BAB, INC. - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

BAB, Inc. (“the Company”) has three wholly owned subsidiaries: BAB Systems, Inc. (“Systems”), BAB Operations, Inc. (“Operations”) and BAB Investments, Inc. (“Investments”). Systems was incorporated on December 2, 1992, and was primarily established to franchise Big Apple Bagels® (“BAB”) specialty bagel retail stores. My Favorite Muffin (“MFM”) was acquired in 1997 and is included as a part of Systems. Brewster’s (“Brewster’s”) was established in 1996 and the coffee is sold in BAB and MFM locations. SweetDuet® (“SD”) frozen yogurt can be added as an additional brand in a BAB or MFM location. Operations was formed in 1995, primarily to operate Company-owned stores of which there are currently none. The assets of Jacobs Bros. Bagels (“Jacobs Bros.”) were acquired in 1999, and any branded wholesale business uses this trademark. Investments was incorporated in 2009 to be used for the purpose of acquisitions. To date there have been no acquisitions.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on July 12, 2000.  The Company currently franchises and licenses bagel and muffin retail units under the BAB, MFM and SD trade names. At November 30, 2021, the Company had 68 franchise units and 4 licensed units in operation in 20 states. There are 3 units under development. The Company's revenues are derived primarily from the ongoing royalties paid to the Company by its franchisees and from receipt of initial franchise fees.  Additionally, the Company derives revenue from the sale of licensed products (My Favorite Muffin mix, Big Apple Bagels cream cheese and Brewster's coffee) to franchisees, licensees and other approved customers.

The BAB franchised brand consists of units operating as “Big Apple Bagels®,” featuring daily baked bagels, flavored cream cheeses, premium coffees, gourmet bagel sandwiches and other related products. BAB units are primarily concentrated in the Midwest and Western United States.  The MFM brand consists of units operating as “My Favorite Muffin Gourmet Muffin Bakery™” (“MFM Bakery”), featuring a large variety of freshly baked muffins and coffees and units operating as “My Favorite Muffin Your All Day Bakery Café®” (“MFM Cafe”) featuring these products as well as a variety of specialty bagel sandwiches and related products.  The SweetDuet® is a branded self-serve frozen yogurt that can be added as an additional brand in a BAB location.  Although the Company doesn't actively market Brewster's stand-alone franchises, Brewster's coffee products are sold in most franchised units.     

The Company is leveraging on the natural synergy of distributing muffin products in existing BAB units and, alternatively, bagel products and Brewster's Coffee in existing MFM units. The Company expects to continue to realize efficiencies in servicing the combined base of BAB and MFM franchisees.

Net Income

The Company reported net income of $651,000 for fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 and a net loss of $66,000 for fiscal year ended November 30, 2020. November 30, 2021 net operating income was $542,000 compared to $233,000 in 2020.

Food Service Industry

Food service businesses are often affected by changes in consumer tastes; national, regional, and local economic conditions; demographic trends; traffic patterns; and the type, number and location of competing restaurants. Multi-unit food service chains, such as the Company's, can also be substantially adversely affected by publicity resulting from problems with food quality, illness, injury or other health concerns or operating issues stemming from one store or a limited number of stores. The food service business is also subject to the risk that shortages or interruptions in supply caused by adverse weather or other conditions could negatively affect the availability, quality and cost of ingredients and other food products. In addition, factors such as inflation, increased food and labor costs, regional weather conditions, availability and cost of suitable sites and the availability of experienced management and hourly employees may also adversely affect the food service industry in general and the Company's results of operations and financial condition in particular.

CUSTOMERS

The Company’s franchisees represent a varied geographic and demographic group.  Among some of the primary services the Company provides to its franchisees are marketing assistance, training, time-tested successful recipes, bulk purchasing discounts, food service knowledgeable personnel and brand recognition.

SUPPLIERS

The Company's major suppliers are Coffee Bean International, Dawn Food Products, Inc., Savencia Cheese USA, Coca-Cola and U.S. Foods.  The Company is not dependent on any of these suppliers for future growth and profitability since like products that may be purchased from these suppliers is available from other sources.

LOCATIONS

The Company had 68 franchised locations and 4 licensed units in 20 states. There are 3 units under development.

STORE OPERATIONS

BIG APPLE BAGELS®--BAB franchised stores bake a variety of fresh bagels daily and offer up to 11 flavors of cream cheese spreads.   Stores also offer a wide assortment of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, salads, soups, various dessert items, fruit smoothies, gourmet coffees and other beverages. A typical BAB store is in an area with a mix of both residential and commercial properties and ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. The Company's current store design is approximately 1,800 square feet, with seating capacity for 20 to 30 persons, and includes approximately 750 square feet devoted to production and baking. A satellite store is typically smaller than a production store, averaging 800 to 1,200 square feet. Although franchise stores may vary in size from other franchise stores, store layout is generally consistent.

MY FAVORITE MUFFIN®--MFM franchised stores bake 20 to 25 varieties of muffins daily from over 125 recipes. They also serve gourmet coffees, beverages and, at MFM Cafe locations, a variety of bagels, bagel sandwiches and related products. A typical MFM store is in an area with a mix of both residential and commercial properties and ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. The typical MFM Café store design is approximately 1,800 square feet, with seating capacity for 20 to 30 persons. The MFM Bakery is approximately 1,500 square feet, with seating for 10 to 12 persons and typically sells only muffins and coffee. Although franchise stores may vary in size from other franchise stores, store layout is generally consistent.

SWEETDUET®--SD the Company has one SweetDuet franchised store which offers frozen yogurt and various toppings from which customers prepare their own yogurt creations. They also serve My Favorite Muffin® gourmet muffins and Brewster’s® Coffee. Beginning in 2014, the SweetDuet concept is available as an added brand to a BAB or MFM location.

BREWSTER'S® COFFEE--Although the Company doesn't have, or actively market, Brewster's stand-alone franchises, Brewster's coffee products are sold in most of the franchised units.

FRANCHISING

The Company requires payment of an initial franchise fee per store, plus an ongoing 5% royalty on net sales. Additionally, BAB, MFM and SD franchisees are members of a marketing fund requiring an ongoing 3% contribution for general system-wide marketing. BAB currently requires a franchise fee of $25,000 on a franchisee's first full production BAB store. There is currently a $10,000 veterans discount for the franchise fee for the first location. The fee for subsequent production stores for BAB is $20,000. MFM currently requires a franchise fee of $30,000 on a franchisee's first full production MFM store. The fee for subsequent production stores for MFM is $25,000.

The Company's current Franchise Disclosure Documents (“FDD”) provides for, among other things, the opportunity for prospective franchisees to enter into a Preliminary Agreement for their first production store. This agreement enables a prospective franchisee a period of 60 days in which to locate a site. The fee for this Preliminary Agreement is $10,000. If a prospective franchisee fails to submit a site to Corporate in the designated timeframe, the preliminary agreement may be terminated and the fee is nonrefundable.  If the prospective franchisee submits in writing, the request to terminate the agreement within the required timeframe, prior to submitting a site for approval Corporate will issue a refund of the preliminary fee less $3,000. If the prospective franchisee submits one site for approval that is not approved by Corporate, Corporate may, at its sole discretion either grant an extension to the above referenced 60 day period or terminate the Preliminary Agreement and refund the preliminary fee less $3,000. If a site is approved, the entire $10,000 will be applied toward the initial franchise fee.  See also last paragraph under "Government Regulation" section in this 10-K. The Company's Franchise Agreement provides a franchisee with the right to develop one store at a specific location. Each Franchise Agreement is for a term of 10 years with the right to renew. Franchisees are expected to be in operation no later than 10 months following the signing of the Franchise Agreement.

The Company currently advertises its franchising opportunities in directories, newspapers and the internet. In addition, prospective franchisees contact the Company as a result of patronizing an existing store.

COMPETITION

The quick service restaurant industry is intensely competitive with respect to product quality, concept, location, service and price. There are a number of national, regional and local chains operating both owned and franchised stores which compete with the Company on a national level or solely in a specific market or region. The Company believes that because the industry is extremely fragmented, there is a significant opportunity for expansion in the bagel, muffin and coffee concept chains.

