NATHANS FAMOUS, INC. - Annual Report: 2007 (Form 10-K)
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF
THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the
fiscal year ended March 25, 2007
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF
THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the
transition period from _________to__________
Commission
File No. 0-3189
NATHAN’S
FAMOUS, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
|
11-3166443
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
|
1400
Old Country Road, Westbury, New York
|
11590
|
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
|
(Zip
Code)
|
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code:
|
516-338-8500
|
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common
Stock - par value $.01
(Title
of
Class)
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined
in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15 (d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for
the past 90 days. Yes x
No o
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best
of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this
form 10-K x.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check
One):
Large
Accelerated Filer o Accelerated
Filer o Non-accelerated Filer x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company. (As defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act,
Yes
o
No x
The
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by
non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the Registrant’s
most recently completed second fiscal quarter - September 22, 2006 - was
approximately $69,006,000.
Indicate
the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common
stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of June 15, 2007, there were
6,018,083 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
outstanding.
Documents
incorporated by reference: Part III (Items 10,11,12,13) - Registrant’s
definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
PART I
Forward-Looking
Statements
Statements
in this Form 10-K annual report may be “forward-looking statements” within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our
intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other
statements relating to our future activities or other future events or
conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and
projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by
management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
These risks and uncertainties, many of which are not within our control,
include, but are not limited to: the future effects of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, BSE, first identified in the United States on December 23,
2003;
economic, weather, legislative and business conditions; the collectibility
of
receivables; changes in consumer tastes; the ability to continue to attract
franchisees; no material increases in the minimum wage; and our ability to
attract competent restaurant and managerial personnel, as well as those risks
discussed from time to time in this Form 10-K annual report for the year ended
March 25, 2007, and in other documents which we file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ
materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking
statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements with the words
“believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “will,”
“should” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation
to
update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date of this Form 10-K.
Item
1. Business
As
used herein, unless we otherwise specify, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,”
“Nathan’s” and the “Company” mean Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries,
including Miami Subs Corporation, owner of the Miami Subs brand, NF Roasters
Corp., owner of the Kenny Rogers brand, and NF Treachers Corp., owner of the
Arthur Treachers brand.
On
June
7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, Miami Subs
Corporation to Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. effective as of May 31,
2007.
Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement Nathan’s sold all of the stock of Miami
Subs Corporation in exchange for $3,250,000, consisting of $850,000 in cash
and
the Purchaser’s promissory note in the principal amount of
$2,400,000.
We
have
historically operated and franchised fast food units featuring Nathan’s Famous
brand all beef frankfurters, crinkle-cut French-fried potatoes, and a variety
of
other menu offerings. Our Nathan’s brand Company-owned and franchised units
operate under the name "Nathan’s Famous," the name first used at our original
Coney Island restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s licensing program began in 1978
by selling packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through
supermarkets or grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. During fiscal
1998, we introduced our Branded Product Program, which enables foodservice
retailers to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of
a traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction with this program,
foodservice operators are granted a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark
with respect to the sale of hot dogs and certain other proprietary food items
and paper goods.
On
April
1, 1999, we became the franchisor of the Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant system
by acquiring the intellectual property rights, including trademarks, recipes
and
franchise agreements, of Roasters Corp. and Roasters Franchise Corp. On
September 30, 1999, we acquired the remaining 70% of the outstanding common
stock of Miami Subs Corporation we did not already own, and also provided us
with co-branding rights to the Arthur Treachers brand in the United States.
On
February 28, 2006, we acquired all of the intellectual property rights,
including, but not limited to, trademarks, trade names, and recipes, of the
Arthur Treachers Fish N Chips brand.
Our
revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded
Product Program, and in our Company-owned restaurants. We also earn royalties
by
franchising the Nathan’s, Miami Subs and Kenny Rogers restaurant concepts and
pursuant to various licensing agreements for the sale of Nathan’s products
primarily within supermarkets and club stores.
Over
the
past six years, we have focused on expanding our Nathan’s Branded Product
Program; developing our restaurant franchise system by continuing to open new
franchised restaurants; expanding our Nathan’s branded retail licensing
programs; operating our existing Company-owned restaurants; and developing
an
international franchising program. In
an
effort to expand our restaurant system and expand our brand portfolio, during
fiscal 2000 we completed our merger with Miami Subs Corp. and our acquisition
of
the intellectual property of the Kenny Rogers Roasters franchise system. In
addition, through our acquisition of Miami Subs, we also secured certain
co-branding rights to use the Arthur Treachers’ brand within the United States.
During fiscal 2002, we began offering the Nathan’s, Kenny Rogers Roasters and
Arthur Treachers’ signature products to the Miami Subs franchise community.
Since then, we have sought to continue to capitalize on the co-branding
opportunities for the Arthur Treacher’s and Kenny Rogers Roasters brands within
the Nathan’s restaurant system, as well as seek to develop new multi-brand
marketing and development plans. As a result of the co-branding success, we
acquired the intellectual property of the Arthur Treachers brand on February
28,
2006.
2
At
March
25, 2007, our combined restaurant system consisted of 357 franchised or licensed
units, including three units
operating pursuant to management agreements, and six Company-owned units
(including one seasonal unit), located in 22 states and 11 foreign
countries.
We
plan
to continue expanding the scope and market penetration of our Branded Product
Program, further develop the restaurant operations of existing franchised and
Company-owned outlets, open new franchised outlets in traditional or captive
market environments, expand the Nathan’s retail licensing programs and continue
to co-brand within our restaurant system.
We may
also selectively consider opening new Company-owned restaurants. We shall
attempt to further develop our international presence through the use of
franchising agreements based upon individual or combined use of our brands.
We
were
incorporated in Delaware on July 10, 1992 under the name “Nathan’s Famous
Holding Corporation” to act as the parent of a Delaware corporation then-known
as Nathan’s Famous, Inc. On December 15, 1992, we changed our name to Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and our Delaware subsidiary changed its name to Nathan’s Famous
Operating Corporation. The Delaware subsidiary was organized in October 1989
in
connection with its re-incorporation in Delaware from that of a New York
corporation named “Nathan’s Famous, Inc.” The New York Nathan’s was incorporated
on July 10, 1925 as a successor to the sole proprietorship that opened the
first
Nathan’s restaurant in Coney Island in 1916. On July 23, 1987, Equicor Group,
Ltd. was merged with and into the New York Nathan’s in a “going private”
transaction. The New York Nathan’s, the Delaware subsidiary and Equicor may all
be deemed to be our predecessors.
Restaurant
Operations
Nathan’s
Concept and Menus
Our
Nathan’s concept offers a wide range of facility designs and sizes, suitable to
a vast variety of locations and features a core menu, consisting of “Nathan’s
Famous” all beef frankfurters, crinkle-cut French fries and beverages. Nathan’s
menu is designed to take advantage of site-specific market opportunities by
adding complementary food items to the core menu. The Nathan’s concept is
suitable to stand-alone or can be co-branded with other nationally recognized
brands.
Nathan’s
hot dogs are all beef and are free from all fillers and starches. Hot dogs
are
flavored with the original secret blend of spices provided by Ida Handwerker
in
1916, which historically have distinguished Nathan’s hot dogs. Our hot dogs are
prepared and served in accordance with procedures which have not varied
significantly in more than 90 years. Our signature crinkle-cut French fried
potatoes are featured at each Nathan’s restaurant. Nathan’s French fried
potatoes are cooked in 100% cholesterol-free corn oil. We believe that the
majority of sales in our Company-owned units consist of Nathan’s Famous hot
dogs, crinkle-cut French fried potatoes and beverages.
Individual
Nathan’s restaurants supplement their core menu of hot dogs, French fries and
beverages with a variety of other quality menu choices including: char-grilled
hamburgers, crispy chicken tenders, char-grilled chicken sandwiches, Philly
cheese-steaks, selected seafood items, a breakfast menu and assorted desserts
and snacks. While the number of supplemental menu items carried varies with
the
size of the unit, the specific supplemental menus chosen are tailored to local
food preferences and market conditions. Each of these supplemental menu options
consists of a number of individual items; for example, the hamburger menu may
include char-grilled bacon cheeseburgers, double-burgers and super
cheeseburgers. We maintain the same quality standard with each of Nathan’s
supplemental menus as we do with Nathans’ core hot dog and French fried potato
menu. Thus, for example, hamburgers and sandwiches are prepared to order and
not
pre-wrapped or kept warm under lights. Nathan’s also has a “Kids Meal” program
in which various menu alternatives are combined with toys to appeal to the
children’s market. Soft drinks, iced tea, coffee and old fashioned lemonade are
also offered. The Company continually evaluates new products. In the course
of
its evaluations, the Company is cognizant of consumer trends, including a trend
toward perceived “healthier” products. In addition to its well-established,
signature products, the Company offers for sale in many of its restaurants
up to
seven chicken products, six fish products, and five salad, soup, and vegetable
products. Additionally, in all restaurants French fries are prepared in
cholesterol-free oil.
3
Nathan’s
restaurant designs are available in a range of sizes from 300 to 4,000 sq.
ft.
We have also developed Nathan’s carts, kiosks, and modular units. Our smaller
units may not have customer seating areas, although they may often share seating
areas with other fast food outlets in food court settings. Other units generally
provide seating for 45 to 125 customers. Carts, kiosks and modular units
generally carry only the core menu. This menu is supplemented by a number of
other menu selections in our other restaurant types.
We
believe Nathan’s carts, kiosks, modular units and food court designs are
particularly well-suited for placement in non-traditional sites, such as
airports, travel plazas, stadiums, schools, convenience stores, entertainment
facilities, military facilities, business and industry food service, within
larger retail operations and other captive markets. Many of these smaller units
have been designed specifically to support our expanding Branded Product
Program. All of these units feature the Nathan’s logo and utilize a contemporary
design.
Miami
Subs Concept and Menu
The Miami
Subs concept features a wide variety of moderately priced lunch, dinner and
snack foods, including hot and cold submarine sandwiches, various ethnic foods
such as gyros and pita sandwiches, flame grilled hamburgers and chicken breast
sandwiches, cheese-steaks, chicken wings, fresh salads, ice cream and other
desserts. Soft drinks, iced tea, coffee and old fashioned lemonade are offered.
Beer and wine may also be offered.
Freshness
and quality of breads, produce and other ingredients are emphasized in Miami
Subs restaurants. The Miami Subs menu may include low-fat selections such as
salads, grilled chicken breasts, and non-fat frozen yogurt. We believe Miami
Subs has become known for certain "signature" foods, such as grilled chicken
on
pita bread, gyros on pita bread, cheese-steaks and chicken wings.
Miami
Subs restaurants typically feature a distinctive decor unique to the Miami
Subs
concept. The exterior of freestanding restaurants feature an unusual roof design
and neon pastel highlights for easy recognition. Interiors have a tropical
motif
in a neon pink and blue color scheme with murals of fish, mermaids, flamingos
and tropical foliage. Exteriors and interiors are brightly lit to create an
inviting, attractive ambience to distinguish the restaurants from those of
our competitors. At March 25, 2007, 53 of the Miami Subs restaurants were
located in freestanding buildings, ranging between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet.
Certain other Miami Subs restaurants are scaled down to accommodate
non-traditional captive market environments.
Miami
Subs restaurants are typically open seven days a week, generally opening at
10:30 am, with many of the restaurants having extended late-night hours. Indoor
service is provided at a walk-up counter where the customer places an order
and
is given an order number and a drink cup. The customer then proceeds to a
self-service soda bar while the food is prepared to order. Drive-thru service
is
provided at substantially all free standing Miami Subs restaurants. We estimate
that drive-thru sales account for approximately 40% to 60% of sales in free
standing restaurants that maintain drive-thru service.
At
March
25, 2007, 53 Miami Subs restaurants offered our co-branded menu consisting
of
various selections of Nathan’s, Kenny Rogers Roasters or Arthur Treachers’
signature products.
Kenny
Rogers Roasters Concept and Menu
The
Kenny
Rogers Roasters concept was first introduced in 1991 with the idea of serving
home-style family
foods, based on a menu that is centered on wood-fire rotisserie chicken. Kenny
Rogers Roasters’ unique proprietary marinade and spice formula combined with
wood-fire roasting in a specifically-designed rotisserie became the basis of
a
breakthrough taste in rotisserie chicken. The menu, design and service style
were created to position the concept midway between quick-serve and casual
dining. This format, coupled with a customer friendly environment developed
for
dine-in or take-home consumers, is the precursor of the Kenny Rogers Roasters
system.
4
The
distinctive flavoring of our Kenny Rogers Roasters chicken is the result of
a
two-step process. First, our chickens are marinated using a specially flavored
proprietary marinade. Then a second unique blend of spice is applied to the
chicken prior to cooking, often in an open flame wood-fire rotisserie in full
view of customers at the restaurant. Other entrees offered in Kenny Rogers
Roasters restaurants may include Honey
Bourbon BBQ ribs and rotisserie turkey. Complimenting Kenny Rogers Roasters
main
courses are a wide variety of freshly prepared side dishes, corn muffins, soups,
salads and sandwiches. The menu offers a healthful alternative to traditional
quick-serve menu offerings that caters to families and individuals.
A
traditional Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant is a freestanding building or
large
in-line unit offering dine-in and drive thru delivery options ranging in size
between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet with seating capacity for approximately
125
guests. Other prototype restaurant designs that have been considered include
food court units and scaled down in-line and freestanding restaurant
types.
A
restaurant that has been co-branded with Kenny Rogers Roasters will serve
certain “signature” products as part of the restaurant’s menu offerings which
may include chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and chicken
wings.
The
Kenny
Rogers Roasters restaurant system consists primarily of approximately 97
traditional restaurants operating internationally and 95 co-branded
representations whereby certain signature items are included on the menu within
our Nathan’s and Miami Subs domestic restaurant systems.
Arthur
Treachers Fish-n-Chips Concept and Menu
Arthur
Treacher’s Fish-n-Chips, Inc. was originally founded in 1969. Arthur Treacher's
main product is its "Original Fish N Chips" product consisting of fish fillets
coated with a special batter prepared under a proprietary formula, deep-fried
golden brown, and served with English-style chips and corn meal "hush puppies."
The full menu restaurants emphasize the preparation and sale of batter-dipped
fried seafood and chicken dishes served in a quick service environment. Other
Arthur Treacher's products that may be offered in full menu restaurants include
chicken, shrimp, clams and an assortment of other seafood combination dishes.
The full menu restaurants operate a sit-down style, quick serve operation under
a uniform business format consisting of methods, procedures, building designs,
décor, color schemes and trade dress. The restaurant format also utilizes
certain service marks, logos, copyrights and commercial symbols. Currently,
we
co-brand Arthur Treacher’s products within 106 Nathan’s
and Miami Subs restaurants, whereby the menu generally consists of fish fillets,
shrimp, clams and hush puppies. The Arthur Treacher’s brand is generally
represented in these restaurants by the use of limited trade dress, certain
service marks, logos, copyrights and commercial symbols.
Franchise
Operations
At
March
25, 2007, our franchise system, including our Nathan’s, Miami Subs and Kenny
Rogers restaurant concepts, consisted of 357 units operating in 22 states and
11
foreign countries.
Today,
our franchise system counts among its 125 franchisees and licensees such
well-known companies as HMS Host, ARAMARK Leisure Services, Inc., CA1 Services,
Inc., Centerplate (formerly known as Service America Corp.), Culinart, Loews
Cineplex and National Amusements. We continue to seek to market our franchising
program to larger, experienced and successful operators with the financial
and
business capability to develop multiple franchise units.
During
our fiscal year ended March 25, 2007, no single franchisee accounted for over
10% of our consolidated revenue. At March 25, 2007, HMS Host operated 30
franchised outlets, including nine units at airports, 16 units within highway
travel plazas and five units within malls. Additionally, HMS Host operates
32
locations featuring Nathan’s products pursuant to our Branded Product
Program.
Nathan’s
Standard Franchise Program
Franchisees
are required to execute a standard franchise agreement prior to opening each
Nathan’s Famous unit. Our current standard Nathan’s franchise agreement provides
for, among other things, a one-time $30,000 franchise fee payable upon execution
of the agreement, a monthly royalty payment based on 5.0% of restaurant sales
and the expenditure of 2.0% of restaurant sales on advertising. We may offer
alternatives to the standard franchise agreement, having to do with franchise
fees or advertising requirements. The initial term of the typical franchise
agreement is 20 years, with a 15-year renewal option by the franchisee, subject
to conditions contained in the franchise agreement.
5
Franchisees
are approved on the basis of their business background, evidence of restaurant
management experience, net worth and capital available for investment in
relation to the proposed scope of the development agreement.
We
provide numerous support services to our Nathan’s franchisees. We assist in and
approve all site selections. Thereafter, we provide architectural plans suitable
for restaurants of varying sizes and configurations for use in food court,
in-line and free standing locations. We also assist in establishing building
design specifications, reviewing construction compliance, equipping the
restaurant and providing appropriate menus to coordinate with the restaurant
design and location selected by the franchisee. We typically do not sell food,
equipment or supplies to our Nathan’s franchisees.
We
offer
various management-training courses for management personnel of Company-owned
and franchised Nathan’s restaurants. At least one restaurant manager from each
restaurant must successfully complete our mandated management-training program.
We also offer additional operations and general management training courses
for
all restaurant managers and other managers with supervisory responsibilities.
We
provide standard manuals to each franchisee covering training and operations,
products and equipment and local marketing programs. We also provide ongoing
advice and assistance to franchisees. We host periodic “Focus on Food” meetings
with our franchisees to discuss upcoming marketing events, menu development
and
other topics, each of which is created to provide system-wide
benefits.
Franchised
restaurants are required to be operated in accordance with uniform operating
standards and specifications relating to the selection, quality and preparation
of menu items, signage, decor, equipment, uniforms, suppliers, maintenance
and
cleanliness of premises and customer service. All standards and specifications
are developed by us and applied on a system-wide basis. We continuously monitor
franchisee operations and inspect restaurants. Franchisees are required to
furnish us with detailed monthly sales or operating reports which assist us
in
monitoring the franchisee’s compliance with its franchise or license agreement.
We make both announced and unannounced inspections of restaurants to ensure
that
our practices and procedures are being followed. We have the right to terminate
a franchise if a franchisee does not operate and maintain a restaurant in
accordance with the requirements of its franchise or license agreement including
for non-payment of royalties, sale of unauthorized products, bankruptcy or
conviction of a felony. During the fiscal year ended March 25, 2007, (“fiscal
2007") franchisees have opened 13 new Nathan’s franchised units in the United
States and no agreements were terminated for non-compliance.
Franchisees
who desire to open multiple units in a specific territory within the United
States may enter into an area development agreement under which we would expect
to receive an advance fee based upon the number of proposed units which the
franchisee is authorized to open. As units are opened under such agreements,
a
portion of such advance may be credited against the franchise fee payable to
us
as provided in the standard franchise agreement. We may also grant exclusive
territorial rights in foreign countries for the development of Nathan’s units
based upon compliance with a predetermined development schedule. Additionally,
we may further grant exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights in foreign
countries. In all situations we expect to require an exclusivity fee to be
conveyed for such exclusive rights.
Miami
Subs Franchise Program
Pursuant
to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 7, 2007, we sold our Miami Subs
Corporation subsidiary effective May 31, 2007. Consequently, effective May
31,
2007, although our Nathan’s and Arthur Treachers menus are still being
co-branded in certain Miami Subs restaurants, we no-longer have any interest
in
Miami Subs’ franchise operations, other than the rights pursuant to the
co-branding agreement.
Prior
to the sale of the Miami Subs franchise operations, we entered into
standard
franchise agreements relating to the operation of each Miami Subs restaurant.
The original term of the franchise agreement was between 10 and 20 years,
and the initial franchise fee was $30,000 for traditional restaurants and
$15,000 for certain non-traditional restaurants and provided for the
payment of a monthly royalty fee of 4.5% of gross sales in traditional
restaurants or 5.0% of gross sales in certain non-traditional restaurants for
the term of the franchise agreement. Additional charges, based on a percentage
of restaurant sales, were required by operators of traditional restaurants,
typically totaling 2.25%, to support various system-wide and local advertising
funds.
The
training and support provided to Miami Subs franchisees was similar to that
provided to our Nathan’s franchisees, in terms of personnel; site selection and
development and monitoring of operations to ensure compliance with the
specifications and standards we have established for appearance, service and
food and beverage quality
6
Franchisees
were required to furnish us with detailed monthly sales or operating reports
which assist us in monitoring the franchisee’s compliance with its franchise
agreement. We had the right to terminate a franchise if a franchisee did not
operate and maintain a restaurant in accordance with the requirements of its
franchise agreement. We also had the right to terminate a franchise for
non-compliance with certain other terms and conditions of the franchise
agreement such as non-payment of royalties, sale of unauthorized products,
bankruptcy or conviction of a felony. During the fiscal year ended March 25,
2007, no new Miami Subs franchised restaurants were opened and
no
Miami Subs franchise agreements were terminated for non-compliance.
Kenny
Rogers Roasters Domestic Franchise Program
Kenny
Rogers Roasters domestic franchisees from the previous franchise system were
required to execute amended and restated franchise agreements in order to
preserve their franchised units. The amended and restated franchise agreement
affirmed the franchisees responsibilities and offered reduced royalties to
3% of
sales and waived advertising fund payments through March 31, 2001. These reduced
rates have been permanently changed. At March 25, 2007, there was one operating
domestic franchisee .
Subsequent
to the acquisition, we have emphasized co-branding certain signature items
from
the Kenny Rogers Roasters menu into our Nathan’s and Miami Subs restaurant
systems and have not sought to add new franchisees of traditional Kenny Rogers
Roasters restaurants to the franchise system.
We
do not
currently intend to resume such a franchising program. In the event that we
determine to resume franchising of Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurants, we expect
to do so on substantially the same terms as are made available to Nathan’s
franchisees.
Arthur
Treachers
At
the
time of our acquisition of Miami Subs in fiscal 2000, Miami Subs had an existing
co-branding agreement with the franchisor of the Arthur Treacher’s Fish N Chips
restaurant system, permitting Miami Subs to include limited-menu Arthur
Treacher’s restaurant operations within Miami Subs restaurants (the “AT
Co-Branding Agreement”). Through our acquisition of Miami Subs, we were able to
extend the terms of the AT Co-Branding Agreement to allow the inclusion of
a
limited number of Arthur Treacher’s menu items within Nathan’s Famous
restaurants as well. Since that time, our co-branding efforts with the Arthur
Treacher’s concept have been extremely successful. As of March 25, 2007, there
were Arthur Treacher’s co-branded operations included within 106 Nathan’s Famous
and Miami Subs restaurants.
To
enable
us to further develop the Arthur Treacher’s brand, we acquired all trademarks
and other intellectual property relating to the Arthur Treacher’s brand from PAT
Franchise Systems, Inc. (“PFSI”) on February 28, 2006 and terminated the AT
Co-Branding Agreement. Simultaneously, we granted back to PFSI a limited license
to use the Arthur Treacher’s intellectual property solely for the purposes of:
(a) PFSI continuing to permit the operation of its existing Arthur Treacher’s
franchised restaurant system (which PFSI informs us consisted of approximately
60 restaurants); and (b) PFSI granting rights to third parties who wish to
develop new traditional Arthur Treacher’s quick service restaurants in Indiana,
Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and areas
of
Northern New York State (collectively, the “PFSI Markets”). We retained certain
rights to sell franchises for the operation of Arthur Treacher’s restaurants in
certain circumstances within the geographic scope of the PFSI Markets.
7
The
result of this transaction is that we are now the sole owner of all rights
to
the Arthur Treacher’s brand and the exclusive franchisor of the Arthur
Treacher’s restaurant system (subject to the limited license granted back to
PFSI for the PFSI Markets). We no longer have any ongoing obligation to pay
fees
or royalties to PFSI in connection with our use of the Arthur Treacher’s system.
Similarly, PFSI has no obligation to pay fees or royalties to us in connection
with its use of the Arthur Treacher’s system within the PFSI Markets.
Our
primary intention is to continue to include co-branded Arthur Treacher’s
operations within existing and new Nathan’s Famous and Miami Subs restaurants,
as well as to explore the alternative distribution channels for Arthur
Treacher’s products. Additionally, we may explore in the future a franchising
program focused on the expansion of traditional, full-menu Arthur Treacher’s
restaurants outside of the PFSI Markets.
Company-owned
Nathan’s Restaurant Operations
As
of
March 25, 2007, we operated six Company-owned
Nathan’s units, including one seasonal
location in New York. Company-owned units currently range in size from
approximately 440 square feet to 10,000 square feet and are principally
freestanding buildings. All restaurants, except our seasonal boardwalk location
in Coney Island, New York, have seating to accommodate between 60 and 350
customers. The restaurants are designed to appeal to all ages and are open
seven
days a week. We have established high standards for food quality, cleanliness
and service at our restaurants and regularly monitor the operations of our
restaurants to ensure adherence to these standards. Restaurant service areas,
seating, signage and general decor are contemporary.
Three
of
these restaurants are older and significantly larger units, which do not conform
to contemporary designs. These units carry a broader selection of menu items
than current designs. The items offered at our restaurants, other than the
core
menu, tend to have lower margins than the core menu. The older units require
significantly higher levels of initial investment than current franchise designs
and tend to operate at a lower sales/investment ratio. Consequently, we do
not
intend to replicate these older units in future Company-owned
units.
Company-owned
Miami Subs Restaurant Operations
During
the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, we did not operate
any
Company-owned Miami Subs restaurants. During fiscal 2004, our four
Company-operated restaurants located in southern Florida were franchised or
transferred pursuant to Management Agreements.
Company-owned
Kenny Rogers Roasters Restaurant Operations
In
April
2002, we opened a new limited-menu Kenny Rogers food court type outlet as part
of a major remodeling of a large Company-owned Nathan’s facility in Oceanside,
New York. That particular Kenny Rogers Roasters operation was discontinued
in
June 2005.
At
March
25, 2007, we did not operate any Company-owned stand-alone Kenny Rogers Roasters
restaurants. At present, we do not intend to open any new Company-operated
Kenny
Rogers Roasters restaurants.
International
Development
As
of
March 25, 2007, our franchisees operated 117 units in 11 foreign countries
having significant operations within Malaysia and the Philippines. The vast
majority of foreign operations consists of approximately 97 Kenny Rogers
Roasters units, although the Nathan’s restaurant concept also has 20 foreign
franchise operations.
During
the current fiscal year our international franchising program included the
openings of four Nathan’s restaurants in Kuwait, one Nathan’s restaurant in
Japan and one Nathan’s restaurant in the Dominican Republic.
8
During
fiscal 2003, we executed a Master Franchise Agreement and a Distribution and
Manufacturing Agreement for the Nathan’s and Miami Subs rights in Japan. During
fiscal 2004, we executed a Master Franchise Agreement and a Distribution and
Manufacturing Agreement for the Nathan’s and Miami Subs rights in Kuwait. We may
continue to grant exclusive territorial rights for franchising and for the
manufacturing and distribution rights in foreign countries, which would require
that an exclusivity fee be conveyed for these rights. We plan to develop the
restaurant franchising system internationally though the use of master
franchising agreements based upon individual or combined use of our existing
restaurant concepts and for the distribution of Nathan’s products. During
the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 25, 2006 and March 27, 2005, total
revenue derived from Nathan’s international operations, was approximately 3.0%,
3.3% and 3.3% respectively
of total revenue was derived from Nathan’s international operations. See “Risk
Factors”.
