The Quarterly

Bridgford Foods Corp (BRID) SEC Annual Report (10-K) for 2011

BRID 2012 10-K
BRID 2012 10-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K


ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year ended October 28, 2011


Commission file number: 0-2396

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

California

95-1778176

(State of incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1308 North Patt Street

Anaheim, California 92801

(Address of principal executive offices)

(714) 526-5533

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  o  No  x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer   o

Accelerated filer   o

Non-accelerated filer   o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act. Yes o No x

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on April 15, 2011 was $19,310,000.

As of January 11, 2012, there were 9,191,747 shares of common stock outstanding.


Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held March 21, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

INDEX TO FORM 10K

Page

PART I                                                                                                                                           

3

Item 1. Business                                                                                                                                           

3

Item 1A. Risk Factors                                                                                                                                           

6

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff  Comments                                                                                                              

8

Item 2. Properties                                                                                                                                           

8

Item 3. Legal Proceedings                                                                                                                                           

9

Item 4. Reserved

9

PART II                                                                                                                                           

9

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

9

Item 6. Selected Financial Data                                                                                                                                           

11

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

11

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

16

Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                              

16

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

16

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures                    

17

Item 9B. Other Information                                                                                                                                           

18

PART III                                                                                                                                           

19

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance                                                

19

Item 11. Executive Compensation                 

19

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

19

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence                                      

19

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services                                              

19

PART IV                                                                                                                                           

20

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules                     

20

SIGNATURES                                                                                                                                           

21

2

PART I

Item 1.          Business


This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Bridgford Foods Corporation intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Readers are cautioned that such statements, which may be identified by words including ‘‘anticipates,'' ‘‘believes,'' ‘‘intends,'' ‘‘estimates,'' ‘‘expects,'' and similar expressions, are only predictions or estimations and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the following: general economic and business conditions; the impact of competitive product and pricing; success of operating initiatives; development and operating costs; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; acceptance of new product offerings; consumer trial and frequency; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; commodity, labor, and employee benefit costs; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; and other factors referenced in this Report.


The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding our business, which involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic and competitive conditions, and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as representation by us or any other person that the objectives or plans of our company will be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak as of the date of this Report and we undertake no obligation to update such statements after the date hereof.


Background of Business


Bridgford Foods Corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries, "Bridgford", the "Company", "we", "our"), a California corporation was organized in 1952. We originally began operations in 1932 as a retail meat market in San Diego, California and evolved into a meat wholesaler for hotels and restaurants, a distributor of frozen food products, a processor and packer of meat, and a manufacturer and distributor of frozen food products for sale on a retail and wholesale basis. For more than the past five years we and our subsidiaries have been primarily engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of an extensive line of frozen, refrigerated, and snack food products throughout the United States. Bridgford Foods Corporation has not been involved in any bankruptcy, receivership, or similar proceedings since inception nor have we been party to any merger, acquisition, etc. or acquired or disposed of any material amounts of assets during the past five years. Substantially all of our assets have been acquired in the ordinary course of business. We have had no significant change in the type of products produced or distributed, nor in the markets we serve. Independent distributors now serve approximately 3,200 stores of all types in areas impractical to serve by our Company-owned vehicles.


Description of Business


Bridgford Foods Corporation operates in two business segments - the processing and distribution of frozen products and the processing and distribution of refrigerated and snack food products.  For information regarding the separate financial performance of the business segments refer to Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


The following table shows sales, as a percentage of consolidated sales, for each of these segments for each of the last two fiscal years:

2011

2010

Frozen Food Products

46

%

46

%

Refrigerated and Snack Food Products

54

%

54

%

100

%

100

%

We manufacture and distribute an extensive line of food products, including biscuits, bread dough items, roll dough items, dry sausage products, beef jerky, and a variety of sandwiches and sliced luncheon meats. The products we purchase for resale include a variety of cheeses, salads, party dips, Mexican foods, nuts, and other delicatessen type food products.

3

2011

2010

Products manufactured, processed or packaged by Bridgford

90

%

86

%

Products manufactured or processed by third parties for distribution

10

%

14

%

100

%

100

%

Although we have recently introduced several new products, most of these products have not contributed significantly to our revenue growth for the fiscal year. Our sales are not subject to material seasonal variations. Historically we have been able to respond quickly to the receipt of orders and, accordingly, do not maintain a significant sales backlog. Bridgford Foods Corporation and its industry generally have no unusual demands or restrictions on working capital items. During the last fiscal year we did not enter into any new markets or any significant contractual or other material relationships.

Availability of SEC Filings and Code of Conduct on Internet Website


We maintain an Internet website at http://www.bridgford.com.  Available on this website, free of charge, are annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and reports filed under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Our Code of Conduct is also available on the website.


Major Product Classes


Frozen Food Products


Our frozen food division serves both food service and retail customers. Approximately 150 unique frozen food products are sold through wholesalers, cooperatives, and distributors to approximately 22,000 retail outlets and 21,000 restaurants and institutions.


Frozen Food Products – Food Service Customers


The food service industry is composed of establishments that serve food outside the home and includes restaurants, the food operations of health care providers, schools, hotels, resorts, corporations, and other traditional and non-traditional food service outlets. Growth in this industry has been driven by the increase in away-from-home meal preparation, which has accompanied the expanding number of both dual income and single-parent households. Another trend within the food service industry is the growth in the number of non-traditional food service outlets such as convenience stores, retail stores, and supermarkets. These non-traditional locations often lack extensive cooking, storage, or preparation facilities resulting in a need for pre-cooked and prepared foods similar to those we provide. The expansion in the food service industry has also been accompanied by the continued consolidation and growth of broadline and specialty food service distributors, many of which are long-standing customers.


We supply our food service customers generally through distributors that take title to the product and resell it. Among our customers are many of the country's largest broadline and specialty food service distributors. These and other large end purchasers occasionally go through extensive qualification procedures and their manufacturing capabilities are subjected to thorough review by the end purchasers prior to our approval as a vendor. Large end purchasers typically select suppliers that can consistently meet increased volume requirements on a national basis during peak promotional periods. We believe that our manufacturing flexibility, national presence, and long-standing customer relationships should allow us to compete effectively with other manufacturers seeking to provide similar products to our current large food service end purchasers, although no assurances can be given.


Frozen Food Products – Retail Customers


The majority of our existing and targeted retail customers are involved in the resale of branded and private label packaged foods. The same trends which have contributed to the increase in away-from-home meal preparation have also fueled the growth in easy to prepare, microwaveable frozen and refrigerated convenience foods. Among the fastest growing segments is the frozen and refrigerated hand-held foods market. This growth has been driven by improved product quality and variety and the increasing need for inexpensive and healthy food items that require minimal preparation. Despite rapid growth, many categories of frozen and refrigerated hand-held foods have achieved minimal household penetration.  We believe we have been successful in establishing and maintaining supply relationships with certain selected leading retailers in this market.

4

Frozen Food Products – Sales and Marketing


Our frozen food business covers the United States and Canada. In addition to regional sales managers, we maintain a network of independent food service and retail brokers covering most of the states as well as Canada. Brokers are compensated on a commission basis. We believe that our broker relationships, in close cooperation with the regional sales managers, are a valuable asset providing significant new product and customer opportunities. The regional sales managers perform several significant functions for us, including identifying and developing new business opportunities and providing customer service and support to our distributors and end purchasers through the effective use of our broker network.


Our annual advertising expenditures are directed towards retail and institutional customers. These customers participate in various special promotional and marketing programs and direct advertising allowances we sponsor. We also invest in general consumer advertising in various newspapers and periodicals including free standing inserts and coupons to advertise in major markets. We direct advertising toward food service customers with campaigns in major industry publications and through our participation in trade shows throughout the United States.


Refrigerated and Snack Food Products


Our refrigerated and snack food products division sells approximately 200 different items through customer owned distribution centers and a direct store delivery network serving approximately 18,000 supermarkets, mass merchandise and convenience retail stores located in 49 states and Canada.

Refrigerated and Snack Food Products  - Customers

Our customers are comprised of large retail chains and smaller "independent" operators. This part of our business is highly competitive. Proper placement of our product lines is critical to selling success since most items could be considered "impulse" items which are often consumed shortly after purchase. Our ability to sell successfully to this distribution channel depends on aggressive marketing and maintaining relationships with key buyers.