The Company believes the primary direct competitors of its bagel units are Panera Bread Company, Bruegger's Bagel Bakery and Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, which operates Einstein Bros. Bagels. There are several other regional bagel chains with fewer than 50 stores, as well as numerous small, independently owned bagel bakeries and national fast food restaurants such as Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s, all of which may compete with the Company. There is no major national competitor in the muffin business, but there are a number of regional and local operators. Additionally, the Company competes directly with a number of national, regional and local coffee competitors.

Other competition includes supermarket bakery sections and prepackaged, fresh and frozen bagels, muffins and yogurt. Certain of these competitors may have greater product and name recognition and larger financial, marketing and distribution capabilities than the Company.  The Company believes the startup costs associated with opening a retail food establishment offering similar products on a stand-alone basis are competitive with the startup costs associated with opening its stores and, accordingly, such startup costs are not an impediment to entry into the retail bagel, muffin, frozen yogurt or coffee businesses.

The Company believes that its stores compete favorably in terms of food quality, taste, convenience, customer service and value, which the Company believes are important factors to its targeted customers.  Competition in the food service industry is often affected by changes in consumer tastes, national, regional and local economic and real estate conditions, demographic trends, traffic patterns, the cost and availability of labor, consumer purchasing power, availability of product and local competitive factors.  The Company attempts to manage or adapt to these factors, but not all such factors are within the Company's control. Such factors could cause the Company and some or all of its franchisees to be adversely affected.

The Company competes for qualified franchisees with a wide variety of investment opportunities in the restaurant business, as well as other industries. Investment opportunities in the bagel bakery cafe business include franchises offered by Einstein Noah Restaurant Group and Panera Bread Company.  The Company's continued success is dependent on its reputation for providing high quality and value with respect to its service, products and franchises. This reputation is affected by the performance of its franchise stores and licensed units that sell branded products over which the Company has limited control.

TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS

The trademarks, trade names and service marks used by the Company contain common descriptive English words and thus may be subject to challenge by users of these words, alone or in combination with other words, to describe other services or products. Some persons or entities may have prior rights to these names or marks in their respective localities. Accordingly, there is no assurance that such names and marks are available in all locations. Any challenge, if successful, in whole or in part, could restrict the Company's use of the names and marks in areas in which the challenger is found to have used the name or mark prior to the Company's use. Any such restriction could limit the expansion of the Company's use of the names or marks into that region, and the Company and its franchisees may be materially and adversely affected.

The trademarks and service marks "Big Apple Bagels®," "My Favorite Muffin®," “SweetDuet®”and "Brewster's® Coffee" are registered under applicable federal trademark law. These marks are licensed by the Company to its franchisees pursuant to Franchise Agreements.   In February 1999, the Company acquired the trademark of "Jacobs Bros. Bagels®" upon purchasing certain assets of Jacobs Bros. The "Jacobs Bros. Bagels®" mark is also registered under applicable federal trademark law.

The Company is aware of the use by other persons and entities in certain geographic areas of names and marks which are the same as, or similar to, the Company's names and marks. Some of these persons or entities may have prior rights to those names or marks in their respective localities; therefore, there is no assurance that the names and marks are available in all locations. It is the Company's policy to pursue registration of its names and marks whenever possible and to vigorously oppose any infringement of its names and marks.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

The Company is subject to the Trade Regulation Rule of the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") entitled “Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising'' (the "Amended FTC Franchise Rule") and state and local laws and regulations that govern the offer, sale and termination of franchises and the refusal to renew franchises. Continued compliance with these broad federal, state and local regulatory networks is essential and costly. The failure to comply with such regulations may have a material adverse effect on the Company and its franchisees. Violations of franchising laws and/or state laws and regulations regulating substantive aspects of doing business in a particular state could limit the Company's ability to sell franchises or subject the Company and its affiliates to rescission offers, monetary damages, penalties, imprisonment and/or injunctive proceedings. In addition, under court decisions in certain states, absolute vicarious liability may be imposed upon franchisors based upon claims made against franchisees. Even if the Company is able to obtain insurance coverage for such claims, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to cover potential claims against the Company.

The Company and its franchisees are required to comply with federal, state and local government regulations applicable to consumer food service businesses, including those relating to the preparation and sale of food, minimum wage requirements, overtime, working and safety conditions, citizenship requirements, as well as regulations relating to zoning, construction, health and business licensing. Each store is subject to regulation by federal agencies and to licensing and regulation by state and local health, sanitation, safety, fire and other departments. Difficulties or failures in obtaining the required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the opening of a new Company-owned or franchise store, and failure to remain in compliance with applicable regulations could cause the temporary or permanent closing of an existing store. The Company believes that it is in material compliance with these provisions. Continued compliance with these federal, state and local laws and regulations is costly but essential, and failure to comply may have an adverse effect on the Company and its franchisees.

The Company's franchising operations are subject to regulation by the FTC under the Amended FTC Franchise Rule which requires, among other things, that the Company prepare and periodically update a comprehensive disclosure document known as a Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”) in connection with the sale and operation of its franchises. In addition, some states require a franchisor to register its franchise with the state before it may offer a franchise to a prospective franchisee. The Company believes its FDDs, together with any applicable state versions or supplements, comply with both the FTC guidelines and all applicable state laws regulating franchising in those states in which it has offered franchises.

The Company is also subject to a number of state laws, as well as foreign laws (to the extent it offers franchises outside of the United States), that regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship, including, but not limited to, those concerning termination and non-renewal of a franchise.

COVID-19 DISCUSSION

In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a national public health emergency and states placed restrictions on many businesses. Many states mandated reduced hours, reduced or no public access. The restaurant industry was hit particularly hard because of the normal human contact. The COVID-19 outbreak has continued through fiscal 2021 with the appearance of various COVID-19 variants. The Company reviewed and monitored the various state regulations for 2020 and 2021, and continues to review and monitor the regulations as they change.

Similar to many businesses across the world, BAB, Inc. was hard hit in March and April of 2020. Our franchise locations were restricted to limited hours and restrictions were put on contact between customers and workers. We promoted and provided tools and social media postings which provided our franchisees with the ability to continue to operate with limited contact, such as, online orders, third party pick-up and curbside service. Our franchisees began using the tools and sales increased May through our fiscal year end, November 30, 2020. Royalty revenues during fiscal 2021 have exceeded fiscal 2019 pre-COVID revenues by 2%.

Additionally, the Company waived marketing fees, from week ending March 22, through May 31, 2020 in order to assist our franchisees financially. A graduated return to the original 3% fees was reinstated with 1.5% assessed in June, 2% in July and then a full 3% reinstatement for the week ending August 2, 2020.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Company responded to reduced revenues by reducing variable costs as quickly as possible. Franchise advertising expense was reduced, salaries were reduced until we received our PPP loan, a decrease in operating supplies and professional fees were also reduced. We encouraged and provided information to our franchises as to how to apply for the loan and later how to get the loan forgiven. This stimulus package was of great help to us, and to many of the franchises in our system. In fiscal 2021 the Company continued to review expenses and respond to necessary changes as needed. Expenses increased during fiscal 2021 as income returned to a pre-COVID level.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we have instituted policies and procedures to keep our employees safe. Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and masks are provided for the convenience of employees. Masks are required to be worn in the office in common areas if within 6 feet of another individual. We also instituted staggered in-office days to minimize personal contact. Employees were able to work remotely with no significant impact to operations.

EMPLOYEES

As of November 30, 2021, the Company employed 13 full time persons in the Corporate headquarters. The employees are responsible for corporate management and oversight, franchising, accounting, advertising and operations.  None of the Company's employees are subject to any collective bargaining agreements and management considers its relations with its employees to be good.

BAB, Inc. considers its employees one of its greatest assets. The Company offers its employees competitive pay and a benefit program. All employees receive fair and equitable pay. The Company contributes 65% of the cost of health, dental and vision insurance premiums. The Company also contributes up to 4% of matching funds for the 401(k) program. Daily working hours are reasonably flexible.

