Agreement also includes an option to increase the size of the revolving credit facility by up to an amount not to exceed in the aggregate the greater of $225 million or, $50 million plus the Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrowers, subject to the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions.
Interest accrues, at the Company’s election at (i) the BSBY Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus an applicable margin, based upon the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (a rate based on the higher of (a) the prime rate announced from time-to-time by the Administrative Agent, (b) the Federal Reserve System’s federal funds rate, plus 0.50% or (c) the Daily BSBY Rate, plus an applicable margin). The Alternate Base Rate is defined in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, including without limitation (i) covenants to maintain a minimum specified interest coverage ratio and maximum specified net leverage ratio, and (ii) subject to certain exceptions, covenants that prevent or restrict the Company’s ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, alter its capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, or amend its organizational documents. As of September 28, 2024, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Agreement.
As of September 28, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings drawn on the Amended Credit Agreement. As of September 28, 2024, we had $212.7 million of additional borrowing capacity, after giving effect to the $12.3 million of letters of credit outstanding.
The Company’s material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations:
Purchase Commitments
Our most significant raw material requirements include flour, packaging, shortening, corn syrup, sugar, juice, cheese, chocolate, and a variety of nuts. We attempt 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. As of September 28, 2024, we have approximately $122 million of such commitments. The purchase commitments do not exceed our projected requirements over the related terms and are in the normal course of business.
Leases
We have operating leases with initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year covering the rental of various facilities and equipment. Our operating leases include leases for real estate from some of our office, distribution and manufacturing facilities as well as manufacturing and non-manufacturing equipment used in our business. As of September 28, 2024, we have operating lease payment obligations of $159.8 million, with $19.1 million payable within 12 months.
Off –Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has off-balance sheet arrangements for purchase commitments as of September 28, 2024.
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, allowance for estimated credit losses, valuation of goodwill and long-lived and intangible assets, insurance reserves, and income taxes and business combinations.
Revenue Recognition
The singular performance obligation of our customer contracts for product and machine sales is determined by each individual purchase order and the respective products ordered, with revenue being recognized at a point-in-time when the obligation under the terms of the agreement is satisfied and product control is transferred to our customer. Specifically, control transfers to our customers when the product is delivered to, installed, or picked up by our customers based upon applicable shipping terms, as our customers can direct the use and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the product at this point in time. The performance obligations in our customer contracts for product are generally satisfied within 30 days.
The singular performance obligation of our customer contracts for time and material repair and maintenance equipment service is the performance of the repair and maintenance with revenue being recognized at a point-in-time when the repair and maintenance is completed.
The singular performance obligation of our customer repair and maintenance equipment service contracts is the performance of the repair and maintenance with revenue being recognized over the time the service is expected to be performed. Our customers are billed for service contracts in advance of performance and therefore we have contract liability on our balance sheet.
Revenue is measured by the transaction price, which is defined as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations noted above. The transaction price is adjusted for estimates of known or expected variable consideration which includes sales discounts, trade promotions and certain other sales and customer incentives, including rebates and coupon redemptions. Variable consideration related to these programs is recorded as a reduction to revenue when the related revenue is recognized, and is recorded using the most likely amount method, with updates to estimates and related accruals of variable consideration occurring each period based on historical experience, changes in circumstances and other factors, including review of contractual pricing and rebate arrangements with customers.
We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be material change in the estimates or assumptions used to recognize revenue. As noted above, estimates are made based on historical experience and other factors. However, if the level of redemption rates or performance was to vary significantly from estimates, we may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material. We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to recognize revenue during the past three fiscal years.
Allowance for Estimated Credit Losses
We provide an allowance for estimated credit losses after taking into consideration historical experience and other factors. On September 27, 2020, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB in ASU 2016-13 Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires companies to recognize an allowance that reflects a current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the asset. The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses. The allowance for estimated credit losses considers a number of factors including the age of receivable balances, the history of losses, expectations of future credit losses and the customers’ ability to pay off obligations.
We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to value our accounts receivable. Since adoption of the new guidance on September 27, 2020, we have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to value accounts receivable.
Valuation of Goodwill
We have three reporting units with goodwill. Goodwill is evaluated annually by the Company for impairment. We perform impairment tests at year end for our reporting units, which are also the operating segment levels 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 28, 2024 show that the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded its carrying value by at least 50%. 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. We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to value goodwill during the past three fiscal years.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets
We record an impairment charge to property, plant and equipment and amortizing intangible assets in accordance with the applicable accounting standards, when, based on certain indicators of impairment, we believe such assets have experienced a decline in value that is other than temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of these underlying assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the asset that may not be reflected in the asset’s current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring impairment charges in the future.
Indefinite lived intangibles are reviewed annually for impairment. The fair value of our indefinite lived intangible assets is calculated using either a relief from royalty valuation approach, or the excess earnings method. We are required to make estimates and assumptions about sales growth, royalty rates, and discount rates based on budgets, business plans, economic projections, and marketplace data. Our impairment analysis contains uncertainties due to uncontrollable events that could positively or negatively impact the future economic and operating conditions.
We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to evaluate impairment of long-lived assets and other intangibles during the last three fiscal years. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate fair value of these assets, it is possible a material change could occur. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, it could result in a material impairment of our long-lived assets and other intangibles.
Insurance Reserves
We have a self-insured medical plan which covers approximately 1,800 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. Considering that we have stop loss coverage of $225,000 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.
We self-insure, up to loss limits, workers’ compensation, automobile and general liability claims. Insurance reserves are calculated on a combination of an undiscounted basis based on actual claims data and estimates of incurred but not reported claims developed utilizing historical claims trends. Projected settlements of incurred but not reported claims are estimated based on pending claims, historical trends, industry trends related to expected losses and actual reported losses, and key assumptions, including loss development factors and expected loss rates.
We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to establish our self-insurance liability during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimate or assumptions used to calculate our self-insurance liability. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.
Income Taxes
The annual tax rate is based on our income and statutory tax rates. Changes in statutory rates and tax laws in jurisdictions in which we operate may have a material effect on our annual tax rate. The effect of these changes, if any, would be recognized as a discrete item upon enactment.
Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenues and expenses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid.
We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to account for income taxes during the past three fiscal years. Changes in tax laws and rates could affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Other than those potential impacts, we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in tax related balances.
Business Combinations
We use assumptions and estimates in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. We use various models to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed, such as the net realizable value method to value inventory, and the cost method and market approach to value property, plant and equipment. The determination of the fair value of intangible assets, which can represent a significant portion of the purchase price of our acquisitions, requires the use of significant judgement with regard to the fair value, and whether such intangibles are amortizable or non-amortizable and, if the former, the period and method by which the intangible will be amortized. We estimate the fair value of acquisition-related intangibles either through the relief of royalty method or multi-period excess earnings method, or based on projections of cash flows that will arise from identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses, which includes estimate of customer attrition. The projected cash flows are discounted to determine the present value of the assets at the date of acquisition. For significant acquisitions, we may use independent third-party valuation specialists to assist us in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to account for business combinations during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimate or assumptions used to determine the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed in a business combination. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to impairment charges that could be material.
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 hedging is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. As of September 28, 2024, the Company had no interest rate swap contracts.
Interest Rate Risk
At September 28, 2024, the Company had no debt outstanding.
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 28, 2024, 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 Exchange Act for financial reporting, as of September 28, 2024. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as a result of a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as described below.
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 SEC. 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.
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; |
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● |
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 28, 2024. 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 identified a material weakness related to ineffective information technology general controls (ITGCs), including certain controls over logical access and change management. As a result, certain business process controls that are dependent on the ineffective ITGCs, or rely on the data produced from systems impacted by the ineffective ITGCs, were also deemed ineffective. Management has therefore concluded that, as of September 28, 2024, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective.
The material weakness did not result in any material misstatements to our previously issued financial statements, nor in the financial statements included in this Form 10-K.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, audited our internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2024. Their report, dated November 26, 2024, expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 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.
Management’s Remediation Plans and Status
Our management is committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment. In response to the identified material weakness above, management has already taken steps to substantially remediate this material weakness and will continue to take further steps until such remediation is complete. Remediation efforts include ensuring that change management and user access controls are performed timely. Our remediation plan also includes: (i) enhancing processes around reviewing privileged access to key financial systems, (ii) strengthening change management procedures, (iii) expanding the management and governance over ITGCs, (iv) enhancing existing access management procedures and ownership.
As management continues to evaluate and work to improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional measures to address these control deficiencies or modify certain remediation measures described above. We anticipate that the foregoing efforts, when implemented and tested for a sufficient period of time, will remediate the material weakness described above.
Item 9B. Other Information
of our directors or executive officers adopted, modified or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K.
There was no information required on Form 8-K during the quarter that was not reported.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
The information required relating to directors, director nominees and executive officers of the registrant is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Biographical Information about the Nominees and Directors,” “Board Committees” and “Executive Officers” contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 12, 2025 (the “Proxy Statement”).
The information relating to the identification of the audit committee, audit committee financial expert and director nomination procedures of the registrant is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “The Audit Committee” and “The Nominating Committee” contained in the Proxy Statement.
The information concerning Section 16(a) Compliance appearing under the caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has adopted insider trading policies and procedures applicable to our directors, officers, and employees, and have implemented processes for the company, that we believe are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules, and regulations, and the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC listing standards.
Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits our employees and related persons and entities from trading in securities of J & J Snack Foods Corp. and other companies while in possession of material, nonpublic information. Our General Insider Trading Policy also prohibits our employees from disclosing material, nonpublic information of J & J Snack Foods Corp., or another publicly traded company, to others who may trade on the basis of that information. A copy of our Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1 to this Form 10-K.
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., 350 Fellowship Rd., Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054, Attn: Secretary. 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 Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference.