9
Location
Summary
The
following table shows the number of our Company-owned and franchised or licensed
units in operation at March 25, 2007 and their geographical
distribution:
Franchise
|
||||||||||
Company
|
|
or
License(1)
|
|
Total
|
||||||
Domestic
Locations
|
||||||||||
Arizona
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
|||||||
California
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
|||||||
Connecticut
|
-
|
7
|
7
|
|||||||
Delaware
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Florida
|
-
|
76
|
76
|
|||||||
Georgia
|
-
|
7
|
7
|
|||||||
Kentucky
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
|||||||
Maine
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Massachusetts
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|||||||
Michigan
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Minnesota
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Missouri
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
|||||||
Nevada
|
-
|
7
|
7
|
|||||||
New
Jersey
|
-
|
38
|
39
|
|||||||
New
York
|
6
|
59
|
65
|
|||||||
North
Carolina
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
|||||||
Ohio
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
|||||||
Pennsylvania
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|||||||
South
Carolina
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Tennessee
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Texas
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Virginia
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|||||||
Domestic
Subtotal
|
6
|
240
|
247
|
|||||||
International
Locations
|
||||||||||
China
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
|||||||
Cyprus
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Dominican
Republic
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
|||||||
Egypt
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
|||||||
Hong
Kong
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
|||||||
Japan
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
|||||||
Kuwait
|
-
|
9
|
9
|
|||||||
Malaysia
|
-
|
31
|
31
|
|||||||
Philippines
|
-
|
44
|
44
|
|||||||
Singapore
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|||||||
United
Arab Emirates
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
|||||||
International
Subtotal
|
-
|
117
|
117
|
|||||||
Grand
Total
|
6
|
357
|
364
|
(1)
|
Amounts
include 3 units operated by third parties pursuant to management
agreements and do not include our Branded Product
Program.
|
Branded
Product Program
The
“Branded Product Program” was launched during fiscal 1998. The program was
expressly created to provide a new vehicle for the sale of Nathan’s hot dogs and
other proprietary items. Through this program, Nathan’s provides qualified
foodservice operators in a variety of venues the opportunity to capitalize
on
Nathan’s valued brand, by marketing and selling Nathan’s signature products. In
conjunction with the program, the operators are granted a limited use of the
Nathan’s trademark, as well as Nathan’s point of purchase materials. We sell
products either directly to the end users or to various foodservice distributors
who provide the product to retailers.
10
As
of
March 2007, the Branded Product Program was comprised of over 9,000 points
of
sale. The program is unique in its flexibility and broad appeal. Hot dogs are
offered in a variety of sizes and even come packaged with buns for vending
machine use. The Canteen Corporation, America’s largest vending Company, uses
Nathan’s packaged hot dogs as part of its system. During fiscal 2007, Nathan’s
hot dogs continued to be promoted as part of the pretzel dogs sold at over
715
Auntie Anne’s, which honored Nathan’s as the “Vendor of the Year” for 2005.
Nathan’s hot dogs are now featured in over 320 Circle K convenience stores and
in conjunction with over 1,400 Subway restaurants operating within Wal-Mart
stores. During January 2006, we began testing the sale of our products within
restaurants in 60 K-Mart Stores in Florida. Since then, we have introduced
our
product into approximately 750 K-Mart restaurants.
During
the past three years, the number of locations offering the Nathan’s branded
products has been significantly expanded. Today, Nathan’s hot dogs are being
offered in major hotel and casino operations such as Park Place Entertainment
(Caesar’s, Paris, Bally’s, Flamingo, etc.), as well as by all of the Trump
Casino operations in Atlantic City, New Jersey. National movie theaters, such
as
National Amusements, Loews Theaters, Century Theaters and Muvico, also offer
Nathan’s at their concession stands. A wide variety of colleges and universities
serve Nathan’s hot dogs. Our products are also offered in the cafeteria at the
House of Representatives and the Bethesda Naval Hospital. Nathan’s hot dog was
named an official non-kosher hot dog of the New York Yankees for the 2001-2008
baseball seasons. In April 2005, Nathan’s was also named an official hot dog of
the New York Mets for the 2005 - 2007 baseball seasons.
Additionally,
Nathan’s is offered in retail environments, universities, entertainment centers,
casinos, airport and travel plazas, restaurants and convenience stores
throughout the nation. Nathan’s hot dogs are currently being offered at a
variety of restaurant chains such as Subway, Auntie Annes, Johnny Rockets and
Flamers. As we expand the program, we continue to encounter new business
opportunities.
Expansion
Program
We
expect
to continue the growth of our Branded Product Program through the addition
of
new points of sale, primarily for Nathan’s hot dogs. We believe that as
consumers look to assure confidence in the quality of the food that they
purchase, there is great potential to increase our sales by converting existing
sales of non-branded products to Nathan’s branded products throughout the
foodservice industry.
We
also
expect to continue opening new Nathan’s franchised units individually and on a
co-branded basis, expanding product distribution through various means such
as
branded products and retail licensing arrangements, developing master
franchising programs in foreign countries and continuing to introduce our
restaurant concepts’ signature products through co-branding efforts within our
restaurant system.
We
may
selectively consider opening new Company-owned Nathan’s units on an
opportunistic basis. Existing Company-owned units are located in the New York
metropolitan area, where we have extensive experience in operating restaurants.
We may consider new opportunities in both traditional and captive market
settings.
We
believe that our international development efforts will continue to garner
a
variety of interest as a result of the unique co-branding and product
distribution opportunities that we now offer. We believe that in addition to
restaurant franchising, there is the opportunity to further increase revenues
by
offering master development agreements to qualified persons or entities allowing
for the operation of franchised restaurants, sub-franchising restaurants to
others, licensing the manufacture of our signature products, selling our
signature products through supermarkets or other retail venues and allowing
for
the further development of our Branded Product Program. Qualified persons or
entities must have satisfactory foodservice experience managing multiple units,
the appropriate infrastructure and the necessary financial resources to support
the development of the business.
During
fiscal 2004, we first test marketed the sale of Nathan’s hot dogs on the QVC
television network. Over the past three years we have sought to capitalize
on
this opportunity by working closely with QVC and developing new products. During
fiscal 2006, Nathan’s products were presented on 53 airings on QVC, including
once again being featured as a “Today’s Special Value”.
During
fiscal 2007, we have had 59 airings on QVC, including a special “Try Me” offer
throughout April 2006, its “Tenth Anniversary Grilling Show” on May
8, 2006,
and
were featured as a “Today’s Special Value” on June 22, 2006. We have continued
to develop new products for sale by QVC, such as pretzel dogs and “Franks ‘n
Blankets”, which were very successful; we currently have additional new products
in development. During April 2007, our products were again aired as part of
a
“Try Me” offer. We intend to further develop this distribution channel
throughout fiscal 2008.
11
Co-branding
We
believe that there is a continuing opportunity for co-branding our restaurant
concepts.
Franchisees wishing to co-brand with our other brands receive a current Uniform
Franchise Offering Circular (“UFOC”) and execute a participation agreement as a
rider to their franchise agreement.
During
fiscal 2001 and 2002, we implemented our co-branding strategy within our
restaurant system by first offering the Miami Subs franchise community the
ability to add Nathan’s, Kenny Rogers Roasters and Arthur Treachers’ signature
products to their menus. Participating franchisees executed an addendum to
their
agreement which defined the terms of our co-branding relationship. As part
of
this co-branding strategy for the Miami Subs franchise system, an entirely
new
marketing approach was developed to include the name “Miami Subs Plus”. Since
fiscal 2002, we have continued to co-brand within the Nathan’s restaurant system
by adding the Kenny Rogers and Arthur Treacher’s brands into Nathan’s
restaurants, and we intend to continue these co-branding efforts with new and
existing franchisees in the future.
At
March
25, 2007, the Arthur Treacher’s brand was being sold within 106 Nathan’s, Kenny
Rogers Roasters and Miami Subs restaurants, the Nathan’s brand is included on
the menu of 47 Miami Subs and Kenny Rogers restaurants, while the Kenny Rogers
Roasters brand is being sold within 95 Nathan’s and Miami Subs
restaurants.
We
believe that our diverse brand offerings compliment each other, which has
enabled us to market franchises of co-branded units and continue co-branding
within existing franchised units. We also believe that our various
restaurants' products provide us with strong lunch and dinner day-parts.
We
continue to market co-branded units, generally, promoting Nathan’s as the “Host
Restaurant”, within the United States and internationally. We believe that a
multi- branded restaurant concept offering strong lunch and dinner day parts
is
very appealing to both consumers and potential franchisees. Such restaurants
are
designed to allow the operator to increase sales and leverage the cost of real
estate and other fixed costs to provide superior investment returns as compared
to many restaurants that are single branded.
Licensing
Program
We
license Specialty Food Group, Inc. (“SFG, Inc.”, successor to SMG, Inc.) to
produce packaged hot dogs and other meat products according to Nathans’
proprietary recipes and spice formulations, and to use “Nathan’s Famous” and
related trademarks to sell these products on an exclusive basis in the United
States to supermarkets, club stores and groceries, thereby providing foods
for
off-premises consumption. The SFG agreement expires in 2014 and provides for
royalties ranging between 3% and 5% of sales. The percentage varies based on
sales volume, with escalating annual minimum royalties. Earned royalties of
approximately $2,976,000 in fiscal 2007 exceeded the contractual minimum
established under the agreement.
We
believe that the overall exposure of the brand and opportunity for consumers
to
enjoy the “Nathan’s Famous” hot dog in their homes helps promote “Nathan’s
Famous” restaurant patronage. Supermarket sales of our hot dogs are concentrated
in the New York metropolitan area, New England, Florida, California, the
Mid-Atlantic States and certain other select markets. At March 25, 2007,
Nathan’s packaged hot dogs are sold within supermarkets in 41states.
Over the past year, SFG, Inc. has developed a variety of new products, including
Nathan’s Kosher Hot Dogs and Cocktail Franks which were specially packaged for
Costco. Royalties from SFG were approximately 70% of our fiscal 2007 retail
license revenues.
We
license the manufacture of the proprietary spices and marinade, which are used
to produce Nathan’s hot dogs and Kenny Rogers chicken. During fiscal 2007 and
2006, we earned $415,000 and
$410,000 respectively, under these agreements.
We
license the manufacture and sale of hot dogs to John Morrell and Company under
our Branded Product Program. During fiscal 2007 and 2006, we earned $362,000
and
$261,000 respectively, under this agreement.
During
fiscal 2007, our licensee ConAgra continued to produce and distribute Nathan’s
frozen French fries at retail. The product was distributed primarily in New
York
City supermarkets during fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2007 and 2006, we earned
our
minimum royalties under this agreement. During fiscal 2008, we expect to expand
distribution to the Northeastern US, the Carolinas, Tennesse, Hoston, Texas,
Virginia and Florida. We plan to test market new products such as Nathan’s onion
rings and potato pancakes.
12
During
fiscal 2007, certain products were also distributed under various other
licensing agreements including Hermann Pickle Packers, Inc., Gold Pure Food
Product’s Co., Inc. and others. These companies licensed the “Nathan’s Famous”
name for the manufacture and sale of various condiments including mustard,
salsa, sauerkraut, pickles and certain meat products which are not covered
by
the SFG license agreement. These products have been distributed on a limited
basis. Fees and royalties earned during fiscal 2007 were approximately
$179,000.
During
fiscal 2007, we also have licensed the right to manufacture and sell miniature
bagel dogs, franks in a blanket along with other hors d’oeuvres through club
stores, supermarkets and other retail food stores solely for off-site
consumption and the right to manufacture and sell a variety of snack foods
such
as beef sticks and gummy dogs along with pet snack food treats. Royalties earned
under these agreements were approximately $115,000 during fiscal
2007.
Provisions
and Supplies
Our
proprietary hot dogs for sale by our restaurant system, Branded Products Program
and at retail are produced primarily by SFG, Inc. in accordance with Nathans’
recipes, quality standards and proprietary spice formulations. Nathan’s believes
that SFG, Inc. is a reliable source of supply; however, in the event of any
significant disruption in supply, management believes that alternative sources
of supply could be available. John Morrell & Company, our licensee prior to
SFG, currently produces hot dogs under the Nathan’s brand and has retained the
right to produce Nathans’ proprietary spice formulations. Kenny Rogers Roasters
proprietary marinade and spice formulations are produced by McCormick and Co.,
Inc. Most other Company provisions are purchased and obtained from multiple
sources to prevent disruption in supply and to obtain competitive prices. We
approve all products and product specifications. We negotiate directly with
our
suppliers on behalf of the entire system for all primary food ingredients and
beverage products sold in the restaurants to ensure adequate supply of high
quality items at competitive prices.
We
utilize a unified source for the distribution needs of all of our restaurant
concepts pursuant to a national food distribution contract with US Foodservice,
Inc. Effective July 1, 2006, we entered into a new agreement with US
Foodservice, Inc. The term continues through October 30, 2009, unless terminated
earlier in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. This agreement
enables our restaurant operators to order and receive deliveries for the
majority of their food and paper products directly through this distributor.
We
believe that this arrangement is more efficient and cost effective than having
multiple distributors.
Marketing,
Promotion and Advertising
Nathan’s
Nathan’s
believes that an integral part of its brand marketing strategy is to continue
to
build brand awareness through its complimentary points of distribution strategy
of selling its signature products through restaurants, the Branded Product
Program, within supermarkets and club stores and also on television. As we
continue to build brand awareness and expand our reputation for quality and
value, we are able to further penetrate the markets that we serve and enter
new
markets. We also derive further recognition from the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog
eating contests. Annually, we host 13 regional contests in a variety of high
profile locations such as Mall of America, Bank Atlantic Center and Shea
Stadium, as well as within the cities of San Francisco, CA, Tempe, AZ, Las
Vegas, NV, New York, NY, and Atlanta, GA. These regional contests culminate
on
the Fourth of July as the regional champions converge at our flagship restaurant
in Coney Island, NY, to compete for the coveted “Mustard Yellow Belt.” The
regional contests typically garner significant amounts of local publicity and
the championship contest that is held on the Fourth of July has been broadcast
live on ESPN since 2004.
We
maintain an advertising fund for local, regional and national advertising under
the Nathan’s Famous Systems, Inc. Franchise Agreement. Nathans’ franchisees are
generally required to spend on local marketing activities or contribute to
the
advertising funds up to 2.0% of restaurant sales for advertising and promotion.
Franchisee contributions to the advertising fund for national marketing support
are generally based upon the type of restaurant and its location. The
difference, if any, between 2.0% and the contribution to the advertising fund
must be expended on local programs approved by us as to form, content and method
of dissemination.
13
Throughout
fiscal 2007, Nathans’ primary marketing emphasis continued to be focused on
local store marketing campaigns featuring a value-oriented strategy supplemented
with promotional “Limited Time Offers.” We anticipate that near-term marketing
efforts for Nathan’s will continue to emphasize local store marketing
activities.
In
addition, SFG promotes and advertises the “Nathan’s Famous” packaged retail
brand, particularly in the New York metropolitan area, California, the greater
Boston area, Phoenix, Arizona and throughout Florida. We believe that the
advertising by SFG increases brand recognition and thereby indirectly benefits
Nathan’s restaurants in the areas in which SFG conducts its campaigns.
During
the fiscal 2007 period, we participated with SFG and Lamb-Weston in joint
promotional activities whereby 7 million Free Standing Inserts were distributed.
We expect to run a similar promotion in October 2007.
The
objective of our Branded Product Program has historically been to provide our
foodservice operator customers with value added, high quality products that
are
supported with high quality and attractive point of sale materials and other
forms of operational support.
During
the fiscal 2007 period, Nathan’s marketing efforts for the Branded Product
Program concentrated primarily on participation in national, regional and local
distributor trade shows. We have also advertised our products in distributor
and
trade periodicals and initiated distributor sales incentive
contests.
Most
of
the sales are achieved through the direct effort of Company personnel. In
addition, we engage a network of food service brokers and distributors who
also
are responsible for direct sales to national, regional and “street”
accounts.
During
fiscal 2008, we expect to further capitalize on a newly introduced sales system
that we believe will enable us to expand the volume of sales to “street”
accounts by our distributors.
Most
recently the Company’s overall sales efforts have also been complemented by the
sales of Nathan’s Hot Dogs and other Nathan’s products on the QVC
Network.
Miami
Subs
We
sold
our Miami Subs operations effective May 31, 2007. Prior to the sale, we
maintained a separate Production Advertising Fund for the creation and
development of advertising, marketing, public relations, research and related
programs for the Miami Subs system, as well as for other activities that were
deemed appropriate. Franchisee restaurants generally contributed .50% of each
restaurant’s gross sales to this fund. In addition, we maintained certain
Regional Advertising Funds in which franchised and Company-operated restaurants
in the region contributed 1.75% of each restaurant’s gross sales. If a
restaurant was not located in an area where a regional advertising fund has
been
established, the franchisee or Company-operated restaurant was required to
spend
at least 1.75% of the restaurant’s gross sales for local
advertising.
Miami
Subs’ advertising programs principally used print, and carried the theme that
Miami Subs offered a variety of menu selections at competitive, fast food
prices.
The
physical facility of each Miami Subs restaurant represented a key component
of
Miami Subs’ marketing strategy. The restaurants have well-lit exteriors
featuring a distinctive roof design, an abundance of pastel neon lights and
a
lively interior featuring a tropical motif which we believe creates strong
appeal during both day and night.
Kenny
Rogers Roasters
We
maintain an advertising fund on behalf of the Kenny Rogers Roasters franchise
system for regional and national advertising under the NF Roasters Corp.
Franchise Agreement. Franchisees who signed up to participate in the new system
were required to contribute to the advertising funds .50% of restaurant sales
for advertising and promotion for the year April 1, 1999 through March 31,
2000
and .75% of restaurant sales for advertising and promotion thereafter. However,
beginning April 1, 2000, contributions to the marketing fund have been waived.
During fiscal 2007, there has not been any significant cash inflows or
disbursements by the fund as a result of the reduced size of the domestic
franchise system, which consists solely of Nathan’s and Miami Subs franchisees
who have co-branded their primary concept.
14
Government
Regulation
We
are
subject to Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) regulation and several state laws
that regulate the offer and sale of franchises. We are also subject to a number
of state laws, which regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee
relationship.
The
FTC’s
“Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions
Concerning Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures” (the “FTC Rule”)
requires us to disclose certain information to prospective franchisees. Fifteen
states, including New York, also require similar disclosure. While the FTC
rule
does not require registration or filing of the disclosure document, fourteen
states require franchisors to register the disclosure document (or obtain
exemptions from that requirement) before offering or selling a franchise. The
laws of seventeen other states require some form of registration (or a
determination that a company is exempt or otherwise not required to register)
under “business opportunity” laws, which sometimes apply to franchisors such as
the Company as franchisor of the Nathan’s Famous, Miami Subs, Kenny Rogers
Roasters and Arthur Treacher’s franchise systems.
Laws
that
regulate one or another aspect of the franchisor-franchisee relationship
presently exist in twenty-one states and the District of Columbia. These laws
regulate the franchise relationship by, for example, requiring the franchisor
to
deal with its franchisees in good faith, prohibiting interference with the
right
of free association among franchisees, limiting the imposition of standards
of
performance on a franchisee, and regulating discrimination among franchisees
in
charges, royalties or fees. These laws have not precluded us from seeking
franchisees in any given area. Although these laws may also restrict a
franchisor in the termination of a franchise agreement by, for example,
requiring “good cause” to exist as a basis for the termination, advance notice
to the franchisee of the termination, an opportunity to cure a default and
repurchase of inventory or other compensation, these provisions have not had
a
significant effect on our operations.
We
are
not aware of any pending franchise legislation in the U.S. that we believe
is
likely to significantly affect our operations.
Each
Company-owned and franchised restaurant is subject to regulation as to
operational matters 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 restaurant.
We
are
subject to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs minimum wages,
overtime, working conditions and other matters. We are also subject to federal
and state environmental regulations, which have not had a material effect on
our
operations. More stringent and varied requirements of local governmental bodies
with respect to zoning, land use and environmental factors could delay or
prevent development of new restaurants in particular locations. In addition,
the
Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) applies with respect to the
design, construction and renovation of all restaurants in the United States.
Compliance with the ADA’s requirements could delay or prevent the development
of, or renovations to, restaurants in certain locations, as well as add to
the
cost of such development or renovation.
Each
company that manufactures, supplies or sells our products is subject to
regulation by federal agencies and to licensing and regulation by state and
local health, sanitation, safety and other departments. Difficulties or failures
by these companies in obtaining the required licenses or approvals could
adversely affect our revenue that is generated from these
companies.
Alcoholic
beverage control regulations require each restaurant that sells such products
to
apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county and municipal
authorities, for a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages on the
premises. Typically, licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked or
suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate
to numerous aspects of the daily operations of the restaurants, including
minimum age of customers and employees, hours of operation, advertising,
wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing
of
alcoholic beverages. At March 25, 2007, we offered beer or wine coolers for
sale
in two of our existing Company-operated restaurants. Each of these restaurants
has current alcoholic beverage licenses permitting the sale of these beverages.
We have never had an alcoholic beverage license revoked.
We
may be
subject in certain states to "dram-shop" statutes, which generally provide
a
person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an
establishment which wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to such person. We
carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general
liability insurance and have never been named as a defendant in a lawsuit
involving "dram-shop" statutes.
15
The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC and
the
Nasdaq Stock Market have imposed substantial new or enhanced regulations
and
disclosure requirements in the areas of corporate governance (including director
independence, director selection and audit, corporate governance and
compensation committee responsibilities), equity compensation plans, auditor
independence, pre-approval of auditor fees and services and disclosure and
internal control procedures. We believe that we will be subject to Section
404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 beginning with our fiscal year ending in
March
2009. We are committed to industry best practices in these areas.
We
believe that we operate in substantial compliance with applicable laws and
regulations governing our operations, including the FTC Rule and state franchise
laws.
Employees
At
March
25, 2007, we had 225 employees, 48 of whom were corporate management and
administrative employees, 27 of
whom
were restaurant managers and 150 of whom were hourly full-time and part-time
food-service employees. We may also employ as many as 200 seasonal employees
during the summer months. Food-service employees at four locations are currently
represented by Local 1102 RWSDU UFCW AFL-CIO, CLC, Retail, Wholesale and
Department Store Union, under an agreement that expires in June 2010. We do
not
expect that the new agreement will significantly effect our results of
operations or financial position. We consider our employee relations to be
good
and have not suffered any strike or work stoppage for more than 34
years.
We
provide a training program for managers and assistant managers of our new
Company-owned and franchised restaurants. Hourly food workers are trained on
site by managers and crew trainers following Company practices and procedures
outlined in our operating manuals.
Trademarks
We
hold
trademark and service mark registrations for NATHAN’S FAMOUS, NATHAN’S and
Design, NATHAN’S FAMOUS SINCE 1916 and SINCE 1916 NATHAN’S FAMOUS within the
United States, with some of these marks holding corresponding foreign trademark
and service mark registrations in more than 20 international
jurisdictions. We also hold various related marks for restaurant services and
some food items.
Prior
to
the sale of Miami Subs effective May 31, 2007, we had registered the marks
MIAMI
SUBS and Design, and MIAMI SUBS GRILL and Design with the United States Patent
and Trademark Office. In addition, the marks have been registered in numerous
foreign countries. We also
filed the MIAMI SUBS PLUS trademark on February 15, 2001 and an Amendment to
Alleged Use on May 21, 2001. The MIAMI SUBS PLUS application with the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office became effective on September 10, 2002.
We
hold
trademark and service mark registrations for KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS, KENNY ROGERS
ROASTERS WOOD FIRE ROASTED CHICKEN and Design, DOWN RIGHT KICKIN BBQ CHICKEN,
EVERYONE ELSE IS JUST PLAIN CHICKEN, THERE’S GOODNESS HERE, YOU’RE GONNA LOVE
THIS FOOD, YOUR HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE, KENNY ROGERS TAKE IT HOME &
DESIGN and KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS EXPRESS and Design within the United States.
Some of these marks are covered by corresponding foreign trademark and service
mark registrations in more than 80 jurisdictions. The “Kenny Rogers Roasters”
marks are subject to the terms of an April 5, 1993 license from Mr. Kenny
Rogers; that license agreement was assigned to us on April 1, 1999, when we
purchased certain assets relating to the “Kenny Rogers Roasters” franchise
system.
We
hold
trademark and service mark registrations for ARTHUR TREACHER’S, ARTHUR
TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS, KRUNCH PUP and ORIGINAL within the United States.
We also hold trademark and service mark registrations for ARTHUR TREACHER’S in
China and Japan.
Our
trademark and service mark registrations were granted and expire on various.
We
believe that these trademarks and service marks provide significant value to
us
and are an important factor in the marketing of our products and services.
We
believe that we do not infringe on the trademarks or other intellectual property
rights of any third parties.
16
Competition
The
fast
food restaurant industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected
by many factors, including changes in local, regional or national economic
conditions, changes in consumer tastes, consumer concerns about the nutritional
quality of quick-service food and increases in the number of, and particular
locations of, competing restaurants. Factors such as inflation, increases in
food, labor and energy costs, the availability and cost of suitable sites,
fluctuating interest and insurance rates, state and local regulations and
licensing requirements and the availability of an adequate number of hourly
paid
employees can also adversely affect the fast food restaurant
industry.
Our
restaurant system competes with numerous restaurants and drive-in units
operating on both a national and local basis, including major national chains
with greater financial and other resources than ours. Changes in pricing or
other marketing strategies by these competitors can have an adverse impact
on
our sales, earnings and growth. We also compete with local restaurants and
diners on the basis of menu diversity, food quality, price, size, site location
and name recognition. There is also active competition for management personnel,
as well as suitable commercial sites for owned or franchised
restaurants.
We
believe that our emphasis on our signature products and the reputation of these
products for taste and quality sets us apart from our major competitors. As
fast
food companies have experienced flattening growth rates and declining average
sales per restaurant, some of them have adopted “value pricing” and or deep
discount strategies. These strategies could have the effect of drawing customers
away from companies which do not engage in discount pricing and could also
negatively impact the operating margins of competitors which attempt to match
their competitors’ price reductions. We have introduced our own form of “value
pricing,” selling combinations of different menu items for a total price lower
than the usual sale price of the individual items and other forms of price
sensitive promotions. We have expanded our value pricing strategy by offering
multi-sized alternatives to our value priced combo meals. Extensive price
discounting in the fast food industry could have an adverse effect on our
financial results.
We
also
compete with many franchisors of restaurants and other business concepts for
the
sale of franchises to qualified and financially capable franchisees.
Our
Branded Product Program competes directly with a variety of nationally
recognized hot dog companies. Our products primarily compete based upon price,
quality and value to the foodservice operator and consumer. We believe that
the
reputation of the Nathan’s Famous brand for superior quality along with the
unique operational support provided to the foodservice operator provides
Nathan’s with a competitive advantage.
Our
retail licensing program for the sale of packaged foods within supermarkets
competes primarily on the basis of reputation, flavor, quality and price. In
most cases, we compete against nationally recognized brands that have
significantly greater resources then those at our disposal.
Available
Information
We
file
reports with the SEC, including an annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports
on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and a proxy statement on Schedule
14A.
The public may read and copy any materials filed by us with the SEC at the
SEC’s
public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington D.C., 20549. The
public may obtain information about the operation of the SEC’s public reference
rooms by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website
at
http://www.sec.gov
that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about
issuers such as us that file electronically with the SEC.
In
addition, we make available free of charge on our website; our
annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports
on
Form 8-K, proxy statement on Schedule 14A and amendments to those reports filed
or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) under the Exchange Act as soon
as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or
furnish it to, the SEC.
Our
Board
of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct applicable to the Company’s
officers and employees, and has also adopted a Code of Ethics for its senior
financial officers. These codes of ethics are posted on the Company’s website at
www.nathansfamous.com in the Investor Relations section. We intend to satisfy
the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment
to,
or a waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics that applies to our
principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting
officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates
to any element of our codes of ethics by posting such information on our website
within four business days of the date of such amendment or waiver. In the case
of a waiver, the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver
was granted and the date of the waiver will also be disclosed.
17
The
Board
of Directors has also adopted, and we have posted in the Investor Relations
section of our website, written Charters for each of the Board’s standing
committees. We will provide without charge, upon a stockholder’s request to our
address set forth in the preceding section, a copy of the codes of ethics or
the
Charter of any standing committee of the Board.
For
financial information regarding our results of operations, please see our
consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1.
Item
1A. Risk Factors.
The
following list of risk factors is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance
that
Nathan’s has correctly identified and appropriately assessed all factors
affecting its business operations or that the publicly available and other
information with respect to these matters is complete and correct. Additional
risks and uncertainties not presently known to Nathan’s or that it currently
believes to be immaterial also may adversely impact the business. Should any
risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could
have
material adverse effects on Nathan’s business, financial condition and results
of operations.
The
quick service restaurant segment is highly competitive, and that competition
could lower revenues, margins and market share.