The Company from time-to-time hires individuals who are beginning their career with an entry level job and provides on the job training. We encourage employees to expand and develop their talents while employed at the Company so that when the Company has open employment opportunities it can promote from within its employee base.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company's principal executive office, consisting of approximately 5,300 square feet, is located in Deerfield, Illinois and is leased. A lease was signed in June of 2018, effective October 1, 2018, expiring on March 31, 2024 with an option to renew for a 5 year period.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of such proceedings or claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that the outcome of any such proceedings or claims will have a material effect on our financial position. We know of no pending or threatened proceeding or claim to which we are or will be a party.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low reported closing sales prices for the Company's common stock, as reported in the Nasdaq Small Cap Market for the two years ended November 30, 2021 and 2020.  The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ OTCQB Marketplace under the symbol "BABB." 

As of February 24, 2022, the Company's Common Stock was held by 125 registered holders of record. Registered ownership includes nominees who may hold securities on behalf of multiple beneficial owners. The Company estimates that the number of beneficial owners of its common stock at February 24, 2022, is approximately 1,100 based upon information provided by a proxy services firm.

CASH DISTRIBUTION AND DIVIDEND POLICY

On December 06, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of December 22, 2021, paid January 11, 2022. 

On January 27, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 quarterly cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of February 10, 2021 and paid February 24, 2021. On March 17, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of April 1, 2021, paid April 22, 2021. On June 3, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of June 21, 2021, paid July 12, 2021. On September 10, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of September 27, 2021, paid October 18, 2021. 

On December 5, 2019, a $0.01 quarterly and a $0.02 special cash distribution/dividend per share was declared and paid on January 9, 2020. On March 4, 2020, a $0.01 quarterly cash distribution/dividend per share was declared to stockholders of record as of March 23, 2020 and paid April 08, 2020. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, dividends were suspended after the March 4, 2020 declaration for the remainder of 2020.

On May 6, 2013, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of BAB, Inc. authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each outstanding share of the common stock of BAB, Inc. to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 13, 2013. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of the Series A Participating Preferred Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.90 per one thousandth of a Preferred Share, subject to adjustment. The complete terms of the Rights are set forth in a Preferred Shares Rights Agreement, dated May 6, 2013, between the Company and IST Shareholder Services, as rights agent.

The Board adopted the Rights Agreement to protect stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics. In general terms, it works by imposing a significant penalty upon any person or group that acquires 15% (or 20% in the case of certain institutional investors who report their holdings on Schedule 13G) or more of the Common Shares without the approval of the Board. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights Agreement and the issuance of the Rights may be to render more difficult a merger, tender or exchange offer or other business combination involving the Company that is not approved by the Board. However, neither the Rights Agreement nor the Rights should interfere with any merger, tender or exchange offer or other business combination approved by the Board.

Full details about the Rights Plan are contained in a Form 8-K filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2013.

On June 18, 2014 an amendment to the Preferred Shares Rights Agreement was filed appointing American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC as successor to Illinois Stock Transfer Company. All original rights and provisions remain unchanged. On August 18, 2015 an amendment was filed to the Preferred Shares Rights Agreement changing the final expiration date to mean the fifth anniversary of the date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same. On May 22, 2017 an amendment was filed extending the final expiration date to mean the seventh anniversary date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same. On February 22, 2019 an amendment was filed extending the final expiration date to mean the ninth anniversary date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same. On March 4, 2021 an amendment was filed extending the final expiration date to mean the eleventh anniversary date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same.

Determination of whether distributions are considered a cash distribution, cash dividend or combination of the two will not be made until after December 31, 2021, as the classification or combination is dependent upon the Company’s earnings and profits for tax purposes for its fiscal year ending November 30, 2021.

The Company believes execution of its cash distribution/dividend policy will not have any material adverse effects on its ability to fund current operations or future capital investments.

ITEM 6.  RESERVED

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The selected financial data contained herein has been derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K. The data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.  Certain statements contained in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including statements regarding the development of the Company's business, the markets for the Company's products, anticipated capital expenditures, and the effects of completed and proposed acquisitions, and other statements and disclosures contained herein and throughout this Annual Report regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). In such cases, we may use words such as "believe," "intend," "expect," "anticipate" and the like.  Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain risks and uncertainties are wholly or partially outside the control of the Company and its management, including its ability to attract new franchisees; the continued success of current franchisees; the effects of competition on franchisee store results; consumer acceptance of the Company's products in new and existing markets; fluctuation in development and operating costs; brand awareness; availability and terms of capital; adverse publicity; acceptance of new product offerings; availability of locations and terms of sites for store development; food, labor and employee benefit costs; changes in government regulation (including increases in the minimum wage); regional economic and weather conditions; the hiring, training, and retention of skilled corporate and restaurant management; and the integration and assimilation of acquired concepts. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

GENERAL

The Company has 68 franchised and 4 licensed units with 3 units under development at the end of 2021. Units in operation and under development at the end of 2020 included 72 franchised and 7 licensed units and 1 unit under development.  System-wide revenues were $35.0 million in 2021 and $28.6 million in 2020.

The Company's revenues are derived primarily from the ongoing royalties paid to the Company by its franchisees and from receipt of initial franchise fees.  Additionally, the Company derives revenue from the sale of licensed products (My Favorite Muffin mix, Big Apple Bagels cream cheese and Brewster's coffee) to franchisees, licensees and other approved customers.

YEAR 2021 COMPARED TO YEAR 2020

Total revenues from all sources increased $700,000, or 29.5%, to $3,072,000 in 2021 from $2,372,000 in the prior year. Marketing revenue increased $309,000 in 2021 compared to 2020, franchise fee revenue increased $27,000 in 2021 versus 2020, royalty revenue increased $300,000 and licensing and other revenue increased $64,000 in 2021 compared to 2020.

Royalty revenue from franchise stores increased $300,000, or 21.8%, to $1,679,000 in 2021 as compared to $1,379,000 in 2020. The increase in royalty revenue was primarily a result of some COVID-19 pandemic restrictions being lifted in 2021. In fiscal 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many states ordering temporary restaurant indoor dining areas closed and severely limiting indoor in person ordering, reducing customer traffic.

Franchise fee revenue increased $27,000, or 122.7%, to $49,000 in 2021 as compared to $22,000 in 2020. In 2021 a store closed that had not been fully amortized, resulting in $12,000 of franchise fees recognized. In 2021, there were four transfers compared to two transfers in 2021.

Licensing fees and other income increased $64,000, or 21.4%, to $363,000 in 2021 compared to $299,000 in 2020.  Marketing fund revenues increased $309,000, or 45.9% to $981,00 in 2021 compared to $672,000 in 2020. The 2021 Marketing fund revenues were close to pre-covid revenues. Because of a decrease in sales in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company waived marketing fees from franchises from week ending March 22, through May 31, 2020 and a graduated return to the original 3% fees was reinstated with 1.5% assessed in June, 2% in July and then 3% for the week ending August 2, 2020.

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Total operating expenses in 2021 were $2,530,000, or 82.4% of revenues, compared to $2,138,000, or 90.1% of revenues in 2020. Total operating expenses in 2021 increased $392,000, or 18.3%, compared to 2020.

The increase in operating expenses of $392,000 in 2021 was primarily due to an increase in marketing expenses of $309,000, which was due to COVID-19 and reduced marketing fund revenues in 2020. In 2021 payroll increased $85,000 primarily because in 2021 bonuses were paid to executives and employees where they weren’t paid in 2020. Business insurance increased $10,000, Sign Shop cost of goods sold increased $5,000 with general expenses increasing $1,000 and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $1,000, offset by a decrease in legal expenses of $12,000, a decrease of $4,000 in employee benefit expense and a decrease of $2,000 in advertising expense in 2021 compared to 2020.

Interest income was less than $1,000 in 2021 and 2020.

