NATHANS FAMOUS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2008 June (Form 10-Q)
FORM
10-Q
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
(Mark
One)
x |
QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF
1934
|
For
the
quarterly period ended June
29, 2008.
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 number 0-3189
NATHAN'S
FAMOUS, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
|
11-3166443
|
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
|
(I.R.S.
Employer
|
|
incorporation
or organization)
|
Identification
No.)
|
1400
Old Country Road, Westbury, New York 11590
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
(516)
338-8500
(Registrant's
telephone number, including area code)
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See
the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large
accelerated filer o Accelerated
filer x
Non-accelerated
filer o Smaller
reporting company o
(Do
not
check if a smaller reporting company)
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
At July
31,
2008, an aggregate of 6,003,495 shares of the registrant's common stock, par
value of $.01, were outstanding.
NATHAN'S
FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Page
|
||
Number
|
||
PART
I.
|
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
|
|
Item
1.
|
Financial
Statements
|
3
|
Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets – June
29, 2008 (Unaudited) and March 30, 2008
|
3
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Earnings – Thirteen Weeks Ended June 29, 2008 and June 24,
2007 (Unaudited)
|
4
|
|
Consolidated
Statement of Stockholders Equity – Thirteen Weeks Ended June 29, 2008
(Unaudited)
|
5
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows – Thirteen Weeks Ended
June 29, 2008 and June 24, 2007 (Unaudited)
|
6
|
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
7
|
|
Item
2.
|
Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
14
|
Item
3.
|
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
20
|
Item
4.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
21
|
PART
II.
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
|
Item
1.
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
22
|
Item
1A.
|
Risk
Factors
|
22
|
Item
2.
|
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
24
|
Item
6.
|
Exhibits
|
25
|
SIGNATURES
|
26
|
|
Exhibit
Index
|
27
|
-
2 -
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
June
29,
2008 and March 30, 2008
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Item
1. Financial Statements
|
June 29, 2008
|
|
March 30, 2008
|
|
|||
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
||||
ASSETS
|
|||||||
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
17,369
|
$
|
14,371
|
|||
Marketable
securities
|
20,150
|
20,950
|
|||||
Accounts
receivable, net
|
5,529
|
3,830
|
|||||
Note
receivable
|
619
|
606
|
|||||
Inventories
|
990
|
822
|
|||||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
931
|
1,493
|
|||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
697
|
697
|
|||||
Current
assets held for sale
|
-
|
13
|
|||||
Total
current assets
|
46,285
|
42,782
|
|||||
Note
receivable
|
1,396
|
1,305
|
|||||
Property
and equipment, net
|
4,399
|
4,428
|
|||||
Goodwill
|
95
|
95
|
|||||
Intangible
assets, net
|
1,353
|
1,353
|
|||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
577
|
436
|
|||||
Other
assets, net
|
150
|
150
|
|||||
Non-current
assets held for sale
|
-
|
653
|
|||||
$
|
54,255
|
$
|
51,202
|
||||
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|||||||
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|||||||
Accounts
payable
|
$
|
3,023
|
$
|
2,805
|
|||
Accrued
expenses and other current liabilities
|
4,748
|
4,014
|
|||||
Deferred
franchise fees
|
342
|
284
|
|||||
Current
liabilities held for sale
|
-
|
29
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
8,113
|
7,132
|
|||||
Other
liabilities
|
1,181
|
1,137
|
|||||
Non-current
liabilities held for sale
|
-
|
325
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
9,294
|
8,594
|
|||||
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES (Note J)
|
|||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
|
|||||||
Common
stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
8,183,183 and
8,180,683 shares issued; and 6,079,325 and 6,180,683 shares
outstanding at June 29, 2008 and March 30, 2008,
respectively
|
82
|
82
|
|||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
47,820
|
47,704
|
|||||
Deferred
compensation
|
(
45
|
)
|
(
63
|
)
|
|||
Retained
earnings
|
7,568
|
3,746
|
|||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
82
|
225
|
|||||
55,507
|
51,694
|
||||||
Treasury
stock, at cost, 2,103,858 and
2,000,000 shares at June 29, 2008 and
March 30, 2008, respectively.
|
(10,546
|
)
|
(9,086
|
)
|
|||
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
44,961
|
42,608
|
|||||
$
|
54,255
|
$
|
51,202
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
-
3 -
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Thirteen
weeks ended June 29, 2008 and June 24, 2007
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
June
29, 2008
|
June
24, 2007
|
||||||
REVENUES
|
|||||||
Sales
|
$
|
11,016
|
$
|
9,821
|
|||
Franchise
fees and royalties
|
1,152
|
1,222
|
|||||
License
royalties
|
1,615
|
1,448
|
|||||
Interest
income
|
247
|
235
|
|||||
Other
income
|
12
|
13
|
|||||
Total
revenues
|
14,042
|
12,739
|
|||||
COSTS
AND EXPENSES
|
|||||||
Cost
of sales
|
8,332
|
7,428
|
|||||
Restaurant
operating expenses
|
912
|
838
|
|||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
198
|
182
|
|||||
General
and administrative expenses
|
2,445
|
2,072
|
|||||
Total
costs and expenses
|
11,887
|
10,520
|
|||||
Income
from continuing operations before provision
|
|||||||
for
income taxes
|
2,155
|
2,219
|
|||||
Provision
for income taxes
|
800
|
811
|
|||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
1,355
|
1,408
|
|||||
Income
from discontinued operations before provision for income
taxes
|
3,914
|
2,737
|
|||||
Provision
for income taxes
|
1,447
|
993
|
|||||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
2,467
|
1,744
|
|||||
Net
income
|
$
|
3,822
|
$
|
3,152
|
|||
|
|||||||
PER
SHARE INFORMATION
|
|||||||
Basic
income per share:
|
|||||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
$
|
.22
|
$
|
.23
|
|||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
.40
|
.29
|
|||||
Net
income
|
$
|
.62
|
$
|
.52
|
|||
Diluted
income per share:
|
|||||||
Income
from continuing operations
|
$
|
.21
|
$
|
.21
|
|||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
.38
|
.27
|
|||||
Net
income
|
$
|
.59
|
$
|
.48
|
|||
|
|||||||
Weighted
average shares used in computing income
|
|||||||
per
share
|
|||||||
Basic
|
6,165,000
|
6,018,000
|
|||||
Diluted
|
6,473,000
|
6,499,000
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
-
4 -
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Thirteen
weeks ended June 29, 2008
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Accumulated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional
|
Other
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common
|
Common
|
Paid-in
|
Deferred
|
Retained
|
Comprehensive
|
Treasury
Stock, at Cost
|
Stockholders’
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Compensation
|
Earnings
|
Income
(Loss)
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Equity
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
March 30, 2008
|
8,180,683
|
$
|
82
|
$
|
47,704
|
$ |
(63
|
)
|
$
|
3,746
|
$
|
225
|
2,000,000
|
$ |
(9,086
|
)
|
$
|
42,608
|
||||||||||
Shares
issued in connection with the exercise of employee stock options
|
2,500
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Share-based
compensation
|
-
|
-
|
106
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
106
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase
of common stock
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
103,858
|
(1,460
|
)
|
(1,460
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||
Amortization
of deferred compensation relating to restricted stock
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized
losses on marketable securities, net of deferred income tax benefit
of
$99
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(143
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
(143
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net
income
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,822
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,822
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
June 29, 2008
|
8,183,183
|
$
|
82
|
$
|
47,820
|
$ |
(45
|
)
|
$
|
7,568
|
$
|
82
|
2,103,858
|
$ |
(10,546
|
)
|
$
|
44,961
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
-
5 -
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Thirteen
weeks ended June 29, 2008 and June 24, 2007
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
June
29, 2008
|
|
June
24, 2007
|
|||||
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
|||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
3,822
|
$
|
3,152
|
|||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)
|
|||||||
provided
by operating activities
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
198
|
185
|
|||||
Amortization
of intangible assets
|
3
|
52
|
|||||
Gains
on disposals of subsidiaries and leasehold interest
|
(3,906
|
)
|
(2,489
|
)
|
|||
Amortization
of bond premium
|
58
|
73
|
|||||
Amortization
of deferred compensation
|
18
|
18
|
|||||
Share-based
compensation expense
|
106
|
80
|
|||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
(43
|
)
|
(33
|
)
|
|||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|||||||
Accounts
receivable, net
|
(1,698
|
)
|
(1,105
|
)
|
|||
Inventories
|
(168
|
)
|
(22
|
)
|
|||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
624
|
7
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
-
|
(116
|
)
|
||||
Accounts
payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
880
|
72
|
|||||
Deferred
franchise fees
|
58
|
(62
|
)
|
||||
Other
liabilities
|
47
|
781
|
|||||
Net
cash (used in) provided by operating activities
|
(1
|
)
|
593
|
||||
Cash
flows from investing activities:
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from sale of available-for-sale securities
|
500
|
(1,089
|
)
|
||||
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
(169
|
)
|
(341
|
)
|
|||
Payments
received on notes receivable
|
147
|
-
|
|||||
Proceeds
from sales of subsidiary and leasehold interest
|
3,961
|
1,691
|
|||||
Net
cash provided by investing activities
|
4,439
|
261
|
|||||
Cash
flows from financing activities:
|
|||||||
Repurchase
of treasury stock
|
(1,460
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Proceeds
from the exercise of stock options
|
10
|
-
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Net
cash used in financing activities
|
(1,450
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
2,988
|
854
|
|||||
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
14,381
|
6,932
|
|||||
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
$
|
17,369
|
$
|
7,786
|
|||
Cash
paid during the period for:
|
|||||||
Interest
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||
Income
taxes
|
$
|
123
|
$
|
989
|
|||
Noncash
Financing Activities:
|
|||||||
Loan
made in connection with the sale of subsidiary
|
$
|
250
|
$
|
2,150
|
|||
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these
statements.