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 and the information concerning equity compensation plans appearing in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships And Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain Relationships” and “Director Independence” is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees And Services
The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
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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 |
2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.6
4.7
4.8
10.4*
10.5*
10.6*
10.7*
10.8*
10.9*
19.1**
J & J Snack Foods Corp. Insider Trading Policy
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**
32.2**
97.1**
J & J Snack Foods Corp. Clawback Policy
101**
The following financial information from J & J Snack Foods Corp.'s Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2024, formatted in iXBRL (Inline extensible Business Reporting Language):
|
(i) |
Consolidated Balance Sheets, |
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(ii) |
Consolidated Statements of Earnings, |
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(iii) |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, |
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(iv) |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, |
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(v) |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and |
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(vi) |
The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
*Compensatory Plan
**Filed Herewith
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.
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.
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November 26, 2024 |
By: |
/s/ Dan Fachner |
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|
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Dan Fachner, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
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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 26, 2024 | /s/ Dan Fachner | |
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Dan Fachner, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
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| November 26, 2024 | /s/ Ken A. Plunk | |
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Ken A. Plunk, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) (Principal Accounting Officer) |
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| November 26, 2024 | ||
| Gerald B. Shreiber, Director | ||
| November 26, 2024 | /s/ Sidney R. Brown | |
| Sidney R. Brown, Director | ||
| November 26, 2024 | /s/ Peter G. Stanley | |
| Peter G. Stanley, Director | ||
| November 26, 2024 | /s/ Vincent A. Melchiorre | |
| Vincent A. Melchiorre, Director | ||
| November 26, 2024 | /s/ Marjorie S. Roshkoff | |
| Marjorie S. Roshkoff, Director | ||
| November 26, 2024 | /s/ Roy C. Jackson | |
| Roy C. Jackson, Director | ||
| November 26, 2024 | /s/ Mary M. Meder | |
| Mary M. Meder, Director |
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Financial Statements:
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID |
F-2 |
| Opinion of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting | F-4 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 | F-5 |
| Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2024, September 30, 2023, and September 24, 2022 | F-6 |
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2024, September 30, 2023, and September 24, 2022 | F-7 |
| Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2024, September 30, 2023, and September 24, 2022 | F-8 |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2024, September 30, 2023, and September 24, 2022 | F-9 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-10 |
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Financial Statement Schedule: |
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| Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | S-1 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of J&J Snack Foods Corp. (a New Jersey corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedule included under Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated November 26, 2024 expressed an adverse opinion.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Net Revenue Adjustments
As described further in note A to the consolidated financial statements, contracts with customers include some form of variable consideration, including sales discounts, trade promotions and certain other sales and consumer incentives, including rebates and coupon redemptions. Variable consideration is treated as a reduction in revenue when the related revenue is recognized, and is recorded using the most likely amount method, with updates to estimates and related accruals of variable consideration occurring each period based on historical experience and changes in circumstances. We identified the estimation of certain subsidiaries’ reserves for these net revenue adjustments by management as a critical audit matter.
The principal considerations for our determination that the estimation of certain subsidiaries’ reserves for these net revenue adjustments is a critical audit matter are that the inputs and assumptions utilized by management in estimating these reserves, including consistency of historical data and estimates of future customer credits, require significant judgment and create a high degree of estimation uncertainty. Consequently, auditing these assumptions require subjective auditor judgment.
Our audit procedures related to the estimation of the reserves included the following, among others:
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● |
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of key controls relating to management’s calculation of the reserves for net revenue adjustments, including understanding relevant inputs and assumptions of key management review controls over the period-end accrual of allowances and end-user pricing adjustments. |
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● |
We re-performed management’s process for calculating the reserves for net revenue adjustments. |
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● |
We evaluated key inputs relevant to the net revenue adjustments, including contractual pricing and rebate arrangements with customers and historical allowance data, which were compared to source documents. We evaluated key assumptions relevant to net revenue adjustments, including the consistency of historical data and estimates of future customer credits. |
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● |
We evaluated transactions subsequent to year end, which involved inspecting customer credits and relevant source documents submitted by customers related to the allowance, including end-user pricing adjustments. |
/s/
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1984.
November 26, 2024
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of J&J Snack Foods Corp. (a New Jersey corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 28, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described in the following paragraphs on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment.
Management identified a material weakness related to ineffective information technology general controls (ITGC’s), including certain controls over logical access and change management. As a result, certain business process controls that are dependent on the ineffective ITGCs, or rely on the data produced from systems impacted by the ineffective ITGC’s, were also deemed ineffective.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended September 28, 2024. The material weakness identified above was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2024 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated November 26, 2024 which expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible 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 the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
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.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 26, 2024
Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data
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J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES |
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
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(in thousands, except share amounts) |
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September 28, |
September 30, |
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2024 |
2023 |
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Assets |
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Accounts receivable, net |
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Inventories |
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Prepaid expenses and other |
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Total current assets |
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Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
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Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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Other non-current assets |
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Goodwill |
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Other intangible assets, net |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets |
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Other |
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Total other non-current assets |
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Total Assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
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Current liabilities |
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Current finance lease liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued insurance liability |
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Accrued liabilities |
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Current operating lease liabilities |
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Accrued compensation expense |
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Dividends payable |
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Total current liabilities |
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Long-term debt |
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Noncurrent finance lease liabilities |
||||||||
|
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities |
||||||||
|
Deferred income taxes |
||||||||
|
Other long-term liabilities |
||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note I) |
|
|
||||||
|
Stockholders' Equity |
||||||||
|
Preferred stock, $ |
||||||||
|
Common stock, par value; authorized, |
||||||||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Retained Earnings |
||||||||
|
Total stockholders' equity |
||||||||
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. |
|
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|||||
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS |
|||||
|
(in thousands, except per share information) |
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
(52 weeks) |
||||||||||
|
Net Sales |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Cost of goods sold |
||||||||||||
|
Gross Profit |
||||||||||||
|
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||
|
Marketing and selling |
||||||||||||
|
Distribution |
||||||||||||
|
Administrative |
||||||||||||
|
Intangible asset impairment charges |
||||||||||||
|
Other expense (income) |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Total operating expenses |
||||||||||||
|
Operating Income |
||||||||||||
|
Other income (expenses) |
||||||||||||
|
Investment income |
||||||||||||
|
Interest expense |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
|
Earnings before income taxes |
||||||||||||
|
Income taxes |
||||||||||||
|
NET EARNINGS |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Earnings per diluted share |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Weighted average number of diluted shares |
||||||||||||
|
Earnings per basic share |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Weighted average number of basic shares |
||||||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. |
| J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
||||||
|
(in thousands) |
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
(52 weeks) |
||||||||||
|
Net Earnings |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Comprehensive Income |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. |
|
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES |
||||||||||
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
|
Accumulated |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Common Stock |
Comprehensive |
Retained |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Loss |
Earnings |
Total |
||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as September 25, 2021 |
$ | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Common Stock issued in connection with employee and director plans, net of tax withheld |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||
|
Dividends declared |
- | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
- | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Net earnings |
- | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as September 24, 2022 |
$ | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Common Stock issued in connection with employee and director plans, net of tax withheld |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Dividends declared |
- | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
- | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Net earnings |
- | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Common Stock issued in connection with employee and director plans, net of tax withheld |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | (5,133 | ) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||
|
Dividends declared |
- | - | ( |
) |
( |
) |
||||||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
- | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Net earnings |
- | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as September 28, 2024 |
$ | $ | ( |
) |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. |
|
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES |
|||||
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
|||||
|
(in thousands) |
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
(52 weeks) |
||||||||||
|
Operating activities: |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities |
||||||||||||
|
Depreciation of fixed assets |
||||||||||||
|
Amortization of intangibles and deferred costs |
||||||||||||
|
Intangible asset impairment charges |
||||||||||||
|
(Gains) Losses from disposals of property & equipment |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
||||||||||||
|
Deferred income taxes |
||||||||||||
|
(Gain) Loss on marketable securities |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Other |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of companies |
||||||||||||
|
Decrease (Increase) in accounts receivable |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
(Increase) Decrease in inventories |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
(Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
(Decrease) Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
||||||||||||
|
Investing activities: |
||||||||||||
|
Payments for purchases of companies, net of cash acquired |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
|
Proceeds from redemption and sales of marketable securities |
||||||||||||
|
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment |
||||||||||||
| Proceeds from insurance for fixed assets | ||||||||||||
|
Net cash (used in) investing activities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
|
Financing activities: |
||||||||||||
|
Proceeds from issuance of stock |
||||||||||||
|
Borrowings under credit facility |
||||||||||||
|
Repayment of borrowings under credit facility |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
|
Payments for debt issuance costs |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Payments on finance lease obligations |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
|
Payment of cash dividend |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
||||||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these 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 foodservice and retail supermarket industries. A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows. Our 2024, 2023, and 2022 fiscal years comprised 52 weeks, 53 weeks, and 52 weeks, respectively.
|
1. |
Principles of Consolidation |
The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These 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 in accordance with ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.”
When Performance Obligations Are Satisfied
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account for revenue recognition. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied.
The singular performance obligation of our customer contracts for product and machine sales is determined by each individual purchase order and the respective products ordered, with revenue being recognized at a point-in-time when the obligation under the terms of the agreement is satisfied and product control is transferred to our customer. Specifically, control transfers to our customers when the product is delivered to, installed or picked up by our customers based upon applicable shipping terms, as our customers can direct the use and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the product at this point in time. The performance obligations in our customer contracts for product are generally satisfied within 30 days.
The singular performance obligation of our customer contracts for time and material repair and maintenance equipment service is the performance of the repair and maintenance with revenue being recognized at a point-in-time when the repair and maintenance is completed.
The singular performance obligation of our customer repair and maintenance equipment service contracts is the performance of the repair and maintenance with revenue being recognized over the time the service is expected to be performed. Our customers are billed for service contracts in advance of performance and therefore we have contract liability on our balance sheet.
