Ruths Hospitality Group, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2009

OR

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 000-51485

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(407) 333-7440

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  ¨

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    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. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of November 5, 2009 was 24,172,893.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM  1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - Unaudited

(dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited

(dollar amounts in thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) as of December 28, 2008 and September 27, 2009 and for the quarters and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 and September 27, 2009 have been prepared by the Company, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. The interim results of operations for the fiscal quarters and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 and September 27, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008.

The Company operates on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2008 and September 27, 2009 each contained 13 weeks and are referred to herein as the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and the third quarter of fiscal 2009, respectively.

Estimates – Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reporting of revenue and expenses during the period to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property and equipment, goodwill, franchise rights, trademarks, obligations related to workers’ compensation and medical insurance, and restructuring accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications – Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income. Specifically, certain items in other assets were reclassified to other intangibles.

(2) Acquisition of Mitchell’s Fish Market and Cameron’s Steakhouse

On February 19, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the operating assets and intellectual property of Mitchell’s Fish Market, operating under the names of Mitchell’s Fish Market and Columbus Fish Market, and Cameron’s Steakhouse, operating under the names of Cameron’s Steakhouse and Mitchell’s Steakhouse from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, LLC (“CMR”). There are 19 operating Mitchell’s Fish Markets and three operating Cameron’s Steakhouses.

The aggregate purchase price for Mitchell’s Fish Market and Cameron’s Steakhouse was $93.0 million, including capitalized transaction costs. Capitalized transaction costs related to the purchase were $1.0 million and are included in goodwill. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. The total cost of the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired in accordance with “Business Combinations,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805 (Topic 805). The below table summarizes the allocation of proceeds paid to the seller as well as acquisition costs.

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A portion of the acquired lease portfolio represented favorable operating leases, compared with current market conditions, and a portion represented unfavorable operating leases, compared with current market conditions. The fair value of the favorable leases totaling $2.3 million is recorded in other intangible assets and, after considering renewal periods, has an estimated weighted average life of approximately 17.8 years. The fair value of the unfavorable leases totaling $2.7 million is recorded in other liabilities and has an estimated weighted average life of approximately 17.3 years. Both the favorable and unfavorable leases are amortized to rent expense on the straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases.

Non-compete covenants of $1.0 million related to the acquisition are also included in other intangibles. These amounts are being amortized over a five year period based on the terms of the asset purchase agreement.

Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Due to declining market conditions in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company revised its forward-looking business projections downward, and as a result, recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $22.8 million and non-cash trademark impairment charges of $12.1 million related the acquisition of Mitchell’s.

(3) Stock-Based Employee Compensation

As of September 27, 2009, the Company had the following share-based compensation plans:

2000 Stock Option Plan

The Company established a stock option plan which allows the Company’s Board of Directors to grant stock options to directors, officers, key employees and other key individuals performing services for the Company. The 2000 Stock Option Plan authorizes grants of options to purchase up to 1,765,981 shares of authorized but unissued common stock. The 2000 Stock Option Plan provides for granting of options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price not less than the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. Options are exercisable at various periods ranging from one to ten years from date of grant. Under the 2000 Stock Option Plan, there are 155,741 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding options at September 27, 2009 and 647,231 shares available for future grants. No future grants are expected to be made under the 2000 Stock Option Plan.

2004 Restricted Stock Plan

The Company established a restricted stock plan, which allows the Company’s Board of Directors to facilitate the purchase of restricted stock by directors, officers and other key employees. The 2004 Restricted Stock Plan authorized restricted stock purchases of up to 1,167,487 shares of authorized but unissued common stock. Under the Company’s 2004 Restricted Stock Plan, there are 1,167,487 shares of common stock issued and no shares available for future grants. In relation to the departure of an executive officer during the second quarter of 2007, the Company reacquired 71,950 shares of restricted common stock for the same price per share as paid by the officer during 2004. The shares have been placed in treasury stock with a cost basis equivalent to the purchase price of less than $1.

2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

In connection with the initial public offering, the Company adopted the 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Equity Incentive Plan”), which allows the Company’s Board of Directors to grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and other equity-based awards to directors, officers, key employees and other key individuals performing services for the Company. The 2005 Equity Incentive Plan provides for granting of options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price not less than the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. Effective May 22, 2008, the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan was amended, with stockholder approval, to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan by 1,500,000 shares to a total of 3,862,500 shares.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company issued 1,030,000 shares of restricted shares to certain employees, executive officers and directors. Of these grants, 955,000 shares were issued with a fair market value equal to $7.22, and 75,000 shares were issued with a fair market value equal to $6.32. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company issued 225,000 shares of restricted shares to certain employees, executive officers and directors. Of these grants, 25,000 shares were issued with a fair market value equal to $6.96, and 200,000 shares were issued with a fair market value equal to $6.50. The restricted share prices were equal to the closing price of the stock on the dates of the grants. One-fifth of the restricted stock grant vests on each of the five anniversary dates following the grant date.