-
6 -
NATHAN'S
FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June
29,
2008
(Unaudited)
NOTE
A -
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements of Nathan's Famous, Inc. and
subsidiaries (collectively “Nathan’s”, the “Company” or “we”) as of and for the
thirteen week periods ended June 29, 2008 and June 24, 2007 have been prepared
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of
management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. However, these
results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period
or the full fiscal year.
Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
and
Exchange Commission. Management believes that the disclosures included in the
accompanying interim financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make
the
information not misleading, but should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Nathan’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2008.
A
summary
of the Company’s significant accounting policies is identified in Note B of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2008 Annual
Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant
accounting policies subsequent to March 30, 2008, except for the accounting
for
fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities and related
disclosures (See Note C).
On
April
23, 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF
Roasters Corp. and on June 7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs Corporation (See Note D).
NOTE
B -
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS -NOT YET ADOPTED
In
December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued
SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS
No. 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer
recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets
acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an
acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in
a
business combination. The requirements of SFAS No. 141R are effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which for us is fiscal 2010.
Earlier adoption is prohibited. We have not yet evaluated the impact of SFAS
No.
141R on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No.
160”). SFAS No. 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting
standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest
in
a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an
ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity
in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, this
statement requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that
include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling
interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income
statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent
and to the noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years,
and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after
December 15, 2008, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
Earlier adoption is prohibited. We have not yet evaluated the impact of SFAS
No.
160 on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
NOTE
C -
ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
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
also establishes a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize
the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when
measuring fair value.
In
February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, effective date
of FASB Statement No. 157, which
delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and
non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed
at
fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).
Nathan’s adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 on March 31, 2008 and elected
the deferral option for non-financial assets and liabilities. The effect of
adopting this standard was not significant.
-
7 -
The
valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation
of
an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined
as
follows:
· Level
1 -
inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for an
identical asset or liability in an active market
· Level
2 -
inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for a similar asset
or
liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all
significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset
or liability
· Level
3 -
inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the
fair
value measurement of the asset or liability
The
following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a
recurring basis as of June 29, 2008 by SFAS No.157 valuation hierarchy: (in
thousands)
Carrying
|
|||||||||||||
Level
1
|
Level
2
|
Level
3
|
Value
|
||||||||||
Marketable
securities
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
20,150
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
20,150
|
|||||
Total
assets at fair value
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
20,150
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
20,150
|
Nathan’s
marketable securities, which primarily represent municipal bonds, are not
actively traded. The valuation of such bonds is based upon quoted market prices
for similar bonds currently trading in an active market.
The
carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable
approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of the instruments. The
carrying amount of the note receivable approximates fair value as determined
using level 3 inputs as the current interest rate on such instrument
approximates current market interest rates on similar instruments.
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.
SFAS No. 159 allows companies to elect fair value accounting for many financial
instruments and other items that currently are not required to be accounted
for
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. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 159 on March
31, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 had no impact as Nathan’s did not elect
the fair value option to report its financial assets and liabilities at fair
value and elected to continue the treatment of its marketable securities as
available-for-sale securities with unrealized gain and losses recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
NOTE
D -
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 components 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, property or
business unit 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, property or business unit 's operations.
1. Sale
of NF Roasters Corp.
On April
23,
2008,
Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp.
(“NF Roasters”), the franchisor of the Kenny Rogers Roasters
concept, to
Roasters Asia Pacific (Cayman) Limited. Pursuant
to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“NFR Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the
stock of NF Roasters for $4,000,000 in cash.
In
connection with the NFR Agreement, Nathan’s and Miami Subs may continue to sell
Kenny Rogers products within the existing restaurant systems without payment
of
royalties.
-
8 -
The
following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of NF Roasters, as of
the
date of sale, that were sold:
Cash
|
$
|
8,000
|
(A)
|
|
Accounts
receivable, net
|
1,000
|
|||
Deferred
income taxes, net
|
230,000
|
|||
Intangible
assets, net
|
391,000
|
|||
Other
assets, net
|
30,000
|
|||
Total
assets sold
|
660,000
|
|||
Accrued
expenses
|
27,000
|
(B)
|
||
Other
liabilities
|
328,000
|
|||
Total
liabilities sold
|
355,000
|
|||
Net
assets sold
|
$
|
305,000
|
(A) -
Represents unexpended marketing funds.
(B) -
Includes unexpended marketing funds of $8,000.
Nathan’s
has realized a gain on the sale of NF Roasters of $3,656,000 net
of
professional fees of $39,000 and
recorded income taxes of $1,352,000 on the gain during the thirteen weeks ended
June 29, 2008. Nathan’s
has determined that it will not have any significant cash flows or continuing
involvement in the ongoing operations of NF Roasters. Therefore, the results
of
operations for NF Roasters, including the gain on disposal, have been presented
as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The accompanying balance
sheet for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2008, has been revised to reflect
the
assets and liabilities of NF Roasters that were subsequently sold, as held
for
sale as of that date.
2.
Sale of Miami Subs Corporation
On
June
7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs
Corporation (“Miami Subs”) to Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. (“Purchaser”).
Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“ MSC Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all
of the stock of Miami Subs 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
(the “MSC Note”). The MSC 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 MSC Note at any time. In the event the
MSC Note was fully repaid within one year, Nathan’s would have been
required to reduce the amount due by $250,000. Due to the ability to prepay
the
loan and reduce the amount due, the recognition of the additional $250,000
was
initially deferred. The note was not prepaid within the requisite timeframe
and
Nathan’s recognized the deferred revenue of $250,000 as additional gain and
recorded income taxes of $92,000 during the first quarter ended June 29, 2008.
In accordance with the MSC Agreement, Nathan’s retained ownership of Miami Subs’
then corporate office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (the “Corporate
Office”).
The
following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of Miami Subs, as of the
date of sale, that were sold:
Cash
|
$
|
674,000
|
(A)
|
|
Accounts
receivable, net
|
213,000
|
|||
Notes
receivable, net
|
153,000
|
|||
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
119,000
|
|||
Deferred
income taxes, net
|
719,000
|
|||
Property
and equipment, net
|
48,000
|
|||
Intangible
assets, net
|
1,803,000
|
|||
Other
assets, net
|
46,000
|
|||
Total
assets sold
|
3,775,000
|
|||
Accounts
payable
|
27,000
|
|||
Accrued
expenses
|
1,373,000
|
(A)
|
||
Other
liabilities
|
395,000
|
|||
Total
liabilities sold
|
1,795,000
|
|||
Net
assets sold
|
$
|
1,980,000
|
(A)
-
Includes unexpended marketing funds of $565,000.
-
9 -
In
connection with the MSC 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 $6,000 per month.
