EX-13 2 r13rev1.txt EXHIBIT 13.1 J & SNACK FOODS CORP. 2003 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS J&J Snack Foods 6000 Central Highway Pennsauken, NJ 08109 (856) 665-9533 www.jjsnack.com 2003 ANNUAL REPORT Munch. S-s-s i p. Ah-h-h. Mm-m-m. Hear that? It's the satisfied sound of snackers everywhere delighting their senses with the J&J Snack Foods family of brands. 2003 in Review Profile J&J Snack Foods Corp. is a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of an expanding variety of nutritional, popularly priced, branded niche snack foods and beverages for the food service and retail supermarket industries. The Company is listed on the NASDAQ exchange as ''JJSF'', and serves both national and international markets. Our growing portfolio of products includes soft pretzels; frozen beverages; frozen juice bars and desserts; churros, a cinnamon pastry; funnel cakes; cookies and bakery goods; and other snack foods and drinks. Consumers can enjoy these nutritional and tasty products in a variety of settings where people work, play, travel and shop. The Company's growth is the result of a strategy that emphasizes active development of new and innovative products, penetration into existing market channels and expansion of established products into new markets. Our four business groups, Food Service, Frozen Beverages, Retail Supermarket and The Restaurant Group, were part of our 32nd consecutive year of record sales in fiscal 2003 and are poised for continued growth this coming year. As we prepare for the future, J&J Snack Foods Corp. plans to continue expanding it's unique, niche product offerings, by capitalizing on new opportunities wherever they may be found. Contents Profile FLAP Financial Highlights 1 President's Letter 2 Soft Pretzels 4 Frozen Beverages 6 Frozen Juice Bars & Desserts 8 More Snacks 10 Family of Brands 12 Financial Information 13 Corporate Information 32 Financial Highlights Fiscal year ended in September 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 (In thousands except per share data) Net Sales* $ 364,567 $ 353,187 $ 328,335 $ 296,832 $ 270,835 Net Earnings $ 19,902 $ 18,113 $ 11,876 $ 9,968 $ 14,264 Total Assets $ 236,683 $ 220,036 $ 224,481 $ 220,039 $ 213,680 Long-Term Debt $ - $ - $ 28,368 $ 42,481 $ 34,660 Stockholders' Equity $ 182,564 $ 168,709 $ 146,143 $ 133,274 $ 131,169 Common Share Data Earnings Per Diluted Share $ 2.20 $ 1.99 $ 1.36 $ 1.10 $ 1.50 Earnings Per Basic Share $ 2.26 $ 2.07 $ 1.40 $ 1.13 $ 1.58 Book Value Per Share $ 20.85 $ 18.95 $ 16.92 $ 15.64 $ 14.57 Common Shares Outstanding At Year End 8,757 8,903 8,636 8,522 9,000 *-Net sales from 1999 to 2001 have been reduced as a result of our adoption of EITF 01-9, "Accounting for Consideration Given By a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendor's Products." These reclassifications had no impact on reported net earnings or earnings per share. President's Letter To Our Shareholders and Friends: ''Truth, justice and the American way.'' Oops... no, that was last year's closing statement of my President's Letter. I need something else, slightly different, as we put the finishing touches on another good year. As I recently gazed reflectively while enjoying the natural beauty of a pastoral country setting, the sights and sounds of nature overwhelmed my senses. Almost like I could touch the beauty, smell its fragrance, taste its goodness and hear the serenity. And then I realized just how much the sensory qualities of our products contribute to their enjoyment, and in turn, the success of our company. J&J Snack Foods Corp. has just completed it's 32nd consecutive year of growth. How do we do it? Our insatiable appetite for success helps us to sniff out opportunities wherever they can be found. Operational discipline and good execution helps make them fit. Our dedication to serving the public remains steadfast. And, none of this would be possible without a truly sense- ational team working with me. Sales and earnings set records in 2003 I am delighted to report to our shareholders our year- end results. In 2003, we set sales and earnings records again! And, earnings per share were the highest in our corporate history. In brief: * Net sales grew by 3% to a record $365 million * Net earnings climbed 10% to $19.9 million * Earnings per share rose 11% to $2.20 * Book value increased to $20.85 Strong performance by our Food Service business group, led by continued growth of our core and newer soft pretzel products, paved the way. Total Food Service sales were up 8% for the year, boosted by our award- winning PRETZEL FILLERS and GOURMET TWISTS that grew at an even faster rate. Other products also contributed to our successful year. Our ICEE business group, given the circumstances of weather and store closings affecting a major customer, performed well overall. And, although Retail Supermarket sales declined this year due to the discontinuance of frozen novelty products introduced last year and poor weather conditions, it is noteworthy that our retail soft pretzel category grew. Tuning into sensory perception Unlike some larger food companies, our company is unique and our products fall into specialty niche categories. In our beginning in 1971, we saw and sensed something of product lines that were undeveloped and under-marketed. This initially included soft pretzels. Our business grew, and later churros, frozen juice bars and desserts, ICEE and frozen carbonated beverages, funnel cakes and cookies were added to the mix to further delight the senses. We continue to utilize the same strategy and basic philosophy that has served us well over the years. By making quality niche products, being the low cost producer and maintaining strong sales and distribution channels, we were able to overcome a tough economic environment made even tougher by cost increases. We are satisfied with our recent performance but can clearly see further success. As we begin our 33rd year in business, we remain committed to maintaining the standards already in place, and will focus on furthering our quest for continued growth and excellence. We look forward to another sense-ational year in 2004! Sincerely, Gerald B. Shreiber President and Chairman December 1, 2003 Soft Pretzels Take a good look and you'll clearly see why J&J Snack Foods Corp. remains the world's premier and largest manufacturer of soft pretzels. As demand continues to grow, seven of our manufacturing facilities are busy producing the millions upon millions of soft pretzels needed to satisfy consumers across the U.S. and around the world. All eyes are on expanding food service sales In fiscal 2003, food service soft pretzel sales grew an impressive 15%, primarily driven by surging sales of our gourmet style soft pretzels. These delectable snacks can be eaten on-the-go or as a meal replacement, and are sold at an expanding number of locations including convenience stores, home-delivery services, mass merchandisers, snack bars and other traditional food service outlets. Our delicious PRETZEL FILLERS, hand-twisted soft pretzels with scrumptious fillings and toppings, have provided a whole new way to view soft pretzels! Enjoy any of our four appealing flavors: Twisted Pizza, Hollerin' Jalapeno, Sweet Dream Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Apple Harvest. PRETZEL FILLERS are available in various sizes as well as individually wrapped. Hungry consumers have also set their sights on GOURMET TWISTS. These old-world, hearth-baked soft pretzels are offered in either Original Twist or Sweet Doughlicious. Packaged with savory toppings including butter, cinnamon-sugar and salt, they provide variety and simple preparation. The food service picture has changed forever! Our flagship brand - SUPERPRETZEL Soft Pretzels - provides the lion's share of food service soft pretzel sales. They remain America's Favorite Soft Pretzel, and are available at tens-of-thousands of high- traffic locations across the country such as malls and shopping centers; stadiums and sports arenas; amusement, leisure and theme parks; chain, convenience and warehouse club stores; schools and colleges; business and industry cafeterias and fast food outlets. We're the apple of the School Food Service Director's eye We remain dedicated to helping schools provide good nutrition and fun for America's schoolchildren. Our SUPERPRETZEL product line satisfies bread requirements for the U.S.D.A. approved National School Lunch/Breakfast Program - making it a tasty addition to school lunch and breakfast menus. Available in themed and shaped varieties such as shamrocks, pumpkins, hearts and stars, School Food Service Directors know that holiday and special menus will be seen as a hit with students. Still lookin' good at the supermarket SUPERPRETZEL brand sales in retail supermarkets - which includes soft pretzels, SOFT PRETZEL BITES and SOFTSTIX Cheese Filled Soft Pretzel Sticks co-branded with KRAFT* - again showed an increase for the year, thanks to a 14% sales spike for our SUPERPRETZEL SOFTSTIX. The brand continues to lead the retail category with a commanding market share and a presence in more than 29,000 supermarkets nationwide. SUPERPRETZEL PRETZELFILS - a vision of the future Watch closely, we've just reinvented at-home snacking. At the end of our fiscal year, we began test marketing SUPERPRETZEL PRETZELFILS - the newest member of the SUPERPRETZEL family. Flavored dough is combined with delicious fillings and toppings to create an entirely new snacking sensation. Eaten as a snack, mini-meal or hors d'oeuvre, consumers can choose from three delicious flavors: pizza, pepperjack and onion veggie cream cheese. Our innovations just keep on coming! Our Restaurant Group, which operates BAVARIAN PRETZEL BAKERY and PRETZEL GOURMET retail stores in the Mid- Atlantic region, continues to serve as a valuable resource for market research and new product evaluation. *KRAFT and the KRAFT logo are registered trademarks owned and licensed by Kraft Food Holdings, Inc. Focus Love at first Sight and love in every bite. Frozen Beverages On a hot summer day or anytime, there is no better way to cool off than with a delicious, frosty beverage from J&J Snack Foods. Use a straw or use a spoon, but by all means, experience this chilling sensation. The ICEE Company ---- our frozen beverage division ---- sets the standard for excellence and remains the world's largest distributor of frozen beverages. However, sales dipped slightly in fiscal 2003 primarily due to the unusually wet summer and continued store closings at a major account. Connect with an ICEE anywhere Feel like ICEE is everywhere you are? You're right! Refreshing ICEE branded beverages are sold in more than 30,000 food service outlets throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, many of which also sell our SUPERPRETZEL brand and other tasty and nutritional J&J products. ARCTIC BLAST and other signature brands are also available in some geographic locations. Served from our proprietary dispensing equipment, these semi-frozen treats are an exciting and delicious alternative to traditional juices and soft drinks for thirsty consumers in need of a cool-down. We are transitioning to the ICEE brand in nearly 7,000 Burger King* locations, modifying the look of existing dispensing units to provide additional brand exposure. Our long-term marketing agreement with The Coca-Cola Company continues to thrive as The ICEE Company provides ongoing managed services to dispensing machines in these Burger King locations while The Coca-Cola Company provides the syrup. A very cool combination indeed! Our customers feel the love The ICEE Company's success is owed in no small part to the ''Service Excellence'' provided by our nationwide network of branches and trained technicians that reports to our centralized, state-of-the-art Customer Service Center. We perform ongoing managed service for existing customers as well as other beverage and related food equipment providers. As always, we remain dedicated to maintaining our equipment in peak condition at all times and are sensitive to our trade customers' needs. To that end, this fiscal year we began the rollout of hand-held computers to speed up communication from the field and reduce manual processing of service information. The majority of the project should be implemented in fiscal 2004. Staying in touch by way of promotions Promotional opportunities continued to play an important role throughout fiscal 2003. Value-added on-the-cup offers; consumer sweepstakes and contests; feature film, video/DVD and video game tie- ins; turnkey holiday- themed and flavor promotions; and account- specific themed promotions are just some of the ways the ICEE brand stays in front of consumers. Tie-ins with SUPERPRETZEL, GOURMET TWISTS, MRS. GOODCOOKIE and other J&J products were also featured at several national accounts, promoting sense-ational snack combinations. Uncarbonated ways to chill out Feel like a frosty treat without carbonation? The ICEE Company offers three frozen beverage alternatives. In the fourth quarter, we introduced ICEE SLUSH to schools and lower volume locations. For schools, it is made with real fruit juice to meet specific nutritional requirements. JAVA FREEZE, a coffee-flavored beverage, remains