Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 26, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

1. Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These financial statements include the accounts of J & J Snack Foods Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]

2. Revenue Recognition

On  September 30, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and all the related amendments to ASC 606 in relation to all contracts that were not completed or expired as of September 30, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. There was no adjustment made to the opening balance of retained earnings as a result of applying ASC 606. Results for reporting periods beginning September 30, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while the comparative information is not restated and will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.

When Performance Obligations Are Satisfied

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account for revenue recognition. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied.

The singular performance obligation of our customer contracts for product and machine sales is determined by each individual purchase order and the respective products ordered, with revenue being recognized at a point-in-time when the obligation under the terms of the agreement is satisfied and product control is transferred to our customer. Specifically, control transfers to our customers when the product is delivered to, installed or picked up by our customers based upon applicable shipping terms, as our customers can direct the use and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the product at this point in time. The performance obligations in our customer contracts for product are generally satisfied within 30 days.

The singular performance obligation of our customer contracts for time and material repair and maintenance equipment service is the performance of the repair and maintenance with revenue being recognized at a point-in-time when the repair and maintenance is completed.

The singular performance obligation of our customer repair and maintenance equipment service contracts is the performance of the repair and maintenance with revenue being recognized over the time the service is expected to be performed. Our customers are billed for service contracts in advance of performance and therefore we have contract liability on our balance sheet.

Significant Payment Terms

In general, within our customer contracts, the purchase order identifies the product, quantity, price, pick-up allowances, payment terms and final delivery terms. Although some payment terms may be more extended, presently the majority of our payment terms are 30 days. As a result, we have used the available practical expedient and, consequently, do not adjust our revenues for the effects of a significant financing component.

Shipping

All amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as revenues; therefore, we recognize revenue for shipping and handling fees at the time the products are shipped or when services are performed. The cost of shipping products to the customer is recognized at the time the products are shipped to the customer and our policy is to classify them as Distribution expenses.

Variable Consideration

In addition to fixed contract consideration, our contracts include some form of variable consideration, including sales discounts, trade promotions and certain other sales and consumer incentives, including rebates and coupon redemptions. In general, variable consideration is treated as a reduction in revenue when the related revenue is recognized. Depending on the specific type of variable consideration, we use the most likely amount method to determine the variable consideration. We believe there will be no significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration when any related uncertainties are resolved with our customers. We review and update our estimates and related accruals of variable consideration each period based on historical experience. Our recorded liability for allowances, end-user pricing adjustments and trade spending was approximately $14.3 million at September 26, 2020 and $14.8 million at September 28, 2019.

Warranties & Returns

We provide all customers with a standard or assurance type warranty. Either stated or implied, we provide assurance the related products will comply with all agreed-upon specifications and other warranties provided under the law. No services beyond an assurance warranty are provided to our customers.

We do not grant a general right of return. However, customers may return defective or non-conforming products. Customer remedies may include either a cash refund or an exchange of the product. We do not estimate a right of return and related refund liability as returns of our products are rare.

Contract Balances

Our customers are billed for service contracts in advance of performance and therefore we have contract liability on our balance sheet as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	September 26,			September 28,
	2020			2019
	(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	1,334		$	1,865
Additions to contract liability		5,526			6,308
Amounts recognized as revenue		(5,533	)		(6,839	)
Ending Balance	$	1,327		$	1,334

Disaggregation of Revenue

See Note O for disaggregation of our net sales by class of similar product and type of customer.

Allowance for Doubtful Receivables 

We provide an allowance for doubtful receivables after taking into consideration historical experience and other factors.  The allowance for doubtful receivables was $1,388,000 and $572,000 at September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

3. Foreign Currency

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

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

5. Cash Equivalents

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

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

6. Concentrations and related risks

We maintain cash balances at financial institutions located in various states. We have cash balances at two banks totaling approximately $40 million that is in excess of FDIC insurance of $250,000 per bank.