The
quick-service restaurant segment of the foodservice industry is intensely
competitive regarding price, service, location, personnel and type and quality
of food. Nathan’s and its franchisees compete with international, national,
regional and local retailers primarily through the quality, variety and value
perception of food products offered. Other key competitive factors include
the
number and location of restaurants, quality and speed of service, attractiveness
of facilities, effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs, and new
product development. Nathan’s anticipates competition will continue to focus on
pricing. Many of Nathan’s competitors have substantially larger marketing
budgets, which may provide them with a competitive advantage. In addition,
Nathan’s system competes within the food service market and the quick service
restaurant segment not only for customers but also for management and hourly
employees and qualified franchisees. If Nathan’s is unable to maintain its
competitive position, it could experience downward pressure on prices, lower
demand for products, reduced margins, the inability to take advantage of new
business opportunities and the loss of market share.
Changes
in economic, market and other conditions could adversely affect Nathan’s and its
franchisees, and thereby Nathan’s operating results.
The
quick
service restaurant industry is affected by changes in international, national,
regional, and local economic conditions, consumer preferences and spending
patterns, demographic trends, consumer perceptions of food safety, weather,
traffic patterns, the type, number and location of competing restaurants, and
the effects of war or terrorist activities and any governmental responses
thereto. Factors such as inflation, higher costs for each of food, labor,
benefits and utilities, legal claims, and the availability of management and
hourly employees also affect restaurant operations and administrative expenses.
The ability of Nathan’s and its franchisees to finance new restaurant
development, improvements and additions to existing restaurants, and the
acquisition of restaurants from, and sale of restaurants to franchisees is
affected by economic conditions, including interest rates and other government
policies impacting land and construction costs and the cost and availability
of
borrowed funds.
Events
reported in the media, such as incidents involving food-borne illnesses or
food
tampering, whether or not accurate, can cause damage to each of Nathan’s brand’s
reputation and affect sales and profitability. Reports, whether true or not,
of
food-borne illnesses (such as e-coli, avian flu, bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, hepatitis A, trichinosis or salmonella) and injuries caused
by
food tampering have in the past severely injured the reputations of participants
in the quick service restaurant segment and could in the future affect Nathan’s
as well. Each of Nathan’s brand’s reputation is an important asset to the
business; as a result, anything that damages a brand’s reputation could
immediately and severely hurt systemwide sales and, accordingly, revenue and
profits. If customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, Nathan’s could also
be forced to temporarily close some restaurants. In addition, instances of
food-borne illnesses or food tampering, even those occurring solely at the
restaurants of competitors, could, by resulting in negative publicity about
the
restaurant industry, adversely affect system sales on a local, regional or
systemwide basis. A decrease in customer traffic as a result of these health
concerns or negative publicity, or as a result of a temporary closure of any
of
Nathan’s restaurants, could materially harm Nathan’s business, results of
operations and financial condition.
18
Current
restaurant locations may become unattractive, and attractive new locations
may
not be available for a reasonable price, if at all, which may reduce Nathan’s
revenue.
The
success of any restaurant depends in substantial part on its location. There
can
be no assurance that current locations will continue to be attractive as
demographic patterns change. Neighborhood or economic conditions where
restaurants are located could decline in the future, thus resulting in
potentially reduced sales in those locations. If Nathan’s and its franchisees
cannot obtain desirable additional and alternative locations at reasonable
prices, Nathan’s results of operations would be adversely affected.
Changing
health or dietary preferences may cause consumers to avoid products offered
by
Nathan’s in favor of alternative foods.
The
foodservice industry is affected by consumer preferences and perceptions. If
prevailing health or dietary preferences and perceptions cause consumers to
avoid the products offered by Nathan’s restaurants in favor of alternative or
healthier foods, demand for Nathan’s products may be reduced and its business
could be harmed.
Nathan’s
is subject to health, employment, environmental and other government
regulations, and failure to comply with existing or future government
regulations could expose Nathan’s to litigation, damage Nathan’s or a brand’s
reputation and lower profits.
Nathan’s
and its franchisees are subject to various federal, state and local laws
affecting their businesses. The successful development and operation of
restaurants depend to a significant extent on the selection and acquisition
of
suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, land use (including the placement
of drive-thru windows), environmental (including litter), traffic and other
regulations. Restaurant operations are also subject to licensing and regulation
by state and local departments relating to health, food preparation, sanitation
and safety standards, federal and state labor laws (including applicable minimum
wage requirements, overtime, working and safety conditions and citizenship
requirements), federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and other
laws
regulating the design and operation of facilities, such as the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990. If Nathan’s fails to comply with any of these laws, it
may be subject to governmental action or litigation, and its reputation could
be
accordingly harmed. Injury to Nathan’s or a brand’s reputation would, in turn,
likely reduce revenue and profits.
In
recent
years, there has been an increased legislative, regulatory and consumer focus
on
nutrition and advertising practices in the food industry, particularly among
quick service restaurants. As a result, Nathan’s may become subject to
regulatory initiatives in the area of nutrition disclosure or advertising,
such
as requirements to provide information about the nutritional content of its
food
products, which could increase expenses. The operation of Nathan’s franchise
system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number
of
states and rules promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Any future
legislation regulating franchise relationships may negatively affect Nathan’s
operations, particularly its relationship with its franchisees. Failure to
comply with new or existing franchise laws and regulations in any jurisdiction
or to obtain required government approvals could result in a ban or temporary
suspension on future franchise sales. Changes in applicable accounting rules
imposed by governmental regulators or private governing bodies could also affect
Nathan’s reported results of operations, which could cause its stock price to
fluctuate or decline.
Nathan’s
may not be able to adequately protect its intellectual property, which could
decrease the value of Nathan’s or its brands and products.
The
success of Nathan’s business depends on the continued ability to use existing
trademarks, service marks and other components of each of Nathan’s brands in
order to increase brand awareness and further develop branded products. Nathan’s
may not be able to adequately protect its trademarks, and the use of these
trademarks may result in liability for trademark infringement, trademark
dilution or unfair competition. All of the steps Nathan’s has taken to protect
its intellectual property may not be adequate.
19
Nathan’s
earnings and business growth strategy depends in large part on the success
of
its franchisees and licensees, and Nathan’s or a brand’s reputation may be
harmed by actions taken by franchisees or licensees that are outside of Nathan’s
control.
A
portion
of Nathan’s earnings comes from royalties, rents and other amounts paid by
Nathan’s franchisees and licensees. Both franchisees and licensees are
independent contractors, and their employees are not employees of Nathan’s.
Nathan’s provides training and support to, and monitors the operations of, its
franchisees, but the quality of their restaurant operations may be diminished
by
any number of factors beyond Nathan’s control. Consequently, franchisees may not
successfully operate stores in a manner consistent with Nathan’s high standards
and requirements and franchisees may not hire and train qualified managers
and
other restaurant personnel. Similarly, Nathan’s monitors the operations of its
licensees, including licensees that are part of the Branded Product Program,
but
cannot necessarily control the quality of the licensed products produced and/or
sold by such licensees. Any operational shortcoming of a franchised restaurant
or quality problem of a licensed product is likely to be attributed by consumers
to an entire brand or Nathan’s system, thus damaging Nathan’s or a brand’s
reputation and potentially adversely affecting Nathan’s business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Leasing
of significant amounts of real estate exposes Nathan’s to possible liabilities
and losses.
Nathan’s
leases the land and/or the building, for certain system restaurants.
Accordingly, Nathan’s is subject to all of the risks associated with owning and
leasing real estate. Nathan’s generally cannot cancel these leases. If an
existing or future store is not profitable, and Nathan’s decides to close it,
Nathan’s may nonetheless be committed to perform its obligations under the
applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the
balance of the lease term. In addition, as each of the leases expires, Nathan’s
may fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or
at
all, which could cause Nathan’s to close stores in desirable locations.
Nathan’s
may evaluate acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic initiatives,
any
of which could distract management or otherwise have a negative effect on
revenues, costs and stock price.
Nathan’s
future success may depend on opportunities to buy or obtain rights to other
businesses that could complement, enhance or expand its current business or
products or that might otherwise offer growth opportunities. In particular,
Nathan’s may evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint venture
investments, strategic initiatives, alliances, vertical integration
opportunities and divestitures. Any attempt by Nathan’s to engage in these
transactions may expose it to various inherent risks, including:
·
|
accurately
assessing the value, future growth potential, strengths, weaknesses,
contingent and other liabilities and potential profitability of
acquisition candidates;
|
·
|
the
potential loss of key personnel of an acquired business;
|
·
|
the
ability to achieve projected economic and operating synergies;
|
·
|
difficulties
in successfully integrating, operating, maintaining and managing
newly
acquired operations or employees;
|
·
|
difficulties
maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;
|
·
|
unanticipated
changes in business and economic conditions affecting an acquired
business;
|
·
|
the
possibility of impairment charges if an acquired business performs
below
expectations; and
|
·
|
the
diversion of management’s attention from the existing business to
integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired or combined
business or implement the strategic initiative.
|
20
Nathan’s
annual and quarterly financial results may fluctuate depending on various
factors, many of which are beyond its control, and, if Nathan’s fails to meet
the expectations of securities analysts or investors, Nathan’s share price may
decline.
Nathan’s
sales and operating results can vary from quarter to quarter and year to year
depending on various factors, many of which are beyond its control. Certain
events and factors may directly and immediately decrease demand for Nathan’s
products. If customer demand decreases rapidly, Nathan’s results of operations
would also decline. These events and factors include:
· variations
in the timing and volume of Nathan’s sales and franchisees’ sales;
· sales
promotions by Nathan’s and its competitors;
· changes
in average same-store sales and customer visits;
· variations
in the price, availability and shipping costs of supplies;
· seasonal
effects on demand for Nathan’s products;
· unexpected
slowdowns in new store development efforts;
· changes
in competitive and economic conditions generally;
· changes
in the cost or availability of ingredients or labor;
· weather
and acts of God; and
· changes
in the number of franchise agreement renewals.
Catastrophic
events may disrupt Nathan’s business.
Unforeseen
events, including war, terrorism and other international conflicts, public
health issues, labor unrest and natural disasters such as earthquakes,
hurricanes or other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring
in
the United States or abroad, could disrupt Nathan’s operations, disrupt the
operations of franchisees, suppliers or customers, or result in political or
economic instability. These events could reduce demand for Nathan’s products or
make it difficult or impossible to receive products from suppliers.
Nathan’s
international operations are subject to various factors of uncertainty.
Nathan’s
business outside of the United States is subject to a number of additional
factors, including international economic and political conditions, differing
cultures and consumer preferences, currency regulations and fluctuations,
diverse government regulations and tax systems, uncertain or differing
interpretations of rights and obligations in connection with international
franchise agreements and the collection of royalties from international
franchisees, the availability and cost of land and construction costs, and
the
availability of appropriate franchisees. Although Nathan’s believes it has
developed the support structure required for international growth, there is
no
assurance that such growth will occur or that international operations will
be
profitable.
Increases
in the cost of food and paper products could harm our profitability and
operating results.
The
cost
of the food and paper products we use depends on a variety of factors, many
of
which are beyond our control. We purchase large quantities of beef and our
beef
costs in the United States represent approximately 85% of our food costs. The
market for beef is particularly volatile and is subject to significant price
fluctuations due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand and
other factors. For example, in the past, increased demand in beef
resulted in shortages, which required us to pay significantly higher prices
for
the beef we purchased. We were unable to pass all of the price increases to
our customers. If the price of beef or other food products that we use in our
operations increase significantly in the future, particularly in the Branded
Product Program, and we choose not to pass, or cannot pass, these increases
on
to our customers, our operating margins would decrease.
21
Food
and
paper products typically represent approximately 25% to 30% of our cost of
sales. Fluctuations in weather, supply and demand and economic conditions could
adversely affect the cost, availability and quality of some of our critical
products, including beef. Our inability to obtain requisite quantities of
high-quality ingredients would adversely affect our ability to provide the
menu
items that are central to our business, and the highly competitive nature of
our
industry may limit our ability to pass through increased costs to our customers.
Continuing increases in the cost of fuel would increase the distribution costs
of our prime products thereby increasing the food and paper cost to us and
to
our franchisees, thus negatively affecting profitability.
Labor
shortages or increases in labor costs could slow our growth or harm our
business.
Our
success depends in part upon our ability to continue to attract, motivate and
retain regional operational and restaurant general managers with the
qualifications to succeed in our industry and the motivation to apply our core
service philosophy. If we are unable to continue to recruit and retain
sufficiently qualified managers or to motivate our employees to achieve
sustained high service levels, our business and our growth could be adversely
affected. Competition for these employees could require us to pay higher wages
that could result in higher labor costs. In addition, increases in the minimum
wage or labor regulation could increase our labor costs. We may be unable to
increase our prices in order to pass these increased labor costs on to our
customers, in which case our margins and our franchisees’ margins would be
negatively affected.
We
face risks of litigation and pressure tactics, such as strikes, boycotts and
negative publicity from customers, franchisees, suppliers, employees and others,
which could divert our financial and management resources and which may
negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Class
action lawsuits have been filed, and may continue to be filed, against various
quick service restaurants alleging, among other things, that quick service
restaurants have failed to disclose the health risks associated with high-fat
foods and that quick service restaurant marketing practices have targeted
children and encouraged obesity. In addition, we face the risk of lawsuits
and
negative publicity resulting from injuries, including injuries to infants and
children, allegedly caused by our products, toys and other promotional items
available in our restaurants or our playground equipment.
In
addition to decreasing our sales and profitability and diverting our management
resources, adverse publicity or a substantial judgment against us could
negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition
and
brand reputation, hindering our ability to attract and retain franchisees and
grow our business in the United States and internationally.
In
addition, activist groups, including animal rights activists and groups acting
on behalf of franchisees, the workers who work for our suppliers and others,
have in the past, and may in the future, use pressure tactics to generate
adverse publicity about us by alleging, for example, inhumane treatment of
animals by our suppliers, poor working conditions or unfair purchasing policies.
These groups may be able to coordinate their actions with other groups, threaten
strikes or boycotts or enlist the support of well-known persons or organizations
in order to increase the pressure on us to achieve their stated aims. In the
future, these actions or the threat of these actions may force us to change
our
business practices or pricing policies, which may have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Further,
we may be subject to employee, franchisee and other claims in the future based
on, among other things, mismanagement of the system, unfair or unequal
treatment, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and wage, rest
break
and meal break issues, including those relating to overtime compensation. We
have been subject to these types of claims in the past, and if one or more
of
these claims were to be successful or if there is a significant increase in
the
number of these claims, our business, results of operations and financial
condition could be harmed.
The
poor performance or loss of our key supplier could lead to increased costs
and
lower profit margins.
Beef
costs represent approximately 85% of our food costs. We rely on one supplier
of
our hot dogs that provided us with the vast majority of hot dog supply for
the
fiscal year ended March 25, 2007.This supplier is also our licensee for the
sale
of packaged hot dogs at supermarkets and other retail channels. To the best
of
our knowledge, based on public filings made by this supplier/licensee, it
may be
experiencing financial difficulties. In addition, we have notified this
supplier/licensee that we believe it has breached its obligation under our
supply agreement to obtain our consent to a change in control. The loss of
this
supplier/licensee due to a termination of our supply agreement or otherwise,
or
the failure of this supplier/licensee to produce hot dogs for us in accordance
with specifications, would force us to purchase hot dogs in the open market,
which may be at higher prices, until we could secure another source of supply
and such higher prices may not allow us to remain competitive. It may also
disrupt the business of selling our packaged hot dogs at retail. If we are
unable to obtain hot dogs that comply with our specifications in sufficient
quantities and/or our packaged hot dog retail licensing business is disrupted,
it will have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Even
if
we were able to replace our hot dog supplier/licensee through another supply
arrangement, there can be no assurance that the terms that we enter into
with
such alternate supplier will be as favorable as the supply arrangements that
we
currently have.
22
Because
the primary supplier of our hot dogs currently has only one manufacturing
facility, a significant interruption in the operation of this facility could
potentially disrupt our operations.
Our
primary hot dog supplier currently has only one manufacturing facility, having
closed their second facility in December 2006. A significant interruption in
the
operation of this facility, whether as a result of a natural disaster or other
causes, could significantly impair our ability to operate our business on a
day-to-day basis.
23
Item
2. Properties
Our
principal executive offices consist of approximately 9,700 square feet of leased
space in a modern office building in Westbury, NY, which lease expires in
November 2009. We also own Miami Subs’ regional office consisting of
approximately 8,500 square feet in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We currently own
one restaurant property consisting of a 2,650 square foot. Nathan’s restaurant,
at 86th Street in Brooklyn, NY located on a 25,000 square foot lot. At March
25,
2007, other Company-owned restaurants that were operating were located in leased
space with terms expiring as shown in the following table:
Current
Lease
|
|
Approximate
|
||||
Nathan’s
Restaurants
|
Location
|
|
Expiration
Date
|
|
Square
Footage
|
|
Coney
Island
|
Brooklyn,
NY
|
December
2007 (a)
|
10,000
|
|||
Coney
Island Boardwalk (b)
|
Brooklyn,
NY
|
October
2007
|
440
|
|||
Long
Beach Road
|
Oceanside,
NY
|
May
2011(c)
|
7,300
|
|||
Central
Park Avenue
|
Yonkers,
NY
|
April
2010 (d)
|
10,000
|
|||
Broad
Hollow Road
|
Farmingdale,
NY
|
April
2008
|
2,200
|
(a)
|
Lease
may be extended through December 2027 based upon current lease
options.
|
(b)
|
Seasonal
satellite location.
|
(c)
|
Lease
may be extended through May 2026 based upon current lease
options.
|
(d) |
Lease
may be extended through April 2020 based upon current lease
options.
|
Leases
for Nathan’s restaurants typically provide for a base rent plus real estate
taxes, insurance and other expenses and, in some cases, provide for an
additional percentage rent based on the restaurants’ revenues.
Properties
leased by Miami Subs restaurants generally provide for an initial lease term
of
up to 20 years and renewal terms of five to 20 years. The leases generally
provide for fixed rents plus adjustments based on changes in the consumer price
index or percentage rentals on gross sales. Restaurants and other facilities
are
leased or sub-leased to franchisees or others on terms which are generally
similar to the terms in our lease with the third-party landlord, except that
in
certain cases the rent has been increased. We remain liable for all lease costs
when properties are sub-leased to franchisees or others.
At
March
25, 2007, we were the sub-lessor of 27 properties
pursuant to these arrangements; 6 of the restaurants leased/sub-leased to
franchisees or others are located outside of Florida or the metropolitan New
York area.
Aggregate
rental expense, net of sublease income, under all current leases amounted to
$1,112,000 in fiscal 2007.
Item
3. Legal
Proceedings
We
and
our subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine
litigation. Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these
proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse
effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable
rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and,
in
such event, could result in a material adverse impact on our results of
operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.
Item
4.
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
24
PART
II
Item
5 Market
for Registrant’s Common Equity Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
Common
Stock Prices
Our
common stock began trading on the over-the-counter market on February 26, 1993
and is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market System (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol
“NATH.” The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices per
share for the periods indicated:
High
|
|
Low
|
|||||
Fiscal
year ended March 25, 2007
|
|||||||
First
quarter
|
$
|
13.66
|
$
|
11.94
|
|||
Second
quarter
|
13.50
|
12.28
|
|||||
Third
quarter
|
14.65
|
12.84
|
|||||
Fourth
quarter
|
15.44
|
14.01
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Fiscal
year ended March 26, 2006
|
|||||||
First
quarter
|
$
|
9.48
|
$
|
7.85
|
|||
Second
quarter
|
9.60
|
8.03
|
|||||
Third
quarter
|
10.20
|
8.43
|
|||||
Fourth
quarter
|
12.40
|
9.98
|
At
June
11,
2007,
the closing price per share for our common stock, as reported by Nasdaq was
$15.04.
Dividend
Policy
We
have
not declared or paid a cash dividend on our common stock since our initial
public offering and do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends in the
foreseeable future. It is our Board of Directors’ policy to retain all available
funds to finance the development and growth of our business and to purchase
stock pursuant to our stock buyback program. The payment of any cash dividends
in the future will be dependent upon our earnings and financial
requirements.
Shareholders
As
of
June 11, 2007, we had approximately 773 shareholders of record, excluding
shareholders whose shares were held by brokerage firms, depositories and other
institutional firms in “street name” for their customers.
25
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The
following chart summarizes the options and warrants outstanding and available
to
be issued at March 25, 2007:
Plan
Category
|
Number
of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and
warrants
(a)
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options and warrants
(b)
|
Number
of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity
compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column
(a))
(c)
|
|||||||
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders
|
789,808
|
$
|
6.1140
|
6,000
|
||||||
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security
holders
|
532,500
|
$
|
3.3257
|
-0-
|
||||||
Total
|
1,322,308
|
$
|
4.9912
|
6,000
|
The
equity compensation plans that were not approved by security holders consist
of:
Warrants
On
July
17, 1997, we granted to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer a warrant
to
purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per
share, representing the market price of our common stock on the date of grant.
The shares vested at a rate of 25% per annum commencing July 17, 1998 and the
warrant expires in July 2007.
1998
Stock Option Plan
In
April
1998, our Board of Directors adopted the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 1998 Stock Option
Plan, under which any of our directors, officers, employees or consultants,
or
those of a subsidiary or an affiliate, may be granted options to purchase an
aggregate 500,000 shares of common stock. The 1998 Plan is to be administered
by
the Board of Directors of Nathan’s; provided, however, that the Board may, in
the exercise of its discretion, designate from among its members a compensation
committee or a stock option committee consisting of no fewer than two
“non-employee directors”, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The
Compensation Committee currently administers the 1998 Plan. Subject to the
terms
of the 1998 Plan, the Compensation Committee may determine and designate those
directors, officers, employees and consultants who are to be granted stock
options under the 1998 Plan and the number of shares to be subject to options
and the term of the options to be granted, which term may not exceed ten years.
The Board of Directors or the committee shall also, subject to the express
provisions of the 1998 Plan, have authority to interpret the 1998 Plan and
to
prescribe, amend and rescind the rules and regulations relating to the 1998
Plan. Only non-qualified stock options may be granted under the terms of the
1998 Plan. The exercise price for the options granted under the 1998 Plan will
be not less than the fair market value on the date of grant. The option price,
as well as the number of shares, subject to the option, shall be appropriately
adjusted by the committee in the event of stock splits, stock dividends,
recapitalizations, and other specified events involving a change in Nathan’s
capital.
On
March
25, 2007, there were options outstanding to purchase an aggregate 382,500 shares
of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $3.3554, each of
which
has a term of ten years from its grant date. Since
the
inception of the 1998 Plan, 117,500 options have been exercised and no options
have lapsed.
26
ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
On
September 14, 2001, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to one million shares
of its common stock. Pursuant to our stock repurchase program, we repurchased
one million shares of common stock in open market transactions and a private
transaction by September 29, 2002. On October 7, 2002, Nathan’s was authorized
to purchase up to one million additional shares of its common stock. To date,
we
have repurchased 891,100 shares of common stock in open market transactions.
No
repurchases were made in the fiscal quarter ended March 25, 2007. Nathan’s is
authorized to repurchase up to an additional 108,900 shares of common stock.
There is no set time limit on the purchases.
27
Item
6.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Fiscal
years ended
|
||||||||||||||||
March
25,
|
March
26,
|
March
27,
|
March
28,
|
March
30,
|
||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
2005(2)
|
2004
(2)
|
2003(2,4)
|
||||||||||||
(In
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
||||||||||||||||
Statement
of Earnings Data:
|
||||||||||||||||
Revenues:
|
||||||||||||||||
Sales
|
$
|
33,425
|
$
|
29,785
|
$
|
23,296
|
$
|
19,664
|
$
|
22,908
|
||||||
Franchise
fees and royalties
|
7,160
|
6,785
|
6,766
|
6,280
|
5,977
|
|||||||||||
License
royalties, interest and other income
|
5,145
|
4,679
|
4,137
|
3,729
|
3,164
|
|||||||||||
Total
revenues
|
45,730
|
41,249
|
34,199
|
29,673
|
32,049
|
|||||||||||
Costs
and Expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||
Cost
of sales
|
24,080
|
22,225
|
17,266
|
14,056
|
15,363
|
|||||||||||
Restaurant
operating expenses
|
3,194
|
3,180
|
3,063
|
3,364
|
4,955
|
|||||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
782
|
803
|
909
|
915
|
1,218
|
|||||||||||
Amortization
of intangible assets
|
262
|
262
|
263
|
261
|
278
|
|||||||||||
General
and administrative expenses
|
9,251
|
8,552
|
8,341
|
7,519
|
8,600
|
|||||||||||
Interest
expense
|
1
|
31
|
49
|
75
|
132
|
|||||||||||
Impairment
of long-lived assets
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,367
|
|||||||||||
Impairment
of notes receivable
|
- | - | - | 208 | 1,425 | |||||||||||
Other
expense (income), net
|
35
|
-
|
(16
|
)
|
45
|
232
|
||||||||||
Total
costs and expenses
|
37,605
|
35,053
|
29,875
|
26,443
|
33,570
|
|||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for
income
taxes
|
8,125
|
6,196
|
4,324
|
3,230
|
(1,521
|
)
|
||||||||||
Income
tax expense (benefit)
|
2,917
|
2,315
|
1,524
|
1,197
|
(
178
|
)
|
||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
5,208
|
3,881
|
2,800
|
2,033
|
(1,343
|
)
|
||||||||||
Discontinued
operations
|
||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
(3)
|
557
|
2,942
|
(112
|
)
|
(236
|
)
|
(474
|
)
|
||||||||
Provision
(benefit) for income taxes
|
222
|
1,146
|
(49
|
)
|
(
97
|
)
|
(187
|
)
|
||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
335
|
1,796
|
(63
|
)
|
(139
|
)
|
(287
|
)
|
||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change
|
5,543
|
5,677
|
2,737
|
1,894
|
(1,630
|
)
|
||||||||||
Cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax benefit of $854
in
2003 (6)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(12,338
|
)
|
||||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$
|
5,543
|
$
|
5,677
|
$
|
2,737
|
$
|
1,894
|
$
|
(13,968
|
)
|
|||||
Basic
income (loss) per share:
|
||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.89
|
$
|
0.70
|
$
|
0.53
|
$
|
0.38
|
$
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
0.06
|
0.32
|
(0.01
|
)
|
(0.02
|
)
|
(0.05
|
)
|
||||||||
Cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle (6)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2.06
|
)
|
||||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$
|
0.95
|
$
|
1.02
|
$
|
0.52
|
$
|
0.36
|
$
|
(2.34
|
)
|
Diluted
income (loss) per share:
|
||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.82
|
$
|
0.59
|
$
|
0.46
|
$
|
0.36
|
$
|
(0.23
|
)
|
|||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
0.05
|
0.28
|
(0.01
|
)
|
(0.03
|
)
|
(0.05
|
)
|
||||||||
Cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle (6)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2.06
|
)
|
||||||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$
|
0.87
|
$
|
0.87
|
$
|
0.45
|
$
|
0.33
|
|
$
|
(2.34
|
)
|
||||
Dividends
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Weighted
average shares used in computing net
income (loss) per share
|
||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
5,836
|
5,584
|
5,307
|
5,306
|
5,976
|
|||||||||||
Diluted
(4)
|
6,341
|
6,546
|
6,080
|
5,678
|
5,976
|
|||||||||||
Balance
Sheet Data at End of Fiscal Year:
|
||||||||||||||||
Working
capital
|
$
|
27,375
|
$
|
19,075
|
$
|
14,009
|
$
|
9,185
|
$
|
5,935
|
||||||
Total
assets
|
46,575
|
37,423
|
31,269
|
27,584
|
25,886
|
|||||||||||
Long
term debt, net of current maturities
|
-
|
31
|
692
|
866
|
1,053
|
|||||||||||
Stockholders’
equity
|
$
|
35,879
|
$
|
28,048
|
$
|
21,356
|
$
|
17,352
|
$
|
16,383
|
||||||
Selected
Restaurant Operating Data:
|
||||||||||||||||
Company-owned
Restaurant Sales (5)
|
$
|
11,863
|
$
|
11,419
|
$
|
11,538
|
$
|
12,780
|
$
|
21,955
|
||||||
Number
of Units Open at End of Fiscal Year:
|
||||||||||||||||
Company-owned
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
7
|
12
|
|||||||||||
Franchised
|
357
|
362
|
336
|
338
|
343
|
Notes
to
Selected Financial Data
1) Our
fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in March, which results in a 52 or 53-week
year. All years presented were on the basis of a 52 week year.