Refrigerated and Snack Food Products - Sales and Marketing


Our direct store delivery network consists of two separate divisions, refrigerated and non-refrigerated snack food products. Refrigerated snack food products are distributed through eight different regions located in the southwest, primarily operating in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Non-refrigerated snack food products are distributed across the United States and Canada. The regional sales managers perform several significant functions for us including identifying and developing new business opportunities and providing customer service and support to our customers. We also utilize the services of brokers, where appropriate, to support efficient product distribution and customer satisfaction. Independent distributors now serve approximately 3,200 customers of all types in areas impractical to serve by our Company-owned vehicles.


Product Planning and Research and Development


We continually monitor the consumer acceptance of each product within our extensive product line. Individual products are regularly added to and deleted from our product line. Historically, the addition or deletion of any individual product has not had a material effect on our operations in the current fiscal year. We believe that a key factor in the success of our products is our system of carefully targeted research and testing of our products to ensure high quality and that each product matches an identified market opportunity. The emphasis in new product introductions in the past several years has been in single service items. We are constantly searching to develop new products to complement our existing product line and improved processing techniques and formulas for our existing product line. We utilize an in-house test kitchen and consultants to research and experiment with unique food preparation methods, improve quality control and analyze new ingredient mixtures.

During fiscal year 2011, we rolled out a unique product line created to meet specific customer requirements. After a successful initial start-up period, the customer determined the product did not meet their specific requirements and we agreed to accept the return of these products. Upon inspection we concluded the product had no ready market value and we donated the product to a local food bank. Included in cost of products sold is a loss of $1,675,000 related to this donation.


Competition


Our products are sold under highly competitive conditions. All food products can be considered competitive with other food products, but we consider our principal competitors to include national, regional and local producers and distributors of refrigerated, frozen and snack food products. Several of our competitors include large companies with substantially greater financial and marketing resources than ours. Existing competitors may broaden their product lines and potential competitors may enter or increase their focus on our market, resulting in greater competition for us. We believe that our products compete favorably with those of our competitors. Such competitors' products compete against ours for retail shelf space, institutional distribution and customer preference.

5

Effect of Government Regulations


Our operations are subject to extensive inspection and regulation by the United States Department of Agriculture (the "USDA"), the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"), and by other federal, state, and local authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and labeling of products that we manufacture, produce and process.  Our processing facilities and products are subject to continuous inspection by the USDA and/or other federal, state, and local authorities.  The USDA has issued strict regulations concerning the control of listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and contamination by food borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella, and implemented a system of regulation known as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points ("HACCP") program. The HACCP program requires all meat and poultry processing plants to develop and implement sanitary operating procedures and other program requirements.  We believe that we are currently in compliance with governmental laws and regulations and that we maintain the necessary permits and licenses relating to our meat operations.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") oversees safety compliance and establishes certain employer responsibilities to help "assure safe and healthful working conditions" and keep the workplace free of recognized hazards or practices likely to cause death or series injury.   Failure to comply with regulations of OSHA could adversely affect our results of operation.  The Company was subjected to significant enforcement actions by OSHA during fiscal year 2011, despite what we consider an excellent compliance and safety record. We have accrued approximately $415,000 in estimated non-tax deductible penalties for these actions. While we are contesting many of these citations and proposed penalties, we have also taken advantage of the focus on this area to improve our existing programs and organizational structure with regard to safety, which will benefit the Company's ongoing safety programs.

To date, federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, have not had a material effect on our business.

Importance of Key Customers


Sales to Dollar General® comprised 9.0% revenues for fiscal year 2011.  Accounts receivable from Dollar General® was 20.2% of total accounts receivable at October 28, 2011. Sales to Wal-Mart ® comprised 10.1% of revenues in fiscal 2010 and 9.4% of accounts receivable was due from Wal-Mart ® at October 29, 2010.


Sources and Availability of Raw Materials


We purchase large quantities of pork, beef, and flour.  These ingredients are generally available from a number of different suppliers although the availability of these ingredients is subject to seasonal variation.  We build ingredient inventories to take advantage of downward trends in seasonal prices or anticipated supply limitations.


Employees


We had 517 employees at October 28, 2011, approximately 48% of whose employment relationship is governed by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements currently expire or expired (agreements covering 126 union employees) between February 2011 and March 2016.  We believe that our relationship with all of our employees is favorable and contracts will be settled favorably.


Executive Officers of the Registrant


The names, ages, and positions of all our executive officers as of January 1, 2012 are listed below. Messrs. Hugh Wm. Bridgford and Allan L. Bridgford are brothers. William L. Bridgford is the son of Hugh Wm. Bridgford and the nephew of Allan L. Bridgford. Officers are normally appointed annually by the board of directors at their meeting immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders. Three executive officers are full-time employees of our company,  Allan L. Bridgford works 60% of full-time effective March 2005, and Hugh Wm Bridgford works 80% of full time effective January 2011.

Name

Age

Position(s) with our company

Allan L. Bridgford

76

Senior Chairman and member of the Executive Committee

Hugh Wm. Bridgford

80

Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee

William L. Bridgford

57

Chairman and member of the Executive Committee

John V. Simmons

56

President and member of the Executive Committee

Raymond F. Lancy

58

Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee

Item 1A.          Risk Factors


In addition to the other matters set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the continuing operations and the price of our common stock are subject to the following risks, each of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  The risks described below are only the risks that we currently believe are material to our business.  However, additional risks not presently known, or risks that are currently believed to be immaterial, may also impair our business operations.

6

We are subject to general risks in the food industry, including risks relating to changes in consumer preference and economic conditions, any of which risks, if realized, could negatively impact our operating results and financial position.


The food industry, and the markets within the food industry in which we compete, are subject to various risks, including the following: evolving consumer preferences, nutritional and health-related concerns, federal, state and local food inspection and processing controls, consumer product liability claims, risks of product tampering, and the availability and expense of liability insurance. The meat and poultry industries are subject to scrutiny due to the association of meat and poultry products with recent outbreaks of illness, and on rare occasions even death, caused by food borne pathogens. Product recalls are sometimes required in the food industry to withdraw contaminated or mislabeled products from the market.  Additionally, the failure to identify and react appropriately to changes in consumer trends, demands and preferences could lead to, among other things, reduced demand and price reduction for our products.  Further, we may be adversely affected by changes in domestic or foreign economic conditions, including inflation or deflation, interest rates, availability of capital markets, consumer spending rates, and energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges).  These and other general risks related to the food industry, if realized by us, could have a significant adverse effect on demand for our products, as well as the costs and availability of raw materials, ingredients and packaging materials, thereby negatively affecting our operating results and financial position.


Fluctuations in the prices that we pay for raw materials could negatively impact our financial results.


We purchase large quantities of commodity pork, beef, and flour. Historically, market prices for products we process have fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including changes in the United States government farm support programs, changes in international agricultural and trading policies, weather, and other conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons.


Our operating results are heavily dependent upon the prices paid for raw materials. The marketing of our value-added products does not lend itself to instantaneous changes in selling prices. Changes in selling prices are relatively infrequent and do not compare with the volatility of commodity markets.   While fluctuations in significant cost structure components, such as ingredient commodities and fuel prices, have had a significant impact on profitability over the last three years, the impact of general price inflation on our financial position and results of operations has not been significant. Future volatility of general price inflation or deflation and raw material cost and availability could adversely affect our financial results.


We are subject to extensive government regulations and a failure to comply with such regulations could negatively impact our financial results.


Our operations are subject to extensive inspection and regulation by the United States Department of Agriculture (the "USDA"), the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"), and by other federal, state, and local authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and labeling of products that are manufactured, produced and processed by us. Our processing facilities and products are subject to continuous inspection by the USDA and/or other federal, state, and local authorities. The USDA has issued strict policies concerning the control of listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and contamination by food borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella, and established a system of regulation known as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points ("HACCP") program. The HACCP program requires all meat and poultry processing plants to develop and implement sanitary operating procedures and other program requirements. We believe that we are currently in compliance with governmental laws and regulations and that we maintain necessary permits and licenses relating to our meat operations.


A failure to obtain or a loss of necessary permits and licenses could delay or prevent us from meeting current product demand and could adversely affect our operating performance.  Furthermore, we are routinely subject to new or modified laws, regulations and accounting standards.  If found to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations in these or other areas, we could be subject to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls, or asset seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our financial results.


We depend on our key management, the loss of which could negatively impact our operations.


Our executive officers and certain other key employees have been primarily responsible for the development and expansion of our business, and the loss of the services of one or more of these individuals could adversely affect us.  Our success will be dependent in part upon our continued ability to recruit, motivate, and retain qualified personnel. We can not assure that we will be successful in this regard. We have no employment or non-competition agreements with key personnel.

7

We depend on our major customers and any loss of such customers could have a negative impact on our profitability.