Nathan’s
initially realized a gain on the sale of Miami Subs of $983,000, net of
professional fees of $37,000 and recorded income taxes of $334,000 on the gain
during the thirteen weeks ended June 24, 2007. Nathan’s also recognized an
additional gain of $250,000 or $158,000, net of tax during the thirteen weeks
ended June 29, 2008, resulting from the contingent consideration which was
deferred at the time of sale. Nathan’s has determined that it will not have any
significant cash flows or continuing involvement in the ongoing operations
of
Miami Subs. Therefore, the results of operations for Miami Subs, including
the
gains on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations for all
periods presented.
3.
Sale of Leasehold Interest
During
the thirteen weeks ended June 24, 2007, Nathan’s completed 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 $2,000,000. As the properties were subject to
certain sublease and management agreements between Nathan’s and the then-current
occupants, Nathan’s made payments to, or forgave indebtedness of, the
then-current occupants of the properties and paid brokerage commissions of
$494,000 in the aggregate. Nathan’s made the property available to the buyer by
May 29, 2007, and Nathan’s received the proceeds of the sale on June 5, 2007.
Nathan’s recognized a gain of $1,506,000 and recorded income taxes of $557,000
during the thirteen-week period ended June 24, 2007. The results of operations
for these properties, including the gain on disposal, have been included as
discontinued operations for all periods presented. The following is a summary
of
all discontinued operations for the thirteen-week periods ended June 29, 2008
and June 24, 2007:
Thirteen
weeks ended
June 29, 2008
|
Thirteen
weeks ended
June 24, 2007
|
||||||
(in
thousands)
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|||||
Revenues
(excluding gains from dispositions in the thirteen weeks ended June
29,
2008 and June 24, 2007)
|
$
|
10
|
$
|
470
|
|||
Gain
from dispositions before income taxes
|
$
|
3,906
|
$
|
2,489
|
|||
Income
before income taxes
|
$
|
3,914
|
$
|
2,737
|
NOTE
E -
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 effect 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, as
determined using the treasury stock method.
The
following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating
the
per share amounts for the thirteen-week periods ended June 29, 2008 and June
24,
2007, respectively.
Thirteen
weeks
Income
from
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Income
from
|
Continuing
Operations
|
||||||||||||||||||
Continuing
Operations
|
Number
of Shares
|
Per
Share
|
|||||||||||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
2008
|
2007
|
2008
|
2007
|
||||||||||||||
(in
thousands)
|
(in
thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Basic
EPS
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic
calculation
|
$
|
1,355
|
$
|
1,408
|
6,165
|
6,018
|
$
|
0.22
|
$
|
0.23
|
|||||||||
Effect
of dilutive employee
|
|||||||||||||||||||
stock
options and warrants
|
-
|
-
|
308
|
481
|
(0.01
|
)
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|||||||||||
Diluted
EPS
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Diluted
calculation
|
$
|
1,355
|
$
|
1,408
|
6,473
|
6,499
|
$
|
0.21
|
$
|
0.21
|
Options
to purchase 110,000 shares of common stock in the thirteen-week period ended
June 29, 2008 were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the
exercise prices exceeded the average market price of common shares during the
period. All outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock in the
thirteen-week period ended June 24, 2007 were included in the computation of
diluted EPS.
-
10 -
NOTE
F -
INCOME TAXES
The
income tax provisions on continuing operations reflect effective tax rates
of
37.1% in 2008 and 36.5% in 2007. Nathan’s expects this annual tax rate for
fiscal year 2008 to be approximately 37.0% to 38.0%. The final annual tax rate
cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual
tax
rate could differ from our current estimates.
Nathan’s
adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) and FIN No. 48-1, “Definition of
Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48”, an amendment of FASB Interpretation
FIN NO. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, (“FIN No. 48-1”) on
March 26, 2007 which resulted in a $155,000 adjustment to increase tax
liabilities and decrease opening retained earnings in connection with a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The amount of
unrecognized tax benefits at June 29,
2008 was
$466,000 all of which would impact Nathan’s effective tax rate, if recognized.
Nathan’s recognizes accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized
tax benefits as part of the income tax provision. As of June 29, 2008 Nathan’s
had $317,000 of
accrued interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.
There
was
no material change in the amount of uncertain tax benefits recognized during
the
thirteen-week period ended June 29, 2008. It is possible that the amount of
unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next 12 months, however, Nathan’s
does not expect the change to have a significant impact on its results of
operations or financial position during the next 12 months.
NOTE
G -
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Total
share-based compensation during the thirteen-week periods ended June 29, 2008
and June 24, 2007 was $124,000 and $98,000, respectively. Total share-based
compensation is included in general and administrative expense in our
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of June 29, 2008, there
was
$1,221,000 of
unamortized compensation expense related to stock options. We expect to
recognize this expense over approximately three years, three months, which
represents the requisite service periods for such awards.
There
were no share-based awards granted during the thirteen-week periods ended June
29, 2008 or June 24, 2007.
Stock
options outstanding:
Transactions
with respect to stock options for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2008, are
as
follows:
Weighted-
|
Weighted-
|
||||||||||||
Average
|
Average
|
Aggregate
|
|||||||||||
Exercise
|
Remaining
|
Intrinsic
|
|||||||||||
Shares
|
Price
|
Contractual Life
|
Value
|
||||||||||
Options
outstanding at March 30, 2008
|
1,152,308
|
$
|
6.54
|
3.67
|
$
|
8,521,000
|
|||||||
Granted
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
Expired
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||
Exercised
|
(2,500
|
)
|
3.94
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Options
outstanding at June 29, 2008
|
1,149,808
|
$
|
6.55
|
3.43
|
$
|
9,984,000
|
|||||||
Options
exercisable at June 29, 2008
|
921,308
|
$
|
4.41
|
2.75
|
$
|
9,756,000
|
The
aggregate intrinsic value of the stock option exercised during the thirteen-week
period ended June 29, 2008 was $24,000.
NOTE
H -
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On
November 5, 2007, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its third stock
repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock
on
behalf of the Company. On June 11, 2008, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities, Inc.
(“MSI”) entered into an agreement (the “10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI
has been authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common
stock, having a value of up to an aggregate $6 million. The 10b5-1
Agreement was adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing
its previously announced stock purchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000
shares. Future purchases may be made from time to time, depending on market
conditions, in open market or privately negotiated transactions, at prices
deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
-
11 -
Through
June 29, 2008, Nathan’s has purchased a total of 2,103,858 shares
of
common stock at a cost of approximately $10,546,000 pursuant
to the current and previous stock repurchase plans previously authorized by
the Board of Directors. Of these repurchased shares, 103,858 shares
at
a cost of $1,460,000 were repurchased during the thirteen weeks ended June
29,
2008.
Subsequent to June 29, 2008, Nathan’s has continued to repurchase its common
stock in the open market pursuant to the 10b5-1 Agreement, repurchasing an
additional 85,830 shares at a total cost of approximately $1,261,000 through
July 31, 2008. For the period commencing March 31, 2008 and ending July 31,
2008, Nathan’s repurchased 79,255 shares at a cost of approximately
$1,102,000 before the adoption of the 10b5-1 Agreement and purchased 110,433
shares at a cost of approximately $1,619,000 pursuant to the 10b5-1 Agreement.
On
June
4, 2008, Nathan’s approved the amendment of its then-existing shareholder rights
plan to accelerate the final expiration date of the common stock purchase rights
to June, 4, 2008, thereby terminating the then-existing rights, as well as
the
adoption of a new stockholder rights plan (the “New Rights Plan”) under which
all stockholders of record as of June 5, 2008 received rights to purchase shares
of common stock (the “Rights”). The New Rights Plan replaced and updated the
Company’s previously existing rights plan, which was in place since 1995, and
which was previously scheduled to expire on June 19, 2010.