2) Results
have been adjusted to reflect the expected sale of a leasehold interest in
May,
2007, the sale of vacant land and an adjacent leasehold interest during the
fiscal years ended March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, and the closure of one
restaurant during the fiscal year ended March 27, 2005 for the reclassification
of the operating results of these three properties to discontinued
operations.
3) The
fiscal years ended March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, includes gains of $400
and
$2,919 respectively, from the sale of a vacant piece of land in Coney Island,
NY
and an adjacent leasehold interest.
4) Common
stock equivalents have been excluded from the computation for the year ended
March 30, 2003, as, due to the net loss, the impact of their inclusion would
have been anti-dilutive.
5) Company-owned
restaurant sales represent sales from restaurants presented within continuing
operations and discontinued operations.
6) Cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle relates to Nathan’s adoption of SFAS
No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles”.
28
Item
7.Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Introduction
We
have
historically operated and franchised fast food units featuring Nathan’s Famous
brand all beef frankfurters, crinkle-cut French-fried potatoes, and a variety
of
other menu offerings. Our Nathan’s brand Company-owned and franchised units
operate under the name "Nathan’s Famous," the name first used at our original
Coney Island restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s licensing program began in 1978
by selling packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through
supermarkets or grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. During fiscal
1998, we introduced our Branded Product Program, which enables foodservice
retailers to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of
a traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction with this program,
foodservice operators are granted a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark
with respect to the sale of hot dogs and certain other proprietary food items
and paper goods.
On
April
1, 1999, we became the franchisor of the Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant system
by acquiring the intellectual property rights, including trademarks, recipes
and
franchise agreements of Roasters Corp. and Roasters Franchise Corp. On September
30, 1999, we acquired the remaining 70% of the outstanding common stock of
Miami
Subs Corporation we did not already own, which also provided us with co-branding
rights to the Arthur Treachers brand in the United States. On February 28,
2006,
we acquired all of the intellectual property rights, including, but not limited
to, trademarks, trade names, and recipes, of the Arthur Treachers Fish N Chips
Brand. On June 7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly owned
subsidiary Miami Subs Corporation, effective as of May 31, 2007.
Our
revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded
Product Program, operating Company-owned restaurants, franchising the Nathan’s,
Miami Subs and Kenny Rogers restaurant concepts and licensing agreements for
the
sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and club stores and for the
manufacturing of certain proprietary spices and also for the sale of Nathan’s
products directly to other foodservice operators.
In
addition to plans for expansion through franchising, licensing and our Branded
Product Program, Nathan’s continues to co-brand within its existing restaurant
system. Currently, the Arthur Treacher’s brand is being sold within
106 Nathan’s,
Kenny Rogers Roasters and Miami Subs restaurants, the Nathan’s brand is included
on the menu of 47 Miami Subs and Kenny Rogers restaurants, while the Kenny
Rogers Roasters brand is being sold within 95 Miami Subs and Nathan’s
restaurants.
At March
30, 2003, Nathan’s owned 12 Company-operated restaurants. During the fiscal year
ended March 28, 2004, Nathan’s franchised three Company-operated restaurants and
entered into two management agreements with franchisees to operate two
Company-operated restaurants. During the fiscal year ended March 27, 2005,
Nathan’s closed one Company-operated restaurant due to its lease expiration. The
remaining six restaurants are presented as continuing operations in the
accompanying financial statements.
At
March
25, 2007, our franchise system, consisting of Nathan’s Famous, Kenny Rogers
Roasters and Miami Subs restaurants, included 357 franchised units, including
three units operating pursuant to management agreements, located in 22 states
and 11 foreign countries. We also operated six Company-owned Nathan’s units,
including one seasonal location, within the New York metropolitan area.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our
consolidated financial statements and the notes to our consolidated financial
statements contain information that is pertinent to management’s discussion and
analysis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe
the
following critical accounting policies involve additional management judgment
due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary
in
determining the related asset and liability amounts.
Impairment
of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets,” (“SFAS No. 142") requires that goodwill and intangible assets with
indefinite lives will no longer be amortized but will be tested annually (or
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying
value may not be recoverable) for impairment. The most significant assumptions,
which are used in this test, are estimates of future cash flows. We typically
use the same assumptions for this test as we use in the development of our
business plans. If these assumptions differ significantly from actual results,
additional impairment charges may be required in the future. We conducted our
annual impairment tests and no goodwill or other intangible assets were
determined to be impaired during the fifty-two week periods ended March 25,
2007, March 26, 2006 or March 27, 2005.
29
Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets
Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (“SFAS No. 144") requires management to make
judgments regarding the future operating and disposition plans for
under-performing assets, and estimates of expected realizable values for assets
to be sold. The application of SFAS No. 144 has affected the amounts and timing
of charges to operating results in recent years. We evaluate possible impairment
of each restaurant individually and record an impairment charge whenever we
determine that impairment factors exist. We consider a history of restaurant
operating losses to be the primary indicator of potential impairment of a
restaurant’s carrying value. During the fifty-two week periods ended March 25,
2007, March 26, 2006, and March 27, 2005, no impairment charges on long-lived
assets were recorded.
Impairment
of Notes Receivable
Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for
Impairment of a Loan,” as amended, requires management judgments regarding the
future collectibility of notes receivable and the underlying fair market value
of collateral. We consider the following factors when evaluating a note for
impairment: a) indications that the borrower is experiencing business problems,
such as operating losses, marginal working capital, inadequate cash flow or
business interruptions; b) whether the loan is secured by collateral that is
not
readily marketable; and/or c) whether the collateral is susceptible to
deterioration in realizable value. When determining possible impairment, we
also
assess our future intention to extend certain leases beyond the minimum lease
term and the debtor’s ability to meet its obligation over the projected term.
During the fifty-two week periods ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006, and
March 27, 2005, no impairment charges on notes receivable were recorded.
Revenue
Recognition
Sales
by
Company-owned restaurants, which are typically paid in cash by the customer,
are
recognized upon the performance of services.
In
connection with its franchising operations, Nathan’s receives initial franchise
fees, development fees, royalties, and in certain cases, revenue from
sub-leasing restaurant properties to franchisees.
Franchise
and area development fees, which are typically received prior to completion
of
the revenue recognition process, are recorded as deferred revenue. Initial
franchise fees, which are non-refundable, are recognized as income when
substantially all services to be performed by Nathan’s and conditions relating
to the sale of the franchise have been performed or satisfied, which generally
occurs when the franchised restaurant commences operations. The following
services are typically provided by Nathan’s prior to the opening of a franchised
restaurant:
·
|
Approval
of all site selections to be
developed.
|
·
|
Provision
of architectural plans suitable for restaurants to be
developed.
|
·
|
Assistance
in establishing building design specifications, reviewing construction
compliance, and equipping the
restaurant.
|
·
|
Provision
of appropriate menus to coordinate with the restaurant design and
location
to be developed.
|
·
|
Provide
management training for the new franchisee and selected
staff.
|
·
|
Assistance
with the initial operations of restaurants being
developed.
|
Development
fees are non-refundable and the related agreements require the franchisee to
open a specified number of restaurants in the development area within a
specified time period or Nathan’s may cancel the agreements. Revenue from
development agreements is deferred and recognized as restaurants in the
development area commence operations on a pro rata basis to the minimum number
of restaurants required to be open, or at the time the development agreement
is
effectively canceled.
30
Nathan’s
recognizes franchise royalties when they are earned and deemed collectible.
Franchise fees and royalties that are not deemed to be collectible are not
recognized as revenue until paid by the franchisee, or until collectibility
is
deemed to be reasonably assured. The number of non-performing units is
determined by analyzing the number of months that royalties have been paid
during a period. When royalties have been paid for less than the majority of
the
time frame reported, such location is deemed non-performing. Accordingly, the
number of non-performing units may differ between the quarterly results and
year
to date results. Revenue from sub-leasing properties is recognized as income
as
the revenue is earned and becomes receivable and deemed collectible. Sub-lease
rental income is presented net of associated lease costs in the consolidated
statements of earnings.
Nathan’s
recognizes revenue from the Branded Product Program when it is determined that
the products have been delivered via third party common carrier to Nathans’
customers.
Nathan’s
recognizes revenue from royalties on the licensing of the use of its name on
certain products produced and sold by outside vendors. The use of Nathan’s name
and symbols must be approved by Nathan’s prior to each specific application to
ensure proper quality and project a consistent image. Revenue from license
royalties is recognized when it is earned and deemed collectible.
In
the
normal course of business, we extend credit to franchisees for the payment
of
ongoing royalties and to trade customers of our Branded Product Program. Notes
and accounts receivable, net, as shown on our consolidated balance sheets are
net of allowances for doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts
is
determined through analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date
of
the financial statements, assessment of collectibility based upon historical
trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic
conditions. In the event that the collectibility of a receivable at the date
of
the transaction is doubtful, the associated revenue is not recorded until the
facts and circumstances change in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin
(“SAB”) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition.”
Share-Based
Compensation
As
discussed in Notes B and K of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
we
have various share-based compensation plans that provide stock options and
restricted awards for certain employees and non-employee directors to acquire
shares of our common stock. Prior to our adoption of SFAS 123R at the beginning
of fiscal 2007, we accounted for share-based compensation in accordance with
APB
25, which utilizes the intrinsic value method of accounting, as opposed to
using
the fair value method prescribed in SFAS 123R. During fiscal years ended
March
25, 2007 and March 26, 2007, we recorded share-based compensation expense
of
$367,000 and $73,000, respectively. (See Note B for a discussion of
assumptions used to determine the fair value of share-based
compensation.)
Income
Taxes
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating
loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
year
in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
A
valuation allowance has been established to reduce deferred tax assets
attributable to net operating losses and credits of Miami Subs Corporation
to
net realizable value.
Results
of Operations
Fiscal
year ended March 25, 2007 compared to Fiscal year ended March 26,
2006
Revenues
from Continuing Operations
Total
sales increased by $3,640,000
or 12.2% to $33,425,000 for the fiscal year ended March 25, 2007 ("fiscal 2007
period") as compared to $29,785,000 for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2006
(“fiscal 2006 period"). Sales from the Branded Product Program increased by
13.9% to $18,774,000 for the fiscal 2007 period as compared to sales of
$16,476,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. This increase was primarily attributable
to increased volume of approximately 16.4%, which was partly offset by higher
rebates to various large customers in connection with the Branded Product
Program. During the fiscal 2007 period, approximately 1,800 new points of
distribution were opened under our Branded Product Program, including
approximately 750 units within K-Mart stores. Total Company-owned restaurant
sales (representing six comparable Nathan’s restaurants, including one seasonal
unit) increased by 3.9% to $11,863,000 as compared to $11,419,000 during the
fiscal 2006 period. During the second and third quarters of fiscal 2007, we
experienced favorable weather conditions in the northeastern United States,
which we believe was a contributing factor to the sales increase at our
Company-owned restaurants. Direct sales, predominantly to our television
retailer were approximately $898,000 higher during the fiscal 2007 period than
the fiscal 2006 period resulting from the introduction of new products offered
and 20 more Nathan’s television airings during the fiscal 2007
period.
Franchise
fees and royalties were $7,160,000 in the fiscal 2007 period compared to
$6,785,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. Franchise royalties were $6,518,000 in
the
fiscal 2007 period as compared to $6,016,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. Domestic
franchise restaurant sales decreased by 2.4% to $157,004,000 in the fiscal 2007
period, as compared to $160,803,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. This decline
of
$3,799,000 represents the net sales difference between new units that have
opened and the units that have closed between the periods, which were partly
offset by higher sales from our comparable restaurants. Comparable domestic
franchise sales (consisting of 194 restaurants)
were $134,639,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to
$134,510,000 in
the
fiscal 2006 period. On October 24, 2005, during fiscal 2006, Hurricane Wilma
hit
southern Florida, where our franchisees operated 71 restaurants. Most of these
restaurants were affected by the storm and were temporarily closed during the
fiscal 2006 period. One Miami Subs restaurant sustained significant damage
and
was permanently closed. We estimated that franchisee sales from the affected
stores were reduced during the third quarter fiscal 2006 by approximately
$885,000 due to the period that the restaurants were closed. During the fiscal
2007 period, we realized $151,000 of royalties that were previously deemed
to be
uncollectible, received franchise termination fees of $204,000 in connection
with the sale of two franchise restaurants and recorded increased royalty
income of approximately $107,000 as a result of our acquisition of the Arthur
Treacher’s intellectual property. At March 25, 2007, 357 domestic and
international franchised or licensed units were operating as compared to
362 domestic
and international franchised or licensed units at March 26, 2006. During the
fiscal year ended March 25, 2007, royalty income from 16 domestic
franchised locations has been deemed unrealizable as compared to 21 domestic
franchised locations during the fiscal year ended March 26, 2006. Domestic
franchise fee income was $351,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to
$389,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. International franchise fee income was
$291,000 in the fiscal 2007 period, as compared to $314,000 during the fiscal
2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period,
19
new
franchised units opened, including four units in Kuwait, one unit in Japan
and
one unit in the Dominican Republic. During the fiscal 2006 period, 30 new
franchised units were opened, including five units in Kuwait, three units in
Japan, two units in the United Arab Emirates, and one unit in the Dominican
Republic. We also franchised one unit that previously operated pursuant to
a
management agreement. During the fiscal 2006 period, Nathan’s also recognized
$104,000 in connection with three forfeited franchise fees.
31
License
royalties were $4,239,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $3,569,000
in
the fiscal 2006 period. This increase was attributable to higher royalties
from
the sale of hot dogs, including the newly introduced Nathan’s Kosher Hot Dogs,
and new agreements to license our trademarks for use with hors d’oeuvres and
other items. We also recovered royalties of approximately $168,000 relating
to
prior year pricing discrepancies, resulting from an internal review performed
by
our hot dog licensee of their reported sales
Interest
income was $663,000 in the fiscal 2007 period versus $459,000 in the fiscal
2006
period, primarily due to higher interest earned on the increased amount of
cash
and marketable securities that were invested at higher rates during the fiscal
2007 period as compared to the fiscal 2006 period.
Other
income was $243,000 in the fiscal 2007 period versus $651,000 in the fiscal
2006
period. This reduction was primarily due to lower revenues under supplier
contracts of $254,000 which was amortized into income of a six-year period
that
concluded in May 2006, and lower income from subleasing activities of $125,000.
Costs
and Expenses from Continuing Operations
Cost
of
sales increased by $1,855,000 to $24,080,000 in the fiscal 2007 period from
$22,225,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. Overall, during the fiscal 2007 period,
our Branded Product Program incurred higher product costs totaling approximately
$830,000. This increase is the result of the higher volume during the fiscal
2007 period than in the fiscal 2006 period; however, the increase was
significantly reduced because of the lower cost of product during the
fiscal 2007 period. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales
and cost of sales) was $9,345,000 or 28.0% of sales during the fiscal 2007
period as compared to $7,560,000 or 25.4% of sales during the fiscal 2006
period. The primary reason for this improved margin is the impact that the
lower
cost of beef has had on our Branded Product Program during the fiscal 2007
period. Commodity costs of our hot dogs had continuously risen during the prior
three consecutive years. Beginning in the summer of 2005, prices began to soften
and that trend continued during most of the fiscal 2007 period. Our cost of
hot
dogs was approximately 10.0% lower during the fiscal 2007 period than the fiscal
2006 period; however, there is no assurance that the current pricing will
continue. Beginning February 2007,
we
have
experienced an increase in our cost for our product, as compared to the previous
seven months. During the fiscal 2007 period, the cost of restaurant sales at
our
six comparable Company-owned units was $7,087,000, or 59.7% of restaurant sales,
as compared to $6,694,000, or 58.6% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2006
period. The increase was primarily due to higher labor and related costs. Cost
of sales also increased by $632,000 in the fiscal 2007 period primarily due
to
higher sales volume to our television retailer.
Restaurant
operating expenses were $3,194,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to
$3,180,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period, we incurred
higher costs of $47,000 in connection with recruiting and maintenance at our
Coney Island restaurant in preparation for the summer season, which were partly
offset by lower self-insurance costs and utility costs.
Depreciation
and amortization was $782,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $803,000
in the fiscal 2006 period.
Amortization
of intangible assets was $262,000 in both the fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006
periods.
32
General
and administrative expenses increased by $699,000 to $9,251,000 in the fiscal
2007 period as compared to $8,552,000 in
the
fiscal 2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period we incurred a new expense
of
$295,000 in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R “Share Based Payment,”
which now requires Nathan’s to record an expense for the fair value of options
granted over the vesting period (See Note E). In June 2006, Nathan’s granted
197,500 options having a total fair value of $1,218,000. We also incurred a
new
expense of $172,000 for professional services in connection with our ongoing
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance efforts, higher business development
costs
of $97,000 in connection with our Branded Product Program during the fiscal
2007
period than during the fiscal 2006 period, severance costs of $73,000, and
higher professional fees of $7,000.
Interest
expense was $1,000 during the fiscal 2007 period as compared to interest expense
of $31,000 during the fiscal 2006 period. This was due to the reduction of
interest expense repayment of an outstanding bank loan in January 2006, and
the
early termination of a capital lease obligation in July 2006.
Provision
for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
In
the
fiscal 2007 period, the income tax provision was $2,917,000 or 35.9 % of income
from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $2,315,000 or
37.4% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the fiscal
2006 period. Nathan’s tax provision, excluding the effects of tax-exempt
interest income, was 39.0% during the fiscal period 2007 as compared to 40.2%
for the fiscal 2006 period.
Discontinued
Operations
On
July
13, 2005, we sold a vacant piece of property in Brooklyn, New York, to a third
party. We also sold our leasehold interest in an adjacent property on January
17, 2006 to the same buyer. During the fiscal 2006 period, we recognized a
gain
of $2,919,000, net of associated expenses in connection with the sale of our
vacant piece of property, which was partly offset by an operating loss of
$80,000 during the fiscal 2006 period, in connection with this property. At
March 26, 2006, the buyer owed Nathan’s $439,000 from the sale of our leasehold
interest and certain reimbursable operating expenses, whose collectability
was
not then reasonably assured and therefore not included in income. In July 2006,
we received $39,000 for the reimbursement of operating expenses from December
2005 and January 2006. In October 2006, we received $400,000 relating to the
sale of our leasehold interest, which was due in July 2006. During the fiscal
2007 period, income of $39,000 and gain of $400,000 were recorded into income
from discontinued operations resulting from these collections.
On
January 26, 2006, two of Nathan’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a Lease
Termination Agreement with respect to three (3) leased properties in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, with its landlord, and CVS 3285 FL, L.L.C., (“CVS”) to sell
our leasehold interests to CVS for $2,000,000` before expenses. Pursuant to
the
Lease Termination Agreement, within 180 days following delivery of notice from
CVS to Nathan’s, we are required to deliver the vacated properties to CVS. On
November 30, 2006, CVS provided Nathan’s with notice that all necessary permits
and approvals have been obtained and that all contingencies have either been
waiver or satisfied. This transaction was concluded on June 5, 2007. During
the
third quarter fiscal 2007, we reclassified the results of operations based
upon
the November 30 notice. Total revenues from these three properties were $100,000
and $84,000 for the fiscal year ended March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006,
respectively. Income before taxes from these three properties were $93,000
and
$78,000 for the fiscal year ended March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006,
respectively.
33
Results
of Operations
Fiscal
year ended March 25, 2006 compared to Fiscal year ended March 27,
2005
Revenues
from Continuing Operations
Total
sales increased by $6,489,000 or 27.9% to $29,785,000 for the fifty-two weeks
ended March 26, 2006 (“fiscal 2006 period") as compared to $23,296,000 for the
fifty-two weeks ended March 27, 2005 ("fiscal 2005 period"). Sales from the
Branded Product Program increased by 52.0% to $16,476,000 for the fiscal 2006
period as compared to sales of $10,837,000 in the fiscal 2005 period. This
increase was primarily attributable to increased volume from new accounts,
and a
price increase of approximately 2.2%. Sales at the six Company-owned Nathan’s
restaurants (including one seasonal restaurant) increased by $296,000 or 2.7%
to
$11,419,000 from $11,123,000, all of which operated during the same periods
in
both years. This increase is due primarily to higher volume during the summer
at
our Coney Island restaurant resulting from favorable weather conditions,
together with an effective price increase of approximately 1.1%. During the
fiscal 2006 period, sales to our television retailer were approximately $554,000
higher than the fiscal 2005 period, resulting from the introduction of new
products, more frequent airings and sales increases per item sold.
Franchise
fees and royalties increased by $19,000 to $6,785,000 in the fiscal 2006 period
compared to $6,766,000 in the fiscal 2005 period. Franchise royalties were
$6,014,000 in the fiscal 2006 period as compared to $6,095,000 in the fiscal
2005 period. Domestic franchise restaurant sales were $160,814,000 in the fiscal
2006 period as compared to $164,925,000 in the fiscal 2005 period. The total
sales reduction associated with closed restaurants was approximately $13,236,000
of which $11,194,000 was related to closings in Florida, which lowered royalty
income by approximately $351,000 overall and $270,000 in Florida. The decrease
in restaurant sales was offset by an increase of $8,724,000 due to new stores
that opened during the fiscal 2006 period and the full year effect of stores
that opened during the fiscal 2005 period. Comparable domestic franchise sales
(consisting of 184 restaurants) increased by $402,000 or 0.3% to $134,430,000
in
the fiscal 2006 period as compared to $134,028,000 in the fiscal 2005 period
taking into account the effects of Hurricane Wilma. On October 24, 2005,
Hurricane Wilma hit southern Florida where our franchisees operated 71
restaurants. Most of these restaurants were affected by the storm and were
temporarily closed. One Miami Subs restaurant sustained significant damage
and
was permanently closed. We estimate that franchisee sales and royalties from
the
affected stores were reduced in the third quarter fiscal 2006 by approximately
$885,000 and $36,000, respectively, due to the period that the restaurants
were
closed. The foregoing reduction in royalties assumes full payment of royalties
by the affected franchisees. At March 26, 2006, 362 domestic and international
franchised or licensed units were operating as compared to 355 domestic and
international franchised or licensed units at March 27, 2005. During the
fifty-two weeks ended March 26, 2006, royalty income from 21 domestic franchised
locations has been deemed unrealizable as compared to 25 domestic franchised
locations during the fifty-two weeks ended March 27, 2005. Domestic franchise
fee income was $351,000 in the fiscal 2006 period as compared to $355,000 in
the
fiscal 2005 period. International franchise fee income was $314,000 in the
fiscal 2006 period as compared to $250,000 in the fiscal 2005 period. During
the
fiscal 2006 period, 30 new franchised units opened, including three units in
Japan, five units in Kuwait, three units in the United Arab Emirates and one
unit in the Dominican Republic. During the fiscal 2006 period, we franchised
one
restaurant that previously operated pursuant to a management agreement. During
the fiscal 2005 period, 28 new domestic franchised units were opened. Fourteen
of the new units that opened during the fiscal 2005 period were non-traditional
stores for which lower franchise fees were earned. During the fiscal 2006
period, Nathan’s also recognized $104,000 in connection with three forfeited
franchise fees, as compared to $66,000 during the fiscal 2005
period.
License
royalties increased $237,000 or 7.1% to $3,569,000 in the fiscal 2006 period
as
compared to $3,332,000 in the fiscal 2005 period. This increase is primarily
attributable to higher royalties earned from the sale of Nathan’s frankfurters
within supermarkets, club stores and other locations, and new license agreements
entered into since the beginning of fiscal 2005, which were partly offset by
lower royalties earned on the sale of condiments and the Nathan’s
griddle.
Interest
income was $459,000 in the fiscal 2006 period versus $238,000 in the fiscal
2005
period due primarily to higher interest earned on the increased amount of
marketable securities owned during the fiscal 2006 period as compared to the
fiscal 2005 period. We have continued to invest our excess cash in marketable
securities.
Investment
and other income was $651,000 in the fiscal 2006 period versus $567,000 in
the
fiscal 2005 period due primarily to higher subleasing income of $128,000, which
was partly offset by a decrease in revenue recognized under supplier contracts
of $41,000.
34
Costs
and Expenses from Continuing Operations
Cost
of
sales increased by $4,959,000 to $22,225,000 in the fiscal 2006 period from
$17,266,000 in the fiscal 2005 period. During the fiscal 2006 period, we
incurred higher costs of our Branded Product Program totaling approximately
$4,542,000 primarily in connection with the increased volume during the fiscal
2006 period as compared to the fiscal 2005 period. We also paid more for beef
products during the fiscal 2006 period, despite the softening of the market
during the second half of fiscal 2006. Commodity costs of our hot dogs, which
increased for three consecutive years, were approximately 1.3% higher during
the
fiscal 2006 period than the fiscal 2005 period. These commodity cost increases
caused us to increase our selling prices beginning in June 2005 in an effort
to
reduce the margin pressure that we continued to experience. The cost of
restaurant sales at our six comparable units (including one seasonal restaurant)
was $6,695,000 or 58.6% of restaurant sales as compared to $6,709,000 or 60.3%
of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2005 period. This reduction was primarily
due
to lower labor and associated costs. Combined food and paper costs, as a
percentage of restaurant sales, were slightly lower in the fiscal 2006 period
than in the fiscal 2005 period due to the effects of re-engineering of our
menu
and certain retail price increases to mitigate higher beef costs. Cost
of
sales also increased by $432,000 in the fiscal 2006 period due to higher sales
to our television retailer.
Restaurant
operating expenses increased by $117,000 to $3,180,000 during the fiscal 2006
period from $3,063,000 during
the fiscal 2005 period. Utility costs increased by $118,000 or 21.1% as compared
to the fiscal 2005 period. Lower occupancy and marketing costs during the fiscal
2006 period offset the other cost increases.
Depreciation
and amortization decreased by $106,000 to $803,000 in the fiscal 2006 period
from $909,000 in the fiscal 2005 period resulting from the expiration of the
amortization period of the new accounting software implemented as part of
Nathan’s Y2K efforts and the effect of asset disposals.
Amortization
of intangible assets was $262,000 in the fiscal 2006 period as compared to
$263,000 in the fiscal 2005 period.
General
and administrative expenses increased by $211,000 to $8,552,000 in the fiscal
2006 period as compared to $8,341,000 in the fiscal 2005 period. The increase
in
general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher total
compensation expense of $227,000, substantially in connection with increased
earnings by the Company, which includes $146,000 related to increased earnings
by the Company resulting from the sale of a vacant piece of property in
Brooklyn, NY to a third party, as discussed below. During the fiscal 2005
period, we recorded severance expense of $158,000. Higher sales solicitation
costs of $52,000 were incurred in connection with the Branded Product Program
during the fiscal 2006 period, which were partly offset by lower professional
fees of $42,000 and lower corporate insurance costs of $35,000.
Interest
expense was $31,000 during the fiscal 2006 period as compared to $49,000 during
the fiscal 2005 period. The reduction in interest expense relates primarily
to
the repayment of outstanding loans between the two periods.
Provision
for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
In
the
fiscal 2006 period, the income tax provision was $2,315,000 or 37.4% of income
from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $1,524,000 or
35.2% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the fiscal
2005 period. During the fiscal 2005 period, Nathan’s received a refund of prior
years’ state income taxes, which, net of applicable federal income tax, was
approximately $81,000, lowering the effective tax rate by 1.9% during the fiscal
2005 period.
Discontinued
Operations
On
July
13, 2005, we sold a vacant piece of property in Brooklyn, NY to a third party,
which was classified as “available-for-sale” at March 27, 2005. The property had
a carrying value of $187,000 and Nathan’s recognized a gain before income taxes
of $2,819,000, net of associated expenses. On January 15, 2006, the adjacent
parcel of vacant land that we leased was also sold to the same buyer. In
connection with that sale, we recognized into income the $100,000 deposit
received in contemplation of the sale for our leasehold interest. In addition,
we closed one Company-operated restaurant during fiscal 2005. Revenues were
$415,000 from that restaurant during the fiscal 2005 period. Income before
income taxes from discontinued operations during the fiscal 2006 period was
$2,942,000 as compared to loss before income taxes of $112,000 during the fiscal
2005 period.
35
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
are
not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Cash
and
cash equivalents at March 25, 2007 aggregated $6,932,000, increasing
by $3,923,000 during the fiscal 2007 period. At March 25, 2007, marketable
securities were $22,785,000 and net working capital increased to $27,375,000
from $19,075,000 at March 26, 2006.