We could suffer significant reductions in revenues and operating income if we lost one or more of our largest customers, including Dollar General ® , which accounted for 20.2% of accounts receivable in fiscal year 2011.  Many of our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and food distributors have consolidated in recent years.  Such consolidation has produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of operating with reduced inventories while demanding lower pricing and increased promotional programs. These customers also may use their shelf space for their own private label products.  Failure to respond to these trends could reduce our volume and cause us to lower prices or increase promotional spending for our product lines which could adversely affect our profitability.


With more than 80% concentration of beneficial ownership of our stock held by the Bridgford family, there are risks that they can exert significant influence or control over our corporate matters.


Members of the Bridgford family beneficially own, in the aggregate, approximately 81% of our outstanding stock. In addition, three members of the Bridgford family serve on the Board of Directors.  As a result, members of the Bridgford family have the ability to exert substantial influence or actual control over our management and affairs and over substantially all matters requiring action by our shareholders, including amendments to by-laws, election and removal of directors, any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions.  This concentration of ownership may also delay or prevent a change in control otherwise favored by our other shareholders and could depress our stock price. Additionally, as a result of the Bridgford family's significant ownership of the outstanding voting stock, we have relied on the "controlled company" exemption from certain corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ stock market. Therefore, we have elected not to implement the rule that provides for a nominating committee to identify and recommend nominees to the Board of Directors and have instead elected to have the full Board of Directors perform such function.  Additionally, pursuant to this exemption, our compensation committee, which is made up of independent directors, does not have sole authority to determine the compensation of our executive officers, including our Chairman of the Board.

Item 1B.          Unresolved Staff Comments


Not applicable.

Item 2.            Properties


We own the following properties:

Property Location

Building 

Square 

Footage

Acreage

Anaheim, California ***

100,000

5.0

Modesto, California **

0

0.3

Dallas, Texas *

94,000

4.0

Dallas, Texas *

30,000

2.0

Dallas, Texas *

16,000

1.0

Dallas, Texas *

3,200

1.5

Statesville, North Carolina *

42,000

8.0

Chicago, Illinois **

156,000

1.5

*    - property used by Frozen Food Products Segment


**  - property used by Refrigerated and Snack Food Segment


***- property used by both Frozen Food Products and Refrigerated and Snack Food Segments


We generally fully utilize the foregoing properties for processing, warehousing, distributing and administrative purposes.  The Company also leases warehouse and/or office facilities throughout the United States and Canada through month-to-month rental agreements.  We believe that our properties are generally adequate to satisfy our foreseeable needs. Additional properties may be acquired and/or plants expanded if favorable opportunities and conditions arise. 

8

Item 3.          Legal Proceedings

No material legal proceedings were pending against us at October 28, 2011 or as of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are likely to be subject to claims arising from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. In certain of such actions, plaintiffs may request punitive or other damages that may not be covered by insurance and, accordingly, no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such possible future claims or litigation or their effect on us. Any adverse litigation trends and outcomes could significantly and negatively affect our financial results.

Item 4.          Reserved

PART II

Item 5.           Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Common Stock and Dividend Data


Our common stock is traded in the national over-the-counter market and is authorized for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "BRID". The following table reflects the high and low closing sale prices reported by Nasdaq as well as cash dividends paid for each of the last eight fiscal quarters.

Fiscal Year 2011

High

Low

Cash 

Dividends 

Paid

First Quarter

$

14.25

$

11.37

$

0.10

Second Quarter

$

12.38

$

10.76

$

0.00

Third Quarter

$

10.81

$

6.84

$

0.00

Fourth Quarter

$

12.15

$

8.90

$

0.00

Fiscal Year 2010

High

Low

Cash 

Dividends 

Paid

First Quarter

$

11.41

$

7.27

$

0.10

Second Quarter

$

13.02

$

9.77

$

0.00

Third Quarter

$

16.84

$

11.48

$

0.00

Fourth Quarter

$

15.63

$

11.54

$

0.00

On January 11, 2012, the closing sale price for our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market was $10.00 per share. As of January 11, 2012, there were 274 shareholders of record in our common stock.


The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon future earnings, financial requirements, and other factors.


Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities


During the period covered by this Report we did not sell or issue any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

9

Repurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer


During fiscal year 2011, we repurchased an aggregate of 129,900 shares of our common stock for $1,312,000 pursuant to our repurchase plan previously authorized by the Board of Directors.  The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of common stock in each of the four periods comprising the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Total Number of

Total Number of 

Shares Purchased

As Part of Publicly 

Announced Plans

Maximum Number of 

Shares that May Yet 

Be Purchased

Under the Plans 

Period (1)

Shares

Purchased

Average Price Paid Per Share

or

Programs (2)

or

Programs (2)

   July 9, 2011 - August 5, 2011 (4 weeks)

28,826

$

11.41

28,826

252,127

   August 6, 2011 - September 2, 2011  (4 weeks)

6,315

$

10.15

6,315

245,812

   September 3, 2011 - September 30, 2011  (4 weeks)

4,008

$

9.68

4,008

241,804

   October 1, 2011 - October 28, 2011 (4 weeks)

561

$

9.66

561

241,243

Total

39,710

$

11.01

39,710

(1)

The periods shown are our fiscal periods during the sixteen-week quarter ended October 28, 2011.

(2)

All repurchases reflected in the foregoing table were made on the open market.  Our stock repurchase program was approved by the Board of Directors in November 1999 (1,500,000 shares authorized, disclosed in a Form 10-K filed on January 26, 2000) and was expanded in June 2005 (500,000 additional shares authorized, disclosed in a press release and Form 8-K filed on June 17, 2005).  Under the stock repurchase program, we are authorized, at the discretion of management and the Board of Directors, to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock on the open market.  Our Stock Purchase Plan ("Purchase Plan") is administered by Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ("CGM") for purchase of shares of common stock ("Stock") issued by us in compliance with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act").  Commencing on December 12, 2011 and continuing through and including October 13, 2012, CGM shall act as our exclusive agent to purchase Stock under the Purchase Plan.  This Purchase Plan supplements any purchases of stock by us "outside" of the Purchase Plan, which may occur from time to time, in open market transactions pursuant to Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The daily purchase quantity is defined as a number of shares up to, but not to exceed, each day's applicable Rule 10b-18 maximum volume limit (i.e. 25% of the prior four calendar weeks' average daily trading volume); however, once per week a block of stock may be purchased that exceeds the Rule 10b-18 average daily trading volume condition, provided that no other Purchase Plan purchases are made on any day on which such a block is purchased.  As of October 28, 2011, the total maximum number of shares that may be purchased under the Purchase Plan is 241,243 at a purchase price not to exceed $12.00 per share for a total maximum aggregate price (exclusive of commission) of $2,894,916.

10

Item 6.          Selected Financial Data

Not applicable to smaller reporting company.

Item 7.           Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For a complete understanding, this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Report.


Certain statements under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Bridgford Foods Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; success of operating initiatives; development and operating costs; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; acceptance of new product offerings; consumer trial and frequency; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; commodity, labor, and employee benefit costs; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; and other factors referenced in this Report.

Results of Operations (in thousands except percentages)


Fiscal Year Ended October 28, 2011 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year Ended October 29, 2010 (52 weeks)


Net Sales-Consolidated


Net sales in fiscal 2011 increased $608 (0.5%) when compared to the prior year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Impact on Net Sales - Consolidated

Selling price per pound

4.2%

$

5,499

Unit volume in pounds

-3.5%

(4,490

Returns activity

-0.3%

(431

)

Promotional activity

0.1%

30

Increase (decrease) in net sales

0.5%

$

608

Net Sales-Frozen Food Products Segment


Net sales in the Frozen Food Products segment in fiscal 2011 increased $665 (1.2%) compared to the prior year.  The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Impact on Net Sales - Frozen Food Products Segment

Selling price per pound

4.0%

$

2,418

Unit volume in pounds

-3.2%

(1,916

Returns activity

-0.1%

(35

)

Promotional activity

0.5%

198

Increase (decrease) in net sales

1.2%

$

665

11

Net Sales-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment


Net sales, excluding intersegment sales, in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment in fiscal 2011 decreased $57 (0.1%) compared to the prior year. The changes in net sales were comprised as follows:

Impact on Net Sales - Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment

Selling price per pound

4.4%

$

3,081

Unit volume

-3.7%

(2,574

)

Returns activity

-0.6%

(396

)

Promotional activity

-0.2%

(168

Increase (decrease) in net sales

-0.1%

$

(57

)

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin-Consolidated


Cost of products sold in fiscal 2011 increased $10,173 (14.4%) compared to the prior year.  Higher meat and flour commodities costs of $4,187 were the primary contributor to this increase. We also incurred a significant product loss in the amount of $1,675 as well as higher production labor of $648. Lower overall production volumes increased unit overhead and unfavorable product mix changes also increased cost of sales compared to the prior year. The gross margin decreased to 31.7% in fiscal year 2011 from 40.0% in fiscal year 2010. In addition to the factors previously noted, this margin decline resulted from the Company's shift to lower margin, plant to customer warehouse direct shipments, rather than using our direct store delivery system.


Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin–Frozen Food Products Segment


Cost of products sold in the Frozen Food Products segment in fiscal 2011 increased $1,668 (5.3%) compared to the prior year.   Higher flour commodity costs in fiscal 2011 were the primary contributing factor causing this increase.   The gross margin in the Frozen Food Products segment decreased from 41.3% in fiscal 2010 to 39.0% in fiscal 2011.  The cost of purchased flour increased approximately $1,219 in fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year.


Cost of Products Sold and Gross Margin–Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment


Cost of products sold in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment in fiscal 2011 increased $8,371 (20.9%) compared to the prior year.   The cost of major meat commodities increased approximately $2,968 in fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year.  Production labor also increased $551 compared to the prior year.  The gross margin in the Refrigerated and Snack Food Products segment decreased from 38.9% in fiscal 2010 to 25.5% in fiscal 2011.  During fiscal 2011, we rolled out a unique product line created to meet specific customer requirements.  After a successful initial start-up period the customer determined the product did not meet their specific requirements and the Company agreed to accept the return of these products. Upon inspection, we concluded that the product had no ready market and we donated the product to a local food bank. Included in cost of products sold is a loss of $1,675 related to this donation

12

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Consolidated


Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2011 decreased $2,930 (7.0%) when compared to the prior year.  The decrease in this category did not directly correspond to the change in sales.


The table below summarizes the primary expense variances in this category:

52 Weeks Ended

Expense/Loss

October 28,

2011

October 29,

2010

Increase

(Decrease)

Wages and bonus

     14,222  

       16,483

(2,261

)

Benefits-healthcare 

      2,195  

         2,874

(679

)

Penalties

      531  

         40

491

Bad debts

         126  

           (351

)

477

Depreciation

           292

538

(246

)

Other

21,273

21,985

(712

)

Total

38,639

41,569

(2,930

)

Average employee headcount declined in the 2011 fiscal year compared to the prior year which decreased wages. Lower profitability levels decreased bonus payments to employees.  The Company's self-insured healthcare benefit expense was lower due to favorable experience trends.  The Company incurred significant OSHA of approximately $415 penalties during fiscal 2011.  The Company released a significant portion of the allowance for doubtful accounts during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 due to favorable trends in the accounts receivable aging. In fiscal year 2011, the Company incurred a significant loss due to the bankruptcy of a customer in the amount of $69.  Depreciation has declined in recent years due to a portion of the Company's assets becoming fully depreciated during fiscal 2011.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Frozen Food Products Segment


Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Frozen Food Products segment in fiscal 2011 increased $305 (1.8%) compared to the prior year.  Increases in this category were caused by increased profit sharing expenses and promotional costs as a result of higher product mix profitability.  A reserve for OSHA penalties was recorded during fiscal 2011. In addition, a significant portion of the bad debt reserve was released in fiscal 2010.


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses-Refrigerated and Snack Food Products Segment


Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Refrigerated and Snack Food segment in fiscal 2011 decreased $3,225 (13.1%) compared to the prior year.  The Company continued to expand its warehouse business during fiscal 2011 which resulted in a reduction in direct selling expenses including labor commissions.  Improved experience in healthcare and workers' compensation claims resulted in lower cost in this category.

13

Income Taxes


The effective income tax rate was 60.2% and 21.8% in fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. In fiscal year 2011, the effective income tax rate differed from the applicable mixed statutory rate of approximately 39.6% primarily due to recording a full valuation allowance of $11,476 (refer to Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) on our deferred tax assets.  The 2011 benefit on taxes on income of $669 consists of minimum federal and state income taxes.  In fiscal year 2010, the effective income tax rate differed from the applicable mixed statutory rate of approximately 39.6% primarily due to recording a full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets of $8,049 (refer to Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  The 2010 provision for taxes on income of $1,204 consists of minimum federal and state income taxes.


Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands except share amounts)


Our need for operations growth, capital expenses and share repurchases are expected to be met with cash flows provided by operating activities. We funded additions to property, plant and equipment in the amount of $1,852, share repurchases of $1,312 and cash dividends of $932.  For fiscal year 2010, net cash provided by operating activities was $4,714.  We funded additions to property, plant and equipment in the amount of $1,769, share repurchases of $277 and cash dividends of $933 from cash balances.  As a result our available cash balance decreased by $6,362 during the 2011 fiscal year. 


Cash flows from operating activities:

2011

2010

Net (loss) income

$

(443

)

$

4,319

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation

1,802

2,168

Provision (recovery) for losses on accounts receivable

126

(351

)

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

(15

)

(31

)

Deferred income taxes, net

(3,427

)

395

Tax valuation allowance

3,427

(395

)

Changes in operating working capital

(3,790

)

(1,391

)

Net cash (used) provided by operating activities

$

(2,320

)

$

4,714

For fiscal year 2011, net cash used by operating activities was $2,320.

         Significant changes in operating working capital are as follows:


2011 – Operating cash flows decreased primarily due to net loss of $443 and significant increases in accounts receivable of $2,219.  Operating cash flows also decreased due to an increase of inventories and other non-current assets.  An increase in accounts payable of $882 as well as non-cash depreciation expense of $1,802 partially offset the cash flow decreases during 2011.  During the 2011 fiscal year we funded $1,175 toward our defined benefit pension plan.


2010 – Operating cash flows increased primarily due to net income of $4,319 and a decrease in accounts receivable of $2,460.  Operating cash flow was increased by a reduction in accounts receivable, a decrease in prepaids and an increase in accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses.  An increase in inventory, a decrease in refundable income taxes, and a decrease in the current portion of non-current liabilities partially offset the cash flow increases during 2010.  During the 2010 fiscal year we funded $1,943 toward our defined benefit pension plan.

14

Cash used in investing activities:

2011

2010

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

$

54

$

40

Proceeds from sale of equity securities

  - -

Additions to property, plant and equipment

(1,852

)

(1,769

)

Net cash used in investing activities

$

(1,798

)

$

(1,729

)

 Expenditures for property, plant and equipment include the acquisition of new equipment, upgrading of facilities to maintain operating efficiency and investments in cost effective technologies to lower costs.  In general, we capitalize the cost of additions and improvements and expense the cost for repairs and maintenance.  The Company may also capitalize costs related to improvements that extend the life, increase the capacity, or improve the efficiency of existing machinery and equipment.  Specifically, capitalization of upgrades of facilities to maintain operating efficiency include acquisitions of machinery and equipment used on packaging lines and refrigeration equipment used to process food products.

The table below highlights the additions to property, plant and equipment for the fifty-two weeks ended:

October 28, 2011

October 29, 2010

Temperature control

$ 905 $ 76

Processing equipment

508 998

Packaging lines

284 65

Office and building improvements

137 62

Delivery vehicles

83 125

Computer software and hardware

14 150

Quality control

5 75

Projects in process

(84 ) 218

Additions to property, plant and equipment

$ 1,852 $ 1,769

Cash used in financing activities:

2011

2010

Shares repurchased

$

(1,312

)

$

(277

)

Dividends Paid

(932

)

(933

)

Net cash used in financing activities

$

(2,244

)

$

(1,210

)

During fiscal year 2011, we repurchased an aggregate of 129,900 shares of our common stock for $1,312 pursuant to our repurchase plan previously authorized by the Board of Directors.


We have remained free of interest-bearing debt for twenty-five consecutive years. We maintain a line of credit with Wells Fargo & Company that expires March 1, 2013. Under the terms of this line of credit, we may borrow up to $2,000 at an interest rate equal to the bank's prime rate, unless we elect an optional interest rate. The borrowing agreement contains various covenants, the more significant of which require us to maintain a minimum tangible net worth, a quick ratio not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a minimum net income after tax.  The Company was in violation of the tangible net worth and net income covenants which were subsequently waived (per letter dated January 17, 2012). The Company is currently in compliance with all provisions of the agreement. There were no borrowings under this line of credit during the 2011 fiscal year.  Management believes that our strong financial position and our capital resources are sufficient to provide for our operating needs and capital expenditures for fiscal 2012.