Financial instruments that could potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are trade accounts receivable; however, such risks are limited due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their dispersion across geographic regions. We have approximately 16 customers with accounts receivable balances of between $1 million and $10 million and one customer with a balance of approximately $15 million.

We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 43%, 43% and 43% of our sales during fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, with our largest customer accounting for 13% of our sales in 2020, 11% of our sales in 2019 and 9-1/2% of our sales in 2018. Three of the ten customers in 2020 are food distributors who sell our product to many end users.

About 28% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

None of our vendors supplied more than 10% of our ingredients and packaging in 2020, 2019 or 2018.

Virtually all of our accounts receivable are due from trade customers. Credit is extended based on evaluation of our customers’ financial condition and collateral is not required. Accounts receivable payment terms vary and are stated in the financial statements at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. At September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, our accounts receivable were $126,587,000 and $140,938,000, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,388,000 and $572,000. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the payment terms are considered past due. We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, our previous loss history, customers’ current ability to pay their obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. We write off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

7. Inventories

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

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

8. Investment Securities

We classify our investment securities in one of three categories: held to maturity, trading, or available for sale. Our investment portfolio at September 26, 2020 consists of investments classified as held to maturity and available for sale. The securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and are stated at amortized cost. Investments classified as available for sale are reported at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses related to the changes in fair value of the securities recognized in investment income. The mutual funds and preferred stock in our available for sale portfolio do not have contractual maturities; however, we classify them as long term assets as it is our intent to hold them for a period of over one year, although we may sell some or all of them depending on presently unanticipated needs for liquidity or market conditions. See Note C for further information on our holdings of investment securities.

Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]

9. Depreciation and Amortization

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

Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided for by the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the assets’ estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter.  Licenses and rights, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and certain tradenames are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 2 to 20 years and amortization expense is reflected throughout operating expenses.

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

11. Income Taxes

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

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

As of September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is $360,000 and $414,000; respectively, all of which would impact our effective tax rate over time, if recognized.  We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a part of the provision for income taxes.  We had $267,000 of accrued interest and penalties as of September 26, 2020 and $279,000 as of September 28, 2019. We recognized $12,000 of penalties and interest resulting from tax settlements in the year ended September 26, 2020 and none in September 28, 2019.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	(in thousands)
Balance at September 29, 2019	$	414
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-
Settlements		(54	)
Balance at September 26, 2020	$	360

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

Net earnings for the year ended September 29, 2018 benefited from a $20.7 million gain on the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities and a $8.8 million reduction in income taxes related primarily to the lower corporate tax rate enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 which was partially offset by a $1.2 million provision for the one time repatriation tax, both of which resulted from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017. Net earnings for the year were also impacted by a $1.4 million expense on the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities due to changes in New Jersey tax regulations effective July 2018. Excluding the deferred tax gain, the deferred tax expense and the one-time repatriation tax, our effective tax rate was 27.7% in the year ended September 29, 2018. Net earnings in the year ended September 28, 2019 benefitted by a reduction of $885,000 in tax as the provision for the one-time repatriation tax was reduced as the amount recorded in 2018 was an estimate. Excluding the reduction in the provision for the one-time repatriation tax, our effective tax rate was 25.8% in 2019. Net earnings for the 2020 year benefited from a reduction in income tax expense related to state taxes of approximately $2.2 million. Excluding this benefit, our effective tax rate in our fiscal 2020 year was 25.0%.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

12. Earnings Per Common Shares

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

Our calculation of EPS is as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2020
	Income		Shares		Per Share
	(Numerator)		(Denominator)		Amount
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings Per Basic Share
Net Income available to common stockholders	$	18,305		18,901	$	0.97
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Options		-		131		(0.01	)
Earnings Per Diluted Share
Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	18,305		19,032	$	0.96

341,849 anti-dilutive shares have been excluded in the computation of  2020 diluted EPS.

	Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2019
	Income		Shares		Per Share
	(Numerator)		(Denominator)		Amount
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings Per Basic Share
Net Income available to common stockholders	$	94,819		18,812	$	5.04
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Options		-		147		(0.04	)
Earnings Per Diluted Share
Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	94,819		18,959	$	5.00

162,070 anti-dilutive shares have been excluded in the computation of 2019 diluted EPS.

	Fiscal Year Ended September 29, 2018
	Income		Shares		Per Share
	(Numerator)		(Denominator)		Amount
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Earnings Per Basic Share
Net Income available to common stockholders	$	103,596		18,694	$	5.54
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Options		-		123		(0.03	)
Earnings Per Diluted Share
Net Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	103,596		18,817	$	5.51

1,000 anti-dilutive shares have been excluded in the computation of  2018 diluted EPS.

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]

13. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

At September 26, 2020, the Company has three stock-based employee compensation plans. Share-based compensation was recognized as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	September 26,		September 28,		September 29,
	2020		2019		2018
	(in thousands)
Stock options	$	2,874	$	1,743	$	1,432
Stock purchase plan		390		390		423
Stock issued to an outside director		66		66		64
Restricted stock issued to employees		-		-		4
Total share-based compensation	$	3,330	$	2,199	$	1,923
The above compensation is net of tax benefits	$	1,265	$	2,030	$	1,935

At September 26, 2020, the Company has unrecognized compensation expense of approximately $5.6 million to be recognized over the next three fiscal years.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018: expected volatility of 17.4% for fiscal year 2020, 17.2% for fiscal year 2019 and 17.4% for fiscal year 2018: weighted average risk-free interest rates of .3%, 2.1% and 2.7%; dividend rate of 1.8%, 1.2% and 1.3% and expected lives ranging between 5 and 10 years for all years. An expected forfeiture rate of 8% was used for 2020, 8% was used for 2019 and 10% was used for 2018.

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the price of our common shares over the past 49 to 51 months for 5 year options and 10 years for 10 year options. We use historical information to estimate expected life and forfeitures within the valuation model. The expected term of awards represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Compensation cost is recognized using a straight-line method over the vesting or service period and is net of estimated forfeitures.

Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

14. Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense was $6,461,000, $5,938,000 and $5,805,000 for the fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

15. Commodity Price Risk Management

Our most significant raw material requirements include flour, packaging, shortening, corn syrup, sugar, juice, cheese, chocolate, and a variety of nuts. We attempt to minimize the effect of future price fluctuations related to the purchase of raw materials primarily through forward purchasing to cover future manufacturing requirements, generally for periods from 1 to 12 months. As of September 26, 2020, we have approximately $75 million 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. Our policy is to recognize estimated losses on purchase commitments when they occur. At each of the last three fiscal year ends, we did not have any material losses on our purchase commitments.

Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

16. Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Total research and development expense was $680,000, $645,000 and $623,000 for the fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

17. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on lease accounting which requires that an entity recognize most leases on its balance sheet.  The guidance retains a dual lease accounting model for purposes of income statement recognition, continuing the distinction between what are currently known as “capital” and “operating” leases for lessees. We adopted the guidance on September 29, 2019 using this alternate transition method, but we did not record a cumulative-effect adjustment from initially applying the standard. We elected the package of practical expedients that permits us not to reassess our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs and made an accounting policy election to exclude short-term leases with an initial term of 12 months or less from our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have completed the implementation of a lease accounting system to enable the preparation of financial information and have implemented relevant accounting policies and internal controls surrounding the lease accounting process. As a result of adoption, we recognized a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $71 million and $72 million, respectively. The right-of-use asset balance reflects the reclassification of deferred rent and prepaid rent against the initial asset. The adoption did not impact our results of operations or cash flows. See additional lease disclosures in Note R.

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to update the methodology used to measure current expected credit losses (CECL). This guidance applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and trade accounts receivable as well as certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments. This guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology to reflect CECL and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to explain credit loss estimates. The guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings/(deficit) in the period of adoption. This guidance will be effective beginning in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2021.  Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial statements and related disclosures.

Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block]

18. Reclassifications

Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the presentation for the current year.