RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2016 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2016

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 001-13992

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

10737 Cutten Road

Houston, Texas 77066

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(281) 397-6730

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. Large accelerated filer [  ] Accelerated filer [X] Non-accelerated filer [  ] 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 [  ] No [X]

As of January 31, 2017, 9,718,711 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, among other things, statements regarding plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report, including, without limitation, the following sections: Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those discussed in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Important factors that in our view could cause material adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties associated with operating and managing an adult business, the business climates in cities where it operates, the success or lack thereof in launching and building the company’s businesses, risks and uncertainties related to cyber security, conditions relevant to real estate transactions, and numerous other factors such as laws governing the operation of adult entertainment businesses, competition and dependence on key personnel. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

As used herein, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and similar terms include RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except par value)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Non-cash and other transactions:

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company refinanced $8.0 million of long-term debt by borrowing $9.9 million, resulting in net cash proceeds of $1.9 million.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company purchased and retired 89,685 common shares at a cost of $1.1 million.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company purchased and retired 282,762 common shares at a cost of $2.8 million.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized unrealized holding gains on marketable securities held for sale of approximately $7,000.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q of Regulation S-X. They do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. However, except as disclosed herein, there has been no material change in the information disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2016 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2016. The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements included in the Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, have been made. Operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2017. The September 30, 2016 consolidated balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

2. Recent Accounting Standards and Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing GAAP. The standard’s effective date has been deferred by the issuance of ASU No. 2015-14, and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. The guidance permits using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Early application is permitted but not before December 15, 2016, the ASU’s original effective date. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, which amends FASB ASU Topic 810, Consolidations. This ASU amends the current consolidation guidance, including introducing a separate consolidation analysis specific to limited partnerships and other similar entities. This ASU requires that limited partnerships and similar legal entities provide partners with either substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights over the general partner in order to be considered a voting interest entity. The specialized consolidation model and guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities have been eliminated. There is no longer a presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. For limited partnerships and similar legal entities that qualify as voting interest entities, a limited partner with a controlling financial interest should consolidate a limited partnership. A controlling financial interest may be achieved through holding a limited partner interest that provides substantive kick-out rights. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2016, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. This ASU does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. This ASU eliminates from GAAP the requirement to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market under the previous requirement could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. Entities within scope of this update will now be required to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The ASU requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Acquirers must recognize, in the same reporting period, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2016, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), on accounting for leases which requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The guidance requires enhanced disclosures regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, and will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance requires the use of a modified retrospective approach. We are evaluating the impact of the guidance on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The guidance requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement on a prospective basis. The guidance also requires presentation of excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity, and can be applied retrospectively or prospectively. The guidance increases the amount companies can withhold to pay income taxes on awards without triggering liability classification for shares used to satisfy statutory income tax withholding obligations, and requires application of a modified retrospective transition method. The amended guidance will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016; early adoption is permitted if all provisions are adopted in the same period. As of December 31, 2016, we do not have any stock-based compensation awards outstanding. We will adopt ASU 2016-09 when the Company grants stock-based compensation awards in the future.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The ASU intends to reduce diversity in practice on how the following cash activities are presented in the statement of cash flows: (1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; (2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments; (3) contingent considerations payments made after a business combination; (4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate and bank-owned life insurance policies; (6) distributions received from equity method investments; and (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions. The guidance also describes a predominance principle in which cash flows with aspects of more than one class that cannot be separated should be classified based on the activity that is likely to be the predominant source or use of cash flow. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period, and must be applied using a retrospective transition method. We early adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2016. Our adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combination (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. According to the guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the assets acquired would not represent a business. If met, this initial screen eliminates the need for further assessment. To be considered a business, an acquisition would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. ASU 2017-01 provides a framework to evaluate when an input and a substantive process are present. To be a business without outputs, there will now need to be an organized workforce. The FASB noted that outputs are a key element of a business and included more stringent criteria for aggregated sets of assets and activities without outputs. Finally, the guidance narrows the definition of the term “outputs” to be consistent with how it is described in Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under the final definition, an output is the result of inputs and substantive processes that provide goods and services to customers, other revenue, or investment income, such as dividends and interest. The standard is effective in 2018, with early adoption permitted. The amendments can be applied to transactions occurring before the guidance was issued as long as the applicable financial statements have not been issued. We are evaluating the impact of the guidance on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

3. Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation.