The
New
Rights were distributed as a dividend. Initially, the New Rights will attach
to,
and trade with, the Company’s common stock. Subject to the terms, conditions and
limitations of the New Rights Plan, the New Rights will become exercisable
if
(among other things) a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s
common stock. Upon such an event and payment of the purchase price of $30
(the
“New Right Purchase Price”), each New Right (except those held by the acquiring
person or group) will entitle the holder to acquire one share of the Company’s
common stock (or the economic equivalent thereof) or, if the then-current
market
price is less than the New Right Purchase Price, a number of shares of the
Company’s common stock which at the time of the transaction has a market value
equal to the New Right Purchase Price. Based on the market price of the
Company’s common stock on June 4, 2008, the date the New Rights Plan was
adopted, of $13.41 per share, and due to the fact that the Company is not
required to issue fractional shares, the current exchange ratio is two shares
of
common stock per New Right. The Company’s board of directors may redeem the New
Rights prior to the time they are triggered. Upon adoption of the New Rights
Plan, the Company reserved 16,589,516 shares of common stock for issuance
upon
exercise of the New Rights.
NOTE
I -
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The
components of comprehensive income are as follows:
Thirteen
weeks
ended
June
29, 2008
|
Thirteen
weeks
ended
June 24, 2007 |
||||||
(in
thousands)
|
(in
thousands)
|
||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
3,822
|
$
|
3,152
|
|||
Unrealized
loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit of $99,
and
$81, respectively
|
(143
|
)
|
(119
|
)
|
|||
Comprehensive
income
|
$
|
3,679
|
$
|
3,033
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income at June 29, 2008 and March 30, 2008 consists entirely
of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred
taxes.
NOTE
J -
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
1. Commitments
In
January 2008, the Company entered into a commitment to purchase 1,785,000 pounds
of hot dogs for $2,740,000 from its primary hot dog manufacturer between April
through August 2008. Through June 29, 2008, Nathan’s purchased approximately
1,400,000 lbs of hot dogs pursuant to this purchase commitment yielding savings
of approximately $304,000 as compared to the then-current market prices.
Nathan’s expects to complete the purchase of the remaining 385,000 lbs of
product during July and August 2008.
2.
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, 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 the
Company’s results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.
The
Company is also involved in the following legal proceedings:
On
March
20, 2007, a personal injury lawsuit was initiated seeking unspecified
damages against the Company's subtenant and the Company's master
landlord at a leased property in Huntington, New York. The claim relates
to damages suffered by an individual as a result of an alleged "trip and fall"
on the sidewalk in front of the leased property, maintenance of which is the
subtenant's responsibility. Although the Company was not named as a
defendant in the lawsuit, under its master lease agreement the Company may
have
an obligation to indemnify the master landlord in connection with this
claim. The Company did not maintain its own insurance on the property
concerned at the time of the incident; however, the Company is named as an
additional insured under its subtenant's liability policy.
Accordingly, if the master landlord is found liable for damages and seeks
indemnity from the Company, the Company believes that it would be entitled
to
coverage under the subtenant's insurance policy. Additionally, under
the terms of the sublease, the subtenant is required to indemnify the
Company, regardless of insurance coverage.
-
12 -
The
Company is party to a License Agreement with SMG, Inc. ("SMG") dated as of
February 28, 1994, as amended (the "License Agreement") pursuant to which:
(i)
SMG acts as the Company's exclusive licensee for the manufacture, distribution,
marketing and sale of packaged Nathan's Famous frankfurter product at
supermarkets, club stores and other retail outlets in the United States; and
(ii) the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require SMG to
produce frankfurters for the Company's Nathan's Famous restaurant system and
Branded Products Program. On July 31, 2007, the Company provided notice to
SMG
that the Company has elected to terminate the License Agreement, effective
July
31, 2008 (the "Termination Date"), due to SMG's breach of certain provisions
of
the License Agreement. SMG has disputed that a breach has occurred and has
commenced, together with certain of its affiliates, an action in state court
in
Illinois seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did not
breach the License Agreement. The Company filed its own action on August 2,
2007, in New York State court seeking a declaratory judgment that SMG has
breached the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated
the
License Agreement. On January 23, 2008, the New York court granted SMG’s motion
to dismiss the Company’s case in New York on the basis that the dispute was
already the subject of a pending lawsuit in Illinois. The Company has answered
SMG's complaint and asserted its own counterclaims which seek, among other
things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did breach the License Agreement and
that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On July 31,
2008, SMG and Nathan’s entered into a Stipulation pursuant to which Nathan’s
agreed that it would not effectuate the termination of the License Agreement
on
the grounds alleged in the present litigation until such litigation has been
successfully adjudicated, and SMG agreed that in such event, Nathan’s shall have
the option to require SMG to continue to perform under the License Agreement
for
an additional period of up to six months to ensure an orderly transition of
the
business to a new licensee/supplier. The agreed motion for entry of said
Stipulation must be approved by the Circuit Court. The parties are currently
proceeding with the discovery process.
3.
Guarantee
At
the
time of the sale of Miami Subs, a severance agreement, previously entered into
between Miami Subs and one executive of Miami Subs, remained in force along
with
the guaranty by Nathan’s of Miami Subs’ obligations under that agreement. The
agreement provided for a severance payment of $115,000 payable in six (6)
monthly installments and payment for post-employment health benefits for the
employee and dependants for the maximum period permitted under Federal Law.
The
executive terminated his employment with Miami Subs, effective October 5, 2007
and agreed to receive his severance payment over a 56 week period. Nathan’s has
the right to seek reimbursement from Miami Subs in the event that Nathan’s must
make payments under the guarantee of the agreement. Nathan’s initially recorded
a liability of $115,000 at the date of sale in connection with this guarantee,
of which $62,000 remains
outstanding at June 29, 2008 due to payments made by Miami Subs. Nathan’s has
not been required to make any payments under this guarantee.
-
13 -
Item
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of
Operations
Forward-Looking
Statements
Statements
in this Form 10-Q quarterly 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 adverse effect that increasing commodity costs
has
on our profitability and operating results; the pending litigation with the
primary supplier of hot dogs to our branded product program may result in a
disruption in that supply or increased costs, which would adversely effect
our
operating results; current economic conditions could result in decreased
consumer spending on discretionary products, such as fast food; as well as
those
risks discussed from time to time in the Company’s Form 10-K annual report for
the year ended March 30, 2008, 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-Q.
Introduction
As
used
in this Report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nathan’s” or “the Company” mean
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries (unless the context indicates a
different meaning).
Our
revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded
Product Program, operating Company-owned restaurants, franchising the Nathan’s
restaurant concept, including the Arthur Treacher’s brand, and licensing the
sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and other retail venues. The
Branded Product Program enables foodservice operators to offer Nathans’ hot dogs
and other proprietary items for sale within their facilities. In conjunction
with this program, foodservice operators are granted a limited use of the
Nathans’ trademark with respect to the sale of hot dogs and certain other
proprietary food items and paper goods.
During
the fiscal year ended March 25, 2007, we established a new program of licensing
limited menu "Nathan's Famous" ("Limited Menu Frank and Fry Franchise
Operations") to be included into new or existing food service establishments.
We
began to market Limited Menu Frank and Fry Franchise Operations during the
fiscal year ended March 30, 2008. Pursuant to this program, operators will
be
permitted to make limited use of the "Nathan's Famous" trade dress, trademarks
and design for the purpose of adding "Nathan's Famous" hot dogs, crinkle-cut
French fries and a limited number of other approved "Nathan's Famous" menu
items
to the menu of a new or existing food service establishment. The location of
the
new or existing food service establishment, the specific manner in which the
Limited Menu Frank and Fry Franchise Operation is incorporated into the
operation of the food service establishment and the specific use of our trade
dress, trademarks and design will all be subject to our prior written approval
and must meet our specifications. The initial license fee under a Limited Menu
Frank and Fry Franchise Operation is $7,500. Additionally, operators
participating in this program will not be required to pay any royalties on
the
sale of "Nathan's Famous" products, or make any contributions to the “Nathan’s
Famous” advertising fund; however, all products offered through the Limited Menu
Frank and Fry Franchise Operation must be purchased from us or a distributor
approved by us, and we will make a profit on all such sales. In certain
instances, Nathan’s may pay a fee to the sponsoring organization in exchange for
their operational assistance and ongoing support of their restaurant
system.
On
April
23, 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp.
(“Roasters”). Nathan’s previously concluded the sale of its subsidiary, Miami
Subs Corporation (“Miami Subs”) on June 7, 2007. The following discussion of
continuing operations excludes all of the Miami Subs and Roasters operations
not
retained by Nathan’s. See Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements
contained in Item 1 for a description of the terms of such sales.