Cash
provided by operations of $8,191,000 in the fiscal 2007 period is primarily
attributable to net income of $5,543,000, plus non-cash items and gains on
sales
of leasehold interest and fixed assets of $1,074,000. Changes in Nathan’s
operating assets and liabilities increased cash by $1,574,000 principally due
to
an increase in payables and accrued expenses of $1,374,000. Nathan’s reduced its
current year tax installments by approximately $551,000 of prepaid income taxes
recorded as of March 25, 2007, which was partly offset by prepaid insurance
of
$174,000, reflecting the timing of our insurance renewals. Deferred franchise
fees increased by $156,000 from cash received in connection with future
restaurant openings. The sale of inventory on hand by our Branded Product
Program and our television retailer generated cash of $27,000. Cash was reduced
from increased accounts receivable and notes receivable of $117,000 primarily
resulting from increased royalties from retail licensees and higher sales of
the
Branded Product Program.
We
used
cash for investment purposes of $6,030,000 in the fiscal 2007 period, primarily
to purchase “available for sale” securities of $5,972,000 and invested $539,000
in capital expenditures which were partly offset with proceeds received from
the
sale of leasehold interest of $400,000 and the receipt of payments of $87,000
from notes receivable.
We
generated cash from our financing activities of $1,762,000 in the fiscal 2007
period. We received net proceeds of $722,000 from the exercise of employee
stock
options, and expect to receive an income tax benefit from the exercise of stock
options of $1,079,000, which were partly offset by our payments made to
terminate our capitalized lease obligation of $39,000.
On
September 14, 2001, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to one million shares
of its common stock. Pursuant to its stock repurchase program, we repurchased
one million shares of common stock in open market transactions and a private
transaction at a total cost of $3,670,000 through the quarter ended September
29, 2002. On October 7, 2002, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to one
million additional shares of its common stock. Through March 25, 2007, Nathan’s
purchased 891,100 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $3,488,000.
To date, Nathan’s has purchased a total of 1,891,100 shares of common stock at a
cost of approximately $7,158,000. There were no repurchases of the Company’s
common stock during the fifty-two weeks ended March 25, 2007. Nathan’s may make
additional purchases of stock from time to time, depending on market conditions,
in open market or in privately negotiated transactions, at prices deemed
appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the purchases. Nathan’s
expects to fund its stock repurchases from its operating cash flow.
At
March
25, 2007, there were 27 properties that we either own or lease from third
parties which we lease or sublease to franchisees, operating managers and
non-franchisees. We remain contingently liable for all costs associated with
these properties including: rent, property taxes and insurance. We may incur
future cash payments with respect to such properties, consisting primarily
of
future lease payments, including costs and expenses associated with terminating
any of such leases. Additionally, we had previously guaranteed financing on
behalf of certain franchisees with two third-party lenders. At March 25, 2007
our potential obligations for these loans have been eliminated.
36
The
following schedule represents Nathan’s cash contractual obligations and the
expiration of other contractual commitments by maturity at March 25, 2007 (in
thousands):
Payments
Due by Period
|
||||||||||||||||
Cash
Contractual Obligations
|
Total
|
|
Less
than 1 Year
|
|
1
-
3 Years
|
|
3-5
Years
|
|
More
than 5 Years
|
|||||||
Employment
Agreements
|
$
|
3,812
|
$
|
1,059
|
$
|
1,053
|
$
|
800
|
$
|
900
|
||||||
Operating
Leases
|
8,992
|
2,782
|
3,708
|
1,588
|
914
|
|||||||||||
Gross
Contractual Obligations
|
12,804
|
3,841
|
4,761
|
2,388
|
1,814
|
|||||||||||
Sublease
Income
|
6,584
|
1,642
|
2,504
|
1,491
|
947
|
|||||||||||
Net
Contractual Obligations
|
$
|
6,220
|
$
|
2,199
|
$
|
2,257
|
$
|
897
|
$
|
867
|
Management
believes that available cash, marketable securities and cash generated from
operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations for
at
least the next twelve months. We currently maintain a $7,500,000 uncommitted
bank line of credit and have never borrowed any funds under this line of
credit.
Nathan’s
philosophy with respect to maintaining a balance sheet with a significant amount
of cash and marketable securities reflects our views of maintaining readily
available capital to expand our existing business and any new business
opportunities which might present themselves to expand our business. Nathan’s
routinely assesses its investment management approach with respect to our
current and potential capital requirements.
We
expect
that we will make additional investments in certain existing restaurants and
support the growth of the Branded Product Program in the future and fund those
investments from our operating cash flow. We may also incur capital expenditures
in connection with opportunistic investments on a case-by-case
basis.
Seasonality
Our
business is affected by seasonal fluctuations, the effects of weather and
economic conditions. Historically, restaurant sales from Company-owned
restaurants, franchised restaurants from which royalties are earned and the
Company’s earnings have been highest during our first two fiscal quarters with
the fourth fiscal quarter typically representing the slowest period. This
seasonality is primarily attributable to weather conditions in the marketplace
for our Company-owned and franchised Nathan’s restaurants, which is principally
the New York metropolitan area. We believe that future revenues and profits
will
continue to be highest during our first two fiscal quarters with the fourth
fiscal quarter representing the slowest period.
Inflationary
Impact
We
believe that general inflation has not materially impacted earnings during
the
past three years. Nevertheless, during that period of time our commodity costs
for beef have increased significantly while other costs have increased slightly.
Beginning with fiscal 2004, throughout fiscal 2005 and into the first half
of
fiscal 2006, the price of our beef products rose dramatically over historical
norms before softening somewhat during the second half of fiscal 2006 and
continued softening until February 2007, which is when beef cost began to
increase. As previously discussed, Nathan’s increased prices in response to the
increased commodity costs. In addition, during fiscal 2005, fiscal 2006 and
in
fiscal 2007, we have realized the impact of higher oil prices in the form of
higher distribution costs for our products and utility costs in our
Company-owned restaurants. From time to time, various Federal and New York
State
legislators have proposed changes to the minimum wage requirements. On May
25,
2007, President Bush signed legislation immediately increasing the Federal
minimum wage to $5.85 per hour, with increases to $6.55 per hour one year later
and to $7.25 per hour two years later. This increase has not had a material
impact on our results of operations or financial position as the vast majority
of our employees were not affected by this increase. Although we only operate
six Company-owned restaurants, we believe that significant increases in the
minimum wage could have a significant financial impact on our financial results
and the results of our franchisees. Continued increases in labor, food and
other
operating expenses could adversely affect our operations and those of the
restaurant industry and we might have to further reconsider our pricing strategy
as a means to offset reduced operating margins.
The
Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be
impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to those set forth
above in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations,” any one of which could cause our actual results to vary
materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. For
a
discussion identifying additional risk factors and important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, also see
the
discussions in “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and “Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-K.
37
Item
7A. Qualitative
and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Cash
and cash equivalents
We
have
historically invested our cash and cash equivalents in short term, fixed rate,
highly rated and highly liquid instruments which are reinvested when they mature
throughout the year. Although our existing investments are not considered at
risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments,
our rate of return on short-term investments could be affected at the time
of
reinvestment as a result of intervening events. As of March 25, 2007, Nathans’
cash and cash equivalents aggregated $6,932,000. Earnings on these cash and
cash
equivalents would increase or decrease by approximately $17,300 per annum for
each 0.25% change in interest rates.
Marketable
securities
We
have
invested our marketable securities in intermediate term, fixed rate, highly
rated and highly liquid instruments. These investments are subject to
fluctuations in interest rates. As of March 25, 2007, the market value of
Nathans’ marketable securities aggregated $22,785,000. Interest income on these
marketable securities would increase or decrease by approximately $57,000 per
annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates. The following chart presents
the
hypothetical changes in the fair value of the marketable investment securities
held at March 25, 2007 that are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations (in
thousands):
Valuation
of securities
|
|
|
|
Valuation
of securities
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
Given
an interest rate
|
|
|
|
Given
an interest rate
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
Decrease
of X Basis points
|
|
Fair
|
|
Increase
of X Basis points
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
(150BPS)
|
|
(100BPS)
|
|
(50BPS)
|
|
Value
|
|
+50BPS
|
|
+100BPS
|
|
+150BPS
|
||||||||
Municipal
notes and bonds
|
$
|
24,130
|
$
|
23,671
|
$
|
23,223
|
$
|
22,785
|
$
|
22,354
|
$
|
21,930
|
$
|
21,512
|
Borrowings
The
interest rate on our prior borrowings were generally determined based upon
the
prime rate and was subject to market fluctuation as the prime rate changed,
as
determined within each specific agreement. We do not anticipate entering into
interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our borrowings.
At
March 25, 2007, we had no outstanding indebtedness. If we were to borrow money
in the future, such borrowings would be based upon the then prevailing interest
rates. We maintain a $7,500,000 credit line at the prime rate (8.25% as of
March
25, 2007). We have never borrowed any funds under this credit line. Accordingly,
we do not believe that fluctuations in interest rates would have a material
impact on our financial results.
Commodity
Costs
The
cost
of commodities is subject to market fluctuation. We have not attempted to hedge
against fluctuations in the prices of the commodities we purchase using future,
forward, option or other instruments. As a result, our future commodities
purchases are subject to changes in the prices of such commodities. Generally,
we attempt to pass through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our
customers, thereby reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial
results. A short term increase or decrease of 10.0% in the cost of our food
and
paper products for the fifty-two weeks ended March 25, 2007 would have increased
or decreased our cost of sales by approximately $1,822,000.
Foreign
Currencies
Foreign
franchisees generally conduct business with us and make payments in United
States dollars, reducing the risks inherent with changes in the values of
foreign currencies. As a result, we have not purchased future contracts, options
or other instruments to hedge against changes in values of foreign currencies
and we do not believe fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies would
have
a material impact on our financial results.
38
Adoption
of New Accounting Pronouncements
In
November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs--an amendment of
ARB No.43” (“SFAS No.151”) which is the result of its efforts to converge U.S.
accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards.
SFAS No.151 requires idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, and wasted
material (spoilage) costs to be recognized as current-period charges. It also
requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of
conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS
No.151 was effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 has not had a material impact
on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In
June
2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections -
a replacement of APB Opinion No.20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“SFAS No.154”).
APB Opinion No. 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting
principles be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change
the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. SFAS No.
154
requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of
changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either
the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS No.
154
was effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 had no
impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In
June
2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ratified a consensus opinion
reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF Issue 06-3, “How Taxes
Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be
presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation).” The
guidance in EITF Issue 06-3 requires disclosure in interim and annual financial
statements of the amount of taxes on a gross basis, if significant, that are
assessed by a governmental authority that are imposed on and concurrent with
a
specific revenue producing transaction between a seller and customer such as
sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes. Additionally, the income
statement presentation (gross or net) of such taxes is an accounting policy
decision that must be disclosed.
The
consensus in EITF Issue 06-3 is effective for the interim and annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted EITF Issue 06-3
effective in the fiscal year ended March 25, 2007. The adoption of EITF Issue
06-3 did not have an significant effect on its financial statements as it did
not change its existing accounting policy which is to present taxes within
the
scope of EITF Issue 06-3 on a net basis.
In
September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin
SAB No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when
Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB
No.108”).
SAB No. 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the
carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in
quantifying a current year misstatement. SAB No. 108 requires registrants to
use
both a balance sheet and income statement approach when evaluating and
quantifying the materiality misstatement. The
adoption of SAB 108
had
no
impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
As
of the
beginning of fiscal 2007, Nathan’s adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-based Payment”,
(“SFAS No. 123R”) using the modified prospective method. SFAS No. 123R replaces
SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,("SFAS No. 123”) and
supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees” (“APB
No.
25”). SFAS No. 123R requires the cost of all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values measured at the grant date, or the date
of
later modification, over the requisite service period. In addition, under the
modified prospective approach, SFAS No. 123R requires unrecognized cost (based
on the amounts previously disclosed in pro forma footnote disclosures) related
to awards vesting after the date of initial adoption to be recognized by the
Company in the financial statements over the remaining requisite service period.
Therefore, the amount of compensation costs to be recognized over the requisite
service period on a prospective basis after March 26, 2006 includes:
(i) previously unrecognized compensation cost for all share-based payments
granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, March 26, 2006 based on their fair
values measured at the grant date, (ii) compensation cost of all
share-based payments granted subsequent to March 26, 2006 based on their
respective grant date fair value, and (iii) the incremental fair value of
awards modified subsequent to March 26, 2006 measured as of the date of such
modification.
39
When
recording compensation cost for equity awards, SFAS No. 123R requires companies
to estimate at the date of grant the number of equity awards granted that are
expected to be forfeited and to subsequently adjust the estimated forfeitures
to
reflect actual forfeitures.
For
tax
purposes, Nathan’s expects to be entitled to a tax deduction, subject to certain
limitations, based on the fair value of the underlying equity award when the
stock options vest or are exercised. SFAS No. 123R requires that compensation
cost be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value measured
at the grant date, or the date of later modification, over the requisite service
period. The cumulative compensation cost recognized for equity awards pursuant
to SFAS No. 123R and amounts that ultimately will be deductible for tax purposes
are temporary differences as prescribed by SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income
Taxes”. The tax effect of compensation deductions for tax purposes in excess of
compensation cost recognized in the financial statements, if any, will be
recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital when realized. A deferred
tax asset recorded for compensation cost recognized in the financial statements
that exceeds the amount that is ultimately realized on the tax return, if any,
will be charged to income tax expense when the stock options vest or are
exercised or expire unless we have an available additional paid-in capital
pool,
as defined pursuant to SFAS No. 123R (“APIC Pool”). Nathan’s is required to
assess whether there is an available APIC Pool when the restrictions lapse
or
stock options are exercised or expire.
SFAS
No.
123R also amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows,” to require companies to
change the classification in the statement of cash flows of any tax benefits
realized upon the exercise of stock options or issuance of non-vested share
unit
awards in excess of that which is associated with the expense recognized for
financial reporting purposes. These amounts are required to be reported as
a
financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of income taxes paid in
operating cash flows.
The
pretax share-based compensation expense recognized pursuant to the adoption
of
SFAS No. 123R for the year ended March 25, 2007 was $295,000.
In
October 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123R-2, "Practical
Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defined in FASB SFAS No.
123R.” As a practical accommodation, in determining the grant date of an
award subject to SFAS No. 123R, assuming all other criteria in the grant date
definition have been met, a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions
of an award to an individual employee shall be presumed to exist at the date
the
award is approved in accordance with the relevant corporate governance
requirements if both of the following conditions are met: (a) the award is
a
unilateral grant and, therefore, the recipient does not have the ability to
negotiate the key terms and conditions of the award with the employer; and
(b)
the key terms and conditions of the award are expected to be communicated to
an
individual recipient within a relatively short time period from the date of
approval.
In
November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123R-3, "Transition
Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment
Awards." FAS 123R-3 provides that companies may elect to use a specified
alternative method to calculate the historical APIC Pool of excess tax benefits
available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
The
option to use the alternative method is available regardless of whether SFAS
No.
123R was adopted using the modified prospective or modified retrospective
application transition method, and whether it is has the ability to calculate
its pool of excess tax benefits in accordance with the guidance in paragraph
81
of SFAS No. 123R. This method only applies to awards that are fully vested
and
outstanding upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
The
adoption of these staff positions has not had a material impact on our financial
position or results of operations.
Item
8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data
The
consolidated financial statements and supplementary data are submitted as a
separate section of this report beginning on Page F-1.
Item
9. Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
None
40
Item
9A.Controls
and Procedures
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our
management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on that
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered
by
this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure
that the 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 by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such
information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our
principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow
timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes
in Internal Controls
There
were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred
during the fifty-two weeks ended March 25, 2007 that have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
Limitations
on the Effectiveness of Controls
We
believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot
provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met,
and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control
issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
Our
disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance
of achieving their objectives and our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating
Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and
procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Item
9B.Other Information
None
41
PART
III
Item
10. Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The
information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by
reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end
of
the fiscal year covered by this Report.
Item
11. Executive
Compensation
The
information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by
reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end
of
the fiscal year covered by this Report.
Item
12. Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
The
information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by
reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end
of
the fiscal year covered by this Report.
Item
13. Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
Independence
The
information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by
reference to our proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end
of
the fiscal year covered by this Report.
Item
14. Principal
Accountant Fees and Services
Audit
Fees
We
were
billed by Grant Thornton LLP the aggregate amount of approximately
$209,000
in
respect of fiscal 2007 and $179,000 in respect to fiscal 2006 for fees for
professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements
and review of our financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q.
Audit-Related
Fees
Grant
Thornton LLP did not render any assurance and related services reasonably
related to the performance of the audit and review, other than as set forth
above, for fiscal 2007 and 2006 and accordingly did not bill for any such
services.
Tax
Fees
Grant
Thornton LLP did not render any tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning
services for fiscal 2007 and 2006.
All
Other Fees
Grant
Thornton LLP did not render any other services, other than as set forth above,
for fiscal 2007 and 2006. Consequently, aggregate fees billed for all other
services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP for fiscal 2007 and 2006 were
$0.
Pre-Approval
Policies
Our
audit
committee has not adopted any pre-approval policies. Instead, the Audit
Committee will specifically pre-approve the provision by Grant Thornton LLP
of
all audit and non-audit services.
Our
audit
committee approved all of the services provided by Grant Thornton LLP and
described in the preceding paragraphs.
42
PART
IV
Item
15. Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
(1)
Consolidated
Financial Statements
The
consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index to
consolidated financial statements and schedule on Page F-1 are filed as part
of
this report.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedule
The
consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index
to
consolidated financial statements and schedule on Page F-1 is filed as part
of
this report.
(3)
Exhibits
Certain
of the following exhibits, were previously filed as exhibits to other reports
or
registration statements filed by the Registrant under the Securities Act of
1933
or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are herein incorporated by
reference.
Exhibit
|
||
No.
|
Exhibit
|
|
3.1
|
Certificate
of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33- 56976.)
|
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Amendment
to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement
on
Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
By-Laws,
as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Form 10-K
for the
fiscal year ended March 25, 2006.
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Specimen
Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Specimen
Rights Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Form
8-A/A
dated December 10, 1999.)
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Third
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of December 10,
1999
between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust
Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registration
Statement
on Form 8-A/A dated December 10, 1999.)
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Amendment
No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of
June 15,
2005 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust
Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report
filed
on Form 8-K dated June 15, 2005.)
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Employment
Agreement with Wayne Norbitz, dated December 28, 1992. (Incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1
No.
33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Leases
for premises at Coney Island, New York, as follows: (Incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1
No.
33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
a)
Lease, dated November 22, 1967, between Nathan’s Realty Associates and the
Company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
b)
Lease, dated November 22, 1967, between Ida's Realty Associates
and the
Company.
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Purchase
and Sale Agreement dated as of February 23, 2005 between Nathan's
Famous
Operating Corp. and Thor Realty, LLC. (Incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 25,
2005.)
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Leases
for the premises at Yonkers, New York, as follows: (Incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-1
No.
33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
a)
Lease Modification of Land and Building Lease between the Yonkers
Corp.
and the Company, dated November 19, 1980;
|
|
|
|
|
|
b)
Lease Modification of Land and Building Lease between 787 Central
Park
Avenue, Inc., and the Company dated May 1, 1980.
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Lease
with NWCM Corp. for premises at Oceanside, New York, dated March
14, 1975.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Registration Statement
on
Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
1992
Stock Option Plan, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.8
to Registration Statement on Form S-8 No.
33-93396.)
|
43
10.7
|
Area
Development Agreement with Marriott Corporation, dated February
19, 1993.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(a) to the Annual Report
on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended March 28, 1993.)
|
|
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
Area
Development Agreement with Premiere Foods, dated September 11,
1990.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Registration Statement
on
Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
Form
of Standard Franchise Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit
10.12 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No.
33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
10.10
|
|
401K
Plan and Trust. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Registration
Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
|
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
Amendment
dated November 8, 1993, to the Employment Agreement, dated December
28,
1992, with Wayne Norbitz. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.19 to
the Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 27,
1994.)
|
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
License
Agreement dated as of February 28, 1994, among Nathan’s Famous Systems,
Inc. and SMG, Inc., including amendments and waivers thereto. (
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Annual Report
filed on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 27, 1994.)
|
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
Outside
Director Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.22 to
Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 33-89442.)
|
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
Modification
Agreement to the Employment Agreement with Wayne Norbitz, dated
December
28, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly
Report filed on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December
29, 1996,
SEC file number 0000069733-97-000002.txt.)
|
|
|
|
10.15
|
|
Amendment
to License Agreement dated as of February 28, 1994, among Nathan’s Famous
Systems, Inc. and SMG, Inc. including waivers and amendments thereto.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report
filed
on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 1996, SEC
file
number 0000069733-97-000002.txt.)
|
|
|
|
10.16
|
|
1998
Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Registration
Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-86195.)
|
|
|
|
10.17
|
|
North
Fork Bank Promissory Note. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.21 to
the Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 28,
1999, SEC file number 0000950123-99-005946.txt.)
|
|
|
|
10.18
|
|
Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement with Donald L. Perlyn effective
September 30, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20
to the
Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March
26, 2000,
SEC file number 0000950123-00-006013.txt.)
|
|
|
|
10.19
|
|
Amendment
No 1. to Employment Agreement with Donald L. Perlyn (Incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July
12,
2005.)
|
|
|
|
10.20
|
|
Letter
Agreement between Nathan's Famous, Inc. and Donald Perlyn relating
to sale
of Miami Subs Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to
Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 2005.)
|
|
|
|
10.21
|
|
Employment
Agreement dated as of January 1, 2005 with Howard M. Lorber. (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Quarterly Report filed on
Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended December 26, 2004.)
|
|
|
|
10.22
|
|
Common
Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Howard M. Lorber dated July 17,
1997
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Registration Statement
on Form
S-8 No. 333-86043.)
|
|
|
|
10.23
|
|
Marketing
Agreement with beverage supplier. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit
10.25 to the Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter
ended June 25, 2000, SEC file number
0000950123-00-007245.txt.)
|
|
|
|
10.24
|
|
2001
Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Registration
Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-82760.)
|
|
|
|
10.25
|
|
2002
Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to
Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-101355.)
|
|
|
|
10.26
|
|
Master
Distributor Agreement with U.S. Foodservice, Inc. dated February
5, 2003.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report
filed on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2003, SEC file number
0000950123-03-007587.txt.)
|
|
|
|
10.27
|
|
Restricted
Stock Agreement with Howard M. Lorber. (Incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 10.25 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended
March 27, 2005).
|
|
|
|
10.28
|
|
Lease
Termination Agreement dated January 26, 2006 among Miami Subs Real
Estate
Corp., QSR, Inc., Robert T. Williamson, and CVS 3285 FL, L.L.C.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on
Form 8-K
dated February 8, 2006.)
|
|
|
|
10.29
|
|
Asset
Purchase Agreement dated as of February 28, 2006 between PAT Franchise
Systems, Inc. and NF Treachers Corp. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit
99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 28,
2006.)
|
|
|
|
10.30
|
|
License
Agreement dated as of February 28, 2006 between PAT Franchise Systems,
Inc. and NF Treachers Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
99.2 to
Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 28,
2006.)
|
44
10.31
|
Employment
Agreement with Howard M. Lorber, dated as of December 15, 2006.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated December
15,
2006.)
|
|
|
|
|
10.32
|
|
Employment
Agreement with Eric Gatoff, dated as of December 15, 2006. (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated December 15,
2006.)
|
|
|
|
10.33 | Stock Purchase Agreement entered into June 7, 2007 effective as of May 31, 2007 by and among Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc., Miami Subs Corporation and Nathan's Famous, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated June 7, 2007.) | |
10.34
|
Promissory Note of Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated June 7, 2007.) | |
14.
|
|
Code
of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to Current
Report on
Form 8-K dated August 5, 2005.)
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
List
of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
Consent
of Grant Thornton LLP dated June 9, 2006.
|
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
by Eric Gatoff, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a -
14(a).
|
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
by Wayne Norbitz, Chief Operating Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a
-
14(a).
|
|
|
|
31.3
|
|
Certification
by Ronald G. DeVos, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a
-
14(a).
|
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certification
by Eric Gatoff, Chief Executive Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certification
by Ronald G. DeVos, Chief Financial Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
45
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 on the 22nd
day
of
June, 2007.
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc.
/s/
ERIC
GATOFF
Eric
Gatoff
Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has
been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the
capacities indicated on the 22nd
day of
June, 2007.
/s/
ERIC
GATOFF
Eric Gatoff
Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/
HOWARD M. LORBER
Howard Lorber
Executive
Chairman
/s/
WAYNE
NORBITZ
Wayne
Norbitz
President,
Chief Operating Officer and Director
/s/
RONALD G. DEVOS
Ronald
G.
DeVos
Vice
President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/
DONALD L. PERLYN
Donald
L.
Perlyn
Executive
Vice President and Director
/s/
ROBERT J. EIDE
Robert
J.
Eide
Director
/s/
BARRY
LEISTNER
Barry Leistner
Director
/s/
BRIAN
GENSON
Brian
Genson
Director
/s/
ATTILIO F. PETROCELLI
Attilio
F. Petrocelli
Director
/s/
CHARLES RAICH
Charles
Raich
Director
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
|
||
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
F-2
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
|
F-3
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Earnings
|
F-4
|
|
Consolidated
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
|
F-5
—
F-7
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
|
F-8
|
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-9
— F-47
|
|
F-48
|
F-1
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board
of
Directors and Shareholders
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We
have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. (a
Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 25, 2007 and
March 26, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of earnings,
stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fifty-two weeks ended March 25,
2007, March 26, 2006, and March 27, 2005. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over
financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In
our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the fifty-two weeks ended March 25, 2007,
March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
As
discussed in Note B of the notes to consolidated financial statements, the
Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123(R),
Share-Based Payment on March 27, 2006.