Impact of Inflation


Our operating results are heavily dependent upon the prices paid for raw materials.  The marketing of our value-added products does not lend itself to instantaneous changes in selling prices.  Changes in selling prices are relatively infrequent and do not compare with the volatility of commodity markets.  While fluctuations in significant cost structure components, such as ingredient commodities and fuel prices, have had a significant impact on profitability over the last two fiscal years, the impact of general price inflation on our financial position and results of operations has not been significant.  However, future volatility of general price inflation or deflation and raw material cost and availability could adversely affect our financial results.

15

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


We do not currently have any off balance sheet arrangements within the meaning of Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.


Contractual Obligations


We have remained free of interest bearing debt for twenty-five consecutive years and had no other debt or other contractual obligations at October 28, 2011.


Critical Accounting Policies


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Amounts estimated related to liabilities for self-insured workers' compensation, employee healthcare and pension benefits are especially subject to inherent uncertainties and these estimated liabilities may ultimately settle at amounts not originally estimated.  We record promotional and returns allowances and bad debt allowances based on recent and historical trends. Management believes its current estimates are reasonable and based on the best information available at the time.

Disclosure concerning our policies on credit risk, revenue recognition, cash surrender or contract value for life insurance policies, deferred income tax and the recoverability of our long-lived assets are provided in Notes 1 and 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Regulations


Various accounting standard-setting bodies have been active in soliciting comments and issuing statements, interpretations and exposure drafts. For information on new accounting pronouncements and the impact, if any, on our financial position or results of operations, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 7A.          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


Not applicable for smaller reporting company.

Item 8.          Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


The consolidated financial statements required by this Item and are set forth under Item 15.

Item 9.          Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure


Not applicable.

16

Item 9A.          Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures


Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e))  as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on this evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report in their design and operation 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 accumulated and communicated to management and recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

Our management, including our Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.


The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving our stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.


We maintain and evaluate a system of internal accounting controls, and a program of internal auditing designed to provide reasonable assurance that our assets are protected and that transactions are performed in accordance with proper authorization, and are properly recorded. This system of internal accounting controls is continually reviewed and modified in response to evolving business conditions and operations and to recommendations made by the independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditor.  We have established a code of conduct.  Our management believes that the accounting and internal control systems provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and financial information is reliable.


The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets regularly with our financial management and counsel, and with the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us.  Internal accounting controls and the quality of financial reporting are discussed during these meetings. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 114 (Communication with Audit Committees). In addition, the Audit Committee and the independent registered public account firm have discussed the independent registered public accounting firm's independence from our Company and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526 "Communicating with Audit Committees Concerning Independence".

17

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reports

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter covered by this Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


In order to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Act"), we have undertaken and continue a comprehensive effort, which includes the documentation and review of our internal controls. In order to comply with the Act, we centralized most accounting and many administrative functions at our corporate headquarters in an effort to control the cost of maintaining our control systems.


The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law by the President on July 21, 2010, permanently exempts small public companies with less than $75 million in market capitalization, such as the Company, from the requirement to obtain an external audit on the effectiveness of internal financial reporting controls provided in Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As a result, an attestation report on internal controls over financial reporting by an independent registered public accounting firm will no longer be required. Section 404(a) is still effective for smaller public companies and requires the disclosure of management attestations on internal controls over financial reporting.  Commencing with the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, we are required to issue a management report on internal control over financial reporting, with each Annual Report on Form 10-K thereafter.


Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Our internal control over financial reporting is 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.


Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 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.


Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for our fiscal year ended October 28, 2011.  Based on management's assessment and the above-referenced criteria, management believes that the internal control over financial reporting for our fiscal year ended October 28, 2011 was effective.

Item 9B.           Other Information

Not applicable.

18

PART III

Item 10.          Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance


Information set forth in the sections entitled "Proposal 1 – Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 21, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference. Information concerning our executive officers is set forth in Part I, Item 1, hereof under the heading "Executive Officers of the Registrant".

Item 11.          Executive Compensation


Information set forth in the section entitled "Compensation of Executive Officers" contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 21, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.          Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters


Information set forth in the section entitled "Principal Shareholders and Management" contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 21, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.


Equity Compensation Plan Information


Not applicable.

Item 13.          Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence


Information set forth in the sections entitled "Proposal 1 – Election of Directors" and "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 21, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.


We are considered a "controlled company" within the meaning of Rule 5615(c)(1) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules based on the approximate 81% beneficial ownership of  our outstanding common stock by Bridgford Industries Incorporated and are therefore exempted from various NASD rules pertaining to certain "independence" requirements of our directors. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Andrews, Foster, Scott and Zippwald, who together comprise the Audit Committee, are all "independent directors" within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

Our general legal counsel is the son of the former senior chairman of the board of directors.  For these services, he currently is paid a fee of one thousand six hundred dollars for each meeting attended. Total fees paid under this arrangement for fiscal year 2011 were $19,000 In addition, legal services are performed on our behalf and billed by a firm in which he is a partner.  Total fees billed under this arrangement for fiscal year 2011 were approximately $62,000.

Item 14.          Principal Accountant Fees and Services


Information set forth in the sections entitled "Principal Accountant Fees and Services" and "Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit Services And Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Accountants" contained in our definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 21, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.

19

PART IV

Item 15.          Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules


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

Page

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

18

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

22

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

23

Consolidated Statements of Operations for years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

24

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

25

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010 25

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

26

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                                                                          

27

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules


Not applicable for smaller reporting company.


(3)  Exhibits


(a)  The exhibits below are filed or incorporated herein by reference .

Exhibit

Number

Description

3.5

Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated December 29, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 3.5 to Form 10-K on January 28, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.6

Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated July 27, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.6 to Form 10-K on January 28, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.7

By-laws, as amended (filed as Exhibit 2 to Form 10-K on January 28, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.8

Certificate of Amendment to By-laws (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K on October 10, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.1

Bridgford Foods Corporation Defined Benefit Pension Plan (filed as Exhibit10.1 to Form 10-K on January 28, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).*

10.2

Bridgford Foods Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-K on January 28, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).*

10.3

Bridgford Foods Corporation Deferred Compensation Savings Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K on January 28, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).*

10.4

Bridgford Foods Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and Form of Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-8 on May 28, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference).*

21.1

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

24.1

Power of Attorney (included as part of the signature page)

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Principal Executive Officer).

32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Principal Financial Officer).

* Each of these Exhibits constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

20

SIGNATURES


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


BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

Registrant

By:

/s/  WILLIAM L. BRIDGFORD

William L. Bridgford

Chairman

Date: January 17, 2012

POWER OF ATTORNEY


We, the undersigned directors and officers of Bridgford Foods Corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint William L. Bridgford and Raymond F. Lancy, or either of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, our true and lawful attorneys and agents, to do any and all acts and things in our name and behalf in our capacities as directors and officers and to execute any and all instruments for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, which said attorneys and agents, or either of them, or their substitutes, may deem necessary or advisable to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including specifically, but without limitation, power and authority to sign for us or any of us in our names and in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments; and we do hereby ratify and confirm all that the said attorneys and agents, or either of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ WILLIAM L. BRIDGFORD

Chairman

January 17, 2012

William L. Bridgford

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ BRUCE H. BRIDGFORD  

Director

January 17, 2012

Bruce H. Bridgford

/s/ JOHN V. SIMMONS

President & Director

January 17, 2012

John V. Simmons

/s/ RAYMOND F. LANCY

Chief Financial Officer

January 17, 2012

Raymond F. Lancy

(Principal Financial and Accounting  Officer)

/s/ TODD C. ANDREWS

Director

January 17, 2012

Todd C. Andrews

/s/ RICHARD A. FOSTER

Director

January 17, 2012

Richard A. Foster

/s/ ALLAN BRIDGFORD JR.

Director

January 17, 2012

Allan Bridgford Jr.