In
order
to help the reader better understand Nathan’s continuing operations, certain
non-financial information, which was previously reported on a combined basis
has
also been included in this Management Discussion and Analysis. At June 29,
2008,
our restaurant system consisted of 230 Nathan’s
franchised or licensed units, including 40 limited-menu licensed units described
above, and six Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in
25
states and five foreign countries. At June 24, 2007, our restaurant system
consisted of 200 Nathan’s franchised
or licensed units, six Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit),
located in 20 states and four foreign countries, and the Roasters restaurant
system which included approximately 97 units operating in eight foreign
countries and one unit operating in the United States.
-
14 -
The
following summary reflects the franchise openings and closings, excluding the
Roasters franchise system which was sold on April 23, 2008, for the fiscal
years
ended March 30, 2008, March 25, 2007, March 26, 2006, March 27, 2005 and March
28, 2004.
March 30,
2008
|
March 25,
2007
|
March 26,
2006
|
March 27,
2005
|
March 28,
2004
|
||||||||||||
Franchised
restaurants operating at the beginning of the period
|
196
|
192
|
174
|
147
|
140
|
|||||||||||
New
franchised restaurants opened during the period
|
46
|
21
|
(A)
|
27
|
36
|
21
|
||||||||||
Franchised
restaurants closed during the period
|
(18
|
)
|
(17
|
)
|
(
9
|
)
|
(
9
|
)
|
(14
|
)
|
||||||
Franchised
restaurants operating at the end of the period
|
224
|
196
|
192
|
174
|
147
|
(A)
Reflects opening of two test Limited Menu Frank and Fry Operations.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
As
discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2008, the
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations
are
based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared
in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of
America. The preparation of these financial statements require us to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements.
These
judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results could
differ from those estimates. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates
relate to revenue recognition; impairment of goodwill and other intangible
assets; impairment of long-lived assets; impairment of notes receivable;
share-based compensation and income taxes (including uncertain tax positions).
Since March 30, 2008, there have been no changes in our critical accounting
policies or significant changes to the assumptions and estimates related to
them, except for the accounting for fair value measurements of financial assets
and liabilities and related disclosures, which is discussed in Note C to our
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Adoption
of Accounting Pronouncements
See
Note
C to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item I, for a complete
discussion of the impact of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No.
157”) and SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”, (SFAS
No. 159”) on the Company’s financial position and results of
operations.
Recently
Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
See
Note
B, to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item I, for a
discussion of recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted.
Results
of Operations
Revenues
from Continuing Operations
Total
sales increased by $1,195,000 or 12.2% to $11,016,000 for
the
thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2008 (“fiscal 2009 period”) as compared to
$9,821,000 for
the
thirteen weeks ended June 24, 2007 ("fiscal 2008 period"). Sales from the
Branded Product Program increased by
11.7%
to $6,618,000 for the fiscal 2009 period as compared to sales of $5,925,000
in
the fiscal 2008 period. This increase was primarily attributable to
increased sales
volume of 11.0%. Total Company-owned restaurant sales (representing five
comparable Nathan’s restaurants and one seasonal restaurant) increased by 6.2%
to $3,859,000 as compared to $3,633,000 during the fiscal 2008 period. During
the fiscal 2009 period, sales to our television retailer were approximately
$276,000 higher than the fiscal 2008 period. Nathan’s products were on air 18
times during the fiscal 2009 period as compared to 23 times during the fiscal
2008 period. Most of the airings in the fiscal 2008 period were “Try Me”
specials. Under this format, most of the sales from these airings were shipped
in our second quarter fiscal 2008.
Franchise
fees and royalties decreased by $70,000 or 5.7% to $1,152,000 in
the
fiscal 2009 period compared to $1,222,000 in the fiscal 2008 period. Total
royalties were $1,035,000 in the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $1,058,000
in
the fiscal 2008 period. During the fiscal 2009 period, we did not recognize
revenue of $27,000 for royalties deemed to be uncollectible as compared to
the
fiscal 2008 period, when we recognized $77,000 of royalty income that was
previously deemed to be uncollectible. Total royalties, excluding the
adjustments for royalties deemed uncollectible as described above, were
$1,062,000 in the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $981,000 in the fiscal
2008
period. During the fiscal 2009 period, Nathan’s earned $64,000 of higher
royalties from our manufacturers and primary distributor on sales to our Limited
Menu Frank and Fry franchisees. Franchise restaurant sales were $23,756,000
in
the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $23,764,000 in the fiscal 2008 period.
Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 143 Nathan’s restaurants)
were $19,551,000 in the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $19,556,000 in the
fiscal 2008 period. At June 29, 2008, 230 domestic
and international franchised or limited-menu licensed units were operating
as
compared to
200 domestic
and international franchised or licensed units at June 24, 2007. Royalty income
from 10 domestic
franchised locations was deemed unrealizable during the thirteen weeks ended
June 29, 2008, as compared to three domestic franchised locations during the
thirteen weeks ended June 24, 2007. Domestic franchise fee income was $47,000
in
the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $113,000 in the fiscal 2008 period.
International franchise fee income was $70,000 in the fiscal 2009 period, as
compared to $51,000 during the fiscal 2008 period. During the fiscal 2009
period, 14 new
franchised units opened, including nine limited-menu licensed units,
two units
in
Kuwait and one unit in Dubai. During
the fiscal 2008 period, nine new franchised units were opened including three
test Limited Menu Frank and Fry units and two units in Kuwait.
-
15 -
License
royalties increased by $167,000 or 11.5% to $1,615,000 in the fiscal 2009 period
as compared to $1,448,000 in the fiscal 2008 period. Total royalties earned
on
sales of hot dogs from our retail and foodservice license agreements of
$1,358,000 increased by $261,000 or 23.8% as a result of higher licensee sales
during the fiscal 2009 period. Royalties earned from SFG, primarily from the
retail sale of hot dogs, were $1,052,000 during the fiscal 2009 period as
compared to $975,000 during the fiscal 2008 period.
Royalties
earned from John Morrell, primarily from sales to Sam’s Club,
were
$306,000 during the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $122,000 during the fiscal
2008 period. Beginning March 2008, Nathan’s hot dogs were introduced into all of
the foodservice cafes operating in Sam’s Clubs throughout the United States. We
earned lower royalties of $101,000 from our agreement for the sale of Nathan’s
pet treats. Last year, there was a sales promotion supporting the introduction
of our pet treats into Wal-Mart. Net royalties from all other license
agreements in the fiscal 2009 period were $5,000 more than the fiscal 2008
period.
Interest
income was $247,000 in the fiscal 2009 period versus $235,000 in the fiscal
2008
period primarily due to higher interest earned on our MSC Note (as
defined) receivable received in connection with the sale of Miami Subs
on June 7, 2007. Interest income on the MSC Note was $43,000 as compared to
$12,000 during the fiscal 2008 period. Interest income on our invested cash
and
marketable securities was approximately $20,000 less than the fiscal 2008 period
due primarily to the reduced interest rate environment and the liquidity crisis
which caused Nathan’s to shift its short term investments into secure, but low
yielding, Treasury Bills.
Other
income was $12,000 in the fiscal 2009 period versus $13,000 in the fiscal 2008
period.
Costs
and Expenses from Continuing Operations
Overall,
our cost of sales increased by $904,000 to $8,332,000 in the fiscal 2009 period
from $7,428,000 in the fiscal 2008 period. Our gross profit (representing the
difference between sales and cost of sales) was $2,684,000 or 24.4% of sales
during the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $2,393,000 or 24.4% of sales during
the fiscal 2008 period. In the Branded Products Program, our costs of sales
increased by approximately $511,000 during the fiscal 2009 period when compared
to the fiscal 2008 period, primarily as a result of increased sales volume.
However, that increase in costs would have been significantly larger but for
the
purchase commitment we entered into in January, which locked in a fixed cost
on
approximately 1.8 million pounds of hot dogs and resulted in a savings of
approximately $304,000 during the quarter. This savings more than counteracted
the effects of substantially higher commodity costs for beef and beef trimmings
such that our average cost (and average margin) per pound in the Branded
Products Program was slightly improved during the fiscal 2009 period as compared
to the fiscal 2008 period. While some inventory remained available under the
purchase commitment at the commencement of the second quarter of fiscal 2009,
we
expect to deplete it during July and August. Accordingly, although we expect
the
purchase commitment to continue to provide some benefit to the Branded Products
Program during the second quarter, we do not believe that the benefit will
be as
extensive as the benefit achieved during the first quarter. Furthermore, the
underlying beef and beef trimmings markets have continued to advance and
now are at all time highs. In response, we have initiated price increases
in our Branded Product Program during the second quarter. However, if the beef
and beef trimmings markets do not recede and we are unable to pass on these
higher costs through price increases, our margins may be significantly impaired.