Our
audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts, is presented for the purposes of additional analysis and is not a
required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial
statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
GRANT
THORNTON LLP
Melville,
New York
June
15,
2007
F-2
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25, 2007
|
|
March
26, 2006
|
|||||
ASSETS
|
|||||||
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
6,932
|
$
|
3,009
|
|||
Marketable
securities
|
22,785
|
16,882
|
|||||
Notes
and accounts receivable, net
|
3,777
|
3,664
|
|||||
Inventories
|
790
|
817
|
|||||
Assets
available for sale
|
46
|
-
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
1,020
|
1,263
|
|||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
1,471
|
1,364
|
|||||
Total
current assets
|
36,821
|
26,999
|
|||||
Notes
receivable, net
|
60
|
137
|
|||||
Property
and equipment, net
|
4,270
|
4,568
|
|||||
Goodwill
|
95
|
95
|
|||||
Intangible
assets, net
|
3,628
|
3,884
|
|||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
1,477
|
1,484
|
|||||
Other
assets, net
|
224
|
256
|
|||||
$
|
46,575
|
$
|
37,423
|
||||
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|||||||
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|||||||
Current
maturities of capital lease obligation
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
8
|
|||
Accounts
payable
|
2,433
|
2,091
|
|||||
Accrued
expenses and other current liabilities
|
6,638
|
5,606
|
|||||
Deferred
franchise fees
|
375
|
219
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
9,446
|
7,924
|
|||||
Capital
lease obligation, less current maturities
|
-
|
31
|
|||||
Other
liabilities
|
1,250
|
1,420
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
10,696
|
9,375
|
|||||
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES (Note L)
|
|||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
|
|||||||
Common
stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
|
|||||||
7,909,183 and
7,600,399 shares issued; and 6,018,083 and 5,709,299
|
|||||||
shares
outstanding at March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006
respectively
|
79
|
76
|
|||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
45,792
|
43,699
|
|||||
Deferred
compensation
|
(
136
|
)
|
(
208
|
)
|
|||
Accumulated
deficit
|
(2,654
|
)
|
(8,197
|
)
|
|||
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
(
44
|
)
|
(
164
|
)
|
|||
43,037
|
35,206
|
||||||
Treasury
stock, at cost, 1,891,100 shares at March 25, 2007 and March 26,
2006.
|
(7,158
|
)
|
(7,158
|
)
|
|||
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
35,879
|
28,048
|
|||||
$
|
46,575
|
$
|
37,423
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-3
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Fifty-two
|
|
Fifty-two
|
|
Fifty-two
|
|
|||||
|
|
weeks
ended
|
|
weeks
ended
|
|
weeks
ended
|
|
|||
|
|
March
25, 2007
|
|
March
26, 2006
|
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||
REVENUES
|
||||||||||
Sales
|
$
|
33,425
|
$
|
29,785
|
$
|
23,296
|
||||
Franchise
fees and royalties
|
7,160
|
6,785
|
6,766
|
|||||||
License
royalties
|
4,239
|
3,569
|
3,332
|
|||||||
Interest
income
|
663
|
459
|
238
|
|||||||
Other
income
|
243
|
651
|
567
|
|||||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
45,730
|
41,249
|
34,199
|
||||||
COSTS
AND EXPENSES
|
||||||||||
Cost
of sales
|
24,080
|
22,225
|
17,266
|
|||||||
Restaurant
operating expenses
|
3,194
|
3,180
|
3,063
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
782
|
803
|
909
|
|||||||
Amortization
of intangible assets
|
262
|
262
|
263
|
|||||||
General
and administrative expenses
|
9,251
|
8,552
|
8,341
|
|||||||
Interest
expense
|
1
|
31
|
49
|
|||||||
Other
expense (income), net
|
35
|
-
|
(16
|
)
|
||||||
Total
costs and expenses
|
37,605
|
35,053
|
29,875
|
|||||||
|
||||||||||
Income
from continuing operations before provision for
income taxes
|
8,125
|
6,196
|
4,324
|
|||||||
Provision
for income taxes
|
2,917
|
2,315
|
1,524
|
|||||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
5,208
|
3,881
|
2,800
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations, including gains on disposal
of
discontinued operations of $400 in 2007 and $2,919 in 2006, before
income
taxes.
|
557
|
2,942
|
(112
|
)
|
||||||
Income
tax expense (benefit)
|
222
|
1,146
|
(49
|
) | ||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
335
|
1,796
|
(63
|
)
|
||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
5,543
|
$
|
5,677
|
$
|
2,737
|
||||
PER
SHARE INFORMATION
|
||||||||||
Basic
income per share:
|
||||||||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
$
|
.89
|
$
|
.70
|
$
|
.53
|
||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
.06
|
.32
|
(.01
|
)
|
||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
.95
|
$
|
1.02
|
$
|
.52
|
||||
Diluted
income per share:
|
||||||||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
$
|
.82
|
$
|
.59
|
$
|
.46
|
||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
.05
|
.28
|
(.01
|
)
|
||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
.87
|
$
|
.87
|
$
|
.45
|
||||
Weighted
average shares used in computing income
|
||||||||||
per
share
|
||||||||||
Basic
|
5,836,000
|
5,584,000
|
5,307,000
|
|||||||
Diluted
|
6,341,000
|
6,546,000
|
6,080,000
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-4
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Fifty-two
weeks ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
(in
thousands, except share amounts)
|
Common
|
Common
|
Additional
Paid-in
|
Deferred
|
Accumulated
|
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
|
Treasury
Stock, at Cost
|
Total
Stockholders’
|
Comprehensive
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Compensation
|
Deficit
|
Loss
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Equity
|
Income
(Loss)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
March 28, 2004
|
|
|
7,065,202
|
|
$
|
71
|
|
$
|
40,746
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
(16,611
|
)
|
$
|
67
|
|
|
1,851,301
|
|
$
|
(6,921
|
)
|
$
|
17,352
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issued in connection with the exercise of warrants
|
|
|
142,855
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
856
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
857
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issued in connection with exercise of employee stock
options
|
|
|
182,260
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
529
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
530
|
|
|
|
|
Income
tax benefit on stock option exercises
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of restricted stock award
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
362
|
|
|
(363
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of deferred compensation relating to restricted stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase
of treasury stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
39,799
|
|
|
(237
|
)
|
|
(237
|
)
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
(losses) on marketable securities, net of deferred income tax
(benefit) of
($95)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(137
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(137
|
)
|
|
(137
|
)
|
Net
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,737
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,737
|
|
|
2,737
|
|
Comprehensive
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
2,600
|
|
Balance,
March 27, 2005
|
7,440,317
|
$
|
74
|
$
|
42,665
|
$
|
(281
|
)
|
$
|
(13,874
|
)
|
$
|
(70
|
)
|
1,891,100
|
$
|
(7,158
|
)
|
$
|
21,356
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-5
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Fifty-two
weeks ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
(in
thousands, except share amounts)
|
|
Common
|
|
Common
|
|
Additional
Paid-in
|
|
Deferred
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
|
|
Treasury
Stock, at Cost
|
|
Total
Stockholders’
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Shares
|
|
Stock
|
|
Capital
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Deficit
|
|
Loss
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Equity
|
|
Income
(Loss)
|
|
||||||||||
Balance,
March 27, 2005
|
|
|
7,440,317
|
|
$
|
74
|
|
$
|
42,665
|
|
$
|
(281
|
)
|
$
|
(13,874
|
)
|
$
|
(70
|
)
|
|
1,891,100
|
|
$
|
(7,158
|
)
|
$
|
21,356
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
issued in connection with exercise of employee stock
options
|
|
|
160,082
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
640
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
642
|
|
|
|
|
Income
tax benefit on stock option exercises
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
394
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
394
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
of deferred compensation relating to restricted stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
(losses) on marketable securities, net of deferred income tax (benefit)
of
($63)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(94
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(94
|
)
|
|
(94
|
)
|
Net
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
5,677
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
5,677
|
|
|
5,677
|
|
Comprehensive
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
5,583
|
|
Balance,
March 26, 2006
|
|
|
7,600,399
|
|
$
|
76
|
|
$
|
43,699
|
|
$
|
(208
|
)
|
$
|
(8,197
|
)
|
$
|
(164
|
)
|
|
1,891,100
|
|
$
|
(7,158
|
)
|
$
|
28,048
|
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-6
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Fifty-two
weeks ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
(in
thousands, except share amounts)
|
Common
|
Common
|
Additional
Paid-in
|
Deferred
|
Accumulated
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
|
Treasury
Stock, at Cost
|
Total
Stockholders’
|
Comprehensive
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Compensation
|
Deficit
|
Loss
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Equity
|
Income
(Loss)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
March 26, 2006
|
7,600,399
|
$
|
76
|
$
|
43,699
|
$
|
(208
|
)
|
$
|
(8,197
|
)
|
$
|
(164
|
)
|
1,891,100
|
$
|
(7,158
|
)
|
$
|
28,048
|
|||||||||||
Shares
issued in connection with exercise of employee stock
options
|
308,784
|
3
|
719
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
722
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Income
tax benefit on stock option exercises
|
-
|
-
|
1,079
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,079
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Share
Based Compensation
|
-
|
-
|
295
|
295
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization
of deferred compensation relating to restricted stock
gains
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
72
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
72
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized
gains on marketable securities, net of deferred income tax of
$80
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
120
|
-
|
-
|
120
|
120
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Net
income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5,543
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5,543
|
5,543
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
_
|
-_
|
-
|
$
|
5,663
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
March 25, 2007
|
7,909,183
|
$
|
79
|
$
|
45,792
|
$
|
(136
|
)
|
$
|
(2,654
|
)
|
$
|
(44
|
)
|
1,891,100
|
$
|
(7,158
|
)
|
$
|
35,879
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-7
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in
thousands)
Fifty-two
weeks
ended
March
25, 2007
|
Fifty-two
weeks
ended
March
26, 2006
|
Fifty-two
weeks
ended
March
27, 2005
|
||||||||
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
$ | 5,543 | $ | 5,677 | $ | 2,737 | ||||
Net
income
|
||||||||||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash
|
||||||||||
provided
by operating activities
|
||||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
791
|
812
|
918
|
|||||||
Amortization
of intangible assets
|
262
|
262
|
263
|
|||||||
Amortization
of bond premium
|
269
|
232
|
155
|
|||||||
Amortization
of deferred compensation
|
72
|
73
|
82
|
|||||||
Gain
on disposal of fixed assets
|
(429
|
)
|
(2,985
|
)
|
(84
|
)
|
||||
Loss
on sale of available for sale securities
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|||||||
Share
based compensation expense
|
295
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Provision
for doubtful accounts
|
(6
|
)
|
10
|
13
|
||||||
Income
tax benefit on stock option exercises
|
-
|
394
|
172
|
|||||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
(180
|
)
|
175
|
915
|
||||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Notes
and accounts receivable
|
(117
|
)
|
(567
|
)
|
(1,371
|
)
|
||||
Inventories
|
27
|
(129
|
)
|
55
|
||||||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
243
|
(223
|
)
|
(479
|
)
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
32
|
(11
|
)
|
5
|
||||||
Accounts
payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
1,374
|
600
|
311
|
|||||||
Deferred
franchise fees
|
156
|
(119
|
)
|
165
|
||||||
Other
liabilities
|
(141
|
)
|
(142
|
)
|
(549
|
)
|
||||
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
8,191
|
4,061
|
3,308
|
|||||||
Cash
flows from investing activities:
|
||||||||||
Proceeds
from sale of available for sale securities
|
-
|
2,245
|
1,357
|
|||||||
Purchase
of available for sale securities
|
(5,972
|
)
|
(7,877
|
)
|
(5,910
|
)
|
||||
Purchase
of intellectual property
|
(6
|
)
|
(1,346
|
)
|
-
|
|||||
Purchases
of property and equipment
|
(539
|
)
|
(795
|
)
|
(588
|
)
|
||||
Payments
received on notes receivable
|
87
|
350
|
331
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from sales of property and equipment
|
400
|
3,621
|
11
|
|||||||
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
(6,030
|
)
|
(3,802
|
)
|
(4,799
|
)
|
||||
Cash
flows from financing activities:
|
||||||||||
Principal
repayments of notes payable and capitalized lease
Obligations
|
(39
|
)
|
(827
|
)
|
(173
|
)
|
||||
Repurchase
of treasury stock
|
-
|
-
|
(237
|
)
|
||||||
Income
tax benefit on stock option exercises
|
1,079
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from the exercise of stock options and warrants
|
722
|
642
|
1,387
|
|||||||
|
||||||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
1,762
|
(185
|
)
|
977
|
||||||
Net
change in cash and cash equivalents
|
3,923
|
74
|
(514
|
)
|
||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
3,009
|
2,935
|
3,449
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of year
|
$
|
6,932
|
$
|
3,009
|
$
|
2,935
|
||||
Cash
paid during the year for:
|
||||||||||
Interest
|
$
|
1
|
$
|
31
|
$
|
49
|
||||
Income
taxes
|
$
|
1,353
|
$
|
3,040
|
$
|
522
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-8
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27,2005
NOTE
A - DESCRIPTION AND ORGANIZATION OF BUSINESS
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company” or “Nathan’s”) has
historically operated or franchised a chain of retail fast food restaurants
featuring the Nathan’s Famous brand of all beef frankfurters, fresh crinkle-cut
French-fried potatoes and a variety of other menu offerings. Nathan’s has also
established a Branded Product Program, which enables foodservice retailers
to
sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of a traditional
franchise relationship. The Company, through wholly owned subsidiaries, is
also
the franchisor of Kenny Rogers Roasters (“Roasters”) and Miami Subs (See Note
O). The Company is also the owner of the Arthur Treacher’s brand (See Note C).
Miami Subs features a wide variety of lunch, dinner and snack foods, including
hot and cold sandwiches and various ethnic foods. Roasters features home-style
family foods based on a menu centered around wood-fire rotisserie chicken.
Arthur Treacher's main product is its "Original Fish & Chips" product
consisting of fish fillets coated with a special batter prepared under a
proprietary formula, deep-fried golden brown, and served with English-style
chips and corn meal "hush puppies." The Company considers its subsidiaries
to be
in the food service industry, and has pursued co-branding and co-hosting
initiatives; accordingly, management has evaluated the Company as a single
reporting unit.
At
March
25, 2007, the Company’s restaurant system, consisting of Nathan’s Famous, Kenny
Rogers Roasters and Miami Subs restaurants, included six company-owned units
in
the New York City metropolitan area and 357 franchised or licensed units,
including three units operating pursuant to management agreements located in
22
states and 11 foreign
countries.
NOTE
B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The
following significant accounting policies have been applied in the preparation
of the consolidated financial statements:
1. Principles
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all
of
its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
2. Fiscal
Year
The
Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in March, which results in a 52-
or 53-week reporting period. The results of operations and cash flows for the
fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006, and March 27, 2005 are all
on
the basis of 52-week reporting periods.
3. Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements 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 and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management in
preparing the consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition,
the
allowance for doubtful accounts, the allowance for impaired notes receivable,
the self-insurance reserve, valuation of stock-based compensation, income taxes
and impairment charges on goodwill and long-lived assets.
F-9
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
4. Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and
cash equivalents is cash restricted for untendered shares associated with the
acquisition of Nathan’s in 1987 of $54 at March 25, 2007 and $83 at March 26,
2006.
5. Impairment
of Notes Receivable
Nathan's
follows the guidance in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No.
114 ("SFAS No. 114") "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," as
amended. Pursuant to SFAS No. 114, a loan is impaired when, based on current
information and events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect
all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When
evaluating a note for impairment, the factors considered include: (a)
indications that the borrower is experiencing business problems such as
operating losses, marginal working capital, inadequate cash flow or business
interruptions, (b) loans secured by collateral that is not readily marketable,
or (c) loans that are susceptible to deterioration in realizable value. When
determining impairment, management's assessment includes its intention to extend
certain leases beyond the minimum lease term and the debtor's ability to meet
its obligation over that extended term. In certain cases where Nathan's has
determined that a loan has been impaired, it generally does not expect to extend
or renew the underlying leases. Based on the Company's analysis, it has
determined that there are notes that have incurred such an impairment. Following
are summaries of impaired notes receivable and the allowance for impaired notes
receivable:
March
25,
2007
|
March
26,
2006
|
||||||
Total
recorded investment in impaired notes receivable
|
$
|
1,654
|
$
|
1,801
|
|||
Allowance
for impaired notes receivable
|
(1,628
|
)
|
(1,680
|
)
|
|||
Recorded
investment in impaired notes receivable, net
|
$
|
26
|
$
|
121
|
F-10
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
|
|
March
25,
|
|
March
26,
|
|
||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Allowance
for impaired notes receivable at beginning of the fiscal
year
|
$
|
1,680
|
$
|
1,701
|
|||
Recovery
of impaired notes receivable
|
(52
|
)
|
(21
|
)
|
|||
Allowance
for impaired notes receivable at end of the fiscal year
|
$
|
1,628
|
$
|
1,680
|
Based
on
the present value of the estimated cash flows of identified impaired notes
receivable, the Company records interest income on its impaired notes receivable
on a cash basis. The following represents the interest income recognized on
and
average recorded investment in impaired notes receivable.
March
25,
|
|
March
26,
|
|
March
27,
|
|
|||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||
Interest
income recorded on impaired notes receivable
|
$
|
8
|
$
|
1
|
$
|
13
|
||||
Average
recorded investment in impaired notes receivable
|
$
|
1,747
|
$
|
1,817
|
$
|
1,942
|
6. Inventories
Inventories,
which are stated at the lower of cost or market value, consist primarily of
food
items and supplies. Inventories also include equipment and marketing items
in
connection with the Branded Product Program. Cost is determined using the
first-in, first-out method.
7. Marketable
Securities
In
accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities,” the Company determines the appropriate classification of
securities at the time of purchase and reassesses the appropriateness of the
classification at each reporting date. At March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006,
all
marketable securities held by the Company have been classified as
available-for-sale and, as a result, are stated at fair value, with unrealized
gains and losses on available-for-sale securities included as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets. Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities, as determined
on a
specific identification basis, are included in the accompanying consolidated
statements of earnings (See Note F).
F-11
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
8. Sales
of Restaurants
The
Company observes the provisions of SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real
Estate,” (“SFAS No. 66”) which establishes accounting standards for recognizing
profit or loss on sales of real estate. SFAS No. 66 provides for profit
recognition by the full accrual method, provided (a) the profit is determinable,
that is, the collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured or the
amount that will not be collectible can be estimated, and (b) the earnings
process is virtually complete, that is, the seller is not obliged to perform
significant activities after the sale to earn the profit. Unless both conditions
exist, recognition of all or part of the profit shall be postponed and other
methods of profit recognition shall be followed. In accordance with SFAS No.
66,
the Company recognizes profit on sales of restaurants under the full accrual
method, the installment method and the deposit method, depending on the specific
terms of each sale. The Company records depreciation expense on the property
subject to the sales contracts that are accounted for under the deposit method
and records any principal payments received as a deposit until such time that
the transaction meets the sales criteria of SFAS No. 66.
As
of
March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, the Company had deferred gains, included
in
other liabilities, on the sales of restaurants, which are accounted for under
the installment method, of $34 and $145, respectively. Installment gains
recognized in earnings for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26,
2006
and March 27, 2005 were $29, $51 and $73, respectively.
9. Property
and Equipment
Property
and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Major improvements are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are
calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated
useful life or the lease term of the related asset. The estimated useful lives
are as follows:
Building
and improvements
|
5
-
25 years
|
Machinery,
equipment, furniture and fixtures
|
3
-
15 years
|
Leasehold
improvements
|
5
-
20 years
|
10. Goodwill
and Intangible Assets
Intangible
assets primarily consist of (i) goodwill of $95 resulting from the acquisition
of Nathan’s in 1987; (ii) trademarks, trade names and franchise rights of $427
in connection with Roasters, (iii) trademarks, trade names and franchise rights
of $1,847 in connection with Miami Subs and (iv) trademarks, trade names and
other intellectual property of $1,354 primarily in connection with Arthur
Treachers (See Note C).
F-12
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
The
table
below presents amortized and unamortized intangible assets as of March 25,
2007
and March 26, 2006:
March
25, 2007
|
March
26, 2006
|
||||||||||||||||||
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
||||||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Accumulated
|
Carrying
|
Carrying
|
Accumulated
|
Carrying
|
||||||||||||||
Amount
|
Amortization
|
Amount
|
Amount
|
Amortization
|
Amount
|
||||||||||||||
Amortized
intangible assets:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Royalty
streams
|
$
|
4,259
|
$
|
(2,053
|
)
|
$
|
2,206
|
$
|
4,259
|
$
|
(1,792
|
)
|
$
|
2,467
|
|||||
Favorable
leases
|
115
|
(115
|
)
|
-
|
285
|
(285
|
)
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Other
|
6
|
(4
|
)
|
2
|
6
|
(3
|
)
|
3
|
|||||||||||
$
|
4,380
|
$
|
(2,172
|
)
|
$
|
2,208
|
$
|
4,550
|
$
|
(2,080
|
)
|
$
|
2,470
|
||||||
Unamortized
intangible assets:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Trademarks
and tradenames
|
1,420
|
1,414
|
|||||||||||||||||
$
|
3,628
|
$
|
3,884
|
||||||||||||||||
Goodwill
|
$
|
95
|
$
|
95
|
As
of
March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, the Company has performed its required annual
impairment test of goodwill and other intangible assets, and has determined
no
impairment is deemed to exist.
Total
amortization expense for intangible assets was $262, $262 and $263 for the
fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005. The
Company estimates future annual amortization expense of approximately $262 per
year for each of the next five years.
11.
Long-lived
Assets
Long-lived
assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment is measured
by
comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets to the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from use of the assets and
their ultimate disposition. In instances where impairment is determined to
exist, the Company writes down the asset to its fair value based on the present
value of estimated future cash flows.
Impairment
losses are recorded on long-lived assets on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis
whenever impairment factors are determined to be present. The Company considers
a history of restaurant operating losses to be its primary indicator of
potential impairment for individual restaurant locations. No units were deemed
impaired during the fiscal years, ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and
March
27, 2005.
F-13
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
12. Self-Insurance
The
Company is self-insured for portions of its general liability coverage. As
part
of Nathan's risk management strategy, its insurance programs include deductibles
for each incident and in the aggregate for a policy year. As such, Nathan's
accrues estimates of its ultimate self-insurance costs throughout the policy
year. These estimates have been developed based upon Nathan's historical trends,
however, the final cost of many of these claims may not be known for five years
or longer. Accordingly, Nathan's annual self-insurance costs may be subject
to
adjustment from previous estimates as facts and circumstances change. The
self-insurance accruals at March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006 were
$197 and
$281,
respectively and are included in "accrued expenses and other current
liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
During
the fifty-two weeks ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005,
the
Company reversed approximately $53, $55, and $71 respectively, of previously
recorded insurance accruals to reflect the revised estimated cost of
claims.
13. Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts
receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term
maturities of the instruments. The carrying amounts of the capital lease
obligation and notes receivable approximate their fair values as the current
interest rates on such instruments approximates current market interest rates
on
similar instruments.
14.
Stock-Based
Compensation
At
March
25, 2007, The Company had several stock-based employee compensation plans in
effect which are more fully described in Note K.
As
of the
beginning of fiscal 2007, Nathan’s adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-based Payment”,
(“SFAS No. 123R”) using the modified prospective method. SFAS No. 123R replaces
SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,("SFAS No. 123”) and
supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees” (“APB
No.
25”). SFAS No. 123R requires the cost of all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values measured at the grant date, or the date
of
later modification, over the requisite service period. In addition, under the
modified prospective approach, SFAS No. 123R requires unrecognized cost (based
on the amounts previously disclosed in pro forma footnote disclosures) related
to awards vesting after the date of initial adoption to be recognized by the
Company in the financial statements over the remaining requisite service period.
Therefore, the amount of compensation costs to be recognized over the requisite
service period on a prospective basis after March 26, 2006 includes:
(i) previously unrecognized compensation cost for all share-based payments
granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, March 26, 2006 based on their fair
values measured at the grant date, (ii) compensation cost of all
share-based payments granted subsequent to March 26, 2006 based on their
respective grant date fair value, and (iii) the incremental fair value of
awards modified subsequent to March 26, 2006 measured as of the date of such
modification.
F-14
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
When
recording compensation cost for equity awards, SFAS No. 123R requires companies
to estimate at the date of grant the number of equity awards granted that are
expected to be forfeited and to subsequently
adjust the estimated forfeitures to reflect actual forfeitures.
For
tax
purposes, Nathan’s expects to be entitled to a tax deduction, subject to certain
limitations, based on the fair value of the underlying equity award when the
stock options vest or are exercised. SFAS No. 123R requires that compensation
cost be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value measured
at the grant date, or the date of later modification, over the requisite service
period. The cumulative compensation cost recognized for equity awards pursuant
to SFAS No. 123R and amounts that ultimately will be deductible for tax purposes
are temporary differences as prescribed by SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income
Taxes”. The tax effect of compensation deductions for tax purposes in excess of
compensation cost recognized in the financial statements, if any, will be
recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital when realized. A deferred
tax asset recorded for compensation cost recognized in the financial statements
that exceeds the amount that is ultimately realized on the tax return, if any,
will be charged to income tax expense when the stock options vest or are
exercised or expire unless we have an available additional paid-in capital
pool,
as defined pursuant to SFAS No. 123R (“APIC Pool”). Nathan’s is required to
assess whether there is an available APIC Pool when the restrictions lapse
or
stock options are exercised or expire.
SFAS
No.
123R also amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows,” to require companies to
change the classification in the statement of cash flows of any tax benefits
realized upon the exercise of stock options or issuance of non-vested share
unit
awards in excess of that which is associated with the expense recognized for
financial reporting purposes. These amounts are required to be reported as
a
financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of income taxes paid in
operating cash flows.
In
October 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123R-2, "Practical
Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defined in FASB SFAS No.
123R.” As a practical accommodation, in determining the grant date of an
award subject to SFAS No. 123R, assuming all other criteria in the grant date
definition have been met, a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions
of an award to an individual employee shall be presumed to exist at the date
the
award is approved in accordance with the relevant corporate governance
requirements if both of the following conditions are met: (a) the award is
a
unilateral grant and, therefore, the recipient does not have the ability to
negotiate the key terms and conditions of the award with the employer; and
(b)
the key terms and conditions of the award are expected to be communicated to
an
individual recipient within a relatively short time period from the date of
approval.
In
November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123R-3, "Transition
Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment
Awards." FAS 123R-3 provides that companies may elect to use a specified
alternative method to calculate the historical APIC Pool of excess tax benefits
available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
F-15
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
The
option to use the alternative method is available regardless of whether SFAS
No.
123R was adopted using the modified prospective or modified retrospective
application transition method, and whether it is has the ability to calculate
its pool of excess tax benefits in accordance with the guidance in paragraph
81
of SFAS No. 123R. This method only applies to awards that are fully vested
and
outstanding upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
The
adoption of these staff positions has not had a material impact on our financial
position or results of operations.
The
pre-tax share-based compensation expense recognized pursuant to the adoption
of
SFAS No. 123R for the year ended March 25, 2007 was $295. The incremental
share-based compensation expense resulted in a decrease to income before income
taxes of $295, a decrease to net income of $175 and a decrease to basic and
diluted income per share of $0.03 for the year ended March 25, 2007. Total
share-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123R, including
the
incremental pre-tax share-based compensation expense above, was $367, with
an
associated tax benefit of $148, and was included in general and administrative
expense in our accompanying consolidated statement of earnings for the year
ended March 25, 2007.
As
of
March 25, 2007, there was $1,045 of unamortized compensation expense related
to
stock options. We expect to recognize this expense over a period of 4.25 years,
which represents the requisite service period for such awards.
During
the year ended March 25, 2007, the Company granted 197,500 options having an
exercise price of $13.08 per share. All of the options granted will be vested
as
follows: 20% on the first anniversary of the grant, 40% on the second
anniversary of the grant, 60% on the third anniversary of the grant, 80% on
the
fourth anniversary of the grant and 100% on the fifth anniversary of the grant.
All options have an expiration date of ten years from the date of grant. No
options were granted during the year ended March 26, 2006. During the year
ended
March 27, 2005, the company granted options having an exercise price of $5.62
per share. These options vest over a three year period.
The
weighted-average option fair values, as determined using the Black-Scholes
option valuation model, and the assumptions used to estimate these values for
stock options granted during the years ended March 25, 2007 and March 27, 2005
are as follows:
March
25, 2007
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||||
Weighted-average
grant-date option fair values
|
$
|
6.1686
|
$
|
2.87
|
|||
Expected
life (years)
|
7.0
|
7.0
|
|||||
Interest
rate
|
5.21
|
%
|
4.50
|
%
|
|||
Volatility
|
34.33
|
%
|
29.90
|
%
|
|||
Dividend
yield
|
0
|
%
|
0
|
%
|
F-16
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
Prior
to
March 26, 2006, Nathan’s accounted for share-based compensation plans in
accordance with the provisions of APB No. 25, as permitted by SFAS No. 123,
and
accordingly, did not recognize compensation expense for stock options with
an
exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying
stock
at the date of grant.
The
following table illustrates the effect on net income and income per
share had the fair value-based method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, been
applied to stock-based employee compensation during the years ended March 26,
2006 and March 27, 2005.
March
26,
|
|
March
27,
|
|
||||
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|||
Net
income, as reported
|
$
|
5,677
|
$
|
2,737
|
|||
Add:
Stock-based compensation included in
|
|||||||
net
income
|
44
|
49
|
|||||
Deduct:
Total stock-based employee
|
|||||||
compensation
expense determined
|
|||||||
under
fair value-based method
|
|||||||
for
all awards
|
(132
|
)
|
(171
|
)
|
|||
Pro
forma net income
|
$
|
5,589
|
$
|
2,615
|
|||
Net
income per Share
|
|||||||
Basic
- as reported
|
$
|
1.02
|
$
|
0.52
|
|||
Diluted
- as reported
|
$
|
0.87
|
$
|
0.45
|
|||
Basic
- pro forma
|
$
|
1.00
|
$
|
0.49
|
|||
$
|
0.85
|
$
|
0.43
|
15. Start-up
Costs
Pre-opening
and similar costs are expensed as incurred.
16. Revenue
Recognition - Branded Products Operations
The
Company recognizes revenue from the Branded Product Program when it is
determined that the products have been delivered via third party common carrier
to Nathans’ customers. Rebates provided to customers are classified as a
reduction of revenues.
17. Revenue
Recognition - Company-owned Restaurants
Sales
by
Company-owned restaurants, which are typically paid in cash by the customer,
are
recognized upon the performance of services.
F-17
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006, and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
18.
Revenue Recognition - Franchising Operations
In
connection with its franchising operations, the Company receives initial
franchise fees, development fees, royalties, and in certain cases, revenue
from
sub-leasing restaurant properties to franchisees.