popular with the college crowd. And, CALIFORNIA NATURAL ---- served with or without alcohol ---- enhances the spectator experience at sporting events and entertainment venues. So when you need to chill out and the ordinary just won't do, satisfy your senses with a frozen treat from J&J. *Burger King is a registered trademark of Burger King Corporation. Chillin' Experience the ICEE Touch and feel the Arctic Blast. Frozen Juice Bars & Desserts Need a cool, refreshing treat? You're not alone. Increased consumption of our MINUTE MAID* and BARQ'S** branded products, combined with the efforts of our LUIGI'S, CHILL, ICEE, FROSTAR, SHAPE UPS and MAMA TISH'S brands, helped us turn in a tasty 4% increase in food service sales in fiscal 2003. A palatable result ---- despite Mother Nature's wrath, which impacted sales of our frozen juice bars and dessert brands last summer, mostly in leisure and theme venues. Relishing our award-winning partnership Our ongoing alliance with The Coca-Cola Company gives J&J Snack Foods Corp. the exclusive rights to manufacture, sell and distribute licensed frozen juice bars and desserts under the Coca-Cola*** brands of MINUTE MAID and BARQ'S. Consumer recognition and trust of these brands, combined with our robust distribution channels, provide a solid foundation for success. Our mouth-watering Coca-Cola branded products include MINUTE MAID Juice Bars, MINUTE MAID Soft Frozen Lemonade, MINUTE MAID Fruit & Cream Swirl and a new product with an old-fashioned feel ---- BARQ'S Frozen Root Beer & Vanilla Ice Cream Float. This luscious frozen treat is already causing quite a stir, garnering a pair of prestigious industry publication awards: ''Stagnito's Best New Product Award'' and ''Best New Product Award'' from Convenience Store News. Delicious news indeed! And, in warehouse club stores, food service frozen dessert sales were boosted when BARQ'S Frozen Root Beer & Vanilla Ice Cream Float and MINUTE MAID Juice Bars were successfully welcomed into the club. Canadians are now enjoying our taste-tempting frozen desserts, as our ongoing efforts to expand in this geographic market have landed MINUTE MAID Soft Frozen Lemonade into club stores and convenience stores north of the border. A ravenous appetite for pleasing kids and adults J&J Snack Foods Corp. is proud to be a Patron Member of the American School Food Service Association and pledges to remain committed to offering nutritious products to schoolchildren. With more than 90 million servings this year, our MINUTE MAID Juice Bars, which carry the Child Nutrition (CN) label and satisfy fruit requirements for the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program, remain the #1 menued frozen juice bar in America's schools. SHAPE UPS Frozen Juice Cups, juice- based frozen desserts with holiday themed lids, provide School Food Service Directors with lip-smackin' options for menu planning. Still the #1 taste in the freezercase Retail supermarket sales of frozen juice bars and desserts ---- which includes the LUIGI'S, MINUTE MAID, BARQ'S and ICEE brands ---- experienced a decline this fiscal year due in part to lost distribution of products introduced last year and a damp, dreary summer which impacted all frozen novelty category sales. Although sales of LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice were flat for the year, the brand still sits atop the supermarket freezercase as the #1 selling Italian ice and is very well positioned for future growth. BARQ'S Frozen Root Beer & Vanilla Ice Cream Float was successfully introduced in test markets in fiscal 2003, and expansion plans are in place for this old-fashioned favorite in the coming year. *MINUTE MAID is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. **BARQ'S is a registered trademark of Barq's Inc. ***Coca-Cola is a registered trademark of The Coca- Cola Company. Crave Bathe your tongue in Taste and enjoy lip smackin' fun. More Snacks Nothing stirs the senses quite like the sweet aroma of warm, fresh snacks. Delicious cookies, crispy churros, fragrant funnel cakes and other quality bakery products comprise this ever-growing niche category for J&J Snack Foods Corp. Ah-h-h-h-h, the sweet smell of success! In the food service sector, MRS. GOODCOOKIE, CAMDEN CREEK and other branded cookies serve up equally delicious whether distributed as frozen cookie dough, pre-baked or pre-packaged cookies. And for a more custom sensation, CAMDEN CREEK private label fund raising frozen cookie dough has proven to be a winner, along with packaged, fun character cookie sales to schools and sales of MRS. GOODCOOKIE frozen cookie dough. All were key contributors to the 4% rise in dollars and scents in 2003. Our other taste-tempting bakery products include non- branded frozen cookie dough, commercial specialty baking items, contract private label products and organically certified baked goods. The 5% sales spurt we experienced is primarily the result of growth in our contract private label business. Additionally, our fresh bakery products which convenience food retailer, posted increases to food service sales as well. Soon, you may catch the aromatic whiff of many of our fresh- baked goodies in even more places as we explore our existing distribution channels for further opportunities. Sensing continued growth for TIO PEPE'S What was once a regional delicacy only in the Southwest, TIO PEPE'S Churros ---- crispy, doughnut-like snacks --- - continue to spread their cinnamon scent across the country and into international markets. In fiscal 2003, food service sales of regular and fruit filled churros beat out the previous year's sales by a nose. Both varieties are delicious and nutritious, while fruit filled churros satisfy both bread and fruit requirements for the U.S.D.A. National School Lunch/Breakfast Program. International sales of churros also grew in the Asia-Pacific region. Funnel cakes ---- still full of fun Available under THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY brand name, our fragrant funnel cakes are sold either as frozen, pre- cooked, pre-shaped cakes that simply need to be warmed, or as a make-your-own dry mix. Funnel cakes are meant for family fun, so it's no surprise that the rain- drenched summer ---- which adversely affected attendance and eating habits at theme and leisure parks as well as other outdoor venues, the primary distribution channel for funnel cakes ---- led to a marginal decline in sales for fiscal 2003. But if history is any indication, funnel cake sales should rebound quite nicely. Despite certain adversities and challenges we experienced this past year, we refused to let them dampen our spirits. We saw opportunities. We felt confident. We tasted victory. We smelled success. Triumphant once again, J&J Snack Foods Corp. experienced growth for our 32nd consecutive year ---- now that's sense-ational! Savor Inhale this aromatic Smell and lose yourself in the moment. J&J Snack Foods FAMILY OF BRANDS MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the ''Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'' Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates We prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of those financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company discloses its significant accounting policies in the notes to its audited consolidated financial statements. Judgments and estimates of uncertainties are required in applying the Company's accounting policies in certain areas. Following are some of the areas requiring significant judgments and estimates: revenue recognition, accounts receivable, cash flow and valuation assumptions in performing asset impairment tests of long-lived assets, estimates of the useful lives of intangible assets and insurance reserves. There are numerous critical assumptions that may influence accounting estimates in these and other areas. We base our critical assumptions on historical experience, third-party data and various other estimates we believe to be reasonable. A description of the aforementioned policies follows: Revenue recognition-We recognize revenue from our products when the products are shipped to our customers and when equipment service is performed for our customers who are charged on a time and material basis. We also sell equipment service contacts with terms of coverage ranging between 12 and 60 months. We record deferred income on equipment service contracts which is amortized by the straight line method over the term of the contracts. We record offsets to revenue for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending. Off-invoice allowances are deducted directly from the amount invoiced to our customer when our products are shipped to the customer. Offsets to revenue for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending are recorded primarily as a reduction of accounts receivable based on our estimates of liability which are based on customer programs and historical experience. These offsets to revenue are based primarily on the quantity of product purchased over specific time periods. For our retail supermarket and frozen beverages segments, we accrue for the liability based on products sold multiplied by per product offsets. Offsets to revenue for our foodservice segment are calculated in a similar manner for offsets owed to our direct customers; however, because shipments to end-users are unknown to us until reported by our direct customers or by the end-users, there is a greater degree of uncertainty as to the accuracy of the amounts accrued for end-user offsets. Additional uncertainty may occur as customers take deductions when they make payments to us. This creates complexities because our customers do not always provide reasons for the deductions taken. Additionally, customers may take deductions to which they are not entitled and because the length of time customers take deductions to which they are entitled can vary from two weeks to well over a year. Because of the aforementioned uncertainties, the process to determine the amount of liability to record is cumbersome and subject to inaccuracies. However, we feel that due to constant monitoring of the process that any inaccuracies would not be material. Our recorded liability for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending was approximately $4,925,000 and $3,392,000 at September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, respectively. The increase in our recorded liability was to provide for trade spending related to the introduction of our PRETZELFILS supermarket product as well as other general increases in allowances throughout our businesses. Accounts Receivable-We record accounts receivable at the time revenue is recognized. Bad debt expense is recorded in marketing and administrative expenses. The amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our estimate of the accounts receivable amount that is uncollectable and is made up of a general reserve based on historical experience and amounts for specific customer's accounts receivable that we believe are at risk due to our knowledge of facts regarding the customer(s). We continually monitor our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts and adjust it monthly. We usually have 2 to 3 customers with accounts receivable balances of between $1.5million to $3million. Failure of these customers, and others with lesser balances, to pay us the amounts owed could have a material impact on our consolidated statement of earnings and our consolidated statement of cash flows. Accounts receivable due from any of our customers is subject to risk. Our total bad debt expense was $556,000, $372,000 and $438,000 for the fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively. At September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, our accounts receivables were $37,645,000 and $36,922,000, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $991,000 and $1,839,000. Asset Impairment - We completed documentation of our transitional goodwill impairment tests during the quarter ended March 30, 2002 and did not record any transitional goodwill impairment loss as a result of our adoption of SFAS 142. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2003. We have three reporting units with goodwill totaling $45,850,000 as of September 27,2003. We utilize historical reporting unit cash flows (defined as reporting unit operating income plus depreciation and amortization) as a proxy for expected future reporting cash flows to evaluate the fair value of these reporting units. If the fair value so estimated substantially exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit, including the goodwill, if any, associated with that unit, we do not recognize any impairment loss. Our restaurant group reporting unit has goodwill of $438,000 as of September 27, 2003. Our analysis of the fair value of this reporting unit indicated that the excess of this unit's fair value over its carrying value had diminished over time, thus requiring management to further analyze whether an impairment charge was warranted. As part of this analysis, we reviewed the future business plans of this unit as provided by the chief operating decision maker for this unit. This plan includes the closing of a significant number of unprofitable stores and reductions in non store operating expenses. Based upon this extended analysis, we determined that impairment of goodwill for this reporting unit should not be recognized as of our fiscal year-end. We may need to recognize the impairment of goodwill associated with this reporting unit in the near future. We do not engage a third party to assist in this analysis as we believe that our in-house expertise is adequate to perform the analysis. Licenses and rights are being amortized by the straight- line method over periods ranging from 4 to 20 years and amortization expense is reflected throughout operating expenses. There were no changes in the gross carrying amount of intangible assets for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2003. Additionally, we did not record any transitional intangible asset impairment loss upon adoption of SFAS 142. Long-lived assets, including fixed assets and intangibles, are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Cash flow analyses are used to assess impairment. The estimates of future cash flows involve considerable management judgment and are based upon assumptions about expected future operating performance. Assumptions used in these forecasts are consistent with internal planning. The actual cash flows could differ from management's estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance, economic conditions, competition and consumer preferences. Insurance Reserves - We have a self-insured medical plan which covers approximately 1,000 of our employees. We record a liability for incurred but not yet paid claims based on our historical experience of claims payments and a calculated lag time period. We maintain a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that includes claims payments made each month according to the date the claim was incurred. This enables us to have an historical record of claims incurred but not yet paid at any point in the past. We then compare our accrued liability to the more recent claims incurred but not yet paid amounts and adjust our recorded liability up or down accordingly. Our recorded liability at September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002 was $675,000 and $448,000, respectively. Considering that we have stop loss coverage of $125,000 for each individual plan subscriber, the general consistency of claims payments and the short time lag, we believe that there is not a material exposure for this liability. Because of the foregoing, we do not engage a third party actuary to assist in this analysis. We self-insure, up to loss limits, worker's compensation and automobile liability claims. Accruals for claims under our self-insurance program are recorded on a claims incurred basis. Under this program, the estimated liability for claims incurred but unpaid in fiscal year 2003 and 2002 was $1,700,000 and $1,100,000, respectively. Our total recorded liability for all years' claims incurred but not yet paid was $4,324,000 and $4,285,000 at September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, respectively. We estimate the liability based on total incurred claims and paid claims adjusting for loss development factors which account for the development of open claims over time. We estimate the amounts we expect to pay for some insurance years by multiplying incurred losses by a loss development factor which is based on insurance industry averages and the age of the incurred claims; our estimated liability is then the difference between the amounts we expect to pay and the amounts we have already paid for those years. Loss development factors which we use range from 1.0 to 1.82. However, for some years, the estimated liability is the difference between the amounts we have already paid for that year and the maximum we could pay under the program in effect for that particular year because the calculated amount we expect to pay is higher than the maximum. For other years, where there are few claims open, the estimated liability we record is the amount the insurance company has reserved for those claims. We evaluate our estimated liability on a continuing basis and adjust it accordingly. Due to the multi-year length of these insurance programs, there is exposure to claims coming in lower or higher than anticipated; however, due to constant monitoring and stop loss coverage on individual claims, we believe our exposure is not material. Because of the foregoing, we do not engage a third party actuary to assist in this analysis. In connection with these self-insurance agreements, we customarily enter into letters of credit arrangements with our insurers. At September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $5,900,000 and $4,800,000, respectively. Refer to Note A to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on our accounting policies. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Fiscal 2003 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal 2002 (52 weeks) Net sales increased $11,380,000 or 3% to $364,567,000 in fiscal 2003 from $353,187,000 in fiscal 2002. We have four reportable segments, as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets, The Restaurant Group and Frozen Beverages. The Chief Operating Decision Maker for Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and The Restaurant Group and the Chief Operating Decision Maker for Frozen Beverages monthly review and evaluate operating income and sales in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Makers review and evaluate depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment. Food Service Sales to food service customers increased $15,309,000 or 8% to $200,528,000 in fiscal 2003. Soft pretzel sales to the food service market increased $10,160,000, or 15%, to $76,062,000 for the 2003 year due primarily to increased sales of PRETZEL FILLERS and GOURMET TWISTS, two of our newer products in our pretzel line. Increased sales of PRETZEL FILLERS to two customers accounted for approximately 64% of the soft pretzel sales' increase. Sales of bakery products increased $3,661,000 or 6% to $67,432,000 in fiscal 2003; approximately 44% of this increase was from sales to one customer resulting primarily from increased sales of existing products to its customers. Approximately $900,000 of the bakery products increase in sales was of our branded products sold primarily to school foodservice accounts and approximately $1,000,000 of the increase was of sales of private label products with increases and decreases among many customers. Churro sales increased 3% to $12,923,000 resulting primarily from sales of new products to a warehouse club store customer. Frozen juice bar and ices sales increased $1,322,000, or 4%,to $38,120,000. This increase was mainly attributable to higher sales to warehouse club stores of about $1,800,000 and to school foodservice customers of about $600,000, which were partially offset by a decline to $0 of sales to one quick serve restaurant customer from $1,325,000 in 2002, which customer discontinued sales of the product after a trial period in 2002. All of the increases in sales throughout the Food Service segment were from a combination of increased unit volume and price increases. Retail Supermarkets Sales of products to retail supermarkets decreased $1,664,000 or 4% to $39,702,000 in fiscal 2003. Total soft pretzel sales to retail supermarkets were $17,195,000, an increase of 2% from fiscal 2002. Sales of frozen juice bars and ices decreased $1,207,000 or 5% to $24,251,000 in 2003 from $25,458,000 in 2002. Case sales of frozen juices and ices products introduced in 2002 which were unsuccessful were down 60% for the year. Even though overall case sales of frozen juices and ices were down 12%, sales were down only 5% because of reduced trade spending in 2003 compared to 2002. We believe that sales of our frozen juices and ices were negatively impacted by unseasonably cool and rainy weather in parts of the United States during the spring and summer of 2003. The Restaurant Group Sales of our Restaurant Group, which operates BAVARIAN PRETZEL BAKERY and PRETZEL GOURMET retail stores in the Mid-Atlantic region, declined by 9%, primarily due to reduced mall traffic and closings of 5 unprofitable stores. At September 27, 2003, we had 48 stores open with plans to close 10 to 15 unprofitable stores in our 2004 fiscal year in hopes of improving the operating results of this business. Frozen Beverages Frozen beverage and related product sales decreased $1,296,000 or 1% to $114,582,000 in fiscal 2003. Beverage sales alone decreased 2% to $89,387,000 for the year. Lower beverage sales to two customers accounted for more than the entire decrease in beverage sales. Excluding these two customers, beverage sales alone would have increased approximately $1,450,000, or 2%, for the year. Sales to one of these customers may decline further in 2004. We do not believe the impact on consolidated operating income would be material. We believe that beverage sales were negatively impacted by unseasonably cool and rainy weather in parts of the United States during the spring and summer of 2003. Service revenue increased $829,000, or 6% to $15,272,000 for the year as we continue to emphasize this part of our business. Consolidated Other than as commented upon above by segment, there are no specific reasons for the reported sales increases or decreases. Sales levels can be impacted by the appeal of our products to our customers and consumers and their changing tastes, competitive and pricing pressures, sales execution, marketing programs , seasonal weather, customer stability and general economic conditions. Gross profit was 34% of sales in both 2003 and 2002. Gross profit benefited from a decrease of approximately $6,000,000 in depreciation expense which was largely offset by increases in the unit costs of raw materials and packaging of about $4,000,000 and increases in insurance costs of about $1,300,000. The decrease in depreciation expense related primarily to frozen carbonated beverage dispensers acquired in an acquisition in 1998 and which became fully depreciated in the first quarter of 2003. Total operating expenses increased $2,807,000 to $93,998,000 in fiscal 2003 but as a percentage of sales were 26% in 2003 and 2002. Marketing expenses decreased less than 1/2 of 1 percent to 14% of sales in fiscal 2003 from 15% in 2002. The decrease in marketing expense as a percent of sales was caused primarily by a higher level of sales in our food service segment which did not incur marketing expenses and by a lower level of employee compensation in our frozen beverages segment. Distribution expenses increased less than 1/4 of 1 percent of sales to 8% from 7% last year primarily because of increased freight costs as a percent of foodservice sales and slightly higher frozen beverages distribution costs even though sales declined. . Administrative expenses were 4% in both years. Other general income increased to $384,000 in 2003 from $19,000 because of the positive resolution of prior acquisition liabilities. Operating income increased $2,581,000 or 9% to $30,847,000 in fiscal 2003 as a result of the aforementioned items. Interest expense decreased $408,000 to $113,000 in fiscal 2003 because we had no long-term debt in 2003. The effective income tax rate increased to 36% in fiscal 2003 from 35% in fiscal 2002 primarily because of changes in state tax laws. Net earnings increased $1,789,000 or 10% in fiscal 2003 to $19,902,000 or $2.20 per fully diluted share as a result of the aforementioned items. There are many factors which can impact our net earnings from year to year and in the long run, among which are the supply and cost of raw materials and labor, insurance costs, factors impacting sales as noted above, the continuing consolidation of our customers, our ability to manage our manufacturing, marketing and distribution activities, our ability to make and integrate acquisitions and changes in tax laws and interest rates. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Fiscal 2002 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal 2001 (52 weeks) Net sales increased $24,852,000 or 8% to $353,187,000 in fiscal 2002 from $328,335,000 in fiscal 2001. Excluding the sales benefit from the acquisition of Uptown Bakery in November 2000, sales would have increased approximately 6.5%. We have four reportable segments, as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets, The Restaurant Group and Frozen Beverages. The Chief Operating Decision Maker for Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and The Restaurant Group and the Chief Operating Decision Maker for Frozen Beverages monthly review and evaluate operating income and sales in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Makers review and evaluate depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment. Food Service Sales to food service customers increased $13,846,000 or 8% to $185,219,000 in fiscal 2002. Excluding the sales benefit from the acquisition of Uptown Bakery, sales would have increased about 6%. Soft pretzel sales to the food service market increased 8% to $65,902,000 for the 2002 year entirely due to sales of our two new pretzel lines, GOURMET TWIST AND PRETZEL FILLERS, across our customer base. . Sales of bakery products increased $5,814,000 or 10% to $63,771,000 in fiscal 2002. About 60% of the bakery product sales increase resulted from the acquisition of Uptown Bakery with the balance coming from sales of our branded cookie products primarily to school foodservice accounts. Churro sales increased 7% to $12,530,000 with the sales increase spread widely among our customers. Increased sales of fruit filled churros accounted for about 40% of the churros' sales increase. Frozen juice bar and ices sales increased 10% to $36,798,000. About 40% of the increase in frozen juice bar and ices sales were to a quick serve restaurant in a product test; at this time, we do not know if the product will be sold in 2003, and about 30% of the increased sales were to school foodservice accounts and the balance to club stores and seasonal warm weather accounts. All of the increases in sales throughout the Food Service segment were primarily the result of changes in unit volume. Retail Supermarkets Sales of products to retail supermarkets increased $2,290,000 or 6% to $41,366,000 in fiscal 2002. Total soft pretzel sales to retail supermarkets were $16,794,000, an increase of 4% from fiscal 2001. Sales of our flagship SUPERPRETZEL brand soft pretzels increased 5% to $15,497,000 due to increased case volume and reduced trade spending. Sales of frozen juice bars and ices increased $1,745,000 or 7% to $25,458,000 in 2002 from $23,713,000 in 2001 due to increased volume of LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice and the Company's MINUTE MAID* brand licensed products. Over 80% of the higher case volume of frozen juice bars and ices were from sales of products introduced into supermarkets this year. The Restaurant Group Sales of our Restaurant Group, which operates BAVARIAN PRETZEL BAKERY and PRETZEL GOURMET retail stores in the Mid-Atlantic region, declined by 11%, primarily due to reduced mall traffic and closings of unprofitable stores. Frozen Beverages Frozen beverage and related product sales increased $10,035,000 or 9% to $115,878,000 in fiscal 2002. Beverage sales alone increased 2% to $91,366,000 for the year. Service revenue increased $5,625,000, or 64% to $14,443,000 for the year as we began a more concerted effort to pursue managed service opportunities to take advantage of our national service infrastructure. Sales of equipment increased $4,365,000, or 77%, due to one- time sales to two customers Sales to certain of our mass merchandising customers decreased in 2002 and are expected to further decline in 2003 as a result of store closings and other factors affecting their operations. Consolidated Other than as commented upon above by segment, there are no specific reasons for the reported sales increases or decreases. Sales levels can be impacted by the appeal of our products to our customers and consumers and their changing tastes, competitive and pricing pressures, sales execution, marketing programs , seasonal weather , customer stability and general economic conditions. Gross profit increased to 34% of sales in 2002 from 33% of sales in 2001 primarily due to efficiencies resulting from higher volume. Gross profit was impacted by higher property and casualty insurance costs of approximately $900,000 for the year. The higher costs were due to market conditions and our own claims experience. Total operating expenses increased $3,640,000 to $91,191,000 in fiscal 2002 but as a percentage of sales decreased to 26% in 2002 from 27% in 2001. The percentage decrease was mainly attributable to our adoption of SFAS 142 which eliminated amortization of goodwill of $2,600,000. Marketing expenses increased less than 1/4 of 1 percent to 15% of sales in fiscal 2002 from 14% in 2001. This increase resulted from an upgrade of our point of sale materials at our Food Service customers. Distribution expenses decreased less than 1/2 of 1 percent of sales to 7% from 8% last year because of lower fuel prices early in the year, lower interest costs on operating leases and efficiencies related to higher volume. Administrative expenses were 4% in both years. Other general income of $19,000 in 2002 compared to other general income of $620,000 in 2001. Other general income in 2001 included gains from insurance proceeds. Operating income increased $7,097,000 or 34% to $28,266,000 in fiscal 2002 as a result of the aforementioned items. Interest expense decreased $2,662,000 to $521,000 in fiscal 2002 due to the paydown of debt and lower interest rates. As of September 28, 2002, we have repaid all of our long-term debt. The effective income tax rate was 35% in fiscal 2002 and 36% in fiscal 2001. Net earnings increased $6,237,000 or 53% in fiscal 2002 to $18,113,000 or $1.99 per fully diluted share as a result of the aforementioned items. There are many factors which can impact our net earnings from year to year and in the long run, among which are the supply and cost of raw materials and labor, insurance costs, factors impacting sales as noted above, the continuing consolidation of our customers, our ability to manage our manufacturing, marketing and distribution activities, our ability to make and integrate acquisitions and changes in tax laws and interest rates. *MINUTE MAID is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. ACQUISITIONS, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES In November 2000, we acquired the assets of Uptown Bakeries for cash. Uptown Bakeries, located in Bridgeport, NJ, sells bakery items to the food service industry with approximate annual sales of $17,000,000. This acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and its operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. Although there are many factors which could impact our operating cash flow, most notably net earnings, we believe that our future operating cash flow, along with our borrowing capacity, is sufficient to fund future growth and expansion. Based on our past levels of operating cash flow, which has averaged $48,967,000 per year over the past three years, and the quality of our consolidated balance sheet, we believe that we have the capability to borrow in excess of $200,000,000. This is management's current opinion, which could change over time depending on future events. Fluctuations in the value of the Mexican peso and the resulting revaluation of the net assets of our Mexican frozen beverage subsidiary caused decreases of $165,000, $151,000 and $25,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the 2003, 2002 and 2001 fiscal years, respectively. In 2003, sales of the Mexican subsidiary were $4,354,000 as compared to $3,819,000 in 2002. In fiscal year 2003, we purchased and retired 297,000 shares of our common stock at a cost of $8,565,000. In fiscal year 2002, we did not purchase or retire any of our common stock. In fiscal year 2001, we purchased and retired 111,000 shares of our common stock at a cost of $1,431,000. Under a buyback authorization approved by the Board of Directors in April 2003, 478,000 shares remain to be purchased at September 27, 2003. Our general-purpose bank credit line provides for up to a $50,000,000 revolving credit facility. The agreement contains restrictive covenants and requires commitment fees in accordance with standard banking practice. The significant financial covenants are: Earnings before interest expense and income taxes divided by interest expense shall not be less than 1.5 to 1. Tangible net worth must be more than $90million. Total funded indebtedness divided by earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization shall not be greater than 2.25 to 1. Total liabilities divided by tangible net worth shall not be more than 2.0 to 1. We were in compliance with all of the restrictive covenants at September 27, 2003. There were no outstanding balances under this facility at September 27, 2003. We self-insure, up to loss limits, certain insurable risks such as worker's compensation and automobile liability claims. Accruals for claims under our self- insurance program are recorded on a claim- incurred basis. Under this program, the estimated liability for claims incurred but unpaid in fiscal year 2003 and 2002 was $1,700,000 and $1,100,000, respectively. In connection with certain self-insurance agreements, we customarily enter into letters of credit arrangements with our insurers. At September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $5,900,000 and $4,800,000, respectively. The following table presents our contractual cash flow commitments on long-term debt and operating leases. See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our long-term debt and operating leases. Payments Due by Period Less Payments Due by Period Less Than 1--3 4--5 After Total 1 Year Years Years 5 Years (in thousands) Long-term debt, including current maturities $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Operating leases 40,164 8,068 11,266 7,262 13,568 Total $40,164 $ 8,068 $11,266 $7,262 $13,568 As of September 27, 2003, we were committed to purchasing approximately $13,000,000 of ingredients and packaging in fiscal year 2004. These commitments do not exceed our projected requirements over the related terms and are in the normal course of business. Effective December 30, 2001, we adopted the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 01-9, ''Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendor's Products.'' EITF 01- 9 addressed various issues related to the income statement classification of certain promotional payments, including consideration from a vendor to a reseller or another party that purchases the vendor's products. As a result of the adoption, we reduced both net sales and marketing expenses by approximately $25,344,000, $27,175,000 and $23,361,000 for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. These reclassifications have no impact on reported operating income or net earnings or earnings per share. On December 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 144, ''Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,'' (SFAS No. 144). SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, ''Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of,'' but it retains many of the fundamental provisions of that Statement. The adoption did not have a material effect on our financial statements. On October 1, 2001, we adopted SFAS 133, as amended by SFAS 138, ''Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities.'' Based on our minimal use of derivatives, the adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our earnings or financial position. On September 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 142 ''Goodwill and Intangible Assets'' (SFAS No. 142). SFAS No. 142 includes requirements to annually test goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment rather than amortize them; accordingly, we no longer amortize goodwill, thereby eliminating an annual amortization charge of approximately $2,600,000. We completed documentation of our transitional goodwill impairment tests during the quarter ended March 2002 and did not record any transitional goodwill impairment loss as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 142. Additionally, we did not record any transitional intangible asset impairment loss upon adoption of SFAS No. 142. Our annual impairment evaluation reflected no deterioration of our recorded goodwill. In November 2002, FASB Interpretation 45, ''Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others'' (FIN 45), was issued. FIN 45 requires a guarantor entity, at the inception of a guarantee covered by the measurement provisions of the interpretation, to record a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. We previously did not record a liability when guaranteeing obligations unless it became probable that we would have to perform under the guarantee. FIN 45 applies prospectively to guarantees we issue or modify subsequent to December 31, 2002, but has certain disclosure requirements effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In January 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 46 (FIN 46), ''Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.'' FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, for certain entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest (''variable interest entities''). Variable interest entities within the scope of FIN 46 are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is determined to be the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected returns, or both. FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2002, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2002, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2002. The adoption of FIN 46 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. On May 15, 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, ''Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.'' SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Most of the guidance in SFAS No. 