PENNSAUKEN, N.J., Nov. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J & J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ:JJSF) today announced sales and earnings for its fourth quarter and year ended September 30, 2017.

Sales for the fourth quarter (14 weeks) increased 21% to $316.7 million from $262.2 million in last year’s fourth quarter (13 weeks).  For the year ended September 30, 2017 (53 weeks), sales increased 9% to $1.084 billion from $992.8 million last year (52 weeks).  Excluding sales from the extra week in 2017, sales increased approximately 12% for the fourth quarter and 7% for the year.    Net earnings increased 18% to $24.3 million ($1.29 per diluted share) in this year’s fourth quarter compared to $20.6 million ($1.10 per diluted share) last year and for the year earnings increased 4% to $79.2 million ($4.21 per diluted share) from $76.0 million ($4.05 per diluted share).

Operating income increased 20% to $36.9 million this year from $30.7 million in the year ago fourth quarter.  For the year, operating income increased 5% to $118.1 million from $112.8 million last year.

Gerald B. Shreiber, J & J’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Improved results in our fourth quarter were aided by strong performances in our food service group with particular strong sales of soft pretzels, churros, handhelds and certain bakery products. In addition we are benefitting and expect to benefit from several small but key acquisitions in soft pretzels (Labriola Baking) and a southeastern ICEE business and a recent licensing agreement of AUNTIE ANNE’S* soft pretzels in the grocery and fund raising channels.  These acquisitions are being integrated and we expect further growth for fiscal year 2018.”

J&J Snack Foods Corp. is a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, providing nutritional and affordable branded niche snack foods and beverages to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets.  Manufactured and distributed nationwide, our principal products include SUPERPRETZEL, BAVARIAN BAKERY and other soft pretzels, ICEE and SLUSH PUPPIE frozen beverages, LUIGI’S, MINUTE MAID** frozen juice bars and ices, WHOLE FRUIT sorbet and frozen fruit bars, MARY B’S biscuits and dumplings, DADDY RAY’S fig and fruit bars, TIO PEPE’S, CALIFORNIA CHURROS and OREO*** Churros, PATIO Burritos and other handheld sandwiches, THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY funnel cakes, and several bakery brands within COUNTRY HOME BAKERS and HILL & VALLEY. For more information, please visit http://www.jjsnack.com.

*AUNTIE ANNE’S is a registered trademark of Auntie Anne’s LLC
**MINUTE MAID is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.
***OREO and the OREO wafer design are registered trademarks of Mondelez International group, used under license.

   
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES    
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
  (in thousands, except per share information)  
        
   Quarter Ended   Fiscal Year Ended 
        
 September 30, September 24, September 30, September 24,
 2017
 2016
 2017
 2016
 (14 weeks) (13 weeks) (53 weeks) (52 weeks)
        
Net Sales$316,726  $262,240  $1,084,224  $992,781 
Cost of goods sold 219,179   182,443   753,201   688,314 
Gross Profit 97,547   79,797   331,023   304,467 
        
Operating expenses       
Marketing 26,959   22,249   94,394   85,963 
Distribution 23,287   18,330   81,824   73,114 
Administrative 10,439   8,442   36,843   32,299 
Other (income) expense (7)  42   (145)  281 
Total operating expenses 60,678   49,063   212,916   191,657 
        
Operating Income 36,869   30,734   118,107   112,810 
        
Other income (expenses)       
Investment income 1,465   1,014   5,289   4,132 
Interest expense & other (545)  (29)  (1,196)  (123)
        
Earnings before       
income taxes 37,789   31,719   122,200   116,819 
        
Income taxes 13,446   11,101   43,026   40,844 
        
NET EARNINGS$24,343  $20,618  $79,174  $75,975 
        
Earnings per diluted share$1.29  $1.10  $4.21  $4.05 
        
Weighted average number of diluted shares 18,811   18,782   18,816   18,769 
        
Earnings per basic share$1.30  $1.11  $4.23  $4.07 
        
Weighted average number of basic shares 18,705   18,656   18,707   18,649 
        


    
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share amounts)
    
 September 30, September 24,
 2017 2016
Assets   
Current assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$90,962  $140,652 
Marketable securities held to maturity 59,113   13,539 
Accounts receivable, net 124,553   98,325 
Inventories 103,268   88,684 
Prepaid expenses and other 3,936   13,904 
Total current assets 381,832   355,104 
    