Franchise
and area development fees, which are typically received prior to completion
of
the revenue recognition process, are initially recorded as deferred revenue.
Initial franchise fees, which are non-refundable, are initially recognized
as
income when substantially all services to be performed by Nathan’s and
conditions relating to the sale of the franchise have been performed or
satisfied, which generally occurs when the franchised restaurant commences
operations.
The
following services are typically provided by the Company prior to the opening
of
a franchised restaurant:
·
|
Approval
of all site selections to be
developed.
|
·
|
Provision
of architectural plans suitable for restaurants to be
developed.
|
·
|
Assistance
in establishing building design specifications, reviewing construction
compliance and equipping the
restaurant.
|
·
|
Provision
of appropriate menus to coordinate with the restaurant design and
location
to be developed.
|
·
|
Provide
management training for the new franchisee and selected
staff.
|
·
|
Assistance
with the initial operations of restaurants being
developed.
|
At
March
25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, $375 and $219, respectively, of deferred franchise
fees are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For the
fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005, the
Company earned franchise fees from new unit openings, transfers and co-branding
of $642,
$665 and
$605, respectively.
Development
fees are nonrefundable and the related agreements require the franchisee to
open
a specified number of restaurants in the development area within a specified
time period or the agreements may be canceled by the Company. Revenue from
development agreements is deferred and recognized as restaurants in the
development area commence operations on a pro rata basis to the
minimum number of restaurants required to be open, or at the time the
development agreement is effectively canceled. At March 25, 2007 and March
26,
2006, $306 and $242, respectively, of deferred development fee revenue is
included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
F-18
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
The
following is a summary of franchise openings and closings for the fiscal years
ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005:
March
25,
2007
|
March
26, 2006
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||||||
Franchised
restaurants operating at the beginning of the period
|
362
|
355
|
338
|
|||||||
New
franchised restaurants opened during the period
|
21
|
30
|
39
|
|||||||
Franchised
restaurants closed during the period
|
(26
|
)
|
(23
|
)
|
(22
|
)
|
||||
Franchised
restaurants operating at the end of the period
|
357
|
362
|
355
|
The
Company recognizes franchise royalties, which are generally based upon a
percentage of sales made by the Company’s franchisees, when they are earned and
deemed collectible. Franchise fees and royalties that are not deemed to be
collectible are not recognized as revenue until paid by the franchisee or until
collectibility is deemed to be reasonably assured. Revenue from sub-leasing
properties to franchisees is recognized in income as the revenue is earned
and
becomes receivable and deemed collectible. Sub-lease rental income is presented
net of associated lease costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.
19.
Revenue Recognition - License Royalties
The
Company earns revenue from royalties on the licensing of the use of its name
on
certain products produced and sold by outside vendors. The use of the Company
name and symbols must be approved by the Company prior to each specific
application to ensure proper quality and project a consistent image. Revenue
from license royalties is recognized when it is earned and deemed
collectible.
20. Interest
Income
Interest
income is recorded when it is earned and deemed realizable by the
Company.
F-19
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
21. Other
income
The
Company recognizes gains on the sale of fixed assets under the full accrual
method, installment method or deposit method in accordance with provisions
of
SFAS No. 66 (See Note B-8).
Deferred
revenue associated with supplier contracts is generally amortized into income
on
a straight-line basis over the life of the contract.
Other
income for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March
27,
2005
consists
of the following:
March
25,
2007
|
March
26, 2006
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||||||
Gain
on disposal of fixed assets
|
$
|
29
|
$
|
66
|
$
|
84
|
||||
Gain (loss) on subleasing of rental properties | (35 | ) | 90 | (29 | ) | |||||
Amortization
of supplier contributions
|
107
|
361
|
407
|
|||||||
Other
income
|
142
|
134
|
105
|
|||||||
$
|
243
|
$
|
651
|
$
|
567
|
22. Business
Concentrations and Geographical Information
The
Company’s accounts receivable consist principally of receivables from
franchisees for royalties and advertising contributions, from sales under the
Branded Product Program, and for royalties from retail licensees. At March
25,
2007, one retail licensee, one Branded Product customer and one franchisee,
each
represented 12%, 12% and 11% respectively of accounts receivable. At March
26,
2006, one retail licensee, one Branded Products distributor and one franchisee
each represented 12%, 11% and 10% respectively of accounts receivable. No
franchisee, retail licensee or Branded Product customer accounted for 10% or
more of revenues during the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006
and March 27, 2005.
F-20
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
The
Company’s primary supplier of frankfurters represented 74%,
77% and
66% of product purchases for the fiscal years ended March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005, respectively.
The Company’s distributor of product to its Company-owned restaurants
represented 16%,
13%, and
24% of product purchases for the fiscal years ended March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005, respectively.
The
Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and
March 27, 2005 were derived from the following geographic areas:
March
25,
2007
|
March
26, 2006
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||||||
Domestic
(United States)
|
$
|
44,499
|
$
|
39,871
|
$
|
33,081
|
||||
Non-domestic
|
1,231
|
1,378
|
1,118
|
|||||||
$
|
45,730
|
$
|
41,249
|
$
|
34,199
|
23. Advertising
The
Company administers various advertising funds on behalf of its subsidiaries
and
franchisees to coordinate the marketing efforts of the Company. Under these
arrangements, the Company collects and disburses fees paid by franchisees and
Company-owned stores for national and regional advertising, promotional and
public relations programs. Contributions to the advertising funds are based
on
specified percentages of net sales, generally ranging up to 3%.
Net
Company-owned store advertising expense was $184, $194, and $242, for the fiscal
years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005,
respectively.
24. Classification
of Operating Expenses
Cost
of
sales consists of the following:
·
|
The
cost of products sold by the Company-operated restaurants, through
the
Branded Product Program and other distribution channels.
|
·
|
The
cost of labor and associated costs of in-store restaurant management
and
crew.
|
·
|
The
cost of paper products used in Company-operated restaurants.
|
·
|
Other
direct costs such as fulfillment, commissions, freight and samples.
|
F-21
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
Restaurant
operating expenses consist of the following:
·
|
Occupancy
costs of Company-operated restaurants.
|
·
|
Utility
costs of Company-operated restaurants.
|
·
|
Repair
and maintenance expenses of the Company-operated restaurant facilities.
|
·
|
Marketing
and advertising expenses done locally and contributions to advertising
funds for Company-operated restaurants.
|
·
|
Insurance
costs directly related to Company-operated restaurants.
|
25. Income
Taxes
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating
loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
year
in which
those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation
allowance has been established to reduce deferred tax assets attributable to
net
operating losses and credits of Miami Subs to net realizable value.
26. Reclassifications
Certain
prior years’ balances have been reclassified to conform with current year
presentation.
27. Recently
Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In
July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB
Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” ("FIN
No. 48,") which clarifies the accounting and disclosures for uncertainty
in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance
with
SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FIN No. 48 also provides
guidance on the de-recognition of uncertain tax positions, financial
statement classification, accounting for interest and penalties,
accounting for interim periods and adds new disclosure requirements.
FIN
No. 48, as amended and interpreted is effective for fiscal years
beginning
after December 15, 2006,
which is our fiscal 2008.
We are evaluating the impact the adoption of FIN No. 48 will have
on our
consolidated financial statements.
|
In,
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value
Measurements”,
(“SFAS
No. 157,”) to eliminate the diversity in practice that exists due to the
different definitions of fair value. SFAS No. 157 retains the exchange price
notion in earlier definitions of fair value, but clarifies that the exchange
price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to
sell
an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the
asset
or liability. SFAS No. 157 states that the transaction is hypothetical at the
measurement date, considered from the perspective of the market participant
who
holds the asset or liability. As such, fair value is defined as the price that
would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price),
as opposed to the price that would be paid
to
acquire the asset or received to assume the liability at the measurement date
(an entry price). SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. We are evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 157
will have on our consolidated financial statements.
F-22
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement
No. 115”, (“SFAS
No. 159,”). This
standard amends SFAS No.115, “Accounting for Certain Investment in Debt and
Equity Securities”, with respect to accounting for a transfer to the trading
category for all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities
electing the fair value option. This standard allows companies to elect fair
value accounting for many financial instruments and other items that currently
are not required to be accounted as such, allows different applications for
electing the option for a single item
or
groups of items, and requires disclosures to facilitate comparisons of similar
assets and liabilities that are accounted for differently in relation to the
fair value option. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after November 15, 2007, which is our fiscal 2009. We are currently
evaluating the impact of SFAS No.159 on our consolidated financial position
and results of operations.
In
May
2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FIN 48-1,“Definition
of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48”,
an
amendment of FASB Interpretation FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes”, to clarify that a tax position is effectively settled for the
purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with
paragraph 10(b) of that Interpretation if (a) the taxing authority has completed
all of its required or expected examination procedures, (b) the enterprise
does
not intend to appeal or litigate any aspect of the tax position, and (c) it
is
considered remote that the taxing authority would reexamine the tax position.
FSP No. FIN 48-1 also conforms the terminology used in FIN No. 48 to describe
measurement and recognition to the conclusions reached in the FSP. FSP No.
FIN
48-1 is effective as of the same dates as FIN No. 48, with retrospective
application required for entities that have not applied FIN No. 48 in a manner
consistent with the provisions of the proposed FSP.
28.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In
November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs--an amendment of
ARB No.43” (“SFAS No.151”) which is the result of its efforts to converge U.S.
accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards.
SFAS No.151 requires idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, and wasted
material (spoilage) costs to be recognized as current-period charges. It also
requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of
conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS
No.151 was effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 has had no impact on the
Company’s financial position or results of operations.
F-23
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
B (continued)
In
June
2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections -
a replacement of APB Opinion No.20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“SFAS No.154”).
APB Opinion No. 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting
principles be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change
the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. SFAS No.
154
requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of
changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either
the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS No.
154
was effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 had no
impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In
June
2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ratified a consensus opinion
reached by the Emerging
Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF Issue 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers
and Remitted
to Governmental Authorities Should Be presented in the Income Statement (That
Is, Gross versus
Net Presentation).” The guidance in EITF Issue 06-3 requires disclosure in
interim and annual financial
statements of the amount of taxes on a gross basis, if significant, that are
assessed by a governmental
authority that are imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue producing
transaction
between a seller and customer such as sales, use, value added, and some excise
taxes. Additionally,
the income statement presentation (gross or net) of such taxes is an accounting
policy decision
that must be disclosed.
The
consensus in EITF Issue 06-3 is effective for the interim and annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted EITF Issue 06-3
effective in the fiscal year ended March 25, 2007. The adoption of EITF Issue
06-3 did not have an significant effect on its financial statements as it did
not change its existing accounting policy which is to present taxes within
the
scope of EITF Issue 06-3 on a net basis.
In
September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin
SAB No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when
Quantifying Misstatements
in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB No.108”).
SAB No. 108 provides interpretive
guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year
misstatements should
be
considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. SAB No. 108 requires
registrants to use
both
a balance sheet and income statement approach when evaluating and quantifying
the materiality
misstatement. The
adoption of SAB 108
had
no
impact on the Company’s financial position
or results of operations.
F-24
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
C - ACQUISITION
On
February 28, 2006, the Company acquired all trademarks and other intellectual
property relating to the Arthur Treacher’s brand from PAT Franchise Systems,
Inc. (“PFSI”) for $1,250 in cash plus related expenses of approximately $103 and
terminated its Co-Branding Agreement with PFSI. Since fiscal 2000, the Company
has successfully co-branded certain Arthur Treacher’s signature products in
Nathan’s franchise system. Based upon such co-branding success, the Company
acquired these assets to continue its co-branding efforts and seek new means
of
distribution.
The
Company simultaneously granted back to PFSI a limited license to use the Arthur
Treacher’s intellectual property solely for the purposes of: (a) continuing to
permit PFSI to operate its existing Arthur Treacher’s franchised restaurant
system (approximately 60 restaurants); and (b) PFSI granting rights to
third parties who wish to develop new traditional Arthur Treacher’s quick
service restaurants in Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, Washington D.C. and areas of Northern New York State (collectively,
the “PFSI Markets”). The Company also retained certain rights to sell franchises
for the operation of Arthur Treacher’s restaurants in certain circumstances
within the geographic scope of the PFSI Markets. PFSI has no obligation to
pay
fees or royalties to the Company in connection with its use of the Arthur
Treacher’s system within the PFSI Markets.
NF
Treacher’s Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary, was created for the purpose of
acquiring these assets. The acquired assets have been recorded as trademarks
and
trade names. No restaurants were acquired in this transaction. Results of
operations are included in these
consolidated financial statements since February 28, 2006.
The
following presents the proforma results of operations, which are not necessarily
indicative of the results that would have been attained, had the acquisition
actually taken place, as if the Company had owned these assets at the beginning
of each of the two prior years presented:
|
Fifty-two
|
|
Fifty-two
|
|
|||
|
|
weeks
ended
|
|
weeks
ended
|
|
||
|
|
March
26, 2006
|
|
March
27, 2005
|
|||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
41,385
|
$
|
34,354
|
|||
Income
from continuing operations
|
3,966
|
2,900
|
|||||
Net
income
|
$
|
5,762
|
$
|
2,837
|
|||
Basic
income per share:
|
|||||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
$
|
.71
|
$
|
.55
|
|||
Net
income
|
$
|
1.03
|
$
|
.53
|
|||
Diluted
income per share:
|
|||||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
$
|
.61
|
$
|
.48
|
|||
Net
income
|
$
|
.88
|
$
|
.47
|
F-25
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27,2005
NOTE
D - INCOME PER SHARE
Basic
income per common share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effects of stock
options or warrants. Diluted income per common share gives effect to all
potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period.
Dilutive common shares used in the computation of diluted income per common
share result from the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, using
the
treasury stock method.
The
following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating
the
per share amounts for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006
and
March 27, 2005, respectively:
Income
from
continuing operations
|
|
Shares
|
|
Income
per share
From
continuing operations
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
||||||||||||
Basic
EPS
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic
calculation
|
$
|
5,208
|
$
|
3,881
|
$
|
2,800
|
5,836,000
|
5,584,000
|
5,307,000
|
$
|
.89
|
$
|
.70
|
$
|
.53
|
|||||||||||||
Effect
of dilutive
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
employee
stock
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
options
and warrants
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
505,000
|
962,000
|
773,000
|
(.07
|
)
|
(.11
|
)
|
(.07
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Diluted
EPS
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted
calculation
|
$
|
5,208
|
$
|
3,881
|
$
|
2,800
|
6,341,000
|
6,546,000
|
6,080,000
|
$
|
.82
|
$
|
.59
|
$
|
.46
|
Options
and warrants to purchase 98,750, 19,500 and 367,939 shares of common stock
for
the years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005, respectively,
were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because
the
exercise prices exceeded the average market price of common shares during the
respective periods.
NOTE
E - NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Notes
and
accounts receivable, net, consist of the following:
March
25,
|
|
March
26,
|
|
||||
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|||
Notes
receivable, net of impairment charges (Note B-5)
|
$
|
120
|
$
|
182
|
|||
Franchise
and license royalties
|
1,627
|
1,681
|
|||||
Branded
product sales
|
1,675
|
1,573
|
|||||
Other
|
550
|
542
|
|||||
3,972
|
3,978
|
||||||
Less:
allowance for doubtful accounts
|
135
|
177
|
|||||
Less:
notes receivable due after one year
|
60
|
137
|
|||||
Notes
and accounts receivable, net
|
$
|
3,777
|
$
|
3,664
|
F-26
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
E
(continued)
Notes
receivable at March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006 resulted principally from sales
of restaurant businesses to Miami Sub’s franchisees and are generally guaranteed
by the purchaser and
collateralized by the restaurant businesses and assets sold. The purchase notes
are generally due in monthly installments of principal and interest with a
balloon payment at the end of the term, with interest rates ranging principally
between 5% and 10% (See Note B-5). At March 25, 2007 notes receivable also
included $68 for the repayment of certain past due royalties, which the Company
has agreed to finance and is deemed collectable. Interest has been imputed
on
this note at 7.75%.
Accounts
receivable are due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from
franchisees, retail licensees and Branded Product Program customers, net of
an
allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the
contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its
allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time
accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the
customer’s current and expected future ability to pay its obligation to the
Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole.
The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they are deemed to be
uncollectible.
Changes
in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the fiscal years ended
March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 are as follows:
March
25,
2007
|
March
26, 2006
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||||||
Beginning
balance
|
$
|
177
|
$
|
177
|
$
|
328
|
||||
Bad
debt (recoveries) expense
|
(6
|
)
|
10
|
13
|
||||||
Other
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
|||||||
Accounts
written off
|
(36
|
)
|
(10
|
)
|
(181
|
)
|
||||
Ending
balance
|
$
|
135
|
$
|
177
|
$
|
177
|
NOTE
F - MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The
cost,
gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair market value for
marketable securities, which consists entirely of bonds at March 25, 2007 and
March 26, 2006, are as follows:
Cost
|
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
|
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
|
Fair
Market
Value
|
||||||||||
2007:
|
|||||||||||||
Available-for-sale
securities
|
$
|
22,878
|
$
|
44
|
$
|
(137
|
)
|
$
|
22,785
|
||||
2006:
|
|||||||||||||
Available-for-sale
securities
|
$
|
17,176
|
$
|
5
|
$
|
(299
|
)
|
$
|
16,882
|
F-27
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
F (continued)
As
of
March 25, 2007, the bonds mature at various dates between July 2007 and
April
2017. The
following represents the bond maturities by period as follows:
Less
than
|
|
|
After
|
|||||||||||||
Fair
value of Bonds
|
Total
|
|
1
Year
|
|
1
-5 Years
|
|
5-10
Years
|
|
10
Years
|
|||||||
$
|
22,785
|
$
|
3,128
|
$
|
12,320
|
$
|
6,258
|
$
|
1,079
|
|||||||
Fair
value of bonds at March 26, 2006
|
$
|
16,882
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
10,052
|
$
|
6,830
|
$
|
-
|
Proceeds
from the sale of available-for-sale and trading securities and the resulting
gross realized gains and losses included in the determination of net income
are
as follows:
March
25, 2007
|
|
March
26, 2006
|
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||||
Available-for-sale
securities:
|
||||||||||
Proceeds
|
-
|
$
|
2,245
|
$
|
1,357
|
|||||
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||
Gross
realized losses
|
-
|
(2
|
)
|
-
|
The
change in net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities for
the
fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005,
respectively, of $120, $(94), and $(137), which is net of deferred income taxes,
have been included as a component of comprehensive income.
NOTE
G - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property
and equipment consists of the following:
March
25,
|
March
26,
|
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Land
|
$
|
1,094
|
$
|
1,094
|
|||
Building
and improvements
|
1,973
|
1,932
|
|||||
Machinery,
equipment, furniture and fixtures
|
5,478
|
5,355
|
|||||
Leasehold
improvements
|
3,800
|
4,377
|
|||||
Construction-in-progress
|
89
|
120
|
|||||
12,434
|
12,878
|
||||||
Less:
accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
8,164
|
8,310
|
|||||
$
|
4,270
|
$
|
4,568
|
F-28
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
G (continued)
Assets
under capital lease amounted to $48 at March 26, 2006 and were fully amortized
at that time. These assets were disposed of during the year ended March 25,
2007. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $791,
$812, and $918 for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006, and
March 27, 2005, respectively.
1. Sale
of Restaurant
During
the year ended March 26, 2006, the Company sold one Company-owned restaurant
that it had previously leased to the operator pursuant to a management agreement
for total cash consideration of $515 and entered into a franchise agreement
with
the buyer to continue operating the restaurant. As the Company expects to have
a
continuing stream of cash flows from this restaurant, the results of operations
for this restaurant are included in “Income from continuing operations” in the
accompanying consolidated statements of earnings through the date of sale.
2. Discontinued
Operations
The
Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No.144"), related to the accounting
and
reporting for segments of a business to be disposed of. In accordance with
SFAS
No. 144, the definition of discontinued operations includes components of an
entity whose cash flows are clearly identifiable. SFAS No. 144 requires the
Company to classify as discontinued operations any restaurant or property that
Nathan’s sells, abandons or otherwise disposes of where the Company will have no
further involvement in the operation of, or cash flows from, such restaurant's
operations.
On
January 26, 2006, two of Nathan’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a Lease
Termination Agreement with respect to three leased properties in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, with its landlord, and CVS 3285 FL, L.L.C., (“CVS”) to sell
our leasehold interests to CVS for $2,000. Pursuant to the Lease Termination
Agreement, within 180 days following delivery of notice from CVS to Nathan’s, we
are required to deliver the vacated properties to CVS. As the properties are
currently subject to certain sublease and management agreements between Nathan’s
and the current occupants, Nathan’s expects to make payments to, or forgive
indebtedness of, the current occupants of the properties and pay brokerage
commissions of approximately $500 in the aggregate. On November 30,
2006, CVS provided Nathan’s with notice that all necessary permits and approvals
have been obtained and that all contingencies have either been waiver or
satisfied. The property and equipment in connection with this property comprise
“assets available for sale” in the accompanying balance sheet. This transaction
was concluded on June 5, 2007.
F-29
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
G (continued)
As
described above, the Company has classified the results of operations of certain
restaurants and properties as discontinued operations in accordance with SFAS
No. 144. The following is a summary of the results of operations for these
properties for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March
27, 2005:
March
25, 2007
|
March
26, 2006
|
March
27, 2005
|
||||||||
Revenues
(excluding gains from sales of properties in 2007 and
2006)
|
$
|
166
|
$
|
31
|
$
|
327
|
||||
Income
(loss) before income taxes (including gains on disposal of $400 and
$2,919
for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 respectively)
|
$
|
557
|
$
|
2,942
|
$
|
(112
|
)
|
On
July
13, 2005, Nathan’s sold all of its right, title and interest in and to a vacant
real estate parcel previously utilized as a parking lot, adjacent to a
Company-owned restaurant, located in Brooklyn, New York, in exchange for a
cash
payment of $3,100. A gain of $2,819 was recognized into income during
the
year
ended March 26, 2006. Nathan’s also entered into an agreement pursuant to which
an affiliate of
the
buyer has assumed all of Nathan’s rights and obligations under a lease for an
adjacent property and had agreed to pay $500 to Nathan’s for its leasehold
interest on the earlier of (i) three years after closing or (ii) six months
after the closing of the adjacent property. On January 17, 2006, the adjacent
property was sold. The Company received $100 during fiscal 2006 and the
remaining balance of $400 was received in October 2006 and is included as a
gain
from discontinued operations during fiscal 2007. The operating expenses for
these properties have been included in discontinued operations as the Company
has no continuing involvement in the operation of, or cash flows from, these
properties.
During
the fiscal year ended March 27, 2005, the Company ceased the operations of
one
Company-owned restaurant pursuant to the termination of the lease and
notification by the landlord not to renew. The results of operations for this
restaurant have been included in discontinued operations for the fiscal year
ended March 27, 2005, as the Company has no continuing involvement in the
operation of, or cash flows from, this restaurant.
F-30
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
H - ACCRUED EXPENSES, OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES AND OTHER
LIABILITIES
Accrued
expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
March
25,
|
March
26,
|
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Payroll
and other benefits
|
$
|
1,940
|
$
|
1,891
|
|||
Accrued
operating expenses
|
1,107
|
483
|
|||||
Professional
and legal costs
|
321
|
391
|
|||||
Self-insurance
costs
|
197
|
281
|
|||||
Rent,
occupancy and lease reserve termination costs
|
349
|
379
|
|||||
Taxes
payable
|
1,126
|
782
|
|||||
Unexpended
advertising funds
|
924
|
789
|
|||||
Deferred
revenue
|
255
|
200
|
|||||
Other
|
419
|
410
|
|||||
$
|
6,638
|
$
|
5,606
|
Other
liabilities consists of the following:
March
25,
2007
|
March
26, 2006 |
||||||
Deferred
income - supplier contracts
|
$
|
615
|
$
|
682
|
|||
Deferred
development fees
|
306
|
242
|
|||||
Deferred
gain on sales of fixed assets
|
35
|
145
|
|||||
Deferred
rental liability
|
158
|
250
|
|||||
Deferred
income - other
|
45
|
8
|
|||||
Tenant’s
security deposits on subleased property
|
91
|
93
|
|||||
$
|
1,250
|
$
|
1,420
|
Lease
Reserve Termination Costs
In
connection with the Company’s acquisition of Miami Subs in fiscal 2000, Nathan’s
planned to permanently close 18 under-performing Company-owned restaurants;
Nathan’s expected to abandon or sell the related assets at amounts below the
historical carrying amounts recorded by Miami Subs. In accordance with APB
No.
16 “Business Combinations”, the write-down of these assets was reflected as part
of the purchase price allocation. The Company has closed or sold all 18 units.
As of March 25, 2007, the Company has recorded cumulative charges to operations
of approximately $1,461 ($877 after tax) for lease reserves and termination
costs in connection with these properties.
F-31
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
H (continued)
Changes
in the Company’s reserve for lease termination costs are as
follows:
March
25, 2007
|
March
26,
2006
|
March
27,
2005
|
||||||||
Beginning
balance
|
$
|
198
|
$
|
198
|
$
|
532
|
||||
Additions
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Payments
|
-
|
-
|
(334
|
)
|
||||||
Ending
balance
|
$
|
207
|
$
|
198
|
$
|
198
|
NOTE
I - INDEBTEDNESS
A
summary
of the capitalized lease obligation is as follows:
March
25,
2007
|
|
March
26,
2006
|
|||||
Capital
lease obligation
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
39
|
|||
Less
current portion
|
-
|
(8
|
)
|
||||
Long-term
portion
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
31
|
On
July
5, 2006,
Nathan’s entered into an agreement with its landlord to terminate its lease of
the property and fully satisfied its capital lease obligation.
On
January 13, 2006, Nathan’s prepaid the balance of its outstanding bank loan
payable in the amount of $694.
The
Company maintains a $7,500 line of credit with its primary banking institution.
Borrowings under the line of credit are intended to be used to meet the normal
short-term working capital needs of the Company. The line of credit is not
a
commitment and, therefore, credit availability is subject to ongoing approval.
The line of credit expires on October 1, 2007, and bears interest at the prime
rate (8.25% at March 25, 2007). There were no borrowings outstanding under
this
line of credit as of March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006.
F-32
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
J - INCOME TAXES
Income
tax provision (benefit) consists of the following for the fiscal years ended
March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006, and March 27, 2005:
March
25, 2007
|
March
26,
2006
|
March
27,
2005
|
||||||||
Federal
|
||||||||||
Current
|
$
|
2,343
|
$
|
1,649
|
$
|
605
|
||||
Deferred
|
(153
|
)
|
148
|
611
|
||||||
2,190
|
1,797
|
1,216
|
||||||||
State
and local
|
||||||||||
Current
|
754
|
491
|
271
|
|||||||
Deferred
|
(27
|
)
|
27
|
37
|
||||||
|
727 |
518
|
308
|
|||||||
$
|
2,917
|
$
|
2,315
|
$
|
1,524
|
Total
income tax provision (benefit) for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March
26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 differs from the amounts computed by applying the
United States Federal income tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes
as a
result of the following:
March
25, 2007
|
March
26,
2006
|
March
27,
2005
|
||||||||
Computed
“expected” tax expense
|
$
|
2,763
|
$
|
2,107
|
$
|
1,470
|
||||
Nondeductible
amortization
|
37
|
37
|
37
|
|||||||
State
and local income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit
|
293
|
336
|
170
|
|||||||
Tax-exempt
investment earnings
|
(220
|
)
|
(150
|
)
|
(66
|
)
|
||||
Tax
refunds received
|
-
|
-
|
(81
|
)
|
||||||
Nondeductible
meals and entertainment and other
|
(44
|
)
|
(15
|
)
|
(6
|
)
|
||||
$
|
2,917
|
$
|
2,315
|
$
|
1,524
|
F-33
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
J (continued)
The
tax
effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of
the
deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented
below:
March
25,
|
March
26,
|
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Deferred
tax assets
|
|||||||
Accrued
expenses
|
$
|
796
|
$
|
775
|
|||
Allowance
for doubtful accounts
|
54
|
71
|
|||||
Impairment
of notes receivable
|
666
|
672
|
|||||
Deferred
revenue
|
631
|
436
|
|||||
Depreciation
expense and impairment of long-lived assets
|
873
|
757
|
|||||
Expenses
not deductible until paid
|
79
|
112
|
|||||
Deferred
Stock Compensation
|
118
|
-
|
|||||
Amortization
of intangibles
|
129
|
159
|
|||||
Net
operating loss and other carryforwards
|
155
|
346
|
|||||
Unrealized
loss on marketable securities
|
29
|
110
|
|||||
Excess
of straight line over actual rent
|
85
|
100
|
|||||
Other
|
12
|
12
|
|||||
Total
gross deferred tax assets
|
$
|
3,627
|
$
|
3,550
|
|||
Deferred
tax liabilities
|
|||||||
Difference
in tax bases of installment gains not yet recognized
|
205
|
184
|
|||||
Deductible
prepaid expense
|
165
|
120
|
|||||
Other
|
154
|
52
|
|||||
Total
gross deferred tax liabilities
|
524
|
356
|
|||||
Net
deferred tax asset
|
3,103
|
3,194
|
|||||
Less
valuation allowance
|
(155
|
)
|
(346
|
)
|
|||
$
|
2,948
|
$
|
2,848
|
||||
Less
current portion
|
(1,471
|
)
|
(1,364
|
)
|
|||
Long-term
portion
|
$
|
1,477
|
$
|
1,484
|
A
valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some
portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Based upon
anticipated taxable income, Management believes that it is more likely than
not
that the Company will realize the benefit of this net deferred tax asset of
$2,948 and $2,848 at March 25, 2007 and March 26, 2006, respectively. The
Company has State net operating loss carryforwards of approximately
$4,275 in
certain state tax jurisdictions expiring in varying amounts during fiscal years
2020 through 2025. A valuation allowance has been provided for these net
operating loss carryforwards.