There was an income tax expense in 2021 of $119,000 which includes $79,000 of noncash deferred tax expense and $40,000 of state income tax expense compared to 2020 income tax expense of $300,000, which includes $285,000 of noncash deferred tax expense and $15,000 of state income tax expense. There was net income of $651,000 in 2021 versus a net loss of $66,000 in 2020. The expense was $181,000 higher in 2020, due to an adjustment of the estimate of utilizable net operating losses in future years, resulting in a decrease in the related deferred tax asset, and an ending net deferred tax liability as of November 30, 2020.

Total operating income was $542,000 in 2021 or 17.6% of revenue as compared to $233,000 or 9.8% of revenue in the prior year. In 2021 earnings per share for basic and diluted outstanding shares was $0.09 compared to a $.01 per share loss for basic and diluted outstanding shares in 2020.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At November 30. 2021, the Company had working capital of $1,167,000 and unrestricted cash of $1,462,000. At November 30, 2020, the Company had working capital of $732,000 and unrestricted cash of $1,236,000, which includes the proceeds of a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan of $228,155.

During fiscal 2021, the Company had net income of $651,000 and operating activities which provided cash of $718,000. The principal adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities were depreciation and amortization of $5,000, deferred tax expense of $79,000 and noncash lease expense of $99,000, less debt forgiveness of $228,000 and the provision for uncollectible accounts of $3,000. In addition, changes in other operating assets and liabilities decreased cash a total of $115,000. During fiscal 2020, the Company had a net loss of $66,000 and operating activities which provided cash of $213,000. The principal adjustments to reconcile the net loss to cash provided by operating activities were depreciation and amortization of $4,000, deferred tax expense of $285,000 and noncash lease expense of $99,000, less the provision for uncollectible accounts of $7,000. In addition, changes in other operating assets and liabilities decreased cash a total of $102,000.

During fiscal 2021, the Company used $3,000 for investing activities for equipment purchases and trademark renewal. During fiscal 2020, the Company used $13,000 for investing activities for equipment purchases and trademark renewals.

Financing activities in fiscal 2021 included cash used for distributions/dividend payments to common stockholders of $291,000 and in fiscal 2020 included funds increasing cash flow of $228,155 for a PPP loan and cash distributions/dividend payments to common stockholders of $291,000.

Although there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to pay cash distributions/dividends in the future, it is the Company’s intent that future cash distributions/dividends will be considered based on profitability expectations and financing needs and will be declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors. It is the Company’s intent going forward to declare and pay cash distributions/dividends on a quarterly basis if warranted.

In 2020 the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Company to suspend dividends in the third and fourth quarters of 2020. Cash distributions/dividends were considered after reviewing profitability expectations and financing needs for fiscal 2021 and a dividend/distribution was declared January 27, 2021 by the Board of Directors of $0.01 payable February 2021.

Determination of whether distributions are considered a cash distribution, cash dividend or combination of the two will not be made until after December 31, 2021, as the classification or combination is dependent upon the Company’s earnings and profits for tax purposes for its fiscal year ending November 30, 2021.

The Company believes execution of its cash distribution/dividend policy will not have any material adverse effects on its ability to fund current operations or future capital investments.

The Company was granted a PPP loan in May 2020 in the amount $228,155. The loan was forgiven through the SBA on December 8, 2020 and is reflected in other income in fiscal year 2021.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company's significant accounting policies are presented in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (see Note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements included herein).  While all of the significant accounting policies impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, some of the policies may be viewed to be more critical.  The more critical policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company's financial condition and results of operations and that require management's most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments and estimates.   Management bases its judgments and estimates on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  The results of judgments and estimates form the basis for making judgments about the Company's value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.   Management believes the following are its most critical accounting policies because they require more significant judgments and estimates in preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Long-Lived Assets

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.  Improvements and replacements are capitalized, while expenditures for maintenance and routine repairs that do not extend the life of the asset are charged to expense as incurred.  Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  Estimated useful lives for the purpose of depreciation and amortization are 3 to 7 years for property and equipment and 10 years, or the term of the lease if less, for leasehold improvements.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 350 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” requires that assets with indefinite lives no longer be amortized, but instead be subject to annual impairment tests. The Company follows this guidance.

Following the guidelines contained in ASC 350, the Company tests goodwill and intangible assets that are not subject to amortization for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that impairment is possible. The Company has elected to conduct its annual test during the first quarter. During the quarters ended February 28, 2021 and 2020, management qualitatively assessed goodwill to determine whether testing was necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy, and changes in the composition and carrying amounts of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than it’s carrying value, a quantitative assessment is then performed.

Although the Covid-19 Pandemic caused significant disruption to our industry, the Company has been able to recover much quicker than expected and 2020 royalty revenues were 83.7% of fiscal 2019 royalty revenues. For the twelve months of fiscal 2021, royalty revenues exceeded the twelve months of fiscal 2019 (pre-pandemic) royalty revenues by 2%. Management reviewed and updated the qualitative assessment conducted during the first quarter 2021 at year end and does not believe that any impairment exists at November 30, 2021.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Certain financial instruments potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk.  These financial instruments consist primarily of royalty and wholesale accounts receivables.   The Company believes it has maintained adequate reserves for doubtful accounts.  The Company reviews the collectability of receivables periodically taking into account payment history and industry conditions.

Deferred Taxes

The Company routinely reviews the future realization of tax assets based on projected future reversals of taxable temporary differences, available tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income. As of November 30, 2021, the net operating loss carryforwards which it believes it will utilize are approximately $160,000, expiring between 2022 and 2029 for U.S. federal tax purposes.

Leases

The Company accounts for leases under ASC 842. Lease arrangements are determined at the inception of the contract. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and long-term operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 

Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Franchise and related revenue

The Company sells individual franchises. The franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay an initial, non-refundable fee prior to opening the respective location(s), and continuing royalty fees on a weekly basis based upon a percentage of franchisee net sales. The initial term of franchise agreements are typically 10 years.  Subject to the Company’s approval, a franchisee may generally renew the franchise agreement upon its expiration.  If approved, a franchisee may transfer a franchise agreement to a new or existing franchisee, at which point a transfer fee is typically paid by the current owner which then terminates that franchise agreement. A franchise agreement is signed with the new franchisee with no franchise fee required. If a contract is terminated prior to its term, it is a breach of contract and a penalty is assessed based on a formula reviewed and approved by management. Revenue generated from a contract breach is termed settlement income by the Company and included in licensing fees and other income.

Under the terms of our franchise agreements, the Company typically promises to provide franchise rights, pre-opening services such as blueprints, operational materials, planning and functional training courses, and ongoing services, such as management of the marketing fund. The Company considers certain pre-opening activities and the franchise rights and related ongoing services represent two separate performance obligations. The franchise fee revenue has been allocated to the two separate performance obligations using a residual approach. The Company has estimated the value of performance obligations related to certain pre-opening activities deemed to be distinct based on cost plus an applicable margin, and assigned the remaining amount of the initial franchise fee to the franchise rights and ongoing services. Revenue allocated to preopening activities is recognized when (or as) these services are performed. Revenue allocated to franchise rights and ongoing services is deferred until the store opens, and recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of the agreement, as this ensures that revenue recognition aligns with the customer’s access to the franchise right.

Royalty income is recognized during the respective franchise agreement based on the royalties earned each period as the underlying franchise store sales occur.

There are two items involving revenue recognition of contracts that require us to make subjective judgments: the determination of which performance obligations are distinct within the context of the overall contract and the estimated stand-alone selling price of each obligation. In instances where our contract includes significant customization or modification services, the customization and modification services are generally combined and recorded as one distinct performance obligation.