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 653,889   605,045 
Less accumulated depreciation   
and amortization 426,308   420,832 
Property, plant and equipment, net 227,581   184,213 
    
Other assets   
Goodwill 102,511   86,442 
Other intangible assets, net 61,272   41,819 
Marketable securities held to maturity 60,908   90,732 
Marketable securities available for sale 30,260   29,465 
Other 2,864   2,712 
Total other assets 257,815   251,170 
Total Assets$867,228  $790,487 
    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   
Current Liabilities   
Current obligations under capital leases$340  $365 
Accounts payable 72,729   62,026 
Accrued insurance liability 10,558   10,119 
Accrued liabilities 7,753   6,161 
Accrued compensation expense 19,826   16,340 
Dividends payable 7,838   7,280 
Total current liabilities 119,044   102,291 
    
Long-term obligations under capital leases 904   1,235 
Deferred income taxes 62,705   48,186 
Other long-term liabilities 2,253   801 
    
Stockholders' Equity   
Preferred stock, $1 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued -   - 
Common stock, no par value; authorized, 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 18,663,000 and 18,668,000 respectively 17,382   25,332 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (8,875)  (13,415)
Retained Earnings 673,815   626,057 
Total stockholders' equity 682,322   637,974 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$867,228  $790,487 
    


      
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
      
   Fiscal Year Ended
      
 September 30, September 24, September 26,
 2017 2016 2015
 (53 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks)
      
Operating activities:     
Net earnings$79,174  $75,975  $70,183 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by      
operating activities:      
Depreciation of fixed assets 38,211   34,536   32,356 
Amortization of intangibles and deferred costs 4,234   5,587   5,915 
Gains from disposals of property & equipment (346)  (398)  (334)
Amortization of bond premiums 1,189   1,011   103 
Share-based compensation 3,048   2,375   2,166 
Deferred income taxes 7,847   7,700   (121)
(Gain) loss on sale of marketable securities (14)  661   4,319 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase     
of companies:     
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net (20,370)  3,571   (3,123)
Increase in inventories (7,410)  (6,295)  (4,959)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other 10,265   (7,386)  (2,871)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 9,521   3,888   287 
Net cash provided by operating activities 125,349   121,225   103,921 
Investing activities:     
Payments for purchases of companies, net of cash acquired (47,698)  -   (615)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (72,180)  (48,709)  (48,641)
Purchases of marketable securities (39,923)  (41,786)  (90,240)
Proceeds from redemption and sales of marketable securities 22,997   13,224   110,117 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 1,935   2,294   1,786 
Other (450)  375   (898)
Net cash used in investing activities (135,319)  (74,602)  (28,491)
Financing activities:     
Payments to repurchase common stock (18,229)  (15,265)  (8,011)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 7,231   6,570   4,663 
Payments on capitalized lease obligations (356)  (355)  (243)
Payment of cash dividend (30,859)  (28,523)  (26,154)
Net cash used in financing activities (42,213)  (37,573)  (29,745)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 2,493   (2,087)  (3,756)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (49,690)  6,963   41,929 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 140,652   133,689   91,760 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$90,962  $140,652  $133,689 
      


       
J & J SNACK FOODS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       
       
  September 30, September 24, September 26,
   2017  2016 2015
  (53 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks)
       
Sales to External Customers:      
Food Service      
Soft pretzels $180,138  $170,155  $168,970 
Frozen juices and ices  49,469   51,798   54,454 
Churros  62,809   57,318   56,602 
Handhelds  36,913   27,427   21,817 
Bakery  351,357   294,518   301,135 
Other  21,108   20,313   13,657 
Total Food Service $701,794  $621,529  $616,635 
       
Retail Supermarket      
Soft pretzels $35,081  $33,279  $35,727 
Frozen juices and ices  71,325   68,924   72,174 
Handhelds  14,892   15,347   18,957 
Coupon redemption  (4,898)  (4,430)  (4,725)
Other  2,847   4,469   1,244 
Total Retail Supermarket $119,247  $117,589  $123,377 
       