4. Selected Account Information

The components of accrued liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

The components of selling, general and administrative expenses are as follows (in thousands):

5. Long-Term Debt

On October 5, 2016, the Company refinanced $8.0 million of long-term debt by borrowing $9.9 million. The new unsecured debt is payable $118,817 per month, including interest at 12%, and matures in five years with a balloon payment for the remaining balance at maturity. The refinanced debt was comprised of interest-only notes that were scheduled to mature with full principal payments in October 2017.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

6. Stockholders’ Equity

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company purchased and retired 89,685 common shares at a cost of $1.1 million. The Company also paid a $0.03 per share cash dividend totaling approximately $290,000.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company purchased and retired 282,762 common shares at a cost of $2.8 million.

7. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company. Potential common stock shares consist of shares that may arise from outstanding dilutive common restricted stock, stock options and warrants (the number of which is computed using the “treasury stock method”) and from outstanding convertible debentures (the number of which is computed using the “if converted method”). Diluted EPS considers the potential dilution that could occur if the Company’s outstanding common restricted stock, stock options, warrants and convertible debentures were converted into common stock that then shared in the Company’s earnings (as adjusted for interest expense that would no longer occur if the debentures were converted).

The table below presents the reconciliation of the numerator and the denominator in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):

(1) All outstanding restricted stock, warrants and options were considered for the EPS computation. Potentially dilutive options and warrants of 172,400 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 have been excluded from earnings per share due to their being anti-dilutive. No restricted stock or options were outstanding during the three months ended December 31, 2016.

(2) Convertible debentures (principal and accrued interest) outstanding at the beginning of the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaling $859,000 and $3.9 million, respectively, were convertible into common stock at a price of $10.25 and $12.50 per share in fiscal 2017 and $10.00, $10.25 and $12.50 per share in fiscal 2016.

(3) As of January 4, 2017, in relation to paying off certain convertible notes (see Note 11), the Company has no more outstanding restricted stock, stock options, warrants or convertible debt.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

8. Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2017 compared with a $1.4 million for the same quarter of 2016. The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2017 was 33.3% compared with 35.9% for the comparable period of 2016. Our effective tax rate is affected by state taxes, permanent differences, and tax credits, including the FICA tip credit.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns for U.S. federal, and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions pursuant to ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, the liability for uncertain tax positions totaled approximately $0.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, which is included in current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company settled a city tax audit for approximately $0.6 million, the amount previously recorded as an uncertain tax position. This settlement did not have an impact on the annual effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses.

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

New York Settlement

Filed in 2009, the case claimed Rick’s Cabaret New York misclassified entertainers as independent contractors. Plaintiffs sought minimum wage for the hours they danced and return of certain fees. RCI Entertainment (New York), Inc. and Peregrine Enterprises, Inc. maintained the dancers were properly classified, and alternatively, amounts earned were well in excess of the minimum wage and should satisfy any obligations.

On April 1, 2015, we and our subsidiaries, RCI Entertainment (New York), Inc. and Peregrine Enterprises, Inc., entered into an agreement to settle in full a New York based federal wage and hour class and collective action filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On September 22, 2015, the Court granted final approval of the settlement. Under the terms of the agreement, Peregrine Enterprises, Inc. was to make up to $15.0 million available to class members and their attorneys. The actual amount paid was determined based on the number of class members responding by the end of a two-month notice period which ended on December 4, 2015. Unclaimed checks or payments reverted back to Peregrine at that time. Based on the current schedule, an initial payment for attorneys’ fees of $1,833,333 was made in October 2015, with two subsequent payments of $1,833,333 each being made in equal annual installments. As part of the settlement, RCIHH was required to guarantee the obligations of RCI Entertainment (New York), Inc. and Peregrine Enterprises, Inc. under the settlement.