Nontraditional and rebate revenue

As part of the Company’s franchise agreements, the franchisee purchases products and supplies from designated vendors.  The Company may receive various fees and rebates from the vendors and distributors on product purchases by franchisees.  In addition, the Company may collect various initial fees, and those fees are classified as deferred revenue in the balance sheet and straight lined over the life of the contract as deferred revenue in the balance sheet. The Company does not possess control of the products prior to their transfer to the franchisee and products are delivered to franchisees directly from the vendor or their distributors. The Company recognizes the rebates as franchisees purchase products and supplies from vendors or distributors and recognizes the initial fees over the contract life and the fees are reported as licensing fees and other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Gift card breakage revenue

The Company sells gift cards to its customers in its retail stores and through its Corporate office. The Company’s gift cards do not have an expiration date and are not redeemable for cash except where required by law. Revenue from gift cards is recognized upon redemption in exchange for product and reported within franchisee store revenue and the royalty and marketing fees are paid and shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Until redemption, outstanding customer balances are recorded as a liability. An obligation is recorded at the time of sale of the gift card and it is included in accrued expenses on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at November 30, 2021 and 2020 were liabilities of $210,000 and $184,000, respectively for unredeemed gift cards.

The liability is reduced when the gift cards are redeemed by a franchise. Although there are no expiration dates for our gift cards, based on our analysis of historical gift card redemption patterns, we can reasonably estimate the amount of gift cards for which redemption is remote, which is referred to as “breakage.” The Company recognizes gift card breakage proportional to actual gift card redemptions on a quarterly basis and the corresponding revenue is included in licensing fees and other revenue. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the breakage rate and will be reassessed each quarter.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard’s main goal is to improve financial reporting by requiring earlier recognition of credit losses on financing receivables and other financial assets in scope, including trade receivables. The amendments in this update broaden the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured either collectively or individually. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years and for interim periods with those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company will adopt ASU 2019-13 for fiscal year ending November 30, 2024 and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments in ASU 2019-12 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in interim or annual periods for which financial statements have yet been issued. The Company will adopt ASU 2019-12 for fiscal year ending November 30, 2022 and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Management does not believe that there are any recently issued and effective or not yet effective accounting pronouncements as of November 30, 2021 that would have or are expected to have any significant effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or income statement.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In regard to interest, foreign currency and commodity price risk the Company does not believe that these are significant risk factors.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is included immediately following.

BAB, Inc.

Years Ended November 30, 2021 and 2020

C o n t e n t s

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

of BAB, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BAB, Inc. (the Company) as of November 30, 2021 and 2020, and the related statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended November 30, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 30, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended November 30, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

At November 30, 2021, the Company’s goodwill was $1,493,771 and indefinite-lived intangible assets were $461,445. As disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment either qualitatively or quantitively at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment require the performance of interim impairment assessment. During the year ended November 30, 2021, management qualitatively assessed goodwill to determine whether additional quantitative testing was necessary. 

Auditing the accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets was highly judgmental due to the qualitative nature of the goodwill impairment evaluation, and the subjectivity in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than the carrying amount. 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included obtaining an understanding and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s process of accounting for goodwill and indefinitelived intangible assets, and evaluating events and circumstances identified by management to support an assertion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Relevant events and circumstances evaluated included general macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions in which the Company operates, changes in cost factors, overall financial performance, including both actual and expected performance, entity-specific events, changes in share price, both in absolute terms and relative to peers, and any applicable quantitative analysis used to support qualitative discussions.

/s/ Sassetti LLC

Oak Brook, Illinois

February 25, 2022

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.

2107 Swift Drive, Suite 210, Oak Brook, IL 60523 ▪ 708.386.1433 ▪ www.sassetti.com

BAB, Inc

Consolidated Balance Sheets

November 30, 2021 and 2020

See accompanying notes

BAB, Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income

Years Ended November 30, 2021 and 2020

See accompanying notes

BAB, Inc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Years Ended November 30, 2021 and 2020

See accompanying notes

BAB, Inc

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended November 30, 2021 and 2020

See accompanying notes

BAB, Inc

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

November 30, 2021 and 2020

Note 1 - Nature of Operations

BAB, Inc (“the Company”) has three wholly owned subsidiaries: BAB Systems, Inc. (“Systems”) and BAB Operations, Inc. (“Operations”) and BAB Investments, Inc. (“Investments”). Systems was incorporated on December 2, 1992, and was primarily established to franchise Big Apple Bagels® (“BAB”) specialty bagel retail stores. My Favorite Muffin (“MFM”) was acquired in 1997 and is included as a part of Systems. Brewster’s (“Brewster’s”) was established in 1996 and the coffee is sold in BAB and MFM locations. SweetDuet® (“SD”) frozen yogurt can be added as an additional brand in a BAB or MFM location. Operations was formed in 1995, primarily to operate Company-owned stores of which there are currently none. The assets of Jacobs Bros. Bagels (“Jacobs Bros.”) were acquired in 1999, and any branded wholesale business uses this trademark. Investments was incorporated in 2009 to be used for the purpose of acquisitions. To date there have been no acquisitions.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on July 12, 2000.  The Company currently franchises and licenses bagel and muffin retail units under the BAB, MFM and SD trade names. At November 30, 2021, the Company had 68 franchise units and 4 licensed units in operation in 20 states. There are 3 units under development. The Company's revenues are derived primarily from the ongoing royalties paid to the Company by its franchisees and from receipt of initial franchise fees.  Additionally, the Company derives revenue from the sale of licensed products (My Favorite Muffin mix, Big Apple Bagels cream cheese and Brewster's coffee) to franchisees, licensees and other approved customers.

The BAB franchised brand consists of units operating as “Big Apple Bagels®,” featuring daily baked bagels, flavored cream cheeses, premium coffees, gourmet bagel sandwiches and other related products. BAB units are primarily concentrated in the Midwest and Western United States.  The MFM brand consists of units operating as “My Favorite Muffin Gourmet Muffin Bakery™” (“MFM Bakery”), featuring a large variety of freshly baked muffins and coffees and units operating as “My Favorite Muffin Your All Day Bakery Café®” (“MFM Cafe”) featuring these products as well as a variety of specialty bagel sandwiches and related products.  The SweetDuet® is a branded self-serve frozen yogurt that can be added as an additional brand in a BAB location.  Although the Company doesn't actively market Brewster's stand-alone franchises, Brewster's coffee products are sold in most franchised units.     

The Company is leveraging on the natural synergy of distributing muffin products in existing BAB units and, alternatively, bagel products and Brewster's Coffee in existing MFM units. The Company expects to continue to realize efficiencies in servicing the combined base of BAB and MFM franchisees.

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Uses of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements and accompanying notes are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and demand deposits with banks with original maturities of less than 90 days.

Accounts and Notes Receivable

Receivables are carried at original invoice amount less estimates for doubtful accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by reviewing and identifying troubled accounts and by using historical collection experience. A receivable is considered to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding 90 days past the due date. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded as income when received. Certain receivables have been converted to unsecured interest-bearing notes.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are 3 to 7 years for property and equipment and 10 years, or term of lease if less, for leasehold improvements. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures that materially extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 350 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” requires that assets with indefinite lives no longer be amortized, but instead be subject to annual impairment tests. The Company follows this guidance.

Following the guidelines contained in ASC 350, the Company tests goodwill and intangible assets that are not subject to amortization for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that impairment is possible. The Company has elected to conduct its annual test during the first quarter. During the quarters ended February 28, 2021 and 2020, management qualitatively assessed goodwill to determine whether testing was necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy, and changes in the composition and carrying amounts of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than it’s carrying value, a quantitative assessment is then performed.

Although the Covid-19 Pandemic caused significant disruption to our industry, the Company was able to recover much quicker than expected and 2020 royalty revenues were 83.7% of fiscal 2019 royalty revenues. For the twelve months of fiscal 2021, royalty revenues exceeded the twelve months of fiscal 2019 (pre-pandemic) royalty revenues by 2%. Management reviewed and updated the qualitative assessment conducted during the first quarter 2021 at year end and does not believe that any impairment exists at November 30, 2021.