Significant Payment Terms
In general, within our customer contracts, the purchase order identifies the product, quantity, price, pick-up allowances, payment terms and final delivery terms. Although some payment terms may be more extended, presently, the majority of our payment terms are 30 days. As a result, we have used the available practical expedient and, consequently, do not adjust our revenues for the effects of a significant financing component.
Shipping
All amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as revenues; therefore, we recognize revenue for 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.
Variable Consideration
In addition to fixed contract consideration, our contracts include some form of variable consideration, including sales discounts, trade promotions and certain other sales and consumer incentives, including rebates and coupon redemptions. In general, variable consideration is treated as a reduction in revenue when the related revenue is recognized. Depending on the specific type of variable consideration, we use the most likely amount method to determine the variable consideration. We believe there will be no significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration when any related uncertainties are resolved with our customers. We review and update our estimates and related accruals of variable consideration each period based on historical experience. Our recorded liability for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending was approximately $
Warranties & Returns
We provide all customers with a standard or assurance type warranty. Either stated or implied, we provide assurance the related products will comply with all agreed-upon specifications and other warranties provided under the law. No services beyond an assurance warranty are provided to our customers.
We do not grant a general right of return. However, customers may return defective or non-conforming products. Customer remedies may include either a cash refund or an exchange of the product. We do not estimate a right of return and related refund liability as returns of our products are rare.
Contract Balances
Our customers are billed for service contracts in advance of performance and therefore we have a contract liability on our balance sheet as follows:
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
|||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
|||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||
|
Beginning Balance |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Additions to contract liability |
||||||||
|
Amounts recognized as revenue |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Ending Balance |
$ | $ | ||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue
See Note N for disaggregation of our net sales by class of similar product and type of customer.
Allowance for Estimated Credit Losses
The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses. The allowance for estimated credit losses considers a number of factors including the age of receivable balances, the history of losses, expectations of future credit losses and the customers’ ability to pay off obligations. The allowance for estimated credit losses was $
|
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.
|
5. |
Cash Equivalents |
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
|
6. |
Concentrations and related risks |
We maintain cash balances at financial institutions located in various states and internationally. We have cash balances at four domestic banks totaling approximately $
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 have approximately
We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Our top customers accounted for
About
None of our vendors supplied more than 10% of our ingredients and packaging in 2024, 2023 or 2022.
Virtually all 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 estimated credit losses. At September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, our accounts receivables were $
|
7. |
Inventories |
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. 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.
|
8. |
Investment Securities |
We classify our investment securities in one of three categories: held to maturity, trading, or available for sale. We held no investment securities at September 28, 2024 or September 30, 2023.
|
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 leasehold 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, technology, non-compete agreements, and franchise agreements and certain tradenames are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from
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 in accordance with the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax amounts are determined by using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance reduces the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
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.
As of September 28, 2024, and September 30, 2023, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $
|
(in thousands) |
||||
|
Balance at September 30, 2023 |
$ | |||
|
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year |
||||
|
Reductions for tax positions of prior years |
||||
|
Settlements |
||||
|
Balance at September 28, 2024 |
$ | |||
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.
Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2024 was
|
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, service share units (“RSU”)’s and performance share units (“PSU”)’s) 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 28, 2024 |
||||||||||||
|
Income |
Shares |
Per Share |
||||||||||
|
(Numerator) |
(Denominator) |
Amount |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||
|
Basic EPS |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings available to common stockholders |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
|
Effect of dilutive securities |
||||||||||||
|
RSU's, PSU's and options |
$ | ( |
) | |||||||||
|
Diluted EPS |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
|
|
|
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||
|
Income |
Shares |
Per Share |
||||||||||
|
(Numerator) |
(Denominator) |
Amount |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||
|
Basic EPS |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings available to common stockholders |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
|
Effect of dilutive securities |
||||||||||||
|
RSU's, PSU's and options |
$ | ( |
) | |||||||||
|
Diluted EPS |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
|
|
|
Fiscal year ended September 24, 2022 |
||||||||||||
|
Income |
Shares |
Per Share |
||||||||||
|
(Numerator) |
(Denominator) |
Amount |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||
|
Basic EPS |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings available to common stockholders |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
|
Effect of dilutive securities |
||||||||||||
|
RSU's, PSU's and options |
$ | ( |
) | |||||||||
|
Diluted EPS |
||||||||||||
|
Net earnings available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
|
|
|
13. |
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation |
At September 28, 2024, the Company has two stock-based employee compensation plans. Pre-tax share-based compensation was recognized as follows:
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
|
Stock options |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Stock purchase plan |
||||||||||||
|
Stock issued to outside directors |
||||||||||||
|
Service share units issued to employees |
||||||||||||
|
Performance share units issued to employees |
||||||||||||
|
Total pre-tax share-based compensation |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Tax benefits |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. grants of options were made in fiscal 2024 or 2023. The following weighted average assumptions were used for grants in fiscal 2022: expected volatility of
Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the price of our common shares over the past
The Company issued
The Company also issued
|
14. |
Advertising Costs |
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense was $
|
15. |
Commodity Price Risk Management |
Our most significant raw material requirements include flour, packaging, shortening, corn syrup, sugar, juice, cheese, chocolate, and a variety of nuts. We attempt 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. As of September 28, 2024, we have approximately $
|
16. |
Research and Development Costs |
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Total research and development expense was $
|
17. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07 “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” This guidance requires all public entities to provide enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We are currently assessing the impact of the guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This guidance enhances the transparency around income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures, primarily related to the effective rate reconciliation and income taxes paid, to improve the overall effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
|
18. |
Reclassifications |
Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the presentation for the current year.
NOTE B – ACQUISITIONS
Dippin’ Dots
On June 21, 2022, J & J Snack Foods Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, DD Acquisition Holdings, LLC, completed the acquisition of one hundred percent (
Dippin’ Dots is a leading producer of flash-frozen beaded ice cream treats, and the acquisition will leverage synergies in entertainment and amusement locations, theaters, and convenience to continue to expand our business. The acquisition also includes the Doc Popcorn business operated by Dippin’ Dots.
The financial results of Dippin’ Dots have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition. Sales and net earnings of Dippin’ Dots were $
Dippin' Dots Results Included in the Company's Consolidated Results
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
|
Net sales |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Net earnings |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Upon acquisition, the assets and liabilities of Dippin’ Dots were adjusted to their respective fair values as of the closing date of the transaction, including the identifiable intangible assets acquired. In addition, the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill. The fair value estimates used in valuing certain acquired assets and liabilities are based, in part, on inputs that are unobservable. For intangible assets, these include, but are not limited to, forecasted future cash flows, revenue growth rates, attrition rates and discount rates.
In fiscal year 2023, we recorded a measurement period adjustment to the estimated fair values initially recorded on June 21, 2022, which resulted in an increase in Other Current Liabilities of $
The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations as if the business combination in 2022 had occurred as of September 27, 2020, after giving effect to acquisition-related adjustments, including: (1) depreciation and amortization of assets; (2) amortization of unfavorable contracts related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired; (3) change in the effective tax rate; (4) interest expense on any debt incurred to fund the acquisitions which would have been incurred had such acquisitions occurred as of September 27, 2020; and (5) merger and acquisition costs.
J & J Snack Foods Corp and Dippin' Dots Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||
|
September 24, |
||||
|
2022 |
||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||
|
Net sales |
$ | |||
|
Net earnings |
$ | |||
|
Earnings per diluted share |
$ | |||
|
Weighted average number of diluted shares |
||||
Thinsters
On April 8, 2024, J & J Snack Foods Corp. completed the acquisition of the Thinsters cookie business from Hain Celestial Group as part of our growth strategy to increase our product portfolio. The purchase price was approximately $
The allocation of the purchase price to major classes of assets and liabilities was completed as of September 28, 2024. The purchase price allocation includes $
The financial results of Thinsters have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition. Sales and net earnings of Thinsters were not deemed to be material for the year ended September 28, 2024. Thinsters is reported as part of our Food Service segment. Acquisition costs of $0.3 million were included within Administrative expenses for the year ended September 28, 2024.
NOTE C – INVESTMENT SECURITIES
We classify our investment securities as marketable securities held to maturity and available for sale. The FASB defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the FASB has established three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
|
Level 1 |
Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
|
Level 2 |
Observable inputs, other than Level 1 inputs in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and |
|
Level 3 |
Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. |
Historically, our marketable securities held to maturity and available for sale consisted primarily of investments in mutual funds, preferred stock and corporate bonds. The fair values of mutual funds are based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of preferred stock and corporate bonds are based on quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. As a result, preferred stock and corporate bonds are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
As of September 28, 2024 and as of September 30, 2023, the Company held no held to maturity investment securities or marketable securities available for sale.
Proceeds from the sale and redemption of marketable securities were $
NOTE D – INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
|||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
|||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||
|
Finished goods |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Raw materials |
||||||||
|
Packaging materials |
||||||||
|
Equipment parts and other |
||||||||
|
Total inventories |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE E – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
| September 28, |
September 30, |
Estimated |
|||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
Useful Lives (in years) | |||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
|||||||||||||
|
Land |
$ | $ | - | ||||||||||
|
Buildings and improvements |
- | ||||||||||||
|
Plant machinery and equipment |
- | ||||||||||||
|
Marketing equipment |
- | ||||||||||||
|
Transportation equipment |
|||||||||||||
|
Office equipment |
|
- | |||||||||||
|
Construction in Progress |
- | ||||||||||||
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|||||||||||||
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
$ | $ | |||||||||||
Depreciation expense was $
NOTE F – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Our reportable segments are Food Service, Retail Supermarket, and Frozen Beverages.
Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of acquired intangible assets for the reportable segments are as follows:
| September 28, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|
Gross |
Gross |
|||||||||||||||
|
Carrying |
Accumulated |
Carrying |
Accumulated |
|||||||||||||
|
Amount |
Amortization |
Amount |
Amortization |
|||||||||||||
|
FOOD SERVICE |
||||||||||||||||
|
Indefinite lived intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||
|
Trade names |
$ | $ | - | $ | $ | - | ||||||||||
|
Amortized intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||
|
Trade names |
||||||||||||||||
|
Franchise agreements |
||||||||||||||||
|
Customer relationships |
||||||||||||||||
|
Technology |
||||||||||||||||
|
License and rights |
||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL FOOD SERVICE |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
RETAIL SUPERMARKETS |
||||||||||||||||
|
Indefinite lived intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||
|
Trade names |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Amortized intangible Assets |
||||||||||||||||
|
Customer relationships |
||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL RETAIL SUPERMARKETS |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
FROZEN BEVERAGES |
||||||||||||||||
|
Indefinite lived intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||
|
Trade names |
$ | $ | - | $ | $ | - | ||||||||||
|
Distribution rights |
- | - | ||||||||||||||
|
Amortized intangible assets |
||||||||||||||||
|
Customer relationships |
||||||||||||||||
|
Licenses and rights |
||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL FROZEN BEVERAGES |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
CONSOLIDATED |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The gross carrying amount of intangible assets is determined by applying a discounted cash flow model to the future sales and earnings associated with each intangible asset or is set by contract cost. The amortization period used for definite lived intangible assets is set by contract period or by the period over which the bulk of the discounted cash flow is expected to be generated. We currently believe that we will receive the benefit from the use of the trade names and distribution rights classified as indefinite lived intangible assets indefinitely and they are therefore not amortized.
Licenses and rights, customer relationships, franchise agreements, technology, certain trade names, and non-compete agreements are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from
Amortizing and indefinite lived 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 also reviewed annually at year end 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 which include Level 3 inputs such as annual growth rates and discount rates. 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.
In connection with our annual impairment assessment conducted during the fourth quarter of 2023, we determined that the carrying amounts of three trade names exceeded their fair value as of September 30, 2023. As a result, the Company recorded an indefinite lived intangible asset impairment charge of $
In fiscal year 2024, intangible assets of $
Aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for the fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $
Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approximately $
The weighted amortization period of the intangible assets, in total, is
Goodwill
The carrying amounts of goodwill for the reportable segments are as follows:
|
Food |
Retail |
Frozen |
||||||||||||||
|
Service |
Supermarket |
Beverages |
Total |
|||||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||
|
September 28, 2024 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
September 30, 2023 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The carrying value of goodwill is determined based on the excess of the purchase price of acquisitions over the estimated fair value of tangible and intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated annually at year end by management for impairment. Our impairment analysis for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 was based on a combination of the income approach, which estimates the fair value of reporting units based on discounted cash flows, and the market approach, which estimates the fair value of reporting units based on comparable market prices and multiples. Under the income approach the Company used a discounted cash flow which requires Level 3 inputs such as: annual growth rates, discount rates based upon the weighted average cost of capital and terminal values based upon current stock market multiples. There were impairment charges to goodwill in fiscal years 2024, 2023, or 2022.
goodwill was acquired in fiscal year 2024. In fiscal year 2023, goodwill of $
NOTE G – LONG-TERM DEBT
In December 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with our existing banks which provided for up to a $
Interest accrues, at the Company’s election at (i) the BSBY Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus an applicable margin, based upon the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (a rate based on the higher of (a) the prime rate announced from time-to-time by the Administrative Agent, (b) the Federal Reserve System’s federal funds rate, plus
The Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, including without limitation (i) covenants to maintain a minimum specified interest coverage ratio and maximum specified net leverage ratio, and (ii) subject to certain exceptions, covenants that prevent or restrict the Company’s ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, alter its capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, or amend its organizational documents. As of September 28, 2024, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Agreement.
On June 21, 2022, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement, the “Amended Credit Agreement” which provided for an incremental increase of $
As of September 28, 2024, there was outstanding balance under the Amended Credit Agreement. As of September 28, 2024, the amount available under the Amended Credit Agreement was $
NOTE H – INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense is as follows:
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
|
Current |
||||||||||||
|
U.S. Federal |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | |||||||
|
Foreign |
||||||||||||
|
State |
||||||||||||
|
Total current expense |
||||||||||||
|
Deferred |
||||||||||||
|
U.S. Federal |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Foreign |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
State |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Total deferred expense | ||||||||||||
|
Total expense |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
The provisions for income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
|
Income taxes at federal statutory rates |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: |
||||||||||||
|
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit |
||||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
( |
) | ||||||||||
| Tax effect in jurisdictions where rates differ from state | ||||||||||||
|
Other, net |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Income tax expense |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2024 was
Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
|||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
|||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||
|
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
|
Vacation accrual |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Capital loss carry forwards |
||||||||
|
Unrealized gains/losses |
||||||||
|
Accrued insurance liability |
||||||||
|
Operating lease liabilities |
||||||||
|
Deferred income |
||||||||
|
Allowances |
||||||||
|
Inventory capitalization |
||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
||||||||
|
Net operating loss |
||||||||
|
Bonus accrual |
||||||||
|
Foreign tax credit |
||||||||
|
Total deferred tax assets |
||||||||
|
Valuation allowance |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Total deferred tax assets, net |
||||||||
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
|
Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets |
||||||||
|
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
||||||||
|
Right-of-use assets |
||||||||
|
Accounting method change 481(a) |
||||||||
|
Total deferred tax liabilities |
||||||||
|
Total deferred tax liabilities, net |
$ | $ | ||||||
As of September 28, 2024, we have a federal net operating loss carry forward of approximately $
We have undistributed earnings of our Mexican and Canadian subsidiaries. We are no longer permanently reinvested in earnings of our foreign subsidiaries for any year. No material amount of additional U.S. federal income taxes is anticipated if our undistributed earnings in our Mexican and Canadian subsidiaries were repatriated to the U.S. However, if such funds were repatriated, it would not be a material amount, as a substantial amount, if not all of the earnings, are expected to be used in the respective foreign jurisdiction for business operations. The portion of funds that may be repatriated may be subject to a minimal amount of applicable federal and state income taxes and non-U.S. income and withholding taxes. The amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities related to potential federal and state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes is immaterial.
We have closely monitored the development of Pillar Two – Global Minimum Tax – introduced by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) and the impact on the Company’s effective tax rate. While we do not currently estimate a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, we will continue to monitor the impact as countries implement legislation and the OECD provides additional guidance.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was signed into law. The IRA made several changes to the U.S. tax code effective after December 31, 2022, including, but not limited to, a 15% minimum tax on large corporations with average annual financial statement income of more than $1 billion for a three tax-year period and a 1% excise tax on public company stock buybacks, which will be accounted for in treasury stock. We do not expect these changes to have a material impact on our provision for income taxes or financial statements.
NOTE I ‑ COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are a party to litigation which has arisen in the normal course of business which management currently believes will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
We self-insure, up to loss limits, certain insurable risks such as workers’ compensation, automobile, and general liability claims. Accruals for claims under our self-insurance program are recorded on a claims incurred basis. Our total recorded liability for all years’ claims incurred but not yet paid was $
We have a self-insured medical plan which covers approximately
On August 19, 2024, we experienced a fire at our Holly Ridge plant in North Carolina. The building was damaged as a result of the fire, and plant operations were interrupted. We maintain property, general liability and business interruption insurance coverage. Based on the provisions of our insurance policies, we record estimated insurance recoveries for fire related costs for which recovery is deemed to be probable. In fiscal year 2024, we recorded $
NOTE J ‑ CAPITAL STOCK
With the exception of shares withheld to cover taxes associated with the vesting of certain restricted stock units held by officers and employees, we did purchase any shares of our common stock in our fiscal years ended September 28, 2024, September 30, 2023, and September 24, 2022.
NOTE K – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, stock options, which qualify as incentive stock options as well as stock options which are nonqualified, restricted stock units, and performance awards may be granted to officers and our key employees.
The exercise price of incentive stock options is at least the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price for nonqualified options is determined by a committee of the Board of Directors. The options are generally exercisable after years and expire no later than years from date of grant. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
Performance awards may include (i) specific dollar-value target awards, (ii) performance units, or (iii) performance shares. The vesting of performance based awards, if any, is dependent upon the achievement of certain performance targets. If the performance standards are not achieved, all unvested units will expire, and any accrued expense will be reversed. The fair value of the grant is determined based upon the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.