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Fiscal 2003 Compared to Fiscal 2002 Cash increased $23,536,000, or 166%, to $37,694,000 from a year ago because net cash provided by operating activities of $46,365,000 exceeded the amounts of net cash used in investing activities of $16,502,000 and financing activities of $6,227,000. Trade receivables increased $723,000 or 2% to $37,645,000 and inventories increased $1,003,000 or 5% to $23,202,000 in 2003 due to increased levels of business and higher unit costs of inventories. Property, plant and equipment decreased $7,295,000 to $87,115,000 primarily because expenditures for dispensers required for the expansion of our frozen beverage business, for ovens and portable merchandisers required for the expansion of our food service business and for the expansion and upgrading of production capability at our manufacturing facilities was approximately $5,000,000 less than depreciation of existing assets. Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization decreased $308,000 to $1,231,000 because they were amortized by $308,000 in the year. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities was essentially unchanged from 2002 to 2003, having decreased $186,000 in 2003 from $40,244,000 in 2002. Deferred income taxes increased by $2,568,000 to $13,374,000 which related primarily to depreciation of property, plant and equipment. Common stock decreased $5,882,000 to $28,143,000 in 2003 because of the repurchase of $8,565,000 of our common stock which was partially offset by the exercise of incentive stock options and stock issued under our stock purchase plan for employees. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $4,718,000 to $46,365,000 in 2003 primarily because depreciation and amortization of fixed assets decreased by $6,023,000 which was partially offset by increased net earnings of $1,789,000. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense related primarily to frozen carbonated beverage dispensers acquired in an acquisition in 1998 and which became fully depreciated in the first quarter of 2003. Net cash used in investing activities decreased $2,986,000 to $16,502,000 in 2003 from $19,488,000 in 2002 because of an increase in proceeds from disposal of property and equipment related to sales of equipment in our frozen beverage business and a lower level of purchases of property plant and equipment. Net cash used in financing activities decreased $18,547,000 in 2003 to $6,327,000 from $24,874,000 in 2002. The decrease was because we paid down $28,069,000 of long-term debt in 2002 and we had no long-term debt in 2003. In 2003, the major variables in determining our net increase in cash and cash equivalents were our net earnings, depreciation and amortization of fixed assets , purchases of property, plant and equipment and payments to repurchase common stock. Other variables which in the past have had a significant impact on our change in cash and cash equivalents are payments for the purchase of companies , net of cash acquired and debt assumed , proceeds from borrowings and payments of long-term debt. As discussed in results of operations , our net earnings may be influenced by many factors. Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets is primarily determined by past purchases of property plant and equipment although it could be impacted by a significant acquisition in the current year. Purchases of property, plant and equipment is primarily determined by our ongoing normal manufacturing and marketing requirements but could be increased significantly for manufacturing expansion requirements or large frozen beverage customer needs. From time to time, we have repurchased common stock and we anticipate that we will again in the future. We are actively seeking acquisitions which could be a significant use of cash. Although the balance of our long-term debt is $0 at September 27, 2003, we may borrow in the future depending on our needs. Fiscal 2002 Compared to Fiscal 2001 Cash increased 90% to $14,158,000 from a year ago because net cash provided by operating activities of $51,083,000 exceeded the amounts of net cash used in investing activities of $19,488,000 and financing activities of $24,874,000. We were able to increase our cash balance by $6,721,000 even though we used $28,069,000 of cash to pay down long-term debt. Trade receivables increased $1,421,000 or 4% to $36,922,000 and inventories increased $450,000 or 2% to $22,199,000 in 2002 due to increased levels of business. These increases were modest considering our sales increase of 8% for the year. Property, plant and equipment decreased $10,346,000 to $94,410,000 because expenditures for dispensers required for the expansion of our frozen beverage business, for ovens and portable merchandisers required for the expansion of our food service business and for the expansion and upgrading of production capability at our manufacturing facilities was approximately $10,000,000 less than depreciation of existing assets. Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization decreased $309,000 to $1,539,000 because they were amortized by $309,000 in the year. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $318,000 in 2002 from $40,562,000 in 2001. Increases in accounts payable of $3,168,000, due to a general increase in our sales levels and an increase in amounts due for liability insurance of $1,055,000, were more than offset by a reduction of accrued liabilities related to the timing of federal tax payments of $3,300,000 because of tax law changes. Current maturities of long-term debt decreased by $115,000 to $0 and long-term debt, less current maturities decreased by $28,368,000 to $0 due to our repayment of long-term debt. Deferred income taxes increased by $1,578,000 to $10,806,000 which related primarily to depreciation of property, plant and equipment. Common stock increased $4,604,000 to $34,025,000 in 2002 because of the exercise of incentive stock options and stock issued under our stock purchase plan for employees. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $1,629,000 to$51,083,000 in 2002 primarily due to increased net earnings of $6,237,000, which was offset by a $2,612,000 decrease in amortization of intangibles and deferred costs which resulted from the discontinuance of the amortization of goodwill and by a smaller increase in cash provided by changes in working capital of $3,353,000, which was caused by tax law changes affecting our fourth quarter estimated federal tax payment of $3,300,000 for our 2001 fiscal year. Net cash used in investing activities decreased $8,600,000 to $19,488,000 in 2002 primarily because in 2001 we paid $11,330,000 to purchase companies and had no acquisitions in 2002. This was partially offset by increased spending for purchases of property, plant and equipment of $3,352,000; the increase being primarily for the installation of a line to manufacture PRETZEL FILLERS. Net cash used in financing activities increased $9,566,000 in 2002 to $24,874,000 from $15,308,000 in 2001. The increase of $9,566,000 was the result of our repayment of approximately $12,000,000 of additional long-term debt compared to 2001 which was partially offset by changes in the amount of proceeds for the issuance of common stock, net of cash used to repurchase our common stock. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Fiscal year ended September 27, September 28, September 29, 2003 2002 2001 (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (in thousands, except per share information) Net Sales $364,567 $353,187 $328,335 Cost of goods sold 239,722 233,730 219,615 Gross profit 124,845 119,457 108,720 Operating expenses Marketing 51,492 51,466 47,124 Distribution 27,705 26,041 25,594 Administrative 15,185 13,703 12,840 Amortization of goodwill - - 2,613 Other general income (384) (19) (620) 93,998 91,191 87,551 Operating income 30,847 28,266 21,169 Other income (expenses) Investment income 362 268 356 Interest expense (113) (521) (3,183) Other - - 213 249 (253) (2,614) Earnings before income taxes 31,096 28,013 18,555 Income taxes 11,194 9,900 6,679 NET EARNINGS $ 19,902 $ 18,113 $ 11,876 Earnings per diluted share $2.20 $1.99 $1.36 Weighted-average number of diluted shares 9,051 9,093 8,754 Earnings per basic share $2.26 $2.07 $1.40 Weighted-average number f basic shares 8,800 8,770 8,502 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS September 27, September 28, 2003 2002 (in thousands, except share amounts) Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 37,694 $ 14,158 Receivables Trade, less allowances of $991 and $1,839, respectively 37,645 36,922 Other 516 1,016 Inventories 23,202 22,199 Prepaid expenses and other 1,348 1,072 Total current assets 100,405 75,367 Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost 298,609 290,340 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 211,494 195,930 87,115 94,410 Other Assets Goodwill 45,850 45,850 Other intangible assets, net 1,231 1,539 Long-term investment securities held to maturity 275 675 Other 1,807 2,195 49,163 50,259 $236,683 $220,036 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 27,252 $ 27,683 Accrued liabilities 12,806 12,561 Total current liabilities 40,058 40,244 Deferred Income Taxes 13,374 10,806 Other Long-Term Liabilities 687 277 Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock, $1 par value; authorized, 5,000,000 shares; none issued - - Common stock, no par value; authorized, 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 8,757,000 and 8,903,000 respectively 28,143 34,025 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,957) (1,792) Retained Earnings 156,378 136,476 182,564 168,709 $236,683 $220,036 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Retained Comprehensive Shares Amount Loss Earnings Total Income (in thousands) Balance at October 1, 2000 8,522 $28,403 $(1,616) $106,487 $133,274 Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 207 2,194 - - 2,194 Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan 18 255 - - 255 Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - (25) - $ (25) Repurchase of common stock (111) (1,431) - - (1,431) Net earnings - - - 11,876 11,876 11,876 Comprehensive income - - - - - $11,851 Balance at September 29, 2001 8,636 $29,421 $(1,641) $118,363 $146,143 Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 254 4,336 - - 4,336 Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan 13 268 - - 268 Foreign currency translation adjustment - - (151) - $ (151) Net earnings - - 18,113 18,113 18,113 Comprehensive income - - - - - $17,962 Balance at September 28, 2002 8,903 $34,025 $(1,792) $136,476 $168,709 Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 139 2,342 - - 2,342 Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan 12 341 - - 341 Foreign currency translation adjustment - - (165) - (165)$ (165) Repurchase of common stock (297) (8,565) - - (8,565) Net earnings - - - 19,902 19,902 19,902 Comprehensive income - - - - - $19,737 Balance at September 27, 2003 8,75 $28,143 $(1,957) $156,378 $182,564 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal year ended September 27, September 28, September 29, 2003 2002 2001 (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (in thousands) Operating activities: Net earnings $19,902 $18,113 $11,876 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets 24,234 30,252 30,170 Amortization of intangibles and deferred costs 729 734 3,346 (Gains) losses from disposals and write-downs of property & equipment (389) 255 (330) Increase in deferred income taxes 2,568 1,578 888 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of companies: Increase in accounts receivable (285) (1,068) (3,411) Increase in inventories (829) (207) (361) Increase (decrease) in prepaid expenses and other (276) 125 221 Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 711 1,301 7,055 Net cash provided by operating activities 46,365 51,083 49,454 Investing activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment (19,292) (20,479) (17,127) Payments for purchase of companies net of cash acquired and debt assumed - - (11,330) Proceeds from investments held to maturity 400 840 105 Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 2,534 167 824 Other (144) (16) (560) Net cash used in investing activities (16,502) (19,488) (28,088) Financing activities: Proceeds from borrowings - 24,000 13,000 Proceeds from issuance of common stock 2,238 3,195 2,307 Payments to repurchase common stock (8,565) - (1,431) Payments of long-term debt - (52,069) (29,184) Net cash used in financing activities (6,327) (24,874) (15,308) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 23,536 6,721 6,058 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 14,158 7,437 1,379 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $37,694 $14,158 $ 7,437 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries (the Company) manufactures, markets and distributes a variety of nutritional snack foods and beverages to the food service and retail supermarket industries. A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows. 1. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of J&J Snack Foods Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. 2. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue from Food Service, Retail Supermarkets, The Restaurant Group and Frozen Beverage products at the time the products are shipped to third parties. When we perform services under service contracts for frozen beverage dispenser machines, revenue is recognized upon the completion of the services on specified machines. We provide an allowance for doubtful receivables after taking into consideration historical experience and other factors. Effective December 30, 2001, we adopted the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 01-9, ''Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendor's Products.'' EITF 01-9 addressed various issues related to the income statement classification of certain promotional payments, including consideration from a vendor to a reseller or another party that purchases the vendor's products. As a result of the adoption, we reduced both net sales and marketing expenses by approximately $25,344,000, $27,175,000 and $23,361,000 for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. These reclassifications have no impact on reported operating income or net earnings or earnings per share. We follow EITF Issue 00-10, ''Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs'' (Issue 00-10). Issue 00-10 requires that all amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling should be classified as revenues. Our product costs include amounts for shipping and handling, therefore, we charge our customers shipping and handling fees at the time the products are shipped or when services are performed. The cost of shipping products to the customer is recognized at the time the products are shipped to the customer and our policy is to classify them as Distribution expenses. The cost of shipping products to the customer classified as Distribution expenses was $27,705,000, $26,041,000 and $25,594,000 for the fiscal years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Accordingly, this consensus opinion had no effect on our current and previous classifications. Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (SAB 101) addresses certain criteria for revenue recognition. SAB 101 outlines the criteria that must be met to recognize revenue and provides guidance for disclosures related to revenue recognition policies. Our revenue recognition policies complied with the guidance contained in SAB 101 and, therefore, our results of operations were not materially affected. We also sell service contracts covering frozen beverage machines sold. The terms of coverage range between 12 and 60 months. We record deferred income on service contracts which is amortized by the straight-line method over the term of the contracts. During the years ended September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, we sold $2,561,000 and $2,281,000, respectively, of service contracts related to our frozen beverage machines. At September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, deferred income on service contracts was $1,783,000 and $1,345,000, respectively, of which $687,000 is included in other long-term liabilities as of September 27, 2003 and the balance is reflected as short-term and included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Service contract income of $2,122,000, $1,468,000 and $948,000 was recognized for the fiscal years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 3. Foreign Currency Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange for the period. The cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity. 4. Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 5. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. 6. Concentrations of Credit Risk and Accounts Receivable We maintain cash balances at financial institutions located in various states. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000. We periodically maintain cash balances in excess of these insurance limits. Other financial instruments which could potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are trade accounts receivable; however, such risks are limited due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their dispersion across geographic regions. We usually have 2 to 3 customers with accounts receivable balances of between $1,500,000 to $3,000,000. The majority of our accounts receivable are due from trade customers. Credit is extended based on evaluation of our customers' financial condition and collateral is not required. Accounts receivable payment terms vary and are stated in the financial statements at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the payment terms are considered past due. We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, our previous loss history, customers' current ability to pay their obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. We write off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. 7. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (determined by the first- in, first-out method) or market. 8. Investment Securities We account for our investment securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115, ''Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.'' This standard requires investments in securities to be classified in one of three categories: held-to-maturity, trading, or available-for-sale. Debt securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized cost. At September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, all of our debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity. 9. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation of equipment and buildings is provided for by the straight-line method over the assets' estimated useful lives. Amortization of improvements is provided for by the straight- line method over the term of the lease or the assets' estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter. Licenses and rights arising from acquisitions are amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 4 to 20 years. On December 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 144, ''Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long- Lived Assets,'' (SFAS No. 144). SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, ''Accounting for the Impairment of Long- Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of,'' but it retains many .of the fundamental provisions of that Statement. The adoption did not have a material effect on our financial statements. 10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying value of our short-term financial instruments, such as accounts receivables and accounts payable, approximate their fair values, based on the short-term maturities of these instruments. 11. Income Taxes We account for our income taxes under the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when these differences reverse. Deferred tax expense is the result of changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities. 12. Earnings Per Common Share We follow SFAS No. 128, ''Earnings Per Share'' (EPS). Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS takes into consideration the potential dilution that could occur if securities (stock options) or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted into common stock. The Company's calculation of EPS is as follows: Fiscal year ended September 27, 2003 Income Shares Per Share (Numerator)(Denominator) Amount (in thousands, except per share amounts) Earnings Per Basic Share Net Income available to common stockholders $19,902 8,800 $2.26 Effect of Dilutive Securities Options - 251 (.06) Earnings Per Diluted Share Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $19,902 9,051 $2.20 168,394 anti-dilutive weighted shares have been excluded in the computation of 2003 diluted EPS because the options' exercise price is greater than the average market price of the common stock. Fiscal year ended September 28, 2002 Income Shares Per Share (Numerator)(Denominator) Amount (in thousands, except per share amounts) Earnings Per Basic Share Net Income available to common stockholders $18,113 8,770 $2.07 Effect of Dilutive Securities Options - 323 (.08) Earnings Per Diluted Share Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $18,113 9,093 $1.99 110,000 anti-dilutive weighted shares have been excluded in the computation of 2002 diluted EPS because the options'exercise price is greater than the average market price of the common stock. Fiscal year ended September 29, 2001 Income Shares Per Share (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (in thousands, except per share amounts) Earnings Per Basic Share Net Income available to common stockholders $11,876 8,502 $1.40 Effect of Dilutive Securities Options - 252 (.04) Earnings Per Diluted Share Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $11,876 8,754 $1.36 294,167 anti-dilutive weighted shares have been excluded in the computation of 2001 diluted EPS because the options' exercise price is greater than the average market price of the common stock. 13. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock options under SFAS No. 123, ''Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,'' as amended by SFAS No. 148, which contains a fair value- based method for valuing stock-based compensation that entities may use, which measures compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. Compensation is then recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 permits entities to continue accounting for employee stock options and similar equity instruments under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25, ''Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.'' Entities that continue to account for stock options using APB Opinion 25 are required to make pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share, as if the fair value- based method of accounting defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. At September 27, 2003, the Company has one stock-based employee compensation plan. The Company accounts for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB No. 25, ''Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,'' and related interpretations. Stock-based employee compensation costs are not reflected in net income, as all options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, to stock- based employee compensation. Fiscal year ended September 27, September 28, September 29, 2003 2002 2001 (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income, as reported $19,902 $18,113 $11,876 Less: stock-based compensation costs determined under fair value based method for all awards 1,189 1,353 1,651 Net income, pro forma $18,713 $16,760 $10,225 Earnings per share of common stock -- basic: As reported $ 2.26 $ 2.07 $ 1.40 Pro forma $ 2.13 $ 1.91 $ 1.20 Earnings per share of common stock -- diluted: As reported $ 2.20 $ 1.99 $ 1.36 Pro forma $ 2.07 $ 1.84 $ 1.17 The fair value of these options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for grants in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively; expected volatility of43% for fiscal year 2003, 40% for year 2002 and 38% for year 2001; risk-free interest rates of 3.07%, 3.58% and 4.69%; and expected lives ranging between 5 and 10 years for all years. 14. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense was $2,119,000, $1,619,000, and $1,765,000 for the fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 15. Interest Rate Risk Management In prior years, we used interest rate swaps to modify the interest rate characteristics of certain long-term obligations. As of September 27, 2003, we had no interest rate swap contracts. Interest rate swaps are expected to be effective economic hedges and have a high correlation with the items being hedged at inception and throughout the hedge period. The variable interest rate of a swap contract is referenced to the same index as the variable interest rate of the debt being hedged. Interest rate swaps are accounted for using the accrual method, with an adjustment to interest expense in the income statement. The effects of swap positions are included in financing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows. Interest receivable or payable under the swap contracts is included in Receivables or Accounts Payable. Unrealized gains and losses on the swaps are not recognized in the balance sheet. Realized gains and losses from disposition or settlement of swap contracts are deferred on the balance sheet and amortized to interest expense over the appropriate period. If the hedged item is settled or terminated, deferred and/or unrecognized gains or losses on the hedging instrument on that date are recognized as an adjustment to the gain or loss on disposition or termination of the related hedged item. Future accruals on the swap and subsequent gains and losses on the swap or forward contract are included in income in the period they occur. We follow SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 138, ''Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities.'' Based on our minimal use of derivatives, this standard does not have a significant impact on our earnings or financial position. 