The net book value of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite and definite lives are as follows:

Advertising and Promotion Costs

The Company expenses advertising and promotion costs as incurred. All advertising and promotion costs were related to the Company’s franchise operations. Advertising and promotion expense was $23,000 and $25,000 in 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB Topic 40. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The benefits from net operating losses carried forward may be impaired or limited in certain circumstances.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. income tax return and tax returns in various state jurisdictions. Review of the Company’s possible tax uncertainties as of November 30, 2021 did not result in any positions requiring disclosure. Should the Company need to record interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions or other tax authority assessments, it would classify such expenses as part of the income tax provision. The Company has not changed any of its tax policies or adopted any new tax positions during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 and believes it has filed appropriate tax returns in all jurisdictions for which it has nexus.

The Company’s income tax returns, which are filed as a consolidated return. for the years ending November 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are subject to examination by the IRS and corresponding states, generally for three years after they are filed.

Leases

The company accounts for leases under ASC 842. Lease arrangements are determined at the inception of the contract. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and long-term operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 

Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard’s main goal is to improve financial reporting by requiring earlier recognition of credit losses on financing receivables and other financial assets in scope, including trade receivables. The amendments in this update broaden the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured either collectively or individually. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years and for interim periods with those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company will adopt ASU 2019-13 for fiscal year ending November 30, 2024 and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments in ASU 2019-12 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in interim or annual periods for which financial statements have yet been issued. The Company will adopt ASU 2019-12 for fiscal year ending November 30, 2022 and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Management does not believe that there are any recently issued and effective or not yet effective accounting pronouncements as of November 30, 2021 that would have or are expected to have any significant effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or income statement. 

Segments

Accounting standards have established annual reporting standards for an enterprise’s operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company’s operations were a single reportable segment.

Statement of Cash Flows

The chart below shows the cash and restricted cash within the consolidated statements of cash flows as of November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 were as follows:

Earnings Per Share

The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) under ASC 260 “Earnings per Share.” Basic net earnings are divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year to calculate basic net earnings per common share. Diluted net earnings per common share are calculated to give effect to the potential dilution that could occur if options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and resulted in the issuance of additional common shares. There are currently no stock options issued or outstanding.

At November 30, 2021 and 2020, there are no common stock equivalents. In addition, the weighted average shares do not include any effects for potential shares related to the Preferred Shares Rights Agreement.

Franchise and related revenue

The Company sells individual franchises. The franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay an initial, non-refundable fee prior to opening the respective location(s), and continuing royalty fees on a weekly basis based upon a percentage of franchisee net sales. The initial term of franchise agreements are typically 10 years.  Subject to the Company’s approval, a franchisee may generally renew the franchise agreement upon its expiration.  If approved, a franchisee may transfer a franchise agreement to a new or existing franchisee, at which point a transfer fee is typically paid by the current owner which then terminates that franchise agreement. A franchise agreement is signed with the new franchisee with no franchise fee required. If a contract is terminated prior to its term, it is a breach of contract and a penalty is assessed based on a formula reviewed and approved by management. Revenue generated from a contract breach is termed settlement income by the Company and included in licensing fees and other income.

There are two items involving revenue recognition of contracts that require us to make subjective judgments: the determination of which performance obligations are distinct within the context of the overall contract and the estimated standalone selling price of each obligation. In instances where our contract includes significant customization or modification services, the customization and modification services are generally combined and recorded as one distinct performance obligation.

Under the terms of our franchise agreements, the Company typically promises to provide franchise rights, pre-opening services such as blueprints, operational materials, planning and functional training courses, and ongoing services, such as management of the marketing fund. The Company considers certain pre-opening activities and the franchise rights and related ongoing services to represent two separate performance obligations. The franchise fee revenue has been allocated to the two separate performance obligations using a residual approach. The Company has estimated the value of performance obligations related to certain pre-opening activities deemed to be distinct based on cost plus an applicable margin, and assigned the remaining amount of the initial franchise fee to the franchise rights and ongoing services. Revenue allocated to preopening activities is recognized when (or as) these services are performed. Revenue allocated to franchise rights and ongoing services is deferred until the store opens, and recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of the agreement, as this ensures that revenue recognition aligns with the customer’s access to the franchise right.

Royalty fees from franchised stores represent a 5% fee on net retail and wholesale sales of franchised units. Royalty revenues are recognized on an accrual basis using actual franchise receipts. Generally, franchisees report and remit royalties on a weekly basis. The majority of month-end receipts are recorded on an accrual basis based on actual numbers from reports received from franchisees shortly after the month-end. Estimates are utilized in certain instances where actual numbers have not been received and such estimates are based on the average of the last 10 weeks’ actual reported sales.

Royalty revenue is recognized during the respective franchise agreement based on the royalties earned each period as the underlying franchise store sales occur.

There are two items involving revenue recognition of contracts that require us to make subjective judgments: the determination of which performance obligations are distinct within the context of the overall contract and the estimated stand-alone selling price of each obligation. In instances where our contract includes significant customization or modification services, the customization and modification services are generally combined and recorded as one distinct performance obligation.

Gift card breakage revenue

The Company sells gift cards to its customers in its retail stores and through its Corporate office. The Company’s gift cards do not have an expiration date and are not redeemable for cash except where required by law. Revenue from gift cards is recognized upon redemption in exchange for product and reported within franchisee store revenue and the royalty and marketing fees are paid and shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Until redemption, outstanding customer balances are recorded as a liability. An obligation is recorded at the time of sale of the gift card and it is included in accrued expenses on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The liability is reduced when the gift cards are redeemed by a franchise. Although there are no expiration dates for our gift cards, based on our analysis of historical gift card redemption patterns, we can reasonably estimate the amount of gift cards for which redemption is remote, which is referred to as “breakage.” The Company recognizes gift card breakage proportional to actual gift card redemptions on a quarterly basis and the corresponding revenue is included in licensing fees and other revenue. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the breakage rate and will be reassessed each quarter.

Nontraditional and rebate revenue

As part of the Company’s franchise agreements, the franchisee purchases products and supplies from designated vendors.  The Company may receive various fees and rebates from the vendors and distributors on product purchases by franchisees.  In addition, the Company may collect various initial fees, and those fees are classified as deferred revenue in the balance sheet and straight lined over the life of the contract as deferred revenue in the balance sheet. The Company does not possess control of the products prior to their transfer to the franchisee and products are delivered to franchisees directly from the vendor or their distributors. The Company recognizes the rebates as franchisees purchase products and supplies from vendors or distributors and recognizes the initial fees over the contract life and the fees are reported as licensing fees and other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Marketing Fund

Franchise agreements require the franchisee to pay continuing marketing fees on a weekly basis, based on a percentage of franchisee sales. Marketing fees are not paid on franchise wholesale sales. The balance sheet includes marketing fund cash, which is the restricted cash, accounts receivable and unexpended marketing fund contributions. Although the marketing fees are not separate performance obligations distinct from the underlying franchise right, the Company acts as the principal as it is primarily responsible for the fulfillment and control of the marketing services. As a result, the Company records marketing fees in revenues and related marketing fund expenditures in expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company historically presented the net activities of the marketing fund within the balance sheet in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. While this reclassification impacts the gross amount of reported revenue and expenses the amounts will be offsetting, and there is no impact on net income.   

Note 3 - Revenue Recognition

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table presents disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended November 30, 2021 and 2020:

Contract balances

The balance of contract liabilities includes franchise fees, license fees and vendor payments that have ongoing contract rights and the fees are being straight lined over the contract life. Contract liabilities also include marketing fund balances and gift card liability balances.

Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (franchise agreements and license fee agreement) for the year ended November 30:

The Company has elected to apply certain practical expedients as defined in ASC 606-10-50-14 through 606-10-50-14A, including (i) performance obligations that are a part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less; (ii) the right to invoice practical expedient; and (iii) variable consideration related to unsatisfied performance obligations that is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation, and the terms of that variable consideration relate specifically to our efforts to transfer the distinct service, or to a specific outcome from transferring the distinct service. As such, sales-based royalty and marketing income, as well as gift card breakage revenue, is not included in the above transaction price chart.