There are approximately
We have an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) whereby employees purchase stock by making contributions through payroll deductions for six-month periods. The purchase price of the stock is
Stock Options
A summary of the status of our stock option plans as of fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 and the changes during the years ended on those dates is represented below:
|
Incentive Stock Options |
Nonqualified Stock Options |
|||||||||||||||
|
Weighted- |
Weighted- |
|||||||||||||||
|
Stock |
Average |
Stock |
Average |
|||||||||||||
|
Options |
Exercise |
Options |
Exercise |
|||||||||||||
|
Outstanding |
Price |
Outstanding |
Price |
|||||||||||||
|
Balance, September 25, 2021 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Exercised |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
Canceled |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
Balance, September 24, 2022 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Exercised |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
Canceled |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
Balance, September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Exercised |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
Canceled |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
Balance, September 28, 2024 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Exercisable Options September 28, 2024 |
||||||||||||||||
There were incentive stock option grants in fiscal years 2024 or 2023. The weighted-average fair value of incentive stock options granted during fiscal year ended September 24, 2022 was $
The total cash received from these option exercises was $
At September 28, 2024, the Company has unrecognized compensation expense of approximately $
The following table summarizes information about incentive stock options outstanding as of September 28, 2024:
|
Options Outstanding |
Options Exercisable |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Number |
Weighted- |
Number |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Outstanding |
Average |
Weighted- |
Outstanding |
Weighted- |
||||||||||||||||||
|
at |
Remaining |
Average |
at |
Average |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Range of |
September 28, |
Contractual |
Exercise |
September 28, |
Exercise |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Exercise Prices |
2024 |
Life |
Price |
2024 |
Price |
|||||||||||||||||
|
$ |
- |
$ |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
|
$ |
- |
$ |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Total options |
||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes information about nonqualified stock options outstanding as of September 28, 2024:
|
Options Outstanding |
Options Exercisable |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Number |
Weighted- |
Number |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Outstanding |
Average |
Weighted- |
Outstanding |
Weighted- |
||||||||||||||||||
|
at |
Remaining |
Average |
at |
Average |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Range of |
September 28, |
Contractual |
Exercise |
September 28, |
Exercise |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Exercise Prices |
2024 |
Life |
Price |
2024 |
Price |
|||||||||||||||||
| $ |
- |
$ |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| $ |
- |
$ |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total options | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Units
A summary of our service share units (“RSU”)’s as of fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 and the changes during the years ended on those dates is represented below.
|
Weighted- |
||||||||||||||||
|
Average |
||||||||||||||||
|
Number of |
Grant-Date |
Weighted- |
||||||||||||||
|
Restricted |
Fair Value |
Average Remaining |
Aggregate |
|||||||||||||
|
Stock Units |
Per Share |
Contractual Life |
Intrinsic Value |
|||||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 25, 2021 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Vested |
||||||||||||||||
|
Canceled |
||||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 24, 2022 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Vested |
( |
) |
||||||||||||||
|
Canceled |
||||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Vested |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Canceled |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 28, 2024 |
||||||||||||||||
As of September 28, 2024, the Company has unrecognized compensation expense of approximately $
Performance Share Units
A summary of our performance share units (“PSU”)’s as of fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 and the changes during the years ended on those dates is represented below. The shares are represented at the target award amounts based upon the respective performance share agreements. Actual shares that will vest depend on the level of attainment of the performance-based criteria.
|
Weighted- |
||||||||||||||||
|
Average |
||||||||||||||||
|
Number of |
Grant-Date |
Weighted- |
||||||||||||||
|
Performance |
Fair Value |
Average Remaining |
Aggregate |
|||||||||||||
|
Share Units |
Per Share |
Contractual Life |
Intrinsic Value |
|||||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 25, 2021 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Vested |
||||||||||||||||
|
Canceled |
||||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 24, 2022 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Vested |
||||||||||||||||
|
Canceled (1) |
( |
) |
||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 30, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Vested |
||||||||||||||||
|
Canceled (1) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Nonvested at September 28, 2024 |
||||||||||||||||
|
(1) |
|
As of September 28, 2024, the Company has unrecognized compensation expense of approximately $
NOTE L – 401(k) PROFIT‑SHARING PLAN
We maintain a 401(k) profit-sharing plan for our employees. Under this plan, we may make discretionary profit sharing and matching 401(k) contributions. Contributions of $
NOTE M – CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following is supplemental cash flow information:
|
Fiscal year ended |
||||||||||||
|
September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
||||||||||
|
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
||||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
|
Cash paid for: |
||||||||||||
|
Interest |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
|
Income taxes |
||||||||||||
|
Non cash items: |
||||||||||||
|
Obtaining a right-of-use asset in exchange for a lease liability |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
NOTE N – SEGMENT REPORTING
We principally sell our products to the food service and retail supermarket industries. Sales and results of our frozen beverages business are monitored separately from the balance of our food service business because of different distribution and capital requirements. We maintain separate and discrete financial information for the operating segments mentioned above which is available to our Chief Operating Decision Maker. We have applied no aggregation criteria to any of these operating segments in order to determine reportable segments. Our reportable segments are Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and Frozen Beverages. All inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing net sales and operating income. These segments are described below.
Food Service
The primary products sold by the Food Service segment are soft pretzels, frozen novelties, churros, 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 and casual dining restaurants; 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 or for take-away.
Retail Supermarkets
The primary products sold to the retail supermarket channel are soft pretzel products – including SUPERPRETZEL and AUNTIE ANNE’S, frozen novelties including LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID Juice Bars and Soft Frozen Lemonade, WHOLE FRUIT frozen fruit bars and sorbet, DOGSTERS ice cream style treats for dogs, PHILLY SWIRL cups and sticks, ICEE Squeeze-Up Tubes and handheld products. 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 foodservice industry primarily under the names ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE and PARROT ICE in the United States, Mexico and Canada. We also provide repair and maintenance services to customers for customer-owned equipment.
The Chief Operating Decision Maker for Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and Frozen Beverages reviews monthly detailed operating income statements and sales reports in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. Sales and operating income are key variables monitored by the Chief Operating Decision Maker and management when determining each segment’s and the company’s financial condition and operating performance. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews and evaluates depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment. Information regarding the operations in these reportable segments is as follows:
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September 28, |
September 30, |
September 24, |
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2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
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(52 weeks) |
(53 weeks) |
(52 weeks) |
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(in thousands) |
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Sales to external customers: |
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Food Service |
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Soft pretzels |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Frozen novelties |
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Churros |
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Handhelds |
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Bakery |
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Other |
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Total Food Service |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Retail Supermarket |
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Soft pretzels |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Frozen novelties |
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Biscuits |
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Handhelds |
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Coupon redemption |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
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Other |
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Total Retail Supermarket |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Frozen Beverages |
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Beverages |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Repair and maintenance service |
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Machines revenue |
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Other |
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Total Frozen Beverages |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Consolidated sales |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Depreciation and amortization: |
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Food Service |
$ | |||||||||||
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Retail Supermarket |
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Frozen Beverages |
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Total depreciation and amortization |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Operating Income: |
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Food Service |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Retail Supermarket |
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Frozen Beverages |
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Total operating income |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Capital expenditures: |
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Food Service |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Retail Supermarket |
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Frozen Beverages |
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Total capital expenditures |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Assets: |
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Food Service |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Retail Supermarket |
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Frozen Beverages |
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Total assets |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
NOTE O - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Changes to the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
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Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2024 |
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(in thousands) |
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Foreign Currency |
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Translation Adjustments |
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Beginning Balance |
$ | ( |
) | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) | ( |
) | ||
|
Ending Balance |
$ | ( |
) | |
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Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2023 |
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(in thousands) |
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Foreign Currency |
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Translation Adjustments |
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|
Beginning Balance |
$ | ( |
) | |
| Other comprehensive income | ||||
|
Ending Balance |
$ | ( |
) | |
NOTE P – LEASES
General Lease Description
We have operating leases with initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year covering the rental of various facilities and equipment. Certain of these leases contain renewal options and some provide options to purchase during the lease term. Our operating leases include leases for real estate from some of our office, warehouse, and manufacturing facilities as well as manufacturing and non-manufacturing equipment used in our business. The remaining lease terms for these operating leases range from
We have finance leases with initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year covering the rental of various equipment. These leases are generally for manufacturing and non-manufacturing equipment used in our business. The remaining lease terms for these finance leases range from
Significant Assumptions and Judgments
Contract Contains a Lease
In evaluating our contracts to determine whether a contract is or contains a lease, we considered the following:
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● |
Whether explicitly or implicitly identified assets have been deployed in the contract; and |
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● |
Whether we obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset, and we can direct how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract. |
Allocation of Consideration
In determining how to allocate consideration between lease and non-lease components in a contract that was deemed to contain a lease, we used judgment and consistent application of assumptions to reasonably allocate the consideration.
Options to Extend or Terminate Leases
We have leases which contain options to extend or terminate the leases. On a lease-by-lease basis, we have determined if the extension should be considered reasonably certain to be exercised and thus a right-of-use asset and a lease liability should be recorded.
Discount Rate
The discount rate for leases, if not explicitly stated in the lease, is the incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.
We used a discount rate to calculate the present value of the lease liability at the date of adoption. In the development of the discount rate, we considered our internal borrowing rate, treasury security rates, collateral, and credit risk specific to us, and our lease portfolio characteristics.
As of September 28, 2024, the weighted-average discount rate of our operating and finance leases was
Amounts Recognized in the Financial Statements
The components of lease expense were as follows:
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Fiscal year ended |
Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
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Operating lease cost in Cost of goods sold and Operating expenses |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Finance lease cost: |
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Amortization of assets in Cost of goods sold and Operating expenses |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Interest on lease liabilities in Interest expense & other |
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Total finance lease cost |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Short-term lease cost in Cost of goods sold and Operating expenses |
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Total net lease cost |
$ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
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September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
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Operating Leases |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Current operating lease liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Noncurrent operating lease liabilities |
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Total operating lease liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Finance Leases |
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|
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Current finance lease liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Noncurrent finance lease liabilities |
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|
Total finance lease liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
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Fiscal year ended |
Fiscal year ended |
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September 28, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
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Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |
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Operating cash flows from operating leases |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Operating cash flows from finance leases |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Financing cash flows from finance leases |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities removed due to purchase of leased asset |
$ | $ | ||||||
As of September 28, 2024, the maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
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Operating Leases |
Finance Leases |
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|
2025 |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
2026 |
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|
2027 |
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2028 |
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2029 |
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Thereafter |
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Total minimum payments |
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Less amount representing interest |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Present value of lease obligations |
$ | $ | ||||||
As of September 28, 2024, the weighted-average remaining term of our operating and finance leases was
As of September 30, 2023, the weighted-average remaining term of our operating and finance leases was
NOTE Q – Related Parties
We have related party expenses for distribution and shipping related costs with NFI Industries, Inc. and its affiliated entities (“NFI”). Our director, Sidney R. Brown, is CEO and an owner of NFI Industries, Inc. In the fiscal years ended 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company paid NFI $
Of the amounts paid to NFI, the amount related to transportation management services performed by NFI was $
Of the amounts paid to NFI, the amount related to labor management services performed by NFI was $
In June 2023, the Company began leasing a regional distribution center in Terrell, Texas that was constructed by, and is owned by, a subsidiary of NFI. The distribution center is operated by NFI for the Company, pursuant to a Service Labor Management Agreement. Under the Service Labor Management Agreement, NFI provides logistics and warehouse management services. NFI continues to perform transportation-related management services for the Company as well. At the lease commencement date, $
The remainder of the costs related to amounts that were passed through to the third-party distribution and shipping vendors that are being managed on the Company’s behalf by NFI. As of September 28, 2024, and September 30, 2023, related party trade payables of approximately $
In October 2023 and February 2024, the Company began leasing regional distribution centers in Woolwich Township, New Jersey, and Glendale, Arizona, respectively. The distribution centers are operated by NFI for the Company, pursuant to the Service Labor Management Agreement noted in the paragraph above.