/s/ D. GREGORY SCOTT

Director

January 17, 2012

D. Gregory Scott

/s/ PAUL R. ZIPPWALD

Director

January 17, 2012

Paul R. Zippwald

21

Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

Bridgford Foods Corporation


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bridgford Foods Corporation (the "Company") as of October 28, 2011and October 29, 2010  and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Bridgford Foods Corporation as of October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010 and the results of its consolidated operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Squar, Milner, Peterson, Miranda & Williamson, LLP


Newport Beach, California

January 17, 2012

22

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2011

2010

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

9,324

$

15,686

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $124 and $80, respectively and promotional allowances of $2,289 and $1,932, respectively

9,702

7,609

Inventories, less reserves of $318 and $166, respectively

16,888

16,307

Prepaid expenses

340

291

Refundable income taxes

1,036

1,594

Deferred income taxes, less valuation allowance of $2,432 and $2,478, respectively

  -   -

Total current assets

37,290

41,487

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $55,622 and $56,007, respectively

7,903

7,892

Other non-current assets

11,773

11,144

Deferred income taxes, less valuation allowance of $9,044 and $5,571, respectively

  -   -

Total assets

$

56,966

$

60,523

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

4,246

$

3,364

Accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses

5,590

5,532

Current portion of non-current liabilities

3,439

2,755

Total current liabilities

13,275

11,651

Non-current liabilities

18,853

12,672

Total liabilities

32,128

24,323

Contingencies and commitments (Notes 3, 5 and 6)

Shareholders' equity:

Preferred stock, without par value Authorized - 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding – none

  -   -

Common stock, $1.00 par value  Authorized - 20,000 shares; issued and outstanding – 9,198 and 9,328

9,255

9,385

        Capital in excess of par value

9,214

10,396

        Retained earnings

23,096

24,471

        Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(16,727

)

(8,052

)

Total shareholders' equity

24,838

36,200

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

56,966

$

60,523

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

23

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2011

2010

Net sales

$

118,263

$

117,655

Cost of products sold

80,736

70,563

Gross margin

37,527

47,092

Selling, general and administrative expenses

38,639

41,569

(Loss) income before taxes

(1,112

5,523

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

(669

1,204

Net (loss) income

$

(443

$

4,319

Basic (loss) earnings per share

$

(0.05

$

0.46

Shares used to compute basic earnings per common share

9,277,515

9,334,004

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

24

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

(in thousands)


2011

2010

Net (loss) income

$

(443

)

$

4,319

Defined benefit pension plans:

Actuarial (loss) gain unrecognized

(8,308

)

561

Prior service cost

(4

)

1

Other benefit

 -

27

Other comprehensive (loss) income from defined benefit plans

(8,312

)

589

Other postretirement benefit plans:

Actuarial (loss) gain

(405

)

75

Prior service cost

42

(6

Other benefit

 -

10

Other comprehensive (loss) income from other postretirement benefit plans

(363

)

79

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before taxes

(8,675

)

668

Taxes benefit (provision) on other comprehensive (loss) income

3,295

(239

)

Valuation allowance on taxes from items of other comprehensive income

(3,295

)

239

Change in other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

(8,675

)

668

Comprehensive (loss) income

(9,118

)

4,987

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

(in thousands)

Shares

Amount

Capital in

excess of

par value

Retained

earnings

Accumulated

other

comprehensive

income (loss)

Total

shareholders'

equity

Balance, October 30, 2009

9,355 9,412 10,646 21,085 (8,720 ) 32,423

Shares repurchased and retired

(27 ) (27 ) (250 ) - - (277 )

Cash dividends paid

- - - (933 ) - (933 )

Net income

- - - 4,319 - 4,319

Net change in defined benefit plans

- - - - 589 589

Net change in other benefit plans

- - - - 79 79

Balance, October 29, 2010

9,328 $ 9,385 $ 10,396 $ 24,471 $ (8,052 ) $ 36,200

Shares repurchased and retired

(130 ) (130 ) (1,182 ) (1,312 )

Cash dividends paid

- - - (932 ) - (932 )

Net loss

- - - (443 ) - (443 )

Net change in defined benefit plans

- - - - (8,312 ) (8,312 )

Net change in other benefit plans

- - - - (363 ) (363 )

Balance, October 28, 2011

9,198 9,255 9,214 23,096 (16,727 ) 24,838

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

25

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010

(in thousands)

2011

2010

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$

(443

)

$

4,319

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation

1,802

2,168

Provision (recovery) for losses on accounts receivable

126

(351

)

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

(15

)

(31

)

Deferred income taxes, net

(3,427

)

395

Tax valuation allowance

3,427

(395

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(2,219

)

2,460

Inventories

(581

)

(712

)

Prepaid expenses

(50

)

330

Refundable income taxes

558

(1,426

)

Other non-current assets

(632

)

(527

)

Accounts payable

882

(863

)

Accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses

58

212

Current portion of non-current liabilities

674

(885

)

Non-current liabilities

(2,480

)

20

Net cash (used) provided by operating activities

(2,320

)

4,714

Cash used in investing activities:

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

54

40

Additions to property, plant and equipment

(1,852

)

(1,769

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(1,798

)

(1,729

)

Cash used in financing activities:

Shares repurchased

(1,312

)

(277

)

Cash dividends paid

(932

)

(933

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(2,244

)

(1,210

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(6,362

)

1,775

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

15,686

13,911

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

9,324

$

15,686

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid for income taxes

$

179

$

2,710

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

26

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands except share and per share amounts, time periods and percentages)


NOTE 1- The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:


The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated.


Use of estimates and assumptions


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Amounts estimated related to liabilities for pension benefits, self-insured workers' compensation and employee healthcare benefits are subject to inherent uncertainties and these estimated liabilities may ultimately settle at amounts which may vary from current estimates. Other areas with underlying estimates include realization of deferred tax assets, cash surrender or contract value for life insurance policies, promotional allowances and the allowance for doubtful accounts and inventory reserves.  Management believes its current estimates are reasonable and based on the best information available at the time.


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

Significant Fourth Quarter Adjustments

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

Subsequent events

Management has evaluated events subsequent to October 28, 2011 through the date the accompanying consolidated financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for transactions and other events that may require adjustment of and/or disclosure in such financial statements.


Concentrations of credit risk


Our credit risk is diversified across a broad range of customers and geographic regions. Losses due to credit risk have recently been immaterial. The carrying amount of cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair market value due to the short maturity of these instruments. We maintain cash balances at financial institutions, which may at times exceed the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, management does not believe there is significant credit risk associated with these financial institutions. The provision for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical trends and current collectability risk. We have significant amounts receivable with a few large, well known customers which, although historically secure, could be subject to material risk should these customers' operations suddenly deteriorate. Sales to Dollar General® comprised 9.0% of revenues in fiscal year 2011 and 20.2% of accounts receivable was due from Dollar General® at October 28, 2011. Sales to Wal-Mart ® comprised 10.1% of revenues in fiscal year 2010 and 9.4% of accounts receivable was due from Wal-Mart ® at October 29, 2010.


Business segments


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


Fiscal year


We maintain our accounting records on a 52-53 week fiscal basis. Fiscal years 2011 and 2010 included 52 weeks.

27

Revenues


Revenues are recognized upon passage of title to the customer, typically upon product pick-up, shipment or delivery to customers. Products are delivered to customers primarily through our own long-haul fleet or through a Company owned direct store delivery system. These delivery costs, $4,947 and $5,315 for 2011 and 2010, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The Company also uses independent distributors to deliver products in remote geographic areas of the country.   Revenues are recognized upon shipment to the distributor, net of return allowances.  Historically, returns from distributors have been minimal.  The distributor pays for these products in full, typically within 15 days, and such payment is not contingent upon payment from the large chain stores.  As a convenience to certain large chain stores, we bill these customers on behalf of the distributor.


We record promotional and returns allowances based on recent and historical trends.  Revenue is recognized as the net amount estimated to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts, trade allowances and product terms.  Promotional allowances, including customer incentive and trade promotion activities, are recorded as a reduction to sales based on amounts estimated being due to customers, based primarily on historical utilization and redemption rates.  Promotional allowances deducted from sales for fiscal years 2011 and 2010 were $7,742 and $7,629, respectively.


Advertising expenses


Advertising and other promotional expenses are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses.  Advertising expenses for fiscal years 2011 and 2010 were $3,462 and $3,530, respectively.


Cash and cash equivalents


We consider all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include money market funds and treasury bills. We had cash equivalents of $9,324 at October 28, 2011 and $15,686 at October 29, 2010. All cash and cash equivalents at October 28, 2011 were held as cash balances at Wells Fargo & Company banks.


Fair value measurements

We classify levels of inputs to measure the fair value of financial assets as follows:

Ÿ

Level 1 inputs: Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.


Ÿ

Level 2 inputs: Level 2 inputs are from other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.


Ÿ

Level 3 inputs: Level 3 inputs are unobservable and should be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.

The hierarchy noted above requires us to minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value.

28

Inventories


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


Property, plant and equipment


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


Life insurance policies


We record the cash surrender value or contract value for life insurance policies as an adjustment of premiums paid in determining the expense or income to be recognized under the contract for the period.