Note 4 - Units Open, Licensed and Under Development

Big Apple Bagels®, SweetDuet Frozen Yogurt and Gourmet Muffins® and My Favorite Muffin® operating units, licensed units and unopened stores for which a Franchise Agreement has been executed, are as follows:

Note 5 – Income Taxes

The components of the Company’s provision for income taxes are as follows:

In fiscal 2021, the Company’s income included the $228,000 of PPP loan forgiveness, but it is excluded from federal and state tax calculations as a permanent difference, thereby reducing the federal and state effective rate from the customary statutory tax rate used to compute income tax expense at the federal rate of 21% and a state rate of 7.11%, which is net of the federal tax effect for fiscal 2020 and 2021. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2021 is 15.5% versus 128% for the fiscal 2020.

In 2020, the decrease in the net deferred tax asset was due to a change in the actual and expected use of net operating losses, (“NOLs”) that were expiring in 2021 through 2029.

A reconciliation of the expected income tax expense to the recorded income tax expense is as follows for the years ended November 30:

The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities for federal and state income taxes consist of the following:

As of November 30, 2021 the Company has estimated realizable net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $160,000 expiring between 2022 and 2029 for U.S. federal income tax purposes. There are no remaining net operating loss carryforwards to be utilized for state taxes. The Company routinely reviews the future realization of tax assets based on projected future reversals of taxable temporary differences, available tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income. There is no valuation allowance established for 2021 and 2020 because it is expected that the NOLs will be utilized.

The Company’s income tax returns, which are filed as a consolidated return for the years ending November 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are subject to examination by the IRS and corresponding states, generally for three years after they are filed.

Note 6 – Stockholders’ Equity

On December 06, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of  December 22, 2021, paid  January 11, 2022. 

On  January 27, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 quarterly cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of  February 10, 2021 and paid  February 24, 2021. On  March 17, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of  April 1, 2021, paid  April 22, 2021. On  June 3, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of  June 21, 2021, paid  July 12, 2021. On  September 10, 2021 the Board of Directors declared a $0.01 cash distribution/dividend per share to stockholders of record as of  September 27, 2021, paid  October 18, 2021. 

On  December 5, 2019, a $0.01 quarterly and a $0.02 special cash distribution/dividend per share was declared and paid on  January 9, 2020. On  March 4, 2020, a $0.01 quarterly cash distribution/dividend per share was declared to stockholders of record as of  March 23, 2020 and paid  April 08, 2020. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, dividends were suspended after the March 4, 2020 declaration for the remainder of 2020.

On  May 6, 2013, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of BAB, Inc. authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right for each outstanding share of the common stock of BAB, Inc. to stockholders of record at the close of business on  May 13, 2013. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of the Series A Participating Preferred Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.90 per one thousandth of a Preferred Share, subject to adjustment. The complete terms of the Rights are set forth in a Preferred Shares Rights Agreement, dated  May 6, 2013, between the Company and IST Shareholder Services, as rights agent.

The Board adopted the Rights Agreement to protect stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics. In general terms, it works by imposing a significant penalty upon any person or group that acquires 15% (or 20% in the case of certain institutional investors who report their holdings on Schedule 13G) or more of the Common Shares without the approval of the Board. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights Agreement and the issuance of the Rights may be to render more difficult a merger, tender or exchange offer or other business combination involving the Company that is not approved by the Board. However, neither the Rights Agreement nor the Rights should interfere with any merger, tender or exchange offer or other business combination approved by the Board.

Full details about the Rights Plan are contained in a Form 8-K filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2013.

On June 18, 2014 an amendment to the Preferred Shares Rights Agreement was filed appointing American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC as successor to Illinois Stock Transfer Company. All original rights and provisions remain unchanged. On August 18, 2015 an amendment was filed to the Preferred Shares Rights Agreement changing the final expiration date to mean the fifth anniversary of the date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same. On May 22, 2017 an amendment was filed extending the final expiration date to mean the seventh anniversary date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same. On February 22, 2019 an amendment was filed extending the final expiration date to mean the ninth anniversary date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same. On  March 4, 2021 an amendment was filed extending the final expiration date to mean the eleventh anniversary date of the original agreement. All other original rights and provisions remain the same.

Determination of whether distributions are considered a cash distribution, cash dividend or combination of the two will not be made until after December 31, 2021, as the classification or combination is dependent upon the Company’s earnings and profits for tax purposes for its fiscal year ending November 30, 2021.

The Company believes execution of its cash distribution/dividend policy will not have any material adverse effects on its ability to fund current operations or future capital investments.

Note 7 – Recent Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard’s main goal is to improve financial reporting by requiring earlier recognition of credit losses on financing receivables and other financial assets in scope, including trade receivables. The amendments in this update broaden the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured either collectively or individually. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years and for interim periods with those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company will adopt ASU 2019-13 for fiscal year ending November 30, 2024 and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments in ASU 2019-12 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in interim or annual periods for which financial statements have yet been issued. The Company will adopt ASU 2019-12 for fiscal year ending November 30, 2022 and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Management does not believe that there are any recently issued and effective or not yet effective accounting pronouncements as of November 30, 2021 that would have or are expected to have any significant effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or income statement.

Note 8 – Lease Commitments

The Company rents its office under an operating lease which requires it to pay base rent, real estate taxes, insurance and general repairs and maintenance. A lease was signed in June of 2018, effective October 1, 2018, expiring on March 31, 2024 with an option to renew for a 5 year period. A six month rent abatement and tenant allowance was provided in the lease, with any unused portion to be applied to base rent. The unused portion was determined to be $21,300. The renewal option has not been included in the measurement of the lease liability.

Monthly rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rent expenses for fiscal 2021 and 2020 were $91,300 and $88,600, respectively. At November 30, 2021, the remaining lease term was 28 months. The operating lease is included in the balance sheet at the present value of the lease payments at a 5.25% discount rate. The discount rate was considered to be an estimate of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate.

Gross future minimum annual rental commitments as of November 30, 2021, are as follows:

Note 9 – Employee Benefit Plan

The Company maintains a qualified 401(k) plan which allows participants to make pretax contributions. In fiscal 2015, the Company amended the 401(k) plan, establishing it as a Safe Harbor plan effective January 1, 2015. Employee contributions are matched by the Company in accordance with the Plan up to a maximum of 4% of employee earnings. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the Plan. In fiscal 2021 and 2020 the Company’s employer match was $32,000 and $34,000, respectively. There were no Company discretionary contributions in 2021 or 2020.

Note 10 – Paycheck Protection Program Loan

On May 1, 2020, BAB Systems, Inc. received loan proceeds of $228,155 from Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company, N.A., pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under Division A, Title 1 of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020.

On December 9, 2020 the PPP loan in the amount of $228,155 and related accrued interest was forgiven by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The amount forgiven is recognized as a gain upon debt extinguishment for fiscal 2021.

BAB, Inc

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

November 30, 2021 and 2020

Note 11 – Contingencies

We may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of such proceedings or claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that the outcome of any such proceedings or claims will have a material effect on our financial position. We know of no pending or threatened proceeding or claim to which we are or will be a party.

Note 12 –Uncertainties and COVID-19

In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a national public health emergency and states placed restrictions on many businesses. Many states mandated reduced hours, reduced or no public access. The restaurant industry was hit particularly hard because of the normal human contact. The COVID-19 outbreak has continued through fiscal 2021 with the appearance of various COVID-19 variants. The Company reviewed and monitored the various state regulations for 2020 and 2021, and continues to review and monitor the regulations as they change.

As like many businesses across the world, BAB, Inc. was hard hit in March and April of 2020. Our franchise locations were restricted to limited hours and restrictions were put on contact between customers and workers. We promoted and provided tools and social media posting which provided our franchisees with the ability to continue to operate with limited contact, such as, online orders, third party pick-up and curbside service. Our franchisees began using the tools and sales increased May through our fiscal year end, November 30, 2020. Royalty revenues during fiscal 2021 have exceeded fiscal 2019 pre-COVID revenues by 2%.

In 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Company waived marketing fees, from week ending March 22, through May 31, 2020 in order to assist our franchisees financially. A graduated return to the original 3% fees was reinstated with 1.5% assessed in June, 2% in July and then a full 3% reinstatement for the week ending August 2, 2020.