All agreements with NFI include terms that are consistent with those that we believe would have been negotiated at an arm’s length with an independent party.
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)
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Opening |
Charged to |
Closing |
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Year |
Description |
Balance |
Expense |
Deductions |
Balance |
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2024 |
Allowance for credit losses |
$ | $ | $ | (1) | $ | |||||||||||||
|
2023 |
Allowance for credit losses |
$ | $ | $ | (1) | $ | |||||||||||||
|
2022 |
Allowance for credit losses |
$ | $ | $ | (1) | $ | |||||||||||||
(1)
EXHIBIT 19.1
Approved: August 10, 2022
J & J Snack Foods Corp.
Insider Trading Policy
I. Purpose
This Insider Trading Policy (the “Policy”) provides guidelines with respect to transactions in the securities of J & J Snack Foods Corp. (the “Company”) and the handling of confidential information about the Company and the companies with which the Company does business. The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted this Policy to promote compliance with federal, state and foreign securities laws that prohibit certain persons who are aware of material nonpublic information about a company from: (i) trading in securities of that company; or (ii) providing material nonpublic information to other persons who may trade on the basis of that information.
II. Persons Subject to the Policy
The persons who are subject to this Policy are referred to individually as a “Covered Person” and collectively as the “Covered Persons.”
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A. |
Employees, Officers, Directors and Designees |
This Policy applies to all officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, all members of the Company’s Board of Directors and all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company may also determine that other persons should be subject to this Policy, such as contractors or consultants who have access to material nonpublic information. This Policy also applies to Family Members and Controlled Entities of the above-referenced persons, as defined below.
|
B. |
Family Members and Members of Your Household |
This Policy applies to:
|
● |
Your family members who reside with you in your household (including a spouse or domestic partner, a child, a child away at college, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, siblings and in-laws); |
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● |
Anyone else who lives in your household; and |
|
● |
Any family members who do not live in your household, but whose transactions in Company Securities are directed by you or are subject to your influence or control, such as parents or children who consult with you before they trade in Company Securities (collectively referred to as “Family Members”). |
You are responsible for the transactions of these other persons and therefore should make them aware of the need to confer with you before they trade in Company Securities, and you should treat all such transactions for the purposes of this Policy and applicable securities laws as if the transactions were for your own account.
This Policy does not, however, apply to personal securities transactions of Family Members where the purchase or sale decision is made by a third party not controlled by, influenced by or related to you or your Family Members.
|
C. |
Transactions by Entities that You Influence or Control |
This Policy applies to any entities that you influence or control, including any corporations, partnerships or trusts (collectively referred to as “Controlled Entities”), and transactions by these Controlled Entities should be treated for the purposes of this Policy and applicable securities laws as if they were for your own account.
III. Transactions Subject to the Policy
This Policy applies to transactions in the Company’s securities (collectively referred to in this Policy as “Company Securities”). Company Securities include the Company’s common stock, options to purchase common stock, or any other type of securities that the Company may issue, including (but not limited to) preferred stock, convertible debentures and warrants, as well as derivative securities that are not issued by the Company, such as exchange-traded put or call options or swaps relating to Company Securities.
IV. Individual Responsibility
Persons subject to this Policy have ethical and legal obligations to maintain the confidentiality of information about the Company and to not engage in transactions in Company Securities while in possession of material nonpublic information. Persons subject to this policy must not engage in illegal trading and must avoid the appearance of improper trading.
Each individual is responsible for making sure that he or she complies with this Policy, and that any Family Member or Controlled Entity whose transactions are subject to this Policy also comply with this Policy.
In all cases, the responsibility for determining whether an individual is in possession of material nonpublic information rests with that individual. Any action on the part of the Company, a Compliance Officer or any other employee or director pursuant to this Policy (or otherwise) does not constitute legal advice, and does not insulate an individual from liability under applicable securities laws. You could be subject to severe legal penalties and disciplinary action by the Company for any conduct prohibited by this Policy or applicable securities laws, as described below in more detail under the heading “XII. Consequences of Violations.”
V. Administration of the Policy
The Company’s General Counsel and Associate General Counsel shall each serve as a Compliance Officer for the purposes of this Policy. In their absence, the Compliance Officers may designate another person to be responsible for administration of this Policy. All determinations and interpretations by a Compliance Officer shall be final and not subject to further review.
VI. Statement of Policy
It is the policy of the Company that no Covered Person who is aware of material nonpublic information relating to the Company may, directly, or indirectly through family members or other persons or entities:
|
1. |
Engage in transactions in Company Securities, except as otherwise specified in this Policy under the headings “VII. Transactions Under Company Plans” and “X. Rule 10b5-1 Plans;” |
|
2. |
Recommend the purchase or sale of any Company Securities; |
|
3. |
Disclose material nonpublic information to persons within the Company whose jobs do not require them to have that information, or outside of the Company to other persons, including, but not limited to, family, friends, business associates, investors and expert consulting firms, unless any such disclosure is made in accordance with the Company’s policies regarding the protection or authorized external disclosure of information regarding the Company, or pursuant to a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement; or |
|
4. |
Assist anyone engaged in the above activities. |
This prohibition also applies to information about, and the securities of, other companies with which the Company has a relationship through which a Covered Person may acquire material non-public information about that company.
It is the policy of the Company that no Covered Person designated as subject to the additional procedures specified under the heading “IX. Additional Procedures” below may trade in any interest or position relating to the future price of Company Securities, such as a put, call or short sale.
There are no exceptions to this Policy, except as specifically noted herein. Transactions that may be necessary or justifiable for independent reasons (such as the need to raise money for an emergency expenditure), or small transactions, are not excepted from this Policy. The securities laws do not recognize any mitigating circumstances, and, in any event, even the appearance of an improper transaction must be avoided to preserve the Company’s reputation for adhering to the highest standards of conduct.
VII. Definition of Material Nonpublic Information
|
A. |
Material Information. |
Information is considered “material” if a reasonable investor would consider that information important in making a decision to buy, hold or sell securities. Any information that could be expected to affect a company’s stock price, whether it is positive or negative, should be considered material. There is no bright-line standard for assessing materiality; rather, materiality is based on an assessment of all of the facts and circumstances, and is often evaluated by enforcement authorities with the benefit of hindsight. While it is not possible to define all categories of material information, some examples of information that ordinarily would be regarded as material are:
|
● |
Financial performance, especially quarterly and year-end earnings; |
|
● |
Significant changes in financial performance outlook or liquidity of the Company as a whole or of a reporting segment of the Company’s business; |
|
● |
Company projections that significantly differ from external expectations; |
|
● |
Potential mergers and acquisitions or the sale of significant Company assets or subsidiaries; |
|
● |
New major contracts, orders, suppliers, customers or finance sources, or the loss thereof; |
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● |
Major discoveries or significant changes or developments in products or product lines, research or technologies; |
|
● |
Approvals or denials of requests for regulatory approval by government agencies of products, patents or trademarks; |
|
● |
Significant changes or developments in supplies or inventory, including significant product defects, recalls or product returns; |
|
● |
Significant pricing changes; |
|
● |
Stock splits, public or private offerings of Company Securities or changes in Company dividend policies or amounts; |
|
● |
Significant changes in management; |
|
● |
Significant labor disputes or negotiations, including possible strikes; |
|
● |
Actual or potential exposure to major litigation, or the resolution of such litigation; |
|
● |
Possible proxy contests; |
|
● |
Imminent or potential changes in the Company’s credit rating by a rating agency; |
|
● |
Voluntary calls of debt or preferred stock of the Company; |
|
● |
The contents of forthcoming publications that may affect the market price of Company Securities; |
|
● |
Statements by stock market analysts regarding the Company and/or Company Securities; |
|
● |
Significant changes in sales volumes, market share, production scheduling, product pricing or mix of sales; |
|
● |
Analyst upgrades or downgrades of a Company Security; |
|
● |
Significant changes in accounting treatment, write-offs, or effective tax rate; |
|
● |
Impending bankruptcy or financial liquidity problems of the Company or one of its subsidiaries or significant business partners; |
|
● |
Gain or loss of a substantial customer or supplier; |
|
● |
A significant cybersecurity incident experienced by the Company that has not yet been made public; or |
|
● |
The imposition of an event-specific restriction on trading in Company Securities or the securities of another company or the extension or termination of such restriction. |
|
B. |
When Information is Considered Public. |
Information that has not been disclosed to the public is generally considered to be nonpublic information. In order to establish that the information has been disclosed to the public, it may be necessary to demonstrate that the information has been widely disseminated. Information generally would be considered widely disseminated if it has been disclosed through newswire services, a broadcast on widely-available radio or television programs, publication in a widely-available newspaper, magazine or news website, inclusion in public disclosure documents filed with the SEC or, under certain circumstances, made available on the Company’s website. By contrast, information would likely not be considered widely disseminated if it is available only to the Company’s employees, or if it is only available to a select group of analysts, brokers and institutional investors.