The Company expensed $11.1 million during the year ended September 30, 2015 as the final liability for its obligations under the settlement, which was included as settlement of lawsuits and other one-time costs in the consolidated statement of income. Of this amount, $5.6 million was paid to entertainers and $5.5 million has been or will be paid to the lawyers. As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, the Company has a total amount of $1.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively, recorded in accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for future payments to the lawyers.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Indemnity Insurance Corporation

As previously reported, the Company and its subsidiaries were insured under a liability policy issued by Indemnity Insurance Corporation, RRG (“IIC”) through October 25, 2013. The Company and its subsidiaries changed insurance companies on that date.

On November 7, 2013, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered a Rehabilitation and Injunction Order (“Rehabilitation Order”), which declared IIC impaired, insolvent and in an unsafe condition and placed IIC under the supervision of the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Delaware (“Commissioner”) in her capacity as receiver (“Receiver”). The Rehabilitation Order empowered the Commissioner to rehabilitate IIC through a variety of means, including gathering assets and marshaling those assets as necessary. Further, the order stayed or abated pending lawsuits involving IIC as the insurer until May 6, 2014.

On April 10, 2014, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered a Liquidation and Injunction Order With Bar Date (“Liquidation Order”), which ordered the liquidation of IIC and terminated all insurance policies or contracts of insurance issued by IIC. The Liquidation Order further ordered that all claims against IIC must be filed with the Receiver before the close of business on January 16, 2015 and that all pending lawsuits involving IIC as the insurer are further stayed or abated until October 7, 2014. As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries no longer have insurance coverage under the liability policy with IIC. Currently, there are several civil lawsuits pending against the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company has retained counsel to defend against and evaluate these claims and lawsuits. We are funding 100% of the costs of litigation and will seek reimbursement from the bankruptcy receiver. The Company filed the appropriate claims against IIC with the Receiver before the January 16, 2015 deadline; however, there are no assurances of any recovery from these claims. It is unknown at this time what effect this uncertainty will have on the Company. As previously stated, since October 25, 2013, the Company has obtained general liability coverage from other insurers, which have covered and/or will cover any claims arising from actions after that date.

General

The Company is involved in various suits and claims arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate outcome of these items will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated statements of income or financial position.

The Company has been sued by a landlord in the 33rd Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas for a Houston Bombshells which was under renovation in 2015. The plaintiff alleges RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.’s subsidiary, BMB Dining Services (Willowbrook), Inc., breached a lease agreement by constructing an outdoor patio, which allegedly interfered with the common areas of the shopping center, and by failing to provide Plaintiff with proposed plans before beginning construction. Plaintiff also asserts RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. is liable as guarantor of the lease. The lease was for a Bombshells restaurant to be opened in the Willowbrook Shopping Center in Houston, Texas. Both RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. and BMB Dining Services (Willowbrook), Inc. have denied liability and assert that Plaintiff has failed to mitigate its claimed damages. Further, BMB Dining Services (Willowbrook), Inc. asserts that Plaintiff affirmatively represented that the patio could be constructed under the lease and has filed counter claims and third-party claims against Plaintiff, Plaintiff’s manager, and Plaintiff’s broker asserting that they committed fraud and that the landlord breached the applicable agreements. It is unknown at this time whether the resolution of this uncertainty will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition.

Settlements of lawsuits for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $73,000 and $540,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, the Company has accrued $1.9 million and $2.7 million in accrued liabilities, respectively, related to settlement of lawsuits.

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

10. Segment Information

The Company owns and operates adult nightclubs and Bombshells Restaurants and Bars. The Company has identified such reportable segments based on management responsibility and the nature of the Company’s products, services and costs. There are no major distinctions in geographical areas served as all operations are in the United States. The Company measures segment profit (loss) as income (loss) from operations. Segment assets are those assets controlled by each reportable segment. The other category below includes our media divisions and rental income that are not significant to the consolidated financial statements.

Below is the financial information related to the Company’s segments (in thousands):

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

General corporate expenses include corporate salaries, health insurance and social security taxes for officers, legal, accounting and information technology employees, corporate taxes and insurance, legal and accounting fees, depreciation and other corporate costs such as automobile and travel costs. Management considers these to be non-allocable costs for segment purposes.

11. Subsequent Events

On January 4, 2017, the Company paid off $392,000 of convertible 6% notes, which would have matured on March 4, 2023.