The Company responded to reduced revenues by reducing variable costs as quickly as possible. Franchise advertising expense was reduced, salaries were reduced until we received our PPP loan, a decrease in operating supplies and professional fees were also reduced. We encouraged and provided information to our franchises as to how to apply for the loan and later how to get the loan forgiven. This stimulus package was of great help to us, and to many of the franchises in our system. In fiscal 2021 the Company continued to review expenses and respond to necessary changes as needed. Expenses increased during fiscal 2021 as income returned to a pre-COVID level.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we have instituted policies and procedures to keep our employees safe. Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and masks are provided for the convenience of employees. Masks are required to be worn in the office in common areas if within 6 feet of another individual. We also instituted staggered in-office days to minimize personal contact. Employees were able to work remotely with no significant impact to operations.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

In connection with the audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for each of the fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and 2020, and through the date of this Current Report, there were: (1) no disagreements between the Company and Sassetti LLC on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

BAB, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Item 307 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report, and they have concluded that these controls and procedures were effective (i) to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our executive and financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting includes using the COSO framework, an integrated framework for the evaluation of internal controls issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, to identify the risks and control objectives related to the evaluation of our control environment.

Based on our evaluation under the framework described above, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s internal controls and procedures were effective over financial reporting as of November 30, 2021.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation requirements by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could materially affect these controls over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter. We have not identified any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls, and therefore there were no corrective actions taken.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of the Company's Common Stock, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners are required by the SEC to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based upon a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers and directors were met during the year ended November 30, 2021.

BAB, Inc. (the Company) has a formally established Code of Ethics, pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In order to view the Code of Ethics in its entirety, see the BAB, Inc. Annual Report, Part III, Item 9, dated November 30, 2007 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2008.

Identification of Directors

The following two directors are independent directors:

Steven G. Feldman became a director of the Company in May 2003. Mr. Feldman brings 26 plus years of experience in business, sales and marketing as the CEO of Techcare, LLC (1987-2011), an IT managed services firm in Deerfield, IL that was purchased in 2011 by All Covered, a Division of Konica Minolta Solutions, USA, Inc.   Since 2014 Mr. Feldman has been working with and investing in a variety of startup companies in the Chicago area. Mr. Feldman earned his degree in accounting and his CPA at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

James A. Lentz became a director of the Company in May 2004. From 1971 until 2000, Mr. Lentz was a business professor for Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC). During his tenure at MVCC, Mr. Lentz taught a variety of business related classes, including accounting, finance and marketing. In addition, Mr. Lentz has 10 years of experience in the food industry, including holding the position of Director of Franchise Training for BAB Systems, Inc. from 1992 through 1996. Mr. Lentz received both his undergraduate degree and a Masters in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University.

Executive Officers and Directors

Michael W. Evans has served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of the Company since its inception. Mr. Evans oversees all aspects of BAB, Inc., including franchise development, marketing, as well as all corporate franchise sales performance, corporate finance and corporate and franchise operations.

Michael K. Murtaugh has served as Vice President and General Counsel and Director of the Company since its inception. Mr. Murtaugh is responsible for dealing directly with state franchise regulatory officials, for the negotiation and enforcement of franchise and area development agreements and for negotiations of acquisition and other business arrangements. Before joining the Company, Mr. Murtaugh was a partner with the law firm of Baker & McKenzie, where he practiced law from 1971 to 1993.

Executive Officer

Geraldine Conn joined the Company as Controller in 2001. In 2014 she became the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer upon the resignation of the prior Chief Financial Officer. She is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, risk management and human resource administration. Ms. Conn has over 25 years of accounting and finance experience in a management role. Ms. Conn received her CPA in 1986 and a Masters in Business Administration in 1990 from DePaul University.

Directors and Executive Officers         

The following tables set forth certain information with respect to each of the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company and certain key management personnel.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee consists of two members, who are both independent directors and both have been deemed to be financial experts as defined in Regulation S-K, Item 407.  The function of the Audit Committee is to interact with the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company and to recommend to the Board of Directors the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.

The current Audit Committee consists of Steven G. Feldman and James A. Lentz. The two independent directors comply with the definition of "independent directors" as required by current law and regulations. The Audit Committee has adopted a written Audit Charter. See Appendix I in the Proxy, Form14A filed on April 19, 2006 for the Charter in its entirety.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the cash compensation by executive officers that received annual salary and bonus compensation of more than $100,000 during years 2021 and 2020 (the "Named Executive Officers"). The Company has no employment agreements with any of its executive officers.

Summary Compensation Table

In fiscal 2021 bonuses were earned and a portion was paid and a portion was waived by Mr Evans and Mr. Murtaugh. In fiscal 2020 bonuses were earned and waived in full by Mr. Evans and Mr. Murtaugh. Bonuses for Executive Officers that are Directors are determined using measurable financial criteria approved by the Compensation Committee including, but not limited to, company profitability levels and performance in system-wide same store sales. A bonus for the Chief Financial Officer is at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. All other compensation includes the Company 401(k) matching funds.

The following tables set forth any stock or stock options awarded to executive officers that that are exercisable and not yet exercised or unexercisable as of November 30, 2021:

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

(Continued)

The following table sets forth any compensation paid to directors during fiscal year ended November 30, 2021:

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation for fiscal year ended November 30, 2021

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The Company's Certificate of Incorporation limits personal liability for breach of fiduciary duty by its directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Law"). Such Certificate eliminates the personal liability of directors to the Company and its shareholders for damages occasioned by breach of fiduciary duty, except for liability based on breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company, liability for acts or omissions not made in good faith, liability for acts or omissions involving intentional misconduct, liability based on payments or improper dividends, liability based on violation of state securities laws, and liability for acts occurring prior to the date such provision was added. Any amendment to or repeal of such provisions in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Company for with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

In addition to the Delaware Law, the Company's Bylaws provide that officers and directors of the Company have the right to indemnification from the Company for liability arising out of certain actions to the fullest extent permissible by law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to such indemnification provisions, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth as of February 24, 2022 the record and beneficial ownership of Common Stock held by (i) each person who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock of the Company; (ii) each current director; (iii) each "named executive officer" (as defined in Regulation S-B, Item 402 under the Securities Act of 1933); and (iv) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. Securities reported as "beneficially owned" include those for which the named persons may exercise voting power or investment power, alone or with others. Voting power and investment power are not shared with others unless so stated. The number and percent of shares of Common Stock of the Company beneficially owned by each such person as of February 24, 2022 includes the number of shares which such person has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days after such date.  

(1) Includes 3,500 shares inherited by spouse.

.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

There are no transactions between the Company and related parties, including officers and directors of the Company. It is the Company's policy that it will not enter into any transactions with officers, directors or beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, or any entity controlled by or under common control with any such person, on terms less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties and all such transactions require the consent of the majority of disinterested members of the Board of Directors.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, appointed the firm Sassetti LLC, certified public accountants, for 2021 audit and tax services.

The audit reports of Sassetti LLC on the consolidated financial statements of BAB, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of and for the years ended November 30, 2021 and 2020 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

Audit fees relate to audit work performed on the financial statements as well as work that generally only the independent auditor can reasonably be expected to provide, including discussions surrounding the proper application of financial accounting and/or reporting standards and reviews of the financial statements included in quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q.  Fees for audit services provided by Sassetti LLC were $50,600 and $54,600 for fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Tax compliance services provided by Sassetti LLC were $10,000 and $11,200 for fiscal 2021 and 2020.

During the years ended November 30, 2021 and 2020, Sassetti LLC did not perform any other services for the Company.

Preapproval of Policies and Procedures by Audit Committee

The accountants provide a quote for services to the Audit Committee before work begins for the fiscal year.  After discussion, the Audit Committee then makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors on whether to accept the proposal.

Percentage of Services Approved by Audit Committee

All services were approved by the Audit Committee.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

.

The following Exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference:

SIGNATURES

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

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.