Once information is widely disseminated, it is still necessary to provide the investing public with sufficient time to absorb the information. Information is not fully absorbed by the marketplace until after the first business day following the day on which the information is released. If, for example, the Company were to make an announcement on a Monday, you should not trade in Company Securities until Wednesday. Depending on the particular circumstances, the Company may determine that a longer or shorter period should apply to the release of specific material nonpublic information.
VIII. Transactions under Company Plans
This Policy does not apply in the case of the following transactions, except as specifically noted:
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Stock Option Exercises. This Policy does not apply to the exercise of an employee stock option acquired pursuant to the Company’s plans, or to the exercise of a tax withholding right pursuant to which a person has elected to have the Company withhold shares subject to an option to satisfy tax withholding requirements. This Policy does apply, however, to any sale of stock as part of a broker-assisted cashless exercise of an option, or any other market sale for the purpose of generating the cash needed to pay the exercise price of an option. |
|
● |
Restricted Stock Awards. This Policy does not apply to the vesting of restricted stock, or the exercise of a tax withholding right pursuant to which you elect to have the Company withhold shares of stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of any restricted stock. The Policy does apply, however, to any market sale of restricted stock. |
|
● |
401(k) Plan. This Policy does not apply to purchases of Company Securities in the Company’s 401(k) plan resulting from your periodic contribution of money to the plan pursuant to your payroll deduction election. This Policy does apply, however, to certain elections you may make under the 401(k) plan, including: (a) an election to increase or decrease the percentage of your periodic contributions that will be allocated to the Company stock fund; (b) an election to make an intra-plan transfer of an existing account balance into or out of the Company stock fund; (c) an election to borrow money against your 401(k) plan account if the loan will result in a liquidation of some or all of your Company stock fund balance; and (d) an election to prepay a plan loan if the pre-payment will result in allocation of loan proceeds to the Company stock fund. |
|
● |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. This Policy does not apply to purchases of Company Securities in the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan resulting from your periodic contribution of money to the plan pursuant to the election you made at the time of your enrollment in the plan. This Policy also does not apply to purchases of Company Securities resulting from lump sum contributions to the plan, provided that you elected to participate by lump sum payment at the beginning of the applicable enrollment period. This Policy does apply, however, to your election to participate in the plan for any enrollment period, and to your sales of Company Securities purchased pursuant to the plan. |
|
● |
Mutual Funds and ETFs. This policy does not apply to transactions in broad-based mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that are invested in Company Securities. |
|
● |
Other Similar Transactions. Any other purchase of Company Securities from the Company or sales of Company Securities to the Company are not subject to this Policy. |
IX. Additional Procedures
The Company has established additional procedures in order to assist the Company in the administration of this Policy, to facilitate compliance with laws prohibiting insider trading while in possession of material nonpublic information, and to avoid the appearance of any impropriety. These additional procedures are applicable only to those individuals described below.
|
A. |
Pre-Clearance Procedures. |
The persons designated by a Compliance Officer as being subject to these procedures, as well as the Family Members and Controlled Entities of such persons, may not engage in any transaction in Company Securities without first obtaining pre-clearance of the transaction from a Compliance Officer. A request for pre-clearance substantially in the form of Appendix A to this Policy should be submitted to a Compliance Officer at least two business days in advance of the proposed transaction. The Compliance Officer is under no obligation to approve a transaction submitted for pre-clearance, and may determine not to permit the transaction. If a person seeks pre-clearance and permission to engage in the transaction is denied, then he or she should refrain from initiating any transaction in Company Securities, and should not inform any other person of the restriction.
When a request for pre-clearance is made, the requestor should carefully consider whether he or she may be aware of any material nonpublic information about the Company, and should describe fully those circumstances to the Compliance Officer.
|
B. |
Quarterly Trading Restrictions. |
The persons designated by a Compliance Officer as subject to this restriction, as well as their Family Members or Controlled Entities, may not conduct any transactions involving the Company’s Securities (other than as specified by this Policy), during a “Restricted Period” beginning on the first day of the last month of each fiscal quarter and ending on the first business day following the date of the public release of the Company’s earnings results for that quarter. In other words, these persons may only conduct transactions in Company Securities during the “Window Period” beginning on the second business day following the public release of the Company’s quarterly earnings and ending on the last day of the month immediately preceding the last month of the fiscal quarter.
|
C. |
Event-Specific Trading Restriction Periods. |
From time to time, an event may occur that is material to the Company and is known by only a few directors, officers and/or employees. So long as the event remains material and nonpublic, the persons designated by a Compliance Officer may not trade Company Securities. In addition, the Company’s financial results may be sufficiently material in a particular fiscal quarter that, in the judgment of a Compliance Officer, designated persons should refrain from trading in Company Securities even sooner than the typical Restricted Period described above. In that situation, a Compliance Officer may notify these persons that they should not trade in the Company’s Securities, without disclosing the reason for the restriction.
The existence of an event-specific trading restriction period or extension of a Restricted Period will not be announced to the Company as a whole, and should not be communicated to any other person. Even if a Compliance Officer has not designated you as a person who should not trade due to an event-specific restriction, you should not trade while aware of material nonpublic information. Exceptions will not be granted during an event-specific trading restriction period.
|
D. |
Exceptions. |
The quarterly trading restrictions and event-specific trading restrictions do not apply to those transactions to which this Policy does not apply, as described above under the heading “VIII. Transactions Under Company Plans.” Further, the requirement for pre-clearance, the quarterly trading restrictions and event-specific trading restrictions do not apply to transactions conducted pursuant to approved Rule 10b5-1 plans, described under the heading “X. Rule 10b5-1 Plans.”
X. Rule 10b5-1 Plans
Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act provides a defense from insider trading liability under Rule 10b-5. In order to be eligible to rely on this defense, a person subject to this Policy must enter into a Rule 10b5-1 plan for transactions in Company Securities that meets certain conditions specified in the Rule (a “Rule 10b5-1 Plan”).
If the plan meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1, Company Securities may be purchased or sold without regard to certain insider trading restrictions. To comply with the Policy, a Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be approved by a Compliance Officer and meet the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 and the Company’s Guidelines for Rule 10b5-1 Plans that are set forth in Appendix B to this Policy. In general, a Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be entered into at a time when the person entering into the plan is not aware of material nonpublic information. Once the plan is adopted, the person must not exercise any influence over the amount of securities to be traded, the price at which they are to be traded or the date of the trade. The plan must either specify the amount, pricing and timing of transactions in advance or delegate discretion on these matters to an independent third party.
Any Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be submitted for approval five days prior to the entry into the Rule 10b5-1 Plan. No further pre-approval of transactions conducted pursuant to the Rule 10b5-1 Plan will be required.
XI. Post-Termination Transactions
This Policy continues to apply to transactions in Company Securities even after termination of service to the Company. If an individual is in possession of material nonpublic information when his or her service terminates, that individual may not trade in Company Securities until that information has become public or is no longer material. The pre-clearance procedures specified under the heading “IX. Additional Procedures” above, however, will cease to apply to transactions in Company Securities upon the expiration of any Restricted Period or other Company-imposed trading restrictions applicable at the time of the termination of service.
XII. Consequences of Violations
The purchase or sale of securities while aware of material nonpublic information, or the disclosure of material nonpublic information to others who then trade in the securities, is prohibited by the federal and state laws.
Insider trading violations are pursued vigorously by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Attorneys and state enforcement authorities, as well as authorities in foreign jurisdictions. The punishment for insider trading violations is severe, and could include significant fines and imprisonment. While the regulatory authorities concentrate their efforts on the individuals who trade, or who tip inside information to others who trade, the federal securities laws also impose potential liability on companies and other “controlling persons” if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent insider trading by company personnel.
In addition, an individual’s failure to comply with this Policy may subject the individual to Company-imposed sanctions, including dismissal for cause, whether or not the employee’s failure to comply results in a violation of law. Needless to say, a violation of law, or even an SEC investigation that does not result in prosecution, can tarnish a person’s reputation and irreparably damage a career.
XIII. Company Assistance
Any person who has a question about this Policy or its application to any proposed transaction may obtain additional guidance from a Compliance Officer.
INSIDER TRADING POLICY CERTIFICATION
I certify that:
|
1. |
I have read and understand the J & J Snack Foods Corp. Insider Trading Policy (the “Policy”). I understand that a Compliance Officer is available to answer any questions that I have regarding the Policy. |
|
2. |
Since date the Policy became effective, or such shorter period of time that I have been an employee of the Company, I have complied with the Policy. |
|
3. |
I will continue to comply with the Policy for as long as I am subject to the Policy. |
Print name:_______________________
Signature:________________________
Date:____________________________
Appendix A
Pre-Clearance Request
| Proposed Trade Date(s): | ||
| Type of Security to be Traded: | ||
| Type of Trade: | ||
| Number of Shares: |
I certify that:
|
1. |
I have read and understand the J & J Snack Foods Corp. Insider Trading Policy (the “Policy”). |
|
2. |
Any transaction that I undertake in accordance with the approval of my Pre-Clearance Request will not violate the Policy or applicable law. |
|
3. |
I have not been otherwise informed that I cannot purchase or sell the securities of J & J Snack Foods Corp. (the “Company”). |
|
4. |
I understand that I may only execute a transaction in Company Securities (as defined in the Policy) during a Window Period (as defined in the Policy) or in accordance with an approved Rule 10b5-1 Plan (as defined in the Policy). |
|
5. |
I am not aware of any material nonpublic information regarding the Company. I understand that if I become aware of material nonpublic information regarding the Company after submitting this Pre-Clearance Request but before executing the transaction, I may not engage in any transaction in Company Securities in accordance with the Policy, and I must submit a new Pre-Clearance Request before engaging in any transaction in Company Securities. |
|
6. |
I understand that I am responsible for ensuring that the statements in my Pre-Clearance Request are true and accurate. |
|
7. |
I understand that any action on the part of the Company, a Compliance Officer (as defined in the Policy) or any other employee or director pursuant to the Policy (or otherwise) does not constitute legal advice, and does not insulate me from liability under applicable securities laws. |
Print name:_______________________
Signature:________________________
Date:____________________________
Appendix B
Guidelines for Rule 10b5-1 Plans
Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act provides a defense from insider trading liability under Rule 10b-5. In order to be eligible to rely on this defense, a person subject to this Policy must enter into a Rule 10b5-1 plan for transactions in Company Securities (as defined in the Insider Trading Policy) that meets certain conditions specified in the Rule (a “Rule 10b5-1 Plan”). If the plan meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1, Company Securities may be purchased or sold without regard to certain insider trading restrictions. In general, a Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be entered into at a time when the person entering into the plan is not aware of material nonpublic information. Once the plan is adopted, the person must not exercise any influence over the amount of securities to be traded, the price at which they are to be traded or the date of the trade. The plan must either specify the amount, pricing and timing of transactions in advance or delegate discretion on these matters to an independent third party.