On January 13, 2017, we closed the sale on one of our non-income producing properties for $2.2 million in cash, recognizing approximately $116,000 loss on the sale. Proceeds were used to pay off the remaining $1.5 million of a related 11% balloon note, which was due in 2018. The Company paid a $75,000 prepayment penalty to pay off the debt.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this quarterly report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016.

Overview

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (“RCIHH”) is a holding company engaged in a number of activities in the hospitality and related businesses. All services and management operations are conducted by subsidiaries of RCIHH, including RCI Management Services, Inc.

Through our subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2016, we operated a total of 41 establishments that offer live adult entertainment, and/or restaurant and bar operations. We also operated a leading business communications company serving the multi-billion-dollar adult nightclubs industry. We have two principal reportable segments: Nightclubs and Bombshells restaurants and bars. We combine other operating segments into “Other.” In the context of club and restaurant/sports bar operations, the terms the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms used in this report refer to subsidiaries of RCIHH. Excepting executive officers of RCIHH, any employment referenced in this document is not with RCIHH but solely with one of its subsidiaries. RCIHH was incorporated in the State of Texas in 1994. Our corporate offices are located in Houston, Texas.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate these estimates, including investment impairment. These estimates are based on management’s historical industry experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

For a description of the accounting policies that, in management’s opinion, involve the most significant application of judgment or involve complex estimation and which could, if different judgment or estimates were made, materially affect our reported financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on December 13, 2016.

During the three months ended December 31, 2016, there were no significant changes in our accounting policies and estimates.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Revenues

Consolidated revenues increased by $264,000, or 0.8%, due primarily to a 3.6% increase in same-store sales (contributing a 3.4% increase in total revenues), 1.9% increase from new units, 3.3% decrease in closed units, and 1.2% decrease in other revenues. Nightclub same-store sales increased by 2.8% due to strong performances from units in Minneapolis with the return of the Vikings to their new downtown stadium, and from clubs in New York City and parts of Texas. Units that were reformatted or moved also did well. Bombshells same-store sales increased by 9.6% caused by the remaining four Bombshells locations.

Segment contribution to total revenues was as follows (in thousands):

Revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 included revenues from Drink Robust. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, we sold 31% of Drink Robust, retaining a 20% investment. Because we have no ability to direct the management of the investee company or exert significant influence, the investment is being accounted for at cost beginning on the date of the sale.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses, as a percent of revenues, decreased to 81.2% from 82.9% from year-ago. Contributors to the net decrease in operating expenses are explained below.

Cost of goods sold decreased by 5.8% primarily due to lower unit count. As a percent of total revenues, cost of goods sold decreased to 14.5% from 15.5% mainly due to the increase in revenue mix of higher margin service revenue.

Salaries and wages increased by 3.2% mainly due to a shift to employee status of certain entertainers and an increase in corporate salaries, offset partially by a decrease in stock-based compensation. As a percent of total revenues, salaries and wages increased to 28.6% from 28.0% primarily from increase in fixed salaries.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 3.1% primarily due to increases in advertising and marketing, franchise tax and professional fees, partially offset by decreases in legal costs, supplies and rent. As a percent of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 33.2% from 32.4% mainly due to increases in advertising and marketing and professional fees partially offset by a decrease in legal costs.

Depreciation and amortization decreased by 11.0% due to the decrease in intangible assets subject to amortization caused by the divestiture of Drink Robust.

Other charges, net decreased by $478,000 due to lower lawsuit settlement costs.

Income from Operations

For the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, our operating margin was 18.8% and 17.1%, respectively. The main drivers for the increase in operating margin are increase in higher margin service revenue and sales leverage from fixed costs.

Segment contribution to income from operations is presented in the table below (in thousands):

Operating margin for the Nightclubs segment was 31.5% and 30.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, while operating margin for Bombshells was 14.9% and 11.1%, respectively. The increase in Nightclubs operating margin was mainly due to the increase in higher margin service revenue and the closing of three underperforming clubs. The increase in Bombshells operating margin was primarily caused by the closing of the underperforming unit in Webster, Texas.