With respect to our six Company-owned restaurant units, our cost of sales during
the fiscal 2009 period was $2,237,000 or 58.0% of restaurant sales, as compared
to $2,076,000 or 57.1% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2008 period. During
the
fiscal 2009 period, we experienced higher labor costs, which were partly offset
by slightly lower food costs as a percentage of sales. The slightly lower food
cost as a percentage of sales was achieved partly as a result of price increases
for select menu items of between 3.0% and 7.3%. Cost of sales also increased
by
$232,000 in the fiscal 2009 period primarily due to higher sales volume to
our
television retailer.
Restaurant
operating expenses increased by $74,000, to $912,000 in the fiscal 2009 period
from $838,000 in the fiscal 2008 period. The increase during
the fiscal 2009 period when compared to the fiscal 2008 period resulted
primarily from higher utility
costs of $18,000, occupancy costs of $17,000, marketing costs of $8,000, and
various other costs of $38,000, which were partly offset by lower insurance
costs of $8,000. During the fiscal 2009 period our utility costs were
approximately 5.2% higher than the fiscal 2008 period. Based upon uncertain
market conditions for oil and natural gas, we may continue to incur higher
utility costs in the future.
Depreciation and
amortization was $198,000 in the fiscal 2009 period as compared to $182,000
in
the fiscal 2008 period.
-
16 -
General
and administrative expenses increased by $373,000 to $2,445,000 in the fiscal
2009 period as compared to $2,072,000 in
the
fiscal 2008 period. The difference in general and administrative expenses was
due to higher legal fees of $147,000 during the fiscal 2009 period primarily
associated with Nathan’s litigation against SFG (see Part II, Item 1),
higher audit
fees of $95,000 in the fiscal 2009 period related to Nathan’s first audit under
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, requiring Nathan’s auditor to
audit Nathan’s internal controls over financial reporting, a $27,000 increase in
Nathan’s stock-based compensation expense, higher compensation costs of $23,000,
higher business development costs of $19,000 in connection with Franchising
and
the Branded Product Program and higher occupancy costs of $15,000. The actual
amount of future SFG litigation costs is not presently determinable.
Provision
for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
In
the
fiscal 2009 period, the income tax provision was $800,000 or 37.1% of income
from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $811,000 or 36.5%
of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the fiscal 2008
period. For each of the thirteen-week periods ended June 29, 2008 and June
24,
2007, Nathan’s tax provision, excluding the effects of tax-exempt interest
income, was 40.6%.
Discontinued
Operations
On April
23,
2008,
Nathan’s completed the sale of Roasters to
Roasters Asia Pacific (Cayman) Limited. Pursuant
to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“NFR Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the
stock of Roasters for $4,000,000 in cash. In connection with the NFR Agreement,
Nathan’s and Miami Subs may continue to sell Kenny Rogers products within the
existing restaurant systems without payment of royalties.
Nathan’s
has realized a gain on the sale of Roasters of $3,656,000 net
of
professional fees of $39,000 and
recorded income taxes of $1,352,000 on the gain during the thirteen weeks ended
June 29, 2008. Nathan’s
has determined that it will not have any significant cash flows or continuing
involvement in the ongoing operations of Roasters. Therefore, the results of
operations for Roasters, including the gain on disposal, have been presented
as
discontinued operations for all periods presented. The accompanying balance
sheet for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2008, has been revised to reflect
the
assets and liabilities of Roasters that were subsequently sold, as held for
sale
as of that date.
On
June
7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of Miami Subs to Miami Subs Capital
Partners I, Inc. (“Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“MSC
Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the stock of Miami Subs 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 (the “MSC Note”). The MSC 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 MSC Note at
any
time. In the event the MSC Note was fully repaid within one year, Nathan’s had
agreed to reduce the amount due by $250,000. Due to the ability to prepay the
loan and reduce the amount due, the recognition of the additional $250,000
was
initially deferred. The MSC Note was not prepaid within the requisite timeframe
and Nathan’s recognized the deferred revenue of $250,000 as additional gain and
recorded income taxes of $92,000 during the first quarter ended June 29, 2008.
In accordance with the MSC Agreement, Nathan’s retained ownership of Miami Subs’
then corporate office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (the “Corporate
Office”).
Nathan’s
initially realized a gain on the sale of Miami Subs of $983,000, net of
professional fees of $37,000 and recorded income taxes of $334,000 on the gain
during the thirteen weeks ended June 24, 2007. Nathan’s also recognized an
additional gain of $250,000 or $158,000, net of tax during the thirteen weeks
ended June 29, 2008, resulting from the contingent consideration which was
deferred at the time of sale. Nathan’s has determined that it will not have any
significant cash flows or continuing involvement in the ongoing operations
of
Miami Subs. Therefore, the results of operations for Miami Subs, including
the
gains on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations for all
periods presented.
During
the thirteen weeks ended June 24, 2007, Nathan’s completed 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 $2,000,000. As the properties were subject to
certain sublease and management agreements between Nathan’s and the then-current
occupants, Nathan’s made payments to, or forgave indebtedness of, the
then-current occupants of the properties and paid brokerage commissions of
$494,000 in the aggregate. Nathan’s made the property available to the buyer by
May 29, 2007, and Nathan’s received the proceeds of the sale on June 5, 2007.
Nathan’s recognized a gain of $1,506,000 and recorded income taxes of $557,000
during the thirteen-week period ended June 24, 2007. The results of operations
for these properties, including the gain on disposal, have been included as
discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
are
not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than a guarantee of
a
severance agreement and the remaining purchase commitment to acquire
approximately 385,000 lbs. of hot dogs during July and August 2008. Refer to
Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on
these
transactions.
-
17 -
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Cash
and
cash equivalents at June 29, 2008 aggregated $17,369,000, increasing by
$2,988,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. At June 29, 2008, marketable
securities were $20,150,000 and net working capital increased to $38,172,000
from $35,650,000 at March 30, 2008.
Cash
used
in operations of $1,000 in the fiscal 2009 period is primarily attributable
to
net income of $3,822,000 less gains of $3,906,000 from the sales of Roasters
and
Miami Subs, plus other non-cash items of $340,000. Changes
in Nathan’s operating assets and liabilities decreased cash by $257,000,
resulting principally from increased accounts receivable of $1,698,000, and
increased inventories of $168,000, which were partly offset by an increase
in
accounts payable of $880,000 and decreased prepaid expenses of $624,000. The
net
increase in accounts receivable is due primarily from sales from the Branded
Product Program of approximately $800,000, higher royalties from Nathan’s
licensees from the growth of their business of approximately $721,000 and higher
sales to our television retailer of approximately $67,000. The net increase
in
accounts payable, other current liabilities and other long term liabilities
is
primarily due to the increase in accrued income taxes payable resulting
primarily from the gain on the sale of NF Roasters Corp.
Cash
was
provided from investing activities of $4,439,000 in the fiscal 2009 period,
primarily from cash proceeds from the sale of Roasters in the amount of
$3,961,000 and the redemption of $500,000 of maturing available-for-sale
securities. We incurred capital expenditures of $169,000 and received all
scheduled payments of $147,000 on the MSC Note receivable.
Cash
was
used in financing activities of $1,450,000 in the fiscal 2009 period, primarily
for the purchase of 103,858 treasury shares at a cost of $1,460,000 pursuant
to
the stock repurchase plan as authorized by the Board of Directors on November
5,
2007. Cash was received from the proceeds of employee stock option exercises
of
$10,000.
From
the
commencement of its stock repurchase program in September 2001 through March
30,
2008, Nathan’s purchased a total of 2,000,000 shares of common stock at a cost
of approximately $9,086,000, concluding the second stock repurchase plan
previously authorized by the Board of Directors.
On
November 5, 2007, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to
an additional 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company.