Income taxes


Deferred taxes are provided for items whose financial and tax bases differ. A valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when it is expected that it is more likely than not that the related asset will not be fully realized. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, management recorded a full valuation allowance with respect to its deferred tax assets.  The determination as to whether or not a deferred tax asset can be fully realized is subject to a significant degree of judgment, based at least partially upon a projection of future taxable income, which takes into consideration past and future trends in profitability, customer demand, supply costs, and multiple other factors, none of which are predictable.  The Company policy outlines measurable objective criteria that must be met before a release of the valuation allowance will occur.  Due to the degree of judgment involved, actual taxable income could differ materially from management's estimates, or the timing of taxable income could be such that the net operating losses could expire prior to their utilization.  Management could determine in the future that the assets are realizable, materially increasing net income in one or many periods. Following recognition, management could again change its determination in the future, materially decreasing income.


We provide tax accruals for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to audit results, tax planning initiatives and compliance responsibilities. The development of these accruals requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing. (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Although the outcome of these tax audits is uncertain, in management's opinion adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities emanating from these reviews. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on our results of operations.


Stock-based compensation


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


Foreign currency transactions


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

29

Comprehensive income (loss)


Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and additional minimum pension liability adjustments.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements and regulations


In December 2008, the FASB issued additional guidance on an employers' disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This interpretation is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. We adopted this interpretation in fiscal 2010. The adoption of this interpretation increased disclosures in the financial statements related to the assets of our defined benefit pension plans.


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


In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate successive statements of net income and other comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. However, we elected to adopt this pronouncement in 2011. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.


30

NOTE 2- Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions:

2011

2010

Inventories:

Meat, ingredients and supplies

$

5,434

$

3,155

Work in process

1,549

1,192

Finished goods

9,905

11,960

$

16,888

$

16,307

Property, plant and equipment:

Land

$

1,807

$

1,807

Buildings and improvements

13,647

13,558

Machinery and equipment

41,929

41,821

Asset impairment

(234

)

(233

)

Transportation equipment

6,031

6,516

Construction in process

345

430

63,525

63,899

Accumulated depreciation

(55,622

)

(56,007

)

$

7,903

$

7,892

Other non-current assets:

Cash surrender value benefits

$

11,615

$

11,134

Other

158

10

$

11,773

$

11,144

Accrued payroll, advertising and other expenses:

Payroll, vacation, payroll taxes and employee benefits

$

3,626

$

3,603

Accrued advertising and broker commissions

1,149

1,182

Property taxes

321

322

Others

494

425

$

5,590

$

5,532

Current portion of non-current liabilities (Note 3):

Defined benefit retirement plan

$

2,003

$

1,175

Executive retirement plans

501

500

Incentive compensation

878

1,023

Post retirement healthcare

57

57

$

3,439

$

2,755

Non-current liabilities (Note 3):

Defined benefit retirement plan

$

13,438

$

6,878

Executive retirement plans

3,665

3,482

Incentive compensation

683

1,424

Post retirement healthcare

1,067

888

$

18,853

$

12,672

31

NOTE 3- Retirement and Other Benefit Plans:


Noncontributory-Trusteed Defined Benefit Retirement Plans for Sales, Administrative, Supervisory and Certain Other Employees


We have noncontributory-trusteed defined benefit retirement plans for sales, administrative, supervisory and certain other employees. In the third quarter of fiscal 2006, we froze future benefit accruals under this plan for employees classified within the administrative, sales or supervisory job classifications or within any non-bargaining class. The benefits under these plans are primarily based on years of service and compensation levels. The funding policy of the plan is to make contributions which are at least equal to the minimum required contributions needed to avoid a funding deficiency. The measurement date for the plan is our fiscal year end.


Net pension cost consisted of the following:

Years Ended

2011

2010

Service cost

$

141

$

125

Interest cost

1,998

1,959

Expected return on plan assets

(2,321

)

(1,995

)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

437

428

Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs

1

1

Net pension cost

$

256

$

518

Net pension costs and benefit obligations are determined using assumptions as of the beginning of each fiscal year. Weighted average assumptions for each fiscal year are as follows:

2011

2010

Discount rate

4.65

%

5.45

%

Rate of increase in salary levels

N/A

N/A

Expected return on plan assets

8.00

%

8.00

%

The benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status of these plans as of the fiscal years ended are as follows:

2011

2010

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year

29,237

25,001

Employer contributions

1,175

1,943

Actual return on plan assets

951

3,300

Benefits paid

(1,056

)

 (1,007

)

Fair value of plan assets - end of year

30,307

29,237

Change in benefit obligations:

Benefit obligations - beginning of year

$

37,289

$

35,042

Service cost

141

125

Interest cost

1,998

1,959

Actuarial loss

7,376

1,170

Benefits paid

(1,056

)

 (1,007

)

Benefit obligations - end of year

45,748

37,289

Funded status of the plans

(15,441

)

(8,052

)

Unrecognized prior service costs

4

6

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

17,951

9,641

Net amount recognized

$

2,514

$

1,595

Current accounting principles require that an internal rate of return analysis be included in the discount rate selection process.  The discount rates were based on Citigroup Pension Liability Index as of October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010.

32

Plan assets are primarily invested in marketable equity securities, corporate and government debt securities and are administered by an investment management company. The plans' long-term return on assets is based on the weighted-average of the plans' investment allocation as of the measurement date and the published historical returns for those types of asset categories, taking into consideration inflation rate forecasts. Our expected employer contribution to the plan in fiscal year 2012 is $2,003.

The actual and target allocation for plan assets are as follows:

Asset Class

2011

Target

Asset

Allocation

2010

Target

Asset

Allocation

Large Cap Equities

33.4

%

35.0

%

37.4

%

40.0

%

Mid Cap Equities

0.00

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

Small Cap Equities

11.7

%

10.0

%

3.5

%

5.0

%

International (including Non-U.S. Fixed Income)

22.0

%

25.0

%

22.2

%

25.0

%

Fixed Income

28.4

%

26.0

%

27.3

%

26.0

%

Other (Government/Corporate, Bonds)

1.9

%

2.0

%

2.0

%

2.0

%

Cash

2.6

%

2.0

%

7.6

%

2.0

%

Total

100.0

100.0

100.0

%

100.0

%

The fair value of our pension plan assets and the level under which fair values were determined, using the hierarchy described in Note 1, is as follows:

Year Ended 2011

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Total plan assets

30,307

  -   -

30,307

Expected payments for the pension benefits are as follows:

Fiscal Years

Pension

Benefits

2012

$

1,260

2013

$

1,406

2014

$

1,512

2015

$

1,656

2016

$

1,728

2017-2021

$

10,742

33

Executive Retirement Plans


Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation


Effective January 1, 1991 we adopted a deferred compensation savings plan for certain key employees. Under this arrangement, selected employees contribute a portion of their annual compensation to the plan. We contribute an amount to each participant's account by computing an investment return equal to Moody's Average Seasoned Bond Rate plus 2%. Employees receive vested amounts upon death, termination or attainment of retirement age. No benefit expense was recorded under these plans for fiscal years 2011 and 2010.


Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan


In fiscal year 1991, we adopted a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for certain key employees.  Benefits provided under the plan are equal to 60% of the employee's final average earnings, less amounts provided by our defined benefit pension plan and amounts available through Social Security.


Benefits payable related to these plans and included in the accompanying financial statements were $4,166 and $3,982 at October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010, respectively. In connection with this arrangement we are the beneficiary of life insurance policies on the lives of certain key employees and retirees. The aggregate cash surrender value of these policies, included in non-current assets, was $11,615 and $11,134 at October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010, respectively.

Expected payments for executive postretirement benefits are as follows:

Fiscal Years

Executive

Postretirement

Benefits

2012

$

506

2013

$

506

2014

$

516

2015

$

472

2016

$

281

2017-2021

$

1,136

Incentive Compensation Plan for Certain Key Executives


We provide an incentive compensation plan for certain key executives, which is based upon our pretax income. The payment of these amounts is generally deferred over three or five-year periods. The total amount payable related to this arrangement was $1,561 and $2,447 at October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010, respectively. Future payments are approximately $878, $473, $115, $68 and $27 for fiscal years 2012 through 2016, respectively.

34

Postretirement Healthcare Benefits for Selected Executive Employees


We provide postretirement health care benefits for selected executive employees.   Net periodic postretirement healthcare cost is determined using assumptions as of the beginning of each fiscal year, except for the total actual benefit payments and the discount rate used to develop the net periodic postretirement benefit expense, which is determined at the end of the fiscal year.