F-34
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
PLANS
1.
Stock
Option Plans
On
December 15, 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Stock Option Plan (the “1992
Plan”), which provides for the issuance of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) to
officers and key employees and nonqualified stock options to directors, officers
and key employees. Up to 525,000 shares of common stock have been reserved
for
issuance under the 1992 Plan. The terms of the options are generally ten years,
except for ISOs granted to any employee who prior to the granting of the option
owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting rights, for which the option
term will be five years. The exercise price for nonqualified stock options
outstanding under the 1992 Plan can be no less than the fair market value,
as
defined, of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. For ISOs, the
exercise price can generally be no less than the fair market value of the
Company’s common stock at the date of grant, with the exception of any employee
who prior to the granting of the
option owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting rights, for which
the
exercise price can be no less than 110% of fair market value of the Company’s
common stock at the date of grant. The 1992 Plan expired with respect to the
granting of new options on December 2, 2002.
On
May
24, 1994, the Company adopted the Outside Director Stock Option Plan (the
“Directors’ Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock
options to non-employee directors, as defined, of the Company. Under the
Directors’ Plan, 200,000 shares of common stock have been authorized and issued.
Options awarded to each non-employee director are fully vested, subject to
forfeiture under certain conditions and shall be exercisable upon vesting.
The
terms of the options are generally ten years. The Directors’ Plan expired with
respect to the granting of new options on December 31, 2004. As of March 25,
2007, there are no options outstanding under this plan.
In
April
1998, the Company adopted the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the
“1998 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options to
directors, officers and key employees. Up to 500,000 shares of common stock
have
been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the 1998
Plan.
The
terms
of the options are generally ten years. As of March 25, 2007, no shares are
available to be issued in the future under this plan.
F-35
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K (continued)
In
June
2001, the Company adopted the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan (the
“2001 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options to
directors, officers and key employees. Up to 350,000 shares of common stock
have
been reserved for issuance upon the Nathan’s
exercise
of options granted and for future issuance in connection with awards under
the
2001 Plan. The terms of the options are generally ten years. As of March 25,
2007, there are 3,500 shares available to be issued in the future under this
plan.
In
June
2002, the Company adopted the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan
(the “2002 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options
or restricted stock awards to directors, officers and key employees. Up to
300,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance in connection
with awards under the 2002 Plan. The terms of the options are generally ten
years. As of March 25, 2007, there are 2,500 shares available to be issued
in
the future under this plan.
The
1998
Plan, the 2001 Plan and the 2002 Plan expire on April 5, 2008, June 13, 2011
and
June 17, 2012, respectively, unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors
under conditions specified in the respective Plan.
On
October 1, 1999, the Company issued 478,584 stock options to employees of Miami
Subs to replace 957,168 of previously issued Miami Subs options pursuant to
the
acquisition by Nathan’s and issued 47,006 new options. All options were fully
vested upon consummation of the merger. Exercise prices range from a low of
$3.1875 to a high of $18.6120 per share and expire at various times through
September 30, 2009.
During
the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005,
308,784, 160,082 and 237,640 stock options were exercised which aggregated
proceeds of $722, $642 and $530, respectively, to the Company.
In
general, our stock incentive plans have terms of ten years and vest over periods
of between three and five years. We have historically issued new shares of
common stock for options that have been exercised and determined the grant
date
fair value of options and warrants granted using the Black-Scholes option
valuation model.
2.
Warrants
On
July
17, 1997, the Company granted to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer a
warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise
price of $3.25 per share, representing the market price of the Company’s common
stock on the date of grant. The shares vested at a rate of 25% per annum
commencing July 17, 1998 and the warrant expires in July 2007.
F-36
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K (continued)
A
summary
of the status of the Company’s stock options and warrants at March 25, 2007,
March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 and changes during the fiscal years then
ended
is presented in the tables below:
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
average
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
exercise
|
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
||||||
|
|
Shares
|
|
price
|
|
Shares
|
|
price
|
|
Shares
|
|
price
|
|||||||
Options
outstanding - beginning of
year
|
1,332,024
|
$
|
3.78
|
1,494,796
|
$
|
3.81
|
1,778,686
|
$
|
3.91
|
||||||||||
Granted
|
197,500
|
13.08
|
-
|
-
|
95,000
|
5.62
|
|||||||||||||
Expired
|
(4,000
|
)
|
6.20
|
(2,690
|
)
|
9.09
|
(141,250
|
)
|
7.22
|
||||||||||
Exercised
|
(353,216
|
)
|
3.69
|
(160,082
|
)
|
4.01
|
(237,640
|
)
|
4.08
|
||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Options
outstanding - end of year
|
1,172,308
|
$
|
5.21
|
1,332,024
|
$
|
3.78
|
1,494,796
|
$
|
3.81
|
||||||||||
Options
exercisable - end of year
|
943,141
|
$
|
3.48
|
1,247,025
|
$
|
-
|
1,322,629
|
$
|
-
|
||||||||||
Weighted-average
fair value of
|
|||||||||||||||||||
options
granted
|
$
|
6.16
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
2.87
|
|||||||||||||
Warrants
outstanding - beginning of
year
|
150,000
|
$
|
3.25
|
168,750
|
$
|
4.73
|
168,750
|
$
|
4.73
|
||||||||||
Expired
|
-
|
-
|
(18,750
|
)
|
16.55
|
_
|
|||||||||||||
Warrants
outstanding - end of year
|
150,000
|
$
|
3.25
|
150,000
|
$
|
3.25
|
168,750
|
$
|
4.73
|
||||||||||
Warrants
exercisable - end of year
|
150,000
|
$
|
3.25
|
150,000
|
$
|
3.25
|
168,750
|
$
|
4.73
|
At
March
25, 2007, 6,000 common shares were reserved for future restricted stock or
stock
option grants, as detailed above.
The
aggregate intrinsic values of the stock options exercised during the fiscal
years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005 are $2,658, $1,015
and $420 respectively.
F-37
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K (continued)
The
following table summarizes information about stock options and warrants at
March
25, 2007:
Weighted-
|
|
Weighted-
Average
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
Remaining
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Contractual
|
|
Intrinsic
|
|
||||
|
|
Shares
|
Price
|
Life
|
Value
|
||||||||
Options
outstanding at March 25, 2007
|
1,172,308
|
$
|
5.21
|
4.3
|
$
|
10,839,000
|
|||||||
Options
exercisable at March 25, 2007
|
943,141
|
$
|
3.48
|
3.2
|
$
|
10,287,000
|
|||||||
Warrants
outstanding at March 25, 2007
|
150,000
|
$
|
3.25
|
0.3
|
$
|
1,682,000
|
|||||||
Warrants
exercisable at March 25, 2007
|
150,000
|
$
|
3.25
|
0.3
|
$
|
1,682,000
|
|||||||
Exercise
prices ranges from $3.19 to $13.08
|
3. Common
Stock Purchase Rights
On
June
20, 1995, the Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one common
stock purchase right (the “Rights”) for each outstanding share of Common Stock
of the Company. The distribution was paid on June 20, 1995 to the shareholders
of record on June 20, 1995. The terms of the Rights were amended on April 6,
1998 and December 8, 1999. Each Right, as amended, entitles the registered
holder thereof to purchase from the Company one share of the Common Stock at
a
price of $4.00 per share (the “Purchase Price”), subject to adjustment for
anti-dilution. New Common Stock certificates issued after June 20, 1995 upon
transfer or new issuance of the Common Stock will contain a notation
incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference.
The
Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Distribution Date
is
the earlier to occur of (i) ten days following a public announcement that a
person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an “Acquiring Person”)
acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or
more
of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock, as amended, or (ii) ten business
days (or such later date as may be determined by action of the Board of
Directors prior to such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person)
following the commencement, or announcement of an intention to make a tender
offer or exchange offer by a person (other than the Company, any wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company or certain employee benefit plans) which, if
consummated, would result in such person becoming an Acquiring Person. The
Rights were set to expire on June 19, 2005. On June 15, 2005, The Board of
Directors approved an extension of the Rights through June 19, 2010, unless
earlier redeemed by the Company under essentially the same terms and conditions.
F-38
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K (continued)
At
any
time prior to the time at which a person or group or affiliated or associated
persons has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding
shares of the Common Stock of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company
may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.001 per Right.
In addition, the Rights Agreement, as amended, permits the Board of Directors,
following the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial ownership of 15%
or
more of the Common Stock (but before an acquisition of 50% or more of Common
Stock), to exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such 15% person
or
group), in whole or in part, for Common Stock, at an exchange ratio of one
share
of Common Stock per Right.
Until
a
Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a
shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote
or
to receive dividends. The Company has reserved 9,237,491 shares of Common Stock
for issuance upon exercise of the Rights.
4.
Stock
Repurchase Plan
On
September 14, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the
repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company
completed its initial Stock Repurchase Plan at a cost of approximately $3,670
during the fiscal year ended March 30, 2003. On October 7, 2002, the Board
of
Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 additional
shares of the Company’s common stock. Purchases of stock will be made from time
to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or in privately
negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management. There
is no
set time limit on the purchases. The Company expects to fund these stock
repurchases from its operating cash flow. Through March 25, 2007, 891,100
additional shares have been repurchased at a cost of approximately
$3,488.
5. Employment
Agreements
Effective
January 1, 2007, Howard M. Lorber, previously, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer, assumed the newly created position of Executive Chairman
of
the Board of Nathan’s and Eric Gatoff, previously, Vice President and Corporate
Counsel, became Chief Executive Officer of Nathan’s.
In
connection with the foregoing, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with each of Messrs. Lorber (as amended, the “Lorber Employment Agreement”) and
Gatoff (the “Gatoff Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Lorber
Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorber will serve as Executive Chairman of the Board
from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2012, unless his employment is
terminated in accordance with the terms of the Lorber Employment Agreement.
Pursuant to the Lorber Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorber receives a base salary
of $400, and will not receive a contractual bonus; provided that, for the fiscal
year ending March 25, 2007, Mr. Lorber will be entitled to receive a pro rata
portion of the bonus payable to him under his prior agreement. The Lorber
Employment Agreement provides for a three-year consulting period after the
termination of employment during which Mr. Lorber will receive a consulting
fee of $200 per year in exchange for his agreement to provide no less than
15
days of consulting services per year, provided, Mr. Lorber is not required
to
provide more than 50 days of consulting services per year. The Lorber Employment
Agreement provides Mr. Lorber with the right to participate in employment
benefits offered to other Nathan’s executives. During and after the contract
term, Mr. Lorber is subject to certain confidentiality, non-solicitation and
non-competition provisions in favor of the Company.
F-39
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K (continued)
In
connection with Mr. Lorber’s prior employment agreement dated January 1, 2005,
we issued to Mr. Lorber 50,000 shares of restricted common stock which vest
ratably over the 5 years. A charge of $363 based on the fair market value of
the
Company’s common stock of $7.25 on grant date has been recorded to deferred
compensation and is being amortized to earnings ratably over the vesting period.
As of March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005, 30,000, 20,000 and
10,000 shares have been vested, respectively.
In
the
event that Mr. Lorber’s employment is terminated without cause, he is entitled
to receive his salary and bonus for the remainder of the contract term. The
employment agreement further provides that in the event there is a change in
control, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Lorber has the option, exercisable
within one year after such event, to terminate his employment agreement. Upon
such termination, he has the right to receive a lump sum cash payment equal
to
the greater of (A) his salary and annual bonuses for the remainder of the
employment term (including a prorated bonus for any partial fiscal year), which
bonus shall be equal to the average of the annual bonuses awarded to him during
the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year of termination; or (B) 2.99
times his salary and annual bonus for the fiscal year immediately preceding
the
fiscal year of termination, as well as a lump sum cash payment equal to the
difference between the exercise price of any exercisable options having an
exercise price of less than the then current market price of the Company’s
common stock and such then current market price. In addition, Nathan’s will
provide Mr. Lorber with a tax gross-up payment to cover any excise tax due.
In
the event of termination due to Mr. Lorber’s death or disability, he is entitled
to receive an amount equal to his salary and annual bonuses for a three-year
period, which bonus shall be equal to the average of the annual bonuses awarded
to him during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year of
termination.
Under
the
terms of the Gatoff Employment Agreement, Mr. Gatoff will serve as Chief
Executive Officer from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2008, which period
shall extend for additional one-year periods unless either party delivers notice
of non-renewal no less than 180 days prior to the end of the term then in
effect. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Gatoff will receive a base salary of
$225
and an annual bonus equal in an amount of up to 100% of his base salary,
depending upon the Company’s achievement of performance goals established and
agreed to by the Compensation Committee and Mr. Gatoff for each fiscal year
during the employment term, provided that the bonus payable to Mr. Gatoff for
the fiscal year ending March 25, 2007 is to be determined by the Compensation
Committee in its discretion, based on Mr. Gatoff’s status as Vice President and
Corporate Counsel through December 31, 2006 and provided, further, that Mr.
Gatoff will be entitled to a minimum bonus of 50% of his base salary for the
first two years of the Gatoff Employment Agreement. The Gatoff agreement
provides for an automobile allowance and the right of Mr. Gatoff to participate
in employment benefits offered to other Nathan’s executives. During and after
the contract term, Mr. Gatoff is subject to certain confidentiality,
non-solicitation and non-competition provisions in favor of the Company.
F-40
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K (continued)
The
Company and its President and Chief Operating Officer entered into an employment
agreement on December 28, 1992 for a period commencing on January 1, 1993 and
ending on December 31, 1996. The employment agreement automatically extends
for
successive one-year periods unless notice of non-renewal is provided in
accordance with the agreement. Consequently, the employment agreement has been
extended annually through December 31, 2007, based on the original terms, and
no
non-renewal notice has been given as of June 15, 2007. The agreement provides
for annual compensation of $289 plus certain other benefits. In November 1993,
the Company amended this agreement to include a provision under which the
officer has the right to terminate the agreement and receive payment equal
to
approximately three times annual compensation upon a change in control, as
defined.
The
Company and the President of Miami Subs, pursuant to the merger agreement,
entered into an employment agreement on September 30, 1999 for a period
commencing on September 30, 1999 and ending on September 30, 2002. The agreement
provides for annual compensation of $210 plus certain other benefits and
automatically renews annually unless 180 days prior written notice is given
to
the employee. No non-renewal notice has been given as of June 15, 2007.
Consequently, the employment agreement has been extended through September
30,
2008. The agreement includes a provision under which the officer has the right
to terminate the agreement and receive payment equal to approximately three
times his annual compensation upon a change in control, as defined. In the
event
a non-renewal notice is delivered, the Company must pay the officer an amount
equal to the employee’s base salary as then in effect.
The
Company and one employee of Miami Subs entered into a change of control
agreement effective November 1, 2001 for annual compensation of $136 per year.
The agreement additionally includes a provision under which the employee has
the
right to terminate the agreement and receive payment equal to approximately
three times his annual compensation upon a change in control, as
defined.
The
Company and one employee of Miami Subs entered into a severance agreement dated
November 14, 2003, which provides that upon termination of the employee’s
employment, the employee will receive a severance payment in an amount equal
to
the employee’s annual compensation of $115 per year. The severance payment is
payable in six equal monthly installments following such termination.
F-41
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
K (continued)
Each
employment agreement terminates upon death or voluntary termination by the
respective employee or may be terminated by the Company on up to 30-days’ prior
written notice by the Company in the event of disability or “cause,” as defined
in each agreement.
6. 401(k)
Plan
The
Company has a defined contribution retirement plan under Section 401(k) of
the
Internal Revenue Code covering all nonunion employees over age 21 who have
been
employed by the Company for at least one year. Employees may contribute to
the
plan, on a tax-deferred basis, up to 20% of their total annual salary. The
Company matches contributions at a rate of $.25 per dollar contributed by the
employee on up to a maximum of 3% of the employee’s total annual salary.
Employer contributions for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26,
2006
and March 27, 2005 were $32, $26, and $22, respectively.
7. Other
Benefits
The
Company provides, on a contributory basis, medical benefits to active employees.
The Company does not provide medical benefits to retirees.
NOTE
L - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
1. Commitments
The
Company’s operations are principally conducted in leased premises. The leases
generally have initial terms ranging from 5 to 20 years and usually provide
for
renewal options ranging from 5 to 20 years. Most of the leases contain
escalation clauses and common area maintenance charges (including taxes and
insurance). Certain of the leases require additional (contingent) rental
payments if sales volumes at the related restaurants exceed specified limits.
As
of March 25, 2007,
the
Company has noncancelable operating lease commitments, net of certain sublease
rental income, as follows:
Lease
|
Sublease
|
Net
lease
|
||||||||
commitments
|
income
|
commitments
|
||||||||
2008
|
$
|
2,782
|
$
|
1,642
|
$
|
1,140
|
||||
2009
|
1,988
|
1,284
|
704
|
|||||||
2010
|
1,720
|
1,220
|
500
|
|||||||
2011
|
978
|
868
|
110
|
|||||||
2012
|
611
|
623
|
(12
|
)
|
||||||
Thereafter
|
913
|
947
|
(34
|
)
|
||||||
$
|
8,992
|
$
|
6,584
|
$
|
2,408
|
F-42
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
L (continued)
Aggregate
rental expense, net of sublease income, under all current leases amounted to
$1,112, $1,037, and $1,278 for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March
26,
2006, and March 27, 2005, respectively.
The
Company also owns or leases sites, which it in turn subleases to franchisees,
which expire on various dates through 2015 exclusive of renewal options. The
Company remains liable for all lease costs when properties are subleased to
franchisees.
The
Company also subleases locations to third parties. Such sub-leases provide
for
minimum annual rental payments by the Company aggregating approximately $1,800
and expire on various dates through 2015 exclusive of renewal
options.
Contingent
rental payments on building leases are typically made based on the percentage
of
gross sales on the individual restaurants that exceed predetermined levels.
The
percentage of gross sales to be paid and related gross sales level vary by
unit.
Contingent rental expense was approximately $45, $47 and $52 for the fiscal
years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006, and March 27, 2005
respectively.
2.
Guarantees
The
Company guaranteed certain equipment financing for certain franchisees with
a
third-party lender. As of March 25, 2007, all outstanding loans under this
agreement were repaid, therefore, the Company’s obligation has been eliminated.
The
Company also guaranteed a franchisee’s note payable with a bank. The note
payable matured in August 2006, and the franchisee refinanced this loan directly
with the bank without any further guarantee or payment by the Company or any
of
its subsidiaries.
The
guarantees referred to above were entered into by the Company prior to December
31, 2002, which was the effective date for FIN 45 “Guarantors Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Guarantees of Indebtedness
of
Others.” The terms of these guarantees were not modified during the period that
they were in force.
3.
Contingencies
The
Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and
routine litigation. Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome
of
these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or
cash flows. Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and
unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include money
damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on the
Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period
in which the ruling occurs.
F-43
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
M - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
An
accounting firm of which Mr. Raich, who joined Nathan’s Board of Directors on
June 15, 2004, serves as Managing Partner, received ordinary tax preparation
and
other consulting fees of $128, $108, and $127 for the fiscal years ended March
25, 2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005, respectively.
A
firm on
which Mr. Lorber serves as a consultant to (and, prior to January 2005, was
the
Chairman of), and the firm’s affiliates, received ordinary and customary
insurance commissions aggregating approximately $23,
$25, and
$49 for the fiscal years ended March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006, and March 27,
2005, respectively.
F-44
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
N - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
First
Quarter
|
Second
Quarter
|
Third
Quarter
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
||||||||||
Fiscal
Year 2007
|
|||||||||||||
Total
revenues (a)
|
$
|
12,217
|
$
|
13,091
|
$
|
10,554
|
$
|
9,868
|
|||||
Gross
profit (a)(b)
|
2,543
|
3,325
|
2,006
|
1,471
|
|||||||||
Net
income
|
1,396
|
1,844
|
1,061
|
1,242
|
|||||||||
Per
share information
|
|||||||||||||
Net
income per share
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
(c)
|
$
|
.24
|
$
|
.32
|
$
|
.18
|
$
|
.21
|
|||||
Diluted
(c)
|
$
|
.22
|
$
|
.30
|
$
|
.17
|
$
|
.19
|
|||||
Shares
used in computation of net income
|
|||||||||||||
per
share
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
(c)
|
5,733,000
|
5,773,000
|
5,892,000
|
5,945,000
|
|||||||||
Diluted
(c)
|
6,316,000
|
6,227,000
|
6,401,000
|
6,430,000
|
First
Quarter
|
Second
Quarter
|
Third
Quarter
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
||||||||||
Fiscal
Year 2006
|
|||||||||||||
Total
revenues (a)
|
$
|
11,356
|
$
|
11,620
|
$
|
9,479
|
$
|
8,794
|
|||||
Gross
profit (a)(b)
|
1,927
|
2,624
|
1,754
|
1,255
|
|||||||||
Net
income
|
1,169
|
3,108
|
770
|
630
|
|||||||||
Per
share information
|
|||||||||||||
Net
income per share
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
(c)
|
$
|
.21
|
$
|
.56
|
$
|
.14
|
$
|
.11
|
|||||
Diluted
(c)
|
$
|
.18
|
$
|
.48
|
$
|
.12
|
$
|
.10
|
|||||
Shares
used in computation of net income
|
|||||||||||||
per
share
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
(c)
|
5,555,000
|
5,566,000
|
5,594,000
|
5,620,000
|
|||||||||
Diluted
(c)
|
6,474,000
|
6,527,000
|
6,565,000
|
6,620,000
|
(a)
|
Total
revenues and gross profit were adjusted from amounts previously reported
on Forms 10-Q to reflect a reclassification of continuing operations
to
discontinued operations in the fiscal years
shown.
|
(b)
|
Gross
profit represents the difference between sales and cost of
sales.
|
(c)
|
The
sum of the quarters may equal the full year per share amounts included
in
the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings due to the effect
of
the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal
years
as compared to the quarters.
|
F-45
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
NOTE
O - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS - UNAUDITED
1.
Sale of Miami Subs
On
June
7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, Miami Subs
to Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. (“Purchaser”) effective as of May 31,
2007. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) Nathan’s sold all
of the stock of Miami Subs in exchange for $3,250, consisting of $850 in cash
and the Purchaser’s promissory note in the principal amount of $2,400 (the
“Note”). The Note bears interest at 8% per annum, is payable over a four-year
term and is secured by a lien on all of the assets of Miami Subs and by the
personal guarantees of two principals of the Purchaser. The Purchaser may also
prepay the Note at any time. In the event the Note is fully repaid within one
year, Nathan’s will reduce the amount due by $250. In accordance with the
Agreement, Nathan’s retained ownership of the Corporate Office in Ft Lauderdale,
Florida.
Based
upon review of SFAS No. 144, the Company has assessed the measurement date
in
accounting for the sale transaction on June 7, 2007 in connection with the
date
of board approval and signing of the agreement. The following
is a summary of the assets and liabilities as of March 25, 2007 of Miami Subs
that were sold:
Cash
|
$
|
654
|
(A) | |
Accounts
receivable, net
|
456
|
|||
Notes
receivable, net
|
120
|
|||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
26
|
|||
Deferred
income taxes
|
784
|
|||
Property
and equipment, net
|
48
|
|||
Intangible
assets, net
|
1,847
|
|||
Other
assets, net
|
46
|
|||
Total
assets sold
|
3,981
|
|||
Accounts
payable
|
135
|
|||
Accrued
expenses
|
2,122
|
(A) | ||
Other
liabilities
|
126
|
|||
Total
liabilities sold
|
2,383
|
|||
Net
assets sold
|
$
|
1,598
|
(A)
-
Includes unexpended marketing funds of $627.
In
connection with the Agreement, Purchaser may continue to sell Nathan’s
Famous and Arthur Treachers’ products within the existing restaurant system
in exchange for a royalty payment of 35% of all royalties contractually due
from
Miami Subs franchisees on such sales.
Nathan’s
has agreed to provide office space within the corporate office that it retained
in Ft. Lauderdale for a one-year period, rent-free. Common area charges are
expected to be reimbursed on a pro rated basis.
F-46
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
Nathan’s
and Purchaser have agreed to share expenses of the purchasing function,
previously provided by Miami Subs employees. Prior to the sale, this function
was performed on a combined basis which is expected to be separated over the
upcoming year.
Nathan’s
has also agreed to provide certain back office support functions for a period
of
up to six months.
2.
Sale of property
On
June
5, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its rights, title and leasehold interest
in a real estate parcel previously occupied by a franchisee and two other
restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., in exchange for a cash payment of $2,000.
Nathan’s expects to incur sublease termination costs and commissions of
approximately $500 and realize a gain of $1,454, before income taxes during
the
first quarter fiscal 2008 ending June 24, 2007. These assets comprise “Assets
available for sale” in the accompanying balance sheet.
F-47
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
SCHEDULE
II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
March
25,
2007, March 26, 2006 and March 27, 2005
(in
thousands)
COL.
A
|
COL.
B
|
COL.
C
|
COL.
D
|
COL.
E
|
||||||||||||
(1)
|
(2)
|
|||||||||||||||
Description
|
Balance
at
beginning
of
period
|
|
Additions
(recoveries)
Charged
(credited) to
costs
and
expenses
|
|
Additions
charged
to
other
accounts
|
|
Deductions
|
|
Balance
at
end
of period
|
|||||||
Fifty-two
weeks ended March 25, 2007
|
||||||||||||||||
Allowance
for doubtful accounts -
|
||||||||||||||||
accounts
receivable
|
$
|
177
|
$
|
(6
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
36(a
|
)
|
$
|
135
|
||||
Allowance for impaired notes |
$
|
1,680
|
$
|
(52
|
)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
1,628
|
|||||
Lease
reserve and termination costs
|
$
|
198
|
$
|
9
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
207
|
||||||
Fifty-two
weeks ended March 26, 2006
|
||||||||||||||||
Allowance
for doubtful accounts -
|
||||||||||||||||
accounts
receivable
|
$
|
177
|
$
|
10
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
10(a
|
)
|
$
|
177
|
|||||
Allowance for impaired notes |
$
|
1,701 |
$
|
(21 | ) |
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
1,680 | |||||
Lease
reserve and termination costs
|
$
|
198
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
198
|
||||||
Fifty-two
weeks ended March 27, 2005
|
||||||||||||||||
Allowance
for doubtful accounts -
|
||||||||||||||||
accounts
receivable
|
$
|
328
|
$
|
13
|
$
|
17(b
|
)
|
$
|
181
|
$
|
177
|
|||||
Allowance for impaired notes |
$
|
2,051 |
$
|
(350)(a | ) |
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
1,701 | |||||
Lease
reserve and termination costs
|
$
|
532
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
334(c
|
)
|
$
|
198
|
(a)
|
Uncollectible
amounts written off
|
(b)
|
Provision
charged to advertising fund
|
(c) |
Payment
of lease termination and other
costs
|
F-48