On
June 11, 2008, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities, Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an
agreement (the “10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to
purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.01 per share (“Common
Stock”) having a value of up to an aggregate $6 million. The 10b5-1 Agreement
was adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its
previously announced stock purchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000
shares. There is no set time limit on the repurchases. Future purchases may
be
made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or
privately negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management.
Through June 29, 2008, the Company had repurchased an additional 103,858 shares
of its common stock at a total cost of $1,460,000 pursuant to the 10b5-1
Agreement. Subsequent to June 29, 2008, Nathan’s has continued to repurchase its
common stock in the open market pursuant to the 10b5-1 Agreement, repurchasing
an additional 85,830 shares at a total cost of approximately $1,261,000 through
July 31, 2008. For the period commencing March 31, 2008 and ending July 31,
2008, Nathan’s repurchased 79,255 shares at a cost of approximately
$1,102,000 before the adoption of the 10b5-1 Agreement and purchased 110,433
shares at a cost of approximately $1,619,000 pursuant to the 10b5-1 Agreement.
Management
believes that available cash, marketable securities and cash generated from
operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations and
stock
repurchases 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 pursue 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 continue the stock repurchase program and 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.
At
June
29, 2008, there were three properties that we lease from third parties which
we
sublease to franchisees and a non-franchisee. 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.
-
18 -
The
following schedule represents Nathan’s cash contractual obligations and
commitments by maturity (in thousands):
Payments
Due by Period
|
||||||||||||||||
Less
than
|
More
than
|
|||||||||||||||
Cash
Contractual Obligations
|
Total
|
1
Year
|
1
-
3 Years
|
3-5
Years
|
5
Years
|
|||||||||||
Employment
Agreements (a)
|
$
|
3,602
|
$
|
1,236
|
$
|
1,166
|
$
|
600
|
$
|
600
|
||||||
Operating
Leases
|
12,056
|
1,556
|
1,928
|
1,110
|
7,462
|
|||||||||||
Gross
Cash Contractual Obligations
|
15,658
|
2,792
|
3,094
|
1,710
|
8,062
|
|||||||||||
Sublease
Income
|
1,263
|
304
|
582
|
332
|
45
|
|||||||||||
Net
Cash Contractual Obligations
|
$
|
14,395
|
$
|
2,488
|
$
|
2,512
|
$
|
1,378
|
$
|
8,017
|
Amount
of Commitment Expiration by Period
|
||||||||||||||||
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Amounts
|
Less
than
|
More
than
|
||||||||||||||
Other
Contractual Commitment
|
Committed
|
1
Year
|
1
-
3 Years
|
3-5
Years
|
5
Years
|
|||||||||||
Commitment
to purchase
|
$
|
591
|
$
|
591
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
||||||
Total
Other Contractual Commitment
|
$
|
591
|
$
|
591
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
(a)
Includes the extension of Messrs. Gatoff's and Norbitz’ employment agreements
for which no non-renewal notices were provided within the required 180 days
of December 31, 2008.
Inflationary
Impact
We
do not
believe that general inflation has materially impacted earnings during fiscal
2008, 2007 and 2006. However, during the fiscal 2009 period, we have
experienced significant cost increases for certain food products, distribution
costs and utilities. Our commodity costs for beef have been very volatile since
fiscal 2004 and the cost of beef is currently at a historic high, having
increased significantly during the fiscal 2009 period. Nathan’s was able to
partly mitigate some of the increase by entering into a purchase commitment
in
January 2008 for approximately 35% of its projected hot dog purchases during
the
period from April through August 2008. As
a
result of the purchase commitment, Nathan’s actual cost of hot dogs for its
Branded Product Program were approximately 1.2% less than its first quarter
last
year instead of being approximately 4.7% higher. In addition, the cost of beef
for our last fiscal year was approximately 8.2% higher than our prior fiscal
year.
We
are
unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs, however, we expect to
experience continued
price volatility for our beef products during fiscal 2009. Since
January 2008, we have experienced cost increases for a number of our other
food
products. We expect to incur higher commodity costs for cooking oil, fish,
potatoes and paper products during fiscal 2009. As previously discussed,
Nathan’s increased prices in response to the increased commodity costs. In
addition, for the past four years we have continued to experience the impact
of
higher oil prices in the form of higher distribution costs for our food products
and higher 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 which increased the Federal minimum wage to $5.85 per hour,
effective July 24, 2007, with increases to $6.55 per hour, effective July 24,
2008 and to $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. The New York State minimum
wage, where our Company-owned restaurants are located, was increased to $7.15
per hour on January 1, 2007 and will increase to $7.25 per hour on July 24,
2009. These wage increases have not had a material impact on our results of
operations or financial position as the vast majority of our employees are
paid
at a rate higher than the minimum wage. 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-Q and “Risk Factors” in our
Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 30, 2008.
-
19 -
Item
3. Quantitative
and Qualitative 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 June 29, 2008, Nathans’
cash and cash equivalents aggregated $17,369,000. Earnings on these cash
and
cash equivalents would increase or decrease by approximately $43,000 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 June 29, 2008, the market value of
Nathans’ marketable securities aggregated $20,150,000. Interest income on these
marketable securities would increase or decrease by approximately $50,000
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 June 29, 2008 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
|
$
|
21,211
|
$
|
20,850
|
$
|
20,498
|
$
|
20,150
|
$
|
19,805
|
$
|
19,463
|
$
|
19,131
|
Borrowings
The
interest rate on our prior borrowings was generally determined based upon
the
prime rate and was subject to market fluctuation as the prime rate changed,
as
determined within each specific agreement. At June 29, 2008, 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 do
not
anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments
to
hedge our borrowings. We maintain a $7,500,000 credit line at the prime rate
(5.0% as of June 29, 2008), which expires in October 2008. 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. Historically, we have not
attempted to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the commodities
we
purchase using future, forward, option or other instruments. However, in
January
2008, we entered into a purchase commitment to acquire approximately 1,785,000
lbs of hot dogs at $1.535 per lb. We may attempt to enter into similar
arrangements in the future. As a result, we expect that the majority of our
future commodities purchases will be subject to changes in the prices of
such
commodities. Generally, we have attempted 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 thirteen weeks ended June
29,
2008 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by approximately
$666,000.
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.
-
20 -
Item
4. 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 thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2008 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.
-
21 -
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1. 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 such
ordinary and routine litigation 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.
On
March
20, 2007, a personal injury lawsuit was initiated seeking unspecified
damages against the Company's subtenant and the Company's master
landlord at a leased property in Huntington, New York. The claim relates
to damages suffered by an individual as a result of an alleged "trip and fall"
on the sidewalk in front of the leased property, maintenance of which is the
subtenant's responsibility. Although the Company was not named as a
defendant in the lawsuit, under its master lease agreement the Company may
have
an obligation to indemnify the master landlord in connection with this
claim. The Company did not maintain its own insurance on the property
concerned at the time of the incident; however, the Company is named as an
additional insured under its subtenant's liability policy.
Accordingly, if the master landlord is found liable for damages and seeks
indemnity from the Company, the Company believes that it would be entitled
to
coverage under the subtenant's insurance policy. Additionally, under
the terms of the sublease, the subtenant is required to indemnify the
Company, regardless of insurance coverage.
The
Company is party to a License Agreement with SMG, Inc. ("SMG") dated as of
February 28, 1994, as amended (the "License Agreement") pursuant to which:
(i)
SMG acts as the Company's exclusive licensee for the manufacture, distribution,
marketing and sale of packaged Nathan's Famous frankfurter product at
supermarkets, club stores and other retail outlets in the United States; and
(ii) the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require SMG to
produce frankfurters for the Nathan's Famous restaurant system and Branded
Products Program. On July 31, 2007, the Company provided notice to SMG that
the
Company has elected to terminate the License Agreement, effective July 31,
2008
(the "Termination Date"), due to SMG's breach of certain provisions of the
License Agreement. SMG has disputed that a breach has occurred and has
commenced, together with certain of its affiliates, an action in state court
in
Illinois seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did not
breach the License Agreement. The Company's filed its own action on August
2,
2007, in New York State court seeking a declaratory judgment that SMG has
breached the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated
the
License Agreement. On January 23, 2008, the New York court granted SMG’s motion
to dismiss the Company’s case in New York on the basis that the dispute was
already the subject of a pending lawsuit in Illinois. The Company has answered
SMG's complaint and asserted its own counterclaims which seek, among other
things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did breach the License Agreement and
that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On July 31,
2008, SMG and Nathan’s entered into a Stipulation pursuant to which Nathan’s
agreed that it would not effectuate the termination of the License Agreement
on
the grounds alleged in the present litigation until such litigation has been
successfully adjudicated, and SMG agreed that in such event, Nathan’s shall have
the option to require SMG to continue to perform under the License Agreement
for
an additional period of up to six months to ensure an orderly transition of
the
business to a new licensee/supplier. The agreed motion for entry of said
Stipulation must be approved by the Circuit Court. The parties are currently
proceeding with the discovery process.