Frozen Beverages      
Beverages $160,243  $150,118  $142,705 
Repair and maintenance service  74,594   71,123   65,765 
Machines sales  27,073   31,155   26,413 
Other  1,273   1,267   1,361 
Total Frozen Beverages $263,183  $253,663  $236,244 
       
Consolidated Sales $1,084,224  $992,781  $976,256 
       
Depreciation and Amortization:      
Food Service $24,629  $22,912  $21,289 
Retail Supermarket  949   1,031   1,132 
Frozen Beverages  16,867   16,180   15,850 
Total Depreciation and Amortization$42,445  $40,123  $38,271 
       
Operating Income:      
Food Service $81,208  $76,539  $75,286 
Retail Supermarket  10,627   9,618   11,020 
Frozen Beverages  26,272   26,653   24,582 
Total Operating Income $118,107  $112,810  $110,888 
       
Capital Expenditures:      
Food Service $44,067  $24,759  $28,228 
Retail Supermarket  239   369   112 
Frozen Beverages  27,874   23,581   20,301 
Total Capital Expenditures $72,180  $48,709  $48,641 
       
Assets:      
Food Service $635,709  $589,854  $543,851 
Retail Supermarket  21,129   22,090   24,209 
Frozen Beverages  210,390   178,543   171,609 
Total Assets $867,228  $790,487  $739,669 
       


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

Fiscal 2017 (53 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year 2016 (52 weeks)

Net sales increased $91,443,000, or 9%, to $1,084,224,000 in fiscal 2017 from $992,781,000 in fiscal 2016. Excluding sales from the extra week in 2017, sales increased approximately 7% from 2016 to 2017.

Excluding sales from Hill & Valley, Inc., acquired in January 2017, an ICEE distributor located in the Southeast acquired in June 2017 and Labriola Bakery which was acquired in August 2017 and the extra week in 2017, sales increased approximately 3% for the year.

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

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

FOOD SERVICE

Sales to food service customers increased $80,265,000 or 13%, to $701,794,000 in fiscal 2017. Excluding sales from the extra week in 2017, sales increased approximately 10% from 2016 to 2017. Excluding Hill & Valley and Labriola sales and the extra week in 2017, sales increased approximately 5% for the year. Soft pretzel sales to the food service market increased 6% to $180,138,000 for the year with strong sales to restaurant chains and with sales increases and decreases throughout our customer base. Our new line of BRAUHAUS pretzels contributed to the increased sales.  Excluding Labriola sales, soft pretzel sales increased 5%. Frozen juice bar and ices sales decreased $2,329,000, or 4%, to $49,469,000 for the year due primarily to lower sales to warehouse club stores.  Churro sales to food service customers were up 10% to $62,809,000 for the year with increased sales to restaurant chains and warehouse club stores.  Sales of bakery products increased $56,839,000, or 19%, for the year. Excluding Hill & Valley sales, bakery sales increased 7% for the year.  Although sales increases and decreases were spread across our customer base, increased sales to two customers accounted for the entire sales increase, exclusive of Hill & Valley.   Handheld sales to food service customers were up 35% to $36,913,000 in 2017 with sales increases to four customers accounting for about 75% of the increase.  Sales of funnel cake increased $780,000, or 4% to $19,959,000 due primarily to increased sales to school food service and despite a sharp decline in sales to one restaurant chain.  Overall food service sales to restaurant chains and school food service were strong for the year. Sales of new products in the first twelve months since their introduction were approximately $43 million for the year.  Volume increases, including new product sales and sales from acquired companies, accounted for virtually all of the food service sales increases.  Price increases had a marginal impact on sales for the year.  Operating income in our Food Service segment increased from $76,539,000 in 2016 to $81,208,000 in 2017 with primarily all of the increase coming in our fourth quarter because of strong sales of all product categories compared to last year’s fourth quarter and about $551,000 of operating income from Hill & Valley.  Additionally, last year’s fourth quarter was impacted by roughly $1.5 million of costs related to certain bakery products that were withdrawn from the market due to quality issues.  Operating income for the 2017 year benefitted from a $1.8 million gain on insurance recovery recorded in our third quarter related to last year’s product quality issues. 