16. Commodity Price Risk Management Our most significant raw material requirements include flour, shortening, corn syrup, chocolate, and macadamia nuts. We attempt to minimize the effect of future price fluctuations related to the purchase of raw materials primarily through forward purchasing to cover future manufacturing requirements, generally for periods from 1 to 24 months. As of September 27, 2003, we have approximately $13,000,000 of such commitments. Futures contracts are not used in combination with forward purchasing of these raw materials. Our procurement practices are intended to reduce the risk .of future price increases, but also may potentially limit the ability to benefit from possible price decreases. 17. Comprehensive Income We follow SFAS No. 130, ''Reporting Comprehensive Income.'' This standard established new standards for reporting comprehensive income, which includes net income as well as certain other items which result in a change to equity during the period. 18. Segment Reporting We follow SFAS No. 131, ''Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.'' The management approach designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reportable segments. 19. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Effective December 30, 2001, we adopted the provisions of EITF Issue No. 01-9, ''Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendor's Products.'' EITF 01-9 addressed various issues related to the income statement classification of certain promotional payments, including consideration from a vendor to a reseller or another party that purchases the vendor's products. As a result of the adoption, we reduced both net sales and marketing expenses by approximately $25,344,000, $27,175,000 and $23,361,000 for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. EITF Issue No. 01-9 requires certain marketing expenses incurred by us, not previously reclassified, to be classified as deductions from revenue. These reclassifications have no impact on reported operating income or net earnings or earnings per share. On September 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 142 ''Goodwill and Intangible Assets'' (SFAS No. 142). SFAS No. 142 includes requirements to test goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment rather than amortize them; accordingly, we no longer amortize goodwill, thereby eliminating an annual amortization charge of approximately $2,600,000. We completed documentation of our transitional goodwill impairment tests during the quarter ended March 2002 and did not record any transitional goodwill impairment loss as a result of our adoption of SFAS 142. Additionally, we did not record any transitional intangible asset impairment loss upon adoption of SFAS No. 142. Our annual impairment evaluation reflected no deterioration of our recorded goodwill. In November 2002, FASB Interpretation 45, ''Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others'' (FIN 45), was issued. FIN 45 requires a guarantor entity, at the inception of a guarantee covered by the measurement provisions of the interpretation, to record a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. We previously did not record a liability when guaranteeing obligations unless it became probable that we would have to perform under the guarantee. FIN 45 applies prospectively to guarantees we issue or modify subsequent to December 31, 2002, but has certain disclosure requirements effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In January 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 46 (FIN 46), ''Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.'' FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, for certain entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest (''variable interest entities''). Variable interest entities within the scope of FIN 46 are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is determined to be the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected returns, or both. FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2002, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2002, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2002. The adoption of FIN 46 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. On May 15, 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, ''Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.'' SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Most of the guidance in SFAS No. 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 20. Reclassifications Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the presentation for the current year. NOTE B - ACQUISITIONS On November 20, 2000, we acquired the assets of Uptown Bakeries for cash. Uptown Bakeries, located in Bridgeport, NJ, sells fresh bakery products to the food service industry with approximate annual sales of $17 million. This acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and its operations are included in the consolidated financial statement from the acquisition date. NOTE C - INVESTMENT SECURITIES The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair values of our long-term investment securities held to maturity at September 27, 2003 are summarized as follows: Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value (in thousands) Municipal government securities $ 275 $ 5 $ - $ 280 The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair values of our long-term investment securities held to maturity at September 28, 2002 are summarized as follows: Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value (in thousands) Municipal government securities $ 675 $ 40 $ - $ 715 The following table lists the maturities of long-term investment securities classified as held to maturity at September 27, 2003: Amortized Fair Cost Value (in thousands) Due after one year through five years $ 275 $ 280 There were no proceeds from sales of securities in the past three years. We use the specific identification method to determine the cost of securities sold. NOTE D - INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following: September 27, September 28, 2003 2002 (in thousands) Finished goods $10,537 $10,001 Raw materials 2,775 2,846 Packaging materials 2,975 2,914 Equipment parts and other 6,915 6,438 $23,202 $22,199 NOTE E - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consist of the following: September 27, September 28, Estimated 2003 2002 Useful Lives (in thousands) Land $ 606 $ 756 - Buildings 5,106 5,456 15-39.5 years Plant machinery and equipment 93,122 88,908 5-10 years Marketing equipment 173,360 171,429 5 years Transportation equipment 909 828 5 years Office equipment 7,394 6,832 3-5 years Improvements 15,654 15,885 5-20 years Construction in progress 2,458 246 -- $298,609 $290,340 NOTE F - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS On September 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 142 ''Goodwill and Intangible Assets'' (SFAS No. 142). SFAS No. 142 includes requirements to test goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment rather than amortize them; accordingly, we no longer amortize goodwill, thereby eliminating an annual amortization charge of approximately $2,600,000. Our four reporting units, which are also reportable segments, are Food Service, Retail Supermarket, The Restaurant Group and Frozen Beverages. The carrying amount of acquired intangible assets for the reportable segments are as follows: September 27, 2003 September 28, 2002 Gross Gross Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Amount Amortization Amount Amortization (in thousands) Food Service Amortized intangible assets Licenses and rights $2,066 $ 908 $2,066 $ 619 Retail Supermarket Amortized intangible assets Licenses and rights $ - $ - $ - $ - The Restaurant Group Amortized intangible assets Licenses and rights $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 19 Frozen Beverages Amortized intangible assets Licenses and rights $ 201 $ 128 $ 201 $ 110 Licenses and rights are being amortized by the straight- line method over periods ranging from 4 to 20 years and amortization expense is reflected throughout operating expenses. There were no changes in the gross carrying amount of intangible assets for fiscal years 2003 and 2002. Additionally, we did not record any transitional intangible asset impairment loss upon adoption of SFAS 142. Aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for the fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $308,000, $309,000 and $271,000. Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approximately $300,000 in 2004, $200,000 in 2005, and $150,000 in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The weighted average amortization period of the intangible assets is 8.14 years. Goodwill The carrying amounts of goodwill for the reportable segments are as follows: Food Retail Rest. Frozen Service Supermarkets Group Beverages Total (in thousands) Balance at September 27, 2003 $14,241 $ - $ 438 $31,171 $45,850 Balance at September 28, 2002 $14,241 $ - $ 438 $31,171 $45,850 There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended September 27, 2003. Reported net income, exclusive of amortization expense that is related to goodwill that is no longer being amortized, would have been: Fiscal year ended September September September 2003 2002 2001 Reported net earnings $19,902 $18,113 $11,876 Add back: Goodwill amortization - - 1,674 Adjusted net earnings $19,902 $18,113 $13,550 Basic earnings per share: Reported net earnings $ 2.26 $ 2.07 $ 1.40 Goodwill amortization - - .19 Adjusted net earnings $ 2.26 $ 2.07 $ 1.59 Diluted earnings per share: Reported net earnings $ 2.20 $ 1.99 $ 1.36 Goodwill amortization - - .19 Adjusted net earnings $ 2.20 $ 1.99 $ 1.55 NOTE G - ACCRUED LIABILITIES Included in accrued liabilities is accrued compensation of $6,133,000 and $6,121,000 as of September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, respectively. NOTE H - LONG-TERM DEBT Our general-purpose bank credit line agreement provides fora $50,000,000 revolving credit facility repayable in December 2004, with the availability of repayments without penalty. The agreement contains restrictive covenants and requires commitment fees in accordance with standard banking practice. As of September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, there were no outstanding balances under this facility. We self-insure, up to loss limits, certain insurable risks such as worker's compensation and automobile liability claims. Accruals for claims under our self-insurance program are recorded on a claim- incurred basis. Under this program, the estimated liability for claims incurred but unpaid in fiscal year 2003 and 2002 was $1,700,000 and $1,100,000, respectively. In connection with certain self- insurance agreements, we customarily enter into letters of credit arrangements with our insurers. At September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $5,900,000 and $4,800,000, respectively. NOTE I - INCOME TAXES Income tax expense is as follows: Fiscal year ended Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Sept. 29, 2003 2002 2001 (in thousands) Current U.S. Federal $ 7,790 $7,510 $5,042 Foreign 66 43 96 State 770 769 653 $ 8,626 $8,322 $5,791 Deferred U.S. Federal $ 2,360 $1,450 $ 816 State 208 128 72 2,568 1,578 888 $11,194 $9,900 $6,679 The provisions for income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the federal income tax rate of approximately 35% to earnings before income taxes for the following reasons: Fiscal year ended Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Sept. 29, 2003 2002 2001 (in thousands) Income taxes at statutory rates $10,649 $9,753 $6,309 Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 636 552 360 Other, net (91) (405) 10 $11,194 $9,900 $6,679 Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following: September 27, September 28, 2003 2002 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets Vacation accrual $ 601 $ 531 Insurance accrual 1,099 1,068 Deferred income 409 168 Allowances 873 1,310 Other, net 434 297 3,416 3,374 Deferred tax liabilities Depreciation of property and equipment 16,682 14,072 Other, net 108 108 16,790 14,180 $13,374 $10,806 NOTE J - LEASE COMMITMENTS 1. Lease Commitments The following is a summary of approximate future minimum rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases with terms of more than one year as of September 27, 2003: Plants and Offices Equipment Total (in thousands) 2004 $ 4,864 $3,204 $ 8,068 2005 4,151 1,889 6,040 2006 3,637 1,589 5,226 2007 3,159 890 4,049 2008 and thereafter 16,309 472 16,781 $32,120 $8,044 $40,164 Total rent expense was $9,991,000, $10,017,000 and $10,537,000 for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 2. Other Commitments We are a party to litigation which management currently believes will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. We self-insure, up to loss limits, certain insurable risks such as worker's compensation and automobile liability claims. Accruals for claims under our self- insurance program are recorded on a claim- incurred basis. Under this program, the estimated liability for claims incurred but unpaid in fiscal year 2003 and 2002 was $1,700,000 and $1,100,000, respectively. In connection with certain self-insurance agreements, we customarily enter into letters of credit arrangements with our insurers. At September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $5,900,000 