Net periodic postretirement healthcare cost consisted of the following:

Years Ended

2011

2010

Service cost

$

22

$

18

Interest cost

59

82

Amortization of prior service cost

75

75

Amortization of actuarial loss

(18

)

(20

)

Net periodic postretirement healthcare cost

$

138

$

155

Weighted average assumptions for the fiscal years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010 are as follows:

2011

2010

Discount rate

4.45

%

5.45

%

Medical trend rate next year

9.50

%

9.50

%

Ultimate trend rate

5.00

%

5.00

%

Year ultimate trend rate is achieved

2020

2020

The table below shows the estimated effect of a 1% increase in healthcare cost trend rate on the following:

2011

2010

Interest cost plus service cost

$

9

$

8

Accumulated postretirement healthcare obligation

$

133

$

91

The table below shows the estimated effect of a 1% decrease in healthcare cost trend rate on the following:

2011

2010

Interest cost plus service cost

$

(8

$

(6

Accumulated postretirement healthcare obligation

$

(109

$

(76

The healthcare obligation and funded status of this plan as of the fiscal years ended are as follows:

2011

2010

Change in accumulated postretirement healthcare obligation:

Healthcare obligations - beginning of year

$

945

$

1,066

Service cost

21

18

Interest cost

59

82

Actuarial loss (gain)

136

(201

)

Benefits paid

(37

)

(20

)

Healthcare obligations - end of year

$

1,124

$

945

Funded status of the plans

1,124

945

Unrecognized prior service costs

  -

75

Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss

(112

)

(265

Unrecognized amounts recorded in other comprehensive income

112

190

Postretirement healthcare liability

$

1,124

$

945

35

Expected payments for the postretirement benefits are as follows:

Fiscal Years

Postretirement

Heathcare

Benefits

2011

$

57

2012

$

57

2013

$

57

2014

$

56

2015

$

55

2016 -2020

$

374

401(K) Plan for Sales, Administrative, Supervisory and Certain Other Employees


During the fiscal year ended November 3, 2006, we implemented a qualified 401(K) retirement plan (the "Plan") for our sales, administrative, supervisory and certain other employees. During fiscal years 2011 and 2010, we made total employer contributions to the Plan in the amounts of $408 and $421, respectively.


NOTE 4- Income Taxes:


The provision for taxes on income includes the following:

2011

2010

Current:

Federal

$

(603

)

$

749

State

(66

)

455

(669

)

1,204

Deferred:

Federal

  -   -

State

  -   -

$

(669

)

$

1,204

The total tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as follows:

2011

2010

Provision for federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate

$

(378

)

$

1,878

Increase in provision resulting from state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

(98

)

65

Research & development tax credit

-

(4

)

Non-taxable life insurance gain

(163

)

(190

)

Benefits of tax law changes - state (114 -

Change in valuation allowance

(4

(595

)

Other, net

88

50

$

(669

)

$

1,204

36

Deferred income taxes result from differences in the bases of assets and liabilities for tax and accounting purposes.

2011

2010

Receivables allowance

$

53

$

34

Returns allowance

180

217

Inventory packaging reserve

76

61

Inventory capitalization

254

333

Incentive compensation

361

275

State taxes

16

143

Employee benefits

1,483

1,371

Other

9

44

Valuation allowance

(2,432

)

(2,478

)

Current tax assets, net

$

-

$

-

State taxes

$

282

$

280

Incentive compensation

290

609

Pension and health care benefits

7,789

4,705

Depreciation

(801

)

(210

)

Net operating loss carry-forward and credits

1,484

187

Valuation allowance

(9,044

)

(5,571

)

Non-current tax assets, net

$

-

$

-

Management is required to evaluate whether a valuation allowance should be established against its deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon taxable income in prior carryback years, estimates of future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and reversals of existing taxable temporary differences.  Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is negative evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years or losses expected in early future years.  Management concluded at the end of 2008 that it was more likely than not that deferred tax assets would not be realized and recorded a full valuation allowance on all deferred tax assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.


Management reevaluated the need for a full valuation allowance at the end of 2011.  Management evaluated both positive and negative evidence.  The weight of negative factors and level of economic uncertainty in our current business continued to support the conclusion that the realization of our deferred tax assets does not meet the more likely than not standard.  Therefore, a full valuation allowance will remain against the net deferred tax assets.


As of October 28, 2011, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $4,223 and $4,793 respectively.  These loss carryforwards will expire at various dates from 2012 through 2028.

37

In July 2006, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements. This interpretation prescribed a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The guidance also discussed derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The cumulative effect, if any, of applying this guidance is to be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption.  The provisions of this guidance have been incorporated into Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740-10.


As of October 28, 2011, we have provided a liability of $105 for unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters. This entire amount would reduce our effective income tax rate if the asset is recognized in future reporting periods.  We have not identified any new unrecognized tax benefits.


As of October 29, 2010, we have provided a liability of $95 for unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters.  This entire amount would reduce our effective income tax rate if the asset is recognized in future reporting periods.  We have not identified any new unrecognized tax benefits.


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

2011

2010

Balance at beginning of year

$

95

$

103

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

-

-

Additions for tax positions of prior years

10

29

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

  -

(2

)

Settlements

  -

(35

)

Balance at end of year

$

105

$

95

We recognize any future accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  As of October 28, 2011, we had approximately $2 in accrued interest and penalties which is included as a component of the $105 unrecognized tax benefit noted above.


During the year ended October 29, 2010, the Internal Revenue Service settled its audit of our U.S. federal income tax returns for November 1, 2002, October 31, 2003, November 3, 2006 and November 2, 2007. This settlement resulted in the reversal of $35 of unrecognized tax benefits associated with R&D credits we reported, which increased our tax expense by $5.  Our federal income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the years ended October 31, 2008 through 2010. 

We are subject to income tax in California and various other state taxing jurisdictions. Our state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 through 2010.

We do not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.


NOTE 5- Line of Credit:


Under the terms of a revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo & Company, we may borrow up to $2,000 through March 1, 2013. The interest rate is at the bank's reference rate unless we elect an optional interest rate. The borrowing agreement contains various covenants, the more significant of which require us to maintain a minimum tangible net worth, a quick ratio not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a minimum net income after tax.  The Company was in violation of the tangible net worth and net income covenants which were subsequently waived (per letter dated January 17, 2012). The Company is currently in compliance with all provisions of the agreement.  There were no borrowings under this line of credit during the years ended October 28, 2011 or October 29, 2010.


NOTE 6- Contingencies and Commitments:


The Company leases warehouse and/or office facilities throughout the United States and Canada through month-to-month rental agreements.  

We leased certain transportation equipment under operating leases through 2011. The terms of the transportation leases provided for annual renewal options and contingent rental payments based upon mileage and adjustments of rental payments based on the Consumer Price Index. Minimum rental payments were $350 in fiscal year 2011 and $382 in fiscal year 2010. Contingent payments were approximately $109 in fiscal year 2011 and $124 in fiscal year 2010.  Transportation equipment is currently rented on a month-to-month basis. The Company anticipates entering into new transportation equipment leases in fiscal year 2012.

38

NOTE 7- Segment Information:


We have two reportable operating segments, Frozen Food Products (the processing and distribution of frozen products), and Refrigerated and Snack Food Products (the processing and distribution of refrigerated meat and other convenience foods).


We evaluate each segment's performance based on revenues and operating income. Selling and general administrative expenses include corporate accounting, information systems, human resource and marketing management at the corporate level. These activities are allocated to each operating segment based on revenues and/or actual usage.


The following segment information is for the years ended October 28, 2011 and October 29, 2010:

2011

Frozen Food

Products

Refrigerated

and Snack Food

Products

Other

Elimination

Totals

Sales

$

54,680

63,583

- -

118,263

Intersegment sales

-

1,094

-

(1,094

)

Net sales

54,680

64,677

-

(1,094

)

118,263

Cost of products sold

33,350

48,480

-

(1,094

)

80,736

Gross margin

21,330

16,197

- -

37,527

Selling, general and administrative expenses

17,074

21,441

124

-

38,639

Income (loss) before taxes

4,256

(5,244

)

(124

)

-

(1,112)

Total assets

$

11,887

23,124

21,955

-

56,966

Additions to property, plant and equipment

$

659

980

213

-

1,852

2010

Frozen Food

Products

Refrigerated

and Snack Food

Products

Other

Elimination

Totals

Sales

$

54,015

$

63,640

$

-

$

  -

$

117,655

Intersegment sales

  -

1,228

-

(1,228

)

Net sales

54,015

64,868

-

(1,228

)

117,655

Cost of products sold

31,682

40,109

-

(1,228

)

70,563

Gross margin

22,333

24,759

- -

47,092

Selling, general and administrative expenses

16,769

24,666

134

-

41,569

Income (loss) before taxes

5,564

93

(134

)

  -

5,523

Total assets

$

11,668

$

20,937

$

27,918

$

  -

$

60,523

Additions to property, plant and equipment

$

805

$

954

$

10

$

  -

$

1,769

NOTE 8- Unaudited Interim Financial Information:


Not applicable to smaller reporting company.

39