As specified in the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, a Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be approved by a Compliance Officer and meet the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 and these guidelines. Any Rule 10b5-1 Plan must be submitted for approval five days prior to the entry into the Rule 10b5-1 Plan. No further pre-approval of transactions conducted pursuant to the Rule 10b5-1 Plan will be required.
The following guidelines apply to all Rule 10b5-1 Plans:
|
● |
You may not enter into, modify or terminate a trading program during a Restricted Period (as defined in the Insider Trading Policy) or while in possession of material nonpublic information. |
|
● |
All Rule 10b5-1 Plans must have a duration of at least 6 months. |
|
● |
If a Rule 10b5-1 Plan is terminated, you must wait at least 30 days before trading outside of the Rule 10b5-1 Plan. |
|
● |
If a Rule 10b5-1 Plan is terminated, you must wait until the commencement of the next Window Period (as defined in the Insider Trading Policy) before a new Rule 10b5-1 plan may be adopted. |
|
● |
You may not commence sales under Rule 10b5-1 Plan until at least 30 days following the date of establishment of the Rule 10b5-1 Plan. Any modification of a Rule 10b5-1 Plan must not take effect for at least 30 days from the date of modification. |
Each Covered Person (as defined in the Insider Trading Policy) understands that the approval or adoption of a Rule 10b5-1 Plan in no way reduces or eliminates such person’s obligations under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (to the extent applicable), including such person’s disclosure and short-swing trading liabilities thereunder. If any questions arise, such person should consult with their own counsel in implementing a Rule 10b5-1 Plan.
EXHIBIT 21.1 – SUBSIDIARIES OF J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.
|
Place of Incorporation |
|
| J & J Snack Foods Investment Corp. | Delaware |
| The ICEE Company | Delaware |
| J & J Snack Foods Corp. of California | California |
| J & J Snack Foods Corp./Mia | Pennsylvania |
| J & J Snack Foods Corp. of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| J & J Snack Foods Sales Corp. | New Jersey |
| J & J Snack Foods Transport Corp. | New Jersey |
| ICEE-Canada, Inc. | Canada |
| ICEE de Mexico, S.A. De C.V. | Mexico |
| Bakers Best Snack Food Corp. | Pennsylvania |
| Pretzels, Inc. | Texas |
| Federal Pretzel Baking Company, LLC | Pennsylvania |
| Country Home Bakers, LLC | Georgia |
| ICEE of Hawaii, Inc. | Hawaii |
| DADDY RAY’S, Inc. | Missouri |
| J & J Snack Foods Corp. of Canada | Canada |
| J &J Snack Foods Handhelds Corp. | Ohio |
| New York Pretzel, LLC | New York |
| Swirl Holdings Corporation | Delaware |
| Philly’s Famous Water Ice, Inc. | Florida |
| J & J Snack Foods Online Sales Corp. | Ohio |
EXHIBIT 21.1–SUBSIDIARIES OF J & J SNACK FOODS CORP - continued
| Hill & Valley, Inc. | Illinois |
| ICEE International, B.V. | Netherlands |
| DD Acquisition Holdings, LLC | Delaware |
| Dippin’ Dots Holding, LLC | Oklahoma |
| Dippin’ Dots, LLC | Oklahoma |
| Dippin’ Dots Franchising, LLC | Oklahoma |
| Doc Popcorn Franchising, LLC | Oklahoma |
| Dippin’ Dots Australia | Australia |
| Dippin’ Dots International, LLC | Australia |
| Doc Popcorn, LLC | Oklahoma |
| Dippin’ Dots Worldwide Holding Company, LLC | Delaware |
| Dippin’ Dots Hong Kong Limited | Hong Kong |
| DDP South America, LLC | Delaware |
| DDDP Middle East, LLC | Delaware |
| Dippin’ Dots Trading Shanghai | China |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have issued our reports dated November 26, 2024, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, included in the Annual report of J&J Snack Foods Corp. on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2024. We consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of J&J Snack Foods Corp. on Forms S-8 (File No. 333-269805, File No. 333-258298, File No. 333-221782, File No. 333-178379, File No. 333-111292 and File No. 333-03833).
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 26, 2024
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Dan Fachner, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of J & J Snack Foods Corp.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls and procedures for financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.
Date: November 26, 2024
|
/s/ Dan Fachner Dan Fachner Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Ken A. Plunk, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of J & J Snack Foods Corp.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls and procedures for financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.
Date: November 26, 2024
|
/s/ Ken A. Plunk Ken A. Plunk Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) (Principal Accounting Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of J & J Snack Foods Corp. (the “Company”), does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2024 (the “Report”) that:
|
(1) |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
|
(2) |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Dated: November 26, 2024
|
/s/ Dan Fachner Dan Fachner Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of J & J Snack Foods Corp. (the “Company”), does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2024 (the “Report”) that:
|
(1) |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
|
(2) |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Dated: November 26, 2024
|
/s/ Ken A. Plunk Ken A. Plunk Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) (Principal Accounting Officer) |
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.
Exhibit 97.1
Approved by JJSF Board of Directors on 5-17-23 – Effective 8-1-23
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP.
CLAWBACK POLICY
(Effective August 1, 2023)
In the event of any required accounting restatement of the financial statements of J & J Snack Foods Corp. (the “Company”) due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the applicable U.S. federal securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (a “Restatement”), the Board of Directors of the Company (or any committee to which the Board may delegate its authority under this policy) (the “Board”) shall recover reasonably promptly from any person, who is or was an executive officer, as such term is defined in Rule 10D-1 adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of the Company (each, a “Covered Person”) the amount of any “Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation” (as defined below).
The amount of incentive-based compensation that must be recovered from a Covered Person pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph in the event that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement is the amount of incentive-based compensation received by a Covered Person that exceeds the amount of incentive-based compensation that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated amounts and must be computed without regard to any taxes paid (referred to as the “Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation”). For incentive-based compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in a Restatement, the amount must be based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return, as applicable, upon which the incentive-based compensation was received, and the Company must maintain documentation of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”). For the purposes of this policy, incentive-based compensation will be deemed to be received in the fiscal period during which the financial reporting measure specified in the applicable incentive-based compensation award is attained, even if the payment or grant occurs after the end of that period.
In determining the amount of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation to be recovered from a Covered Person pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, this policy shall apply to all incentive-based compensation received by a Covered Person: (i) after beginning service as an executive officer; (ii) who served as an executive officer at any time during the performance period for the incentive-based compensation; (iii) while the Company has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or a national securities association; and (iv) during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement, including any applicable transition period that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years. For this purpose, the Company is deemed to be required to prepare a Restatement on the earlier of: (i) the date the Board, or the Company’s officers authorized to take such action if Board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement; or (ii) the date a court, regulator, or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare a Restatement. The Company’s obligation to recover Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation is not dependent on if or when the restated financial statements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Approved by JJSF Board of Directors on 5-17-23 – Effective 8-1-23
The Company shall recover the Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation from a Covered Person unless the Board determines that recovery is impracticable because: (i) the direct expense to a third party to assist in enforcing this policy would exceed the amount of Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation; provided that the Company must make a reasonable attempt to recover the Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation before concluding that recovery is impracticable, document such reasonable attempt to recover the Erroneously Awarded Incentive-Based Compensation and provide such documentation to Nasdaq; or (ii) recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company, to fail to meet the applicable requirements of 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 26 U.S.C. 411(a) and the regulations thereunder.
For purposes of this policy, “incentive-based compensation” refers to any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a “financial reporting measure,” which refers to measures that are determined and presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles which are used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return are also financial reporting measures for this purpose. For avoidance of doubt, a financial reporting measure need not be presented within the Company’s financial statements or included in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In no event will the Company indemnify any Covered Person for any amounts that are recovered under this policy. This policy is in addition to (and not in lieu of) any right of repayment, forfeiture or right of offset against any employees that is required pursuant to any statutory repayment requirement (regardless of whether implemented at any time prior to or following the adoption or amendment of this policy), including Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Any amounts paid to the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 shall be considered in determining any amounts recovered under this policy.
The application and enforcement of this policy does not preclude the Company from taking any other action to enforce a Covered Person’s obligations to the Company, including termination of employment or institution of legal proceedings. The terms of this policy shall be binding and enforceable against all persons subject to this policy and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives.
This policy shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5608 and any related rules or regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission or Nasdaq (the “Applicable Rules”) as well as any other applicable law and shall otherwise be interpreted in the business judgment of the Board. This policy shall be deemed to be automatically amended on and shall be deemed part of the terms of any award made following the date the Applicable Rules become effective or are amended to the extent required for this policy to comply with the Applicable Rules.