RETAIL SUPERMARKETS

Sales of products to retail supermarkets increased $1,658,000 or 1% to $119,247,000 in fiscal year 2017. Excluding sales from the extra week in 2017, sales decreased approximately 1/2 of 1 % from 2016 to 2017. Soft pretzel sales to retail supermarkets were $35,081,000 compared to $33,279,000 in 2016, an increase of 5%.  About 3/4 of the pretzel sales increase was from sales of AUNTIE ANNE’S products, under a license agreement entered into this year.  Sales of frozen juices and ices increased $2,401,000 or 3% to $71,325,000 primarily because of a reduction in trade spending which was higher than usual last year to introduce WHOLE FRUIT Organic juice tubes and new PHILLY SWIRL products and increased sales of the WHOLE FRUIT product line in general.  Coupon redemption costs, a reduction of sales, increased 11% to $4,898,000 for the year.  Handheld sales to retail supermarket customers decreased 3% to $14,892,000 for the year as sales of this product line in retail supermarkets continues its long-term decline. Sales of OREO churros, introduced last year, were approximately $2.5 million for the year compared to $4.0 million last year, with all of the decline in the fourth quarter.    

Sales of new products in the first twelve months since their introduction were approximately $2.8 million in fiscal year 2017.  Price increases were negligible in 2017. Operating income in our Retail Supermarkets segment increased from $9,618,000 to $10,627,000 for the year primarily because of approximately $2.5 million of higher trade spending in 2016 for the introduction of WHOLE FRUIT Organic juice tubes, OREO churros, PILLSBURY mini dessert pies and several PHILLY SWIRL products.

FROZEN BEVERAGES

Frozen beverage and related product sales increased 4% to $263,183,000 in fiscal 2017. Excluding sales from the extra week in 2017, sales increased approximately 2% from 2016 to 2017. Excluding the acquired ICEE distributor and the extra week in 2017, sales increased approximately 1% for the year. Beverage sales alone increased 7% or $10,125,000 for the year with increases and decreases throughout our customer base.  Gallon sales were up 6% in our base ICEE business, with sales increases spread throughout our customer base.  Service revenue increased 5% to $74,594,000 for the year with sales increases and decreases spread throughout our customer base.  Sales of beverage machines, which tend to fluctuate from year to year while following no specific trend, decreased from $31,155,000 in 2016 to $27,073,000 in 2017.  Operating income in our Frozen Beverage segment decreased from $26,653,000 in 2016 to $26,272,000 in 2017 due primarily to lower machine sales and higher payroll and payroll related costs.

CONSOLIDATED

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

Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 30.53% in 2017 from 30.67% in 2016. Without the lower gross profit percentage of the Hill & Valley business, gross profit percentage would have been 30.82% in 2017.  Gross profit percentage compared to the previous year benefitted from higher volumes throughout our business  and lower trade spending in our retail supermarket business but was negatively impacted by higher payroll and payroll related costs throughout our business.  Additionally this year’s gross margin percentage benefitted from the $1.8 million gain on insurance recovery in contrast to the additional $1.5 million of related costs in last year.

Total operating expenses increased $21,259,000 to $212,916,000 in fiscal 2017 and as a percentage of sales increased to 19.64% of sales from 19.31% in 2016.  Marketing expenses were 8.71% and 8.66 of sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Distribution expenses as a percent of sales increased to 7.55% from 7.36% in 2017 due in part to higher shipping costs.  Administrative expenses were 3.40% and 3.25% of sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively as we incur costs to upgrade our information systems.    

Operating income increased $5,297,000 or 5% to $118,107,000 in fiscal year 2017 as a result of the aforementioned items. 

Our investments generated before tax income of $5.3 million this year, up from $4.1 million last year. Last year’s income was reduced by realized losses of $661,000 on sales of investments.  

Other expenses this year include $1,070,000 of expenses incurred to acquire Hill & Valley, the ICEE distributor and Labriola Bakery.   

The effective income tax rate increased to 35.2% from 35.0% last year.  We expect the effective income tax rate for 2018 to be approximately 36%.    
          
Net earnings increased $3,199,000 or 4%, in the 53 weeks fiscal 2017 to $79,174,000, or $4.21 per diluted share, from $75,975,000, or $4.05 per diluted share, in the 52 weeks fiscal 2016 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.

Contact
Dennis G. Moore
Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
(856) 532-6603