Non-Operating Items

Interest expense increased to $2.0 million from $1.9 million due to higher average debt balance.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures, within the meaning of the SEC Regulation G, to clarify and enhance understanding of past performance and prospects for the future. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in or excluded from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We monitor non-GAAP financial measures because it describes the operating performance of the Company and helps management and investors gauge our ability to generate cash flow, excluding items that management believes are not representative of the ongoing business operations of the Company, but are included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Relative to each of the non-GAAP financial measures, we further set forth our rationale as follows:

Non-GAAP Operating Income and Non-GAAP Operating Margin. We exclude from non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin amortization of intangibles, gains or losses on sale of assets, stock-based compensation, and settlement of lawsuits and other one-time costs. We believe that excluding these items assists investors in evaluating period-over-period changes in our operating income and operating margin without the impact of items that are not a result of our day-to-day business and operations.

Non-GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income per Diluted Share. We exclude from non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share amortization of intangibles, income tax expense, gains or losses on sale of assets, stock-based compensation, and settlement of lawsuits and other one-time costs, and include the non-GAAP provision for current and deferred income taxes, calculated as the tax effect at 33% and 35% effective tax rate of the pre-tax non-GAAP income before taxes for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because we believe that excluding and including such items help management and investors better understand our operating activities.

Adjusted EBITDA. We exclude from adjusted EBITDA depreciation expense, amortization of intangibles, income tax expense, interest expense, interest income, gains or losses on sale of assets, and settlement of lawsuits and other one-time costs because we believe that adjusting for such items helps management and investors better understand operating activities. Adjusted EBITDA provides a core operational performance measurement that compares results without the need to adjust for federal, state and local taxes which have considerable variation between domestic jurisdictions. The results are, therefore, without consideration of financing alternatives of capital employed. We use adjusted EBITDA as one guideline to assess our unleveraged performance return on our investments. Adjusted EBITDA is also the target benchmark for our acquisitions of nightclubs.

We also use certain non-GAAP cash flow measures such as free cash flow. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section for further discussion.

The following tables present our non-GAAP performance measures for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages):

* Per share amounts and percentages may not foot due to rounding.

The adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to RCIHH common shareholders to non-GAAP net income exclude the impact of adjustments related to noncontrolling interests, which is immaterial. In the calculation of non-GAAP diluted net income per share, we take into consideration the adjustment to net income from the assumed conversion of debentures (see Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 31, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents were $12.1 million compared to $11.3 million at September 30, 2016. Because of the large volume of cash we handle, we have very stringent cash controls. As of December 31, 2016, we had negative working capital of $2.9 million compared to negative working capital of $2.7 million as of September 30, 2016, both figures excluding assets held for sale amounting to $7.7 million as of each date. We believe our ability to generate cash from operating activities is one of our fundamental financial strengths. Our net cash provided by operating activities increased to $5.5 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 from $4.2 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The near-term outlook for our business remains strong, and we expect to generate substantial cash flows from operations for the remainder of fiscal 2017. As a result of our expected cash flows from operations, we have significant flexibility to meet our financial commitments.

We prefer not to raise capital through the issuance of common stock. Instead, we use debt financing, including convertible debt, to lower our overall cost of capital and increase our return on shareholders’ equity. We have a history of borrowing funds in private transactions and from sellers in acquisition transactions and continue to have the ability to borrow funds at reasonable interest rates in that manner. We have historically utilized these cash flows to invest in property and equipment and adult nightclubs.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities (in thousands):

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Following are our summarized cash flows from operating activities (in thousands):

Net cash provided by operating activities increased from year-to-year due primarily to the increase in income from operations and a favorable net change in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by higher income taxes paid.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Following are our cash flows from investing activities (in thousands):

Following is a breakdown of our additions to property and equipment for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

The capital expenditures during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 is composed primarily of construction and development costs for three new locations and our new corporate office, while the capital expenditures during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 is composed primarily of development costs of one new location and our new corporate office.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Following are our cash flows from financing activities (in thousands):

During the current year quarter, we purchased 89,685 treasury shares at an average price of $12.25 per share, while during the prior year quarter, we purchased 282,762 treasury shares at an average price of $9.88 per share. We started paying $0.03 per share quarterly dividend during the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Management also uses certain non-GAAP cash flow measures such as free cash flow. Free cash flow is derived from net cash provided by operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures. We use free cash flow as the baseline for the implementation of our capital allocation strategy.