Item
1A. Risk Factors
In
addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully
consider the factors described below, as well as those discussed in Part I,
“Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended March 30, 2008, which could materially affect our business, financial
condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form
10-K are not the only risks facing Nathan's. Additional risks and uncertainties
not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating
results.
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 80% to 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 beyond our control. For example, in the past, reduced supply
and
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. As the price of beef or other
food
products that we use in our operations increase significantly, 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. Food and
paper products typically represent approximately 25% to 30% of our cost of
restaurant 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.
-
22 -
Nathan’s
does not have the ability to effectively hedge all of its beef purchases using
futures or forward contracts without incurring undue financial risk, although
Nathan’s has entered into a commitment to purchase 1,785,000 pounds of hot dogs
for the period April through August 2008.
The
loss of one or more of our key suppliers could lead to supply disruptions,
increased costs and lower operating results.
The
Company relies on one supplier for the majority of its frankfurters and another
supplier for its supply of frozen French fries. An interruption in the supply
of
product from either one of these suppliers without the Company obtaining an
alternative source of supply on comparable terms could lead to supply
disruptions, increased costs and lower operating results.
The
Company is currently engaged in litigation with its primary supplier of
frankfurters for each of the Company’s major lines of business seeking a
judicial declaration that the Company is entitled to terminate its License
Agreement with such supplier. In anticipation of such termination, the Company
is seeking one or more alternative sources of supply to commence immediately
following the termination of the License Agreement (or sooner if necessary);
however, the termination of the License Agreement presents a number of risks
to
the Company and its operations.
Although
the Company believes that its frankfurter supplier is contractually obligated
to
perform its obligations under the License Agreement until its termination and
the Company expects its frankfurter supplier to continue to discharge those
obligations, there is no assurance that the supplier will do so. In addition,
the Company and the frankfurter supplier have entered into a commitment to
purchase pursuant to which the supplier has agreed to sell to the Company
1,785,000 pounds of frankfurters between April and August 2008. In the event
that the frankfurter supplier breaches its contractual obligations under the
License Agreement and/or the commitment to purchase by failing or refusing
to
manufacture and supply frankfurters for the Company’s restaurant and Branded
Product Program operations or to manufacture, distribute, market and sell
Nathan’s
Famous
frankfurters to the retail trade, there is no assurance that the Company could
secure an alternate source of supply in a timely manner.
Additionally,
all of the frozen French fries sold through its franchised restaurants are
obtained from one supplier. In the event that the French fry supplier is unable
to fulfill Nathan’s requirements for any reasons, including due to a significant
interruption in its manufacturing operations, whether as a result of a natural
disaster or for other reasons, such interruption could significantly impair
the
Company’s ability to operate its business on a day-to-day basis.
In
the
event that the Company is unable to find one or more alternative suppliers
of
frankfurters or French fries on a timely basis, there could be a disruption
in
the supply of product to Company’s owned and franchised restaurants and Branded
Product accounts, which would damage the Company, its franchisees and Branded
Product customers and, in turn, negatively impact the Company’s financial
results. In addition, any gap in supply to retail customers would result in
lost
royalty payments to the Company, which could have a significant adverse
financial impact on the Company’s results from operations. Furthermore, any gap
in supply to retail customers may damage the Nathan’s
Famous
trademarks in the eyes of consumers and the retail trade, which damage might
negatively impact the Company’s overall business in general and impair the
Company’s ability to continue its retail licensing program.
Additionally,
once secured, there is no assurance that any alternate sources of supply would
be capable of meeting the Company’s specifications and quality standards on a
timely and consistent basis or that the financial terms of such supply
arrangement will be as favorable as the Company’s present terms with its
frankfurter or French fry supplier, as the case may be.
Any
of
the foregoing occurrences may cause disruptions in supply of the Company’s
frankfurter or French fry products, as the case may be, damage the Company’s
franchisees and Branded Product customers, adversely impact the Company’s
financial results and/or damage the Nathan’s
Famous
trademarks.
-
23 -
Item
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
Proceeds:
ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
|
|
(a) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
|
|
(b) Average Price
Paid per Share
|
|
(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
|
|
(d) Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plan
|
|
||||
March
31, 2008
April
27, 2008
|
-0-
|
$
|
0.0000
|
2,000,000
|
500,000
|
||||||||
April
28, 2008
May
25, 2008
|
-0-
|
$
|
0.0000
|
2,000,000
|
500,000
|
||||||||
May
26, 2008
June
29, 2008
|
103,858
|
$
|
14.0293
|
2,103,858
|
396,142
|
||||||||
Total
|
103,858
|
$
|
14.0293
|
2,103,858
|
396,142
|
On
September 14, 2001, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares
of its common stock. Pursuant to its first stock repurchase program, we
repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock in open market transactions and
a
private transaction at a total cost of $3,670,000. On October 7, 2002, Nathan’s
was authorized to purchase up to 1,000,000 additional shares of its common
stock. Nathan’s concluded the second authorized stock repurchase program of
1,000,000 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $5,416,000. On
November 5, 2007, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to
an additional 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company.
On
June 11, 2008, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities, Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an
agreement (the “10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to
purchase shares of the Company’s common stock having a value of up to an
aggregate $6 million. The 10b5-1 Agreement was adopted under the safe harbor
provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to
assist the Company in implementing its previously announced stock purchase
plan
for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares. Through June 29, 2008, Nathan’s
purchased a total of 2,103,858 shares
of
common stock at a cost of approximately $10,546,000 pursuant
to the current and previous stock repurchase plans previously authorized by
the Board of Directors. Of these repurchased shares, 103,858 shares
at
a cost of $1,460,000 were repurchased during the thirteen weeks ended June
29,
2008.
Subsequent to June 29, 2008, Nathan’s has continued to repurchase its common
stock in the open market pursuant to the 10b5-1 Agreement, repurchasing an
additional 85,830 shares at a total cost of approximately $1,261,000 through
July 31, 2008. For
the
period commencing March 31, 2008 and ending July 31, 2008, Nathan’s
repurchased 79,255 shares at a cost of approximately $1,102,000 before the
adoption of the 10b5-1 Agreement and purchased 110,433 shares at a cost of
approximately $1,619,000 pursuant to the 10b5-1
Agreement. Future
purchases may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in
open
market or privately- negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate
by
management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
-
24 -
Item
6. Exhibits
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 3.3 to Form 10-K
for the
fiscal year ended March 27, 2005.)
|
4.1
|
Specimen
Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
|
4.2
|
Form
of Rights Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to
Form 8-K
dated June 6, 2008.)
|
4.3
|
Rights
Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)
|
31.1
|
*Certification
of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
31.2
|
*Certification
of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
32.1
|
*Certification
by Eric Gatoff, CEO, 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, CFO, 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.
|
*Filed
herewith.
-
25 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements 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.
NATHAN'S
FAMOUS, INC.
|
||
Date:
August 8, 2008
|
By:
|
/s/Eric
Gatoff
|
Eric
Gatoff
|
||
Chief
Executive Officer
|
||
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
||
Date:
August 8, 2008
|
By:
|
/s/Ronald
G. DeVos
|
Ronald
G. DeVos
|
||
Vice
President - Finance
|
||
and
Chief Financial Officer
|
||
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
-
26 -
Exhibit
Index
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 3.3 to Form 10-K
for the
fiscal year ended March 27, 2005.)
|
4.1
|
Specimen
Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
|
4.2
|
Form
of Rights Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to
Form 8-K
dated June 6, 2008.)
|
4.3
|
Rights
Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)
|
31.1
|
*Certification
of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
31.2
|
*Certification
of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
32.1
|
*Certification
by Eric Gatoff, CEO, 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, CFO, 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.
|
*Filed
herewith.
-
27 -