and $4,800,000, respectively. NOTE K - CAPITAL Stock Under our current share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors, 478,000 shares remain to be repurchased as of September 27, 2003. In fiscal year 2003, we purchased and retired 297,000 shares of our common stock at a cost of $8,565,000. In fiscal year 2001, we purchased and retired 111,000 shares of our common stock at a cost of $1,431,000. NOTE L - STOCK OPTIONS We have a Stock Option Plan (the ''Plan''). Pursuant to the Plan, stock options may be granted to officers and our key employees which qualify as incentive stock options as well as stock options which are nonqualified. The exercise price of incentive stock options is at least the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price for nonqualified options is determined by a committee of the Board of Directors. The options are generally exercisable after three years and expire no later than ten years from date of grant. There were 400,000 shares reserved under the Plan; options for 320,000 shares remain unissued as of September 27, 2003. A summary of the status of our option plans as of fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the changes during the years ended on those dates is represented below: Incentive Stock Options Nonqualified Stock Options Weighted- Weighted- Stock Average Stock Average Options Exercise Options Exercise Outstanding Price Outstanding Price Balance, October 1, 2000 915,294 $14.92 356,000 $13.99 Granted 182,333 21.24 34,000 20.60 Exercised (195,800) 10.80 (34,000) 12.00 Cancelled (21,000) 15.10 - - Balance, September 29, 2001 880,827 17.08 356,000 14.75 Granted 81,333 38.21 34,000 39.53 Exercised (239,583) 14.19 (34,000) 10.75 Cancelled (25,386) 19.96 - - Balance, September 28, 2002 697,191 20.40 356,000 17.55 Granted 80,000 33.83 - - Exercised (118,456) 16.86 (37,000) 13.63 Cancelled (53,106) 24.05 - - Balance, September 27, 2003 605,629 $22.55 319,000 $18.00 Exercisable Options, September 27, 2003 297,621 319,000 The weighted-average fair value of incentive options granted during fiscal years ended September 27, 2003, September 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001 was $14.15, $15.39 and $8.19, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of nonqualified stock options granted during fiscal years ended September 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001 was $23.93 and $12.22, respectively. The following table summarizes information about incentive stock options outstanding at September 27, 2003: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number Weighted- Number Outstanding Average Weighted- Exercisable Weighted Range of At Remaining Average At Average Exercise Sept. 27, Contractual Exercise Sept. 27, Exercise Prices 2003 Life Price 2003 Price $12.75-$19.00 164,750 6.95 years $13.41 159,750 $13.34 $19.38-$24.16 301,485 4.62 years $21.41 137,871 $21.63 $33.70-$38.48 139,394 4.58 years $35.81 - 605,629 297,621 The following table summarizes information about nonqualified stock options outstanding at September 27, 2003: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number Weighted- Number Outstanding Average Weighted- Exercisable Weighted Range of At Remaining Average At Average Exercise Sept. 27, Contractual Exercise Sept. 27, Exercise Prices 2003 Life Price 2003 Price $11.00-$15.94 183,000 2.87 years $12.59 183,000 $12.59 $19.25-$21.75 102,000 5.93 years $20.53 102,000 $20.53 $39.53 34,000 8.60 years $39.53 34,000 $39.53 319,000 319,000 NOTE M - 401(k) PROFIT-SHARING PLAN We maintain a 401(k) profit-sharing plan for our employees. Under this plan, we may make discretionary profit-sharing and matching 401(k) contributions. Contributions of $1,071,000, $1,051,000 and $866,000 were made in fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. NOTE N - CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following is supplemental cash flow information: Fiscal year ended September 27, September 28, September 29, 2003 2002 2001 (in thousands) Cash paid for: Interest $ 138 $ 1,068 $2,966 Income taxes 7,321 10,429 344 NOTE O - SEGMENT REPORTING We principally sell our products to the food service and retail supermarket industries. We also distribute our products directly to the consumer through our chain of retail stores referred to as The Restaurant Group. Sales and results of our frozen beverages business are monitored separately from the balance of our food service business and restaurant group because of different distribution and capital requirements. We maintain separate and discrete financial information for the four operating segments mentioned above which is available to our Chief Operating Decision Makers. We have applied no aggregate criteria to any of these operating segments in order to determine reportable segments. Our four reportable segments are Food Service, Retail Supermarkets, The Restaurant Group and Frozen Beverages. All inter-segment net sales and expenses have been eliminated in computing net sales and operating income (loss). These segments are described below. Food Service The primary products sold to the food service group are soft pretzels, frozen juice treats and desserts, churros and baked goods. Our customers in the food service industry include snack bars and food stands in chain, department and discount stores; malls and shopping centers; fast food outlets; stadiums and sports arenas; leisure and theme parks; convenience stores; movie theatres; warehouse club stores; schools, colleges and other institutions. Within the food service industry, our products are purchased by the consumer primarily for consumption at the point-of-sale. Retail Supermarkets The primary products sold to the retail supermarket industry are soft pretzel products, including SUPERPRETZEL, LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID* Juice Bars and Soft Frozen Lemonade, ICEE Squeeze Up Tubes and TIO PEPE'S Churros. Within the retail supermarket industry, our frozen and prepackaged products are purchased by the consumer for consumption at home. The Restaurant Group We sell direct to the consumer through our Restaurant Group, which operates BAVARIAN PRETZEL BAKERY and PRETZEL GOURMET, our chain of specialty snack food retail outlets. Frozen Beverages We sell frozen beverages to the food service industry, including our restaurant group, primarily under the names ICEE and ARCTIC BLAST in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Chief Operating Decision Maker for Food Service, Retail Supermarkets and The Restaurant Group and the Chief Operating Decision Maker for Frozen Beverages monthly review and evaluate operating income and sales in order to assess performance and allocate resources to each individual segment. In addition, the Chief Operating Decision Makers review and evaluate depreciation, capital spending and assets of each segment on a quarterly basis to monitor cash flow and asset needs of each segment. Information regarding the operations in these four reportable segments is as follows: Fiscal year ended Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Sept. 29, 2003 2002 2001 (in thousands) Sales to external customers: Food Service $200,528 $185,219 $171,373 Retail Supermarket 39,702 41,366 39,076 The Restaurant Group 9,755 10,724 12,043 Frozen Beverages 114,582 115,878 105,843 $364,567 $353,187 $328,335 Depreciation and Amortization(1): Food Service $ 13,098 $ 13,547 $ 13,832 Retail Supermarket - - - The Restaurant Group 558 682 854 Frozen Beverages 11,307 16,757 16,217 $ 24,963 $ 30,986 $ 30,903 Operating Income (Loss)(1): Food Service $ 17,804 $ 17,382 $ 15,103 Retail Supermarket 2,144 1,936 1,770 The Restaurant Group (975) (915) (1,450) Frozen Beverages 11,874 9,863 8,359 $ 30,847 $ 28,266 $ 23,782 Capital Expenditures: Food Service $ 9,929 $ 11,418 $ 6,673 Retail Supermarket - - - The Restaurant Group 61 159 268 Frozen Beverages 9,302 8,902 10,186 $ 19,292 $ 20,479 $ 17,127 Assets: Food Service $151,000 $129,702 $124,951 Retail Supermarket - - - Frozen Beverages 83,491 87,413 95,498 $236,683 $220,036 $224,481 *MINUTE MAID is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. (1) 2001 depreciation and amortization expense excludes amortization expense associated with goodwill. NOTE P - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Fiscal year ended September 27, 2003 Net Earnings Net Per Diluted Net Sales Gross Profit Earnings Share(1) (in thousands, except per share information) 1st Quarter $77,244 $ 22,065 $ 1,201 $ .13 2nd Quarter 81,408 26,876 3,001 .33 3rd Quarter 102,529 38,383 7,808 .87 4th Quarter 103,386 37,521 7,892 .88 Total $364,567 $124,845 $19,902 $ 2.21 Fiscal year ended September 28, 2002 Net Earnings Net Per Diluted Net Sales Gross Profit Earnings Share(1) (in thousands, except per share information) 1st Quarter $ 74,797 $ 22,044 $ 822 $ .09 2nd Quarter 77,712 25,156 2,336 .25 3rd Quarter 100,628 36,430 7,518 .80 4th Quarter 100,050 35,827 7,437 .81 Total $353,187 $119,457 $18,113 $ 1.95 (1) Total of quarterly amounts does not necessarily agree to the annual report amounts due to separate quarterly calculations of weighted average shares outstanding. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Shareholders and Board of Directors J&J Snack Foods Corp. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries as of September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended September 27, 2003 (52 weeks, 52 weeks and 52 weeks, respectively). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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 J&J Snack Foods Corp. and Subsidiaries as of September 27, 2003 and September 28, 2002, and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended September 27, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Grant Thornton LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania November 5, 2003 CORPORATE INFORMATION Directors Gerald B. Shreiber Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis G. Moore Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer Robert M. Radano Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sidney R. Brown (1), (2) Chief Executive Officer, NFI Industries Peter G. Stanley (1), (2) Vice President, Emerging Growth Equities, Ltd. Leonard M. Lodish, Ph.D. (1), (2) Samuel R. Harrell Professor, Marketing Department of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Officers Gerald B. Shreiber Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis G. Moore Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer Robert M. Radano Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Karaban Senior Vice President, Marketing Paul L. Hirschman Vice President, Information Systems Officers of Subsidiary Companies J&J SNACK FOODS Sales CORP. John Duckett Vice President, Service & Assembly Anthony P. Harrison II Vice President, Quality Control and Research & Development H. Robert Long Vice President, Distribution Harry A. McLaughlin Vice President, Controller Robert J. Pape Vice President, Sales-Retail Milton L. Segal Vice President, Purchasing Steven J. Taylor Vice President, Sales - Food Service Thomas Weber Vice President, Operations MIA PRODUCTS T.J. Couzens Vice President/General Manager THE ICEE COMPANY Dan Fachner President Kent Galloway Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Joe Boulanger Vice President/General Manager Western Zone Lou Fiorentino Vice President/General Manager Eastern Zone Rick Naylor Vice President/General Manager Central Zone Rod Sexton Vice President of Service Operations Susan Woods Vice President, Marketing ICEE DE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V. Andres Gonzalez Vice President PRETZELS, INC. Gary Powell President (1) Audit Committee Member. (2) Compensation Committee Member. Quarterly Common Stock Data Market Price Fiscal 2003 High Low 1st Quarter $40.25 $30.27 2nd Quarter 37.85 25.31 3rd Quarter 34.00 28.65 4th Quarter 37.67 29.33 Fiscal 2002 High Low 1st Quarter $26.25 $18.10 2nd Quarter 40.40 23.22 3rd Quarter 45.15 32.42 4th Quarter 44.97 34.85 Stock Listing The common stock of J&J Snack Foods Corp. is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System with the symbol JJSF. Transfer Agent and Registrar American Stock Transfer & Trust Company New York, NY Independent Accountants Grant Thornton LLP Philadelphia, PA Counsel Blank Rome LLP Cherry Hill, NJ Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of Shareholders is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hilton at Cherry Hill, 2349 W. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ. Form 10 - K Copies of the Company's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K may be obtained without charge by writing to: J&J Snack Foods Corp. 6000 Central Highway Pennsauken, NJ 08109 Attention: Dennis G. Moore or by accessing our website, www.jjsnack.com, on which our SEC filings are made available on the same day as filed or by going to the SEC's Public Reference Room to read and copy filings or by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. website www.jjsnack.com There's only one conclusion: Snack foods and beverages from J&J are simply sense- ational! Yum-m-m. J&J Snack Foods 6000 Central Highway Pennsauken, NJ 08109 (856) 665-9533 www.jjsnack.com