We are not aware of any event or trend that would potentially affect our liquidity. In the event such a trend develops, we believe our working capital and capital expenditure requirements will be adequately met by cash flows from operations. In our opinion, working capital is not a true indicator of our financial status. Typically, businesses in our industry carry current liabilities in excess of current assets because businesses in our industry receive substantially immediate payment for sales, with nominal receivables, while inventories and other current liabilities normally carry longer payment terms. Vendors and purveyors often remain flexible with payment terms, providing businesses in our industry with opportunities to adjust to short-term business down turns. We consider the primary indicators of financial status to be the long-term trend of revenue growth, the mix of sales revenues, overall cash flow, profitability from operations, and the level of long-term debt.

The following table presents a summary of such indicators for the quarters ended December 31:

* See definition of Adjusted EBITDA above under Results of Operations.

Share repurchase

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, we bought back 89,685 shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prices ranging from $11.24 to $13.87. During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, we bought back 282,762 shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prices ranging from $9.50 to $10.35. As of December 31, 2016, we have $3.1 million remaining to purchase additional shares.

Other Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have not established lines of credit or financing other than the notes payable and our existing debt. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on reasonable terms in the future, if at all, should the need arise.

We believe that the adult entertainment industry standard of treating entertainers as independent contractors provides us with safe harbor protection to preclude payroll tax assessment for prior years. We have prepared plans that we believe will protect our profitability in the event that sexually oriented business industry is required in all states to convert dancers who are now independent contractors into employees.

The sexually oriented business industry is highly competitive with respect to price, service and location, as well as the professionalism of the entertainment. Although management believes that we are well-positioned to compete successfully in the future, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our high level of name recognition and prestige within the marketplace.

Impact of Inflation

We have not experienced a material overall impact from inflation in our operations during the past several years. To the extent permitted by competition, we have managed to recover increased costs through price increases and may continue to do so. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so in the future.

Seasonality

Our nightclub operations are affected by seasonal factors. Historically, we have experienced reduced revenues from April through September with the strongest operating results occurring during October through March.

Growth Strategy

We believe that our nightclub operations can continue to grow organically and through careful entry into markets and demographic segments with high growth potential. Our growth strategy is: (a) to open new clubs after market analysis, (b) to acquire existing clubs in locations that are consistent with our growth and income targets and which appear receptive to the upscale club formula we have developed, (c) to form joint ventures or partnerships to reduce start-up and operating costs, with us contributing equity in the form of our brand name and management expertise, (d) to develop new club concepts that are consistent with our management and marketing skills, (e) to develop and open our restaurant concepts as our capital and manpower allow, and/or (f) to control the real estate in connection with club operations, although some clubs may be in leased premises.

We currently have three Bombshells restaurants in development with expected openings in the second half of fiscal 2017. We are also reconcepting a club in Dallas, which is scheduled to be opened in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

We continue to evaluate opportunities to acquire new nightclubs and anticipate acquiring new locations that fit our business model as we have done in the past. The acquisition of additional clubs may require us to obtain additional debt or issuance of our common stock, or both. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on reasonable terms in the future, if at all, should the need arise. An inability to obtain such additional financing could have an adverse effect on our growth strategy.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

As of December 31, 2016, there were no material changes to the information provided in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s senior management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013).” Based on this evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded as of December 31, 2016 that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to the Company, including consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

See the “Legal Matters” section within Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There were no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company, or that the Company deems to be immaterial, also may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

In September 2008, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $5.0 million worth of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. As of April 2013, we completed the repurchase of all $5.0 million in stock authorized under this plan. In April 2013, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to an additional $3.0 million worth of our common stock, and in May 2014, our Board of Directors increased the repurchase authorization by another $7.0 million. In May 2016, the Board of Directors increased the repurchase authorization by an additional $5.0 million. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, we purchased 89,685 shares of common stock in the open market and private transactions at prices ranging from $11.24 to $13.87. As of December 31, 2016, we have $3.1 million remaining to purchase additional shares.

Following is a summary of our purchases during the quarter ended December 31, 2016:

Item 6. Exhibits.

* Incorporated by reference from our previous filings with the SEC.

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 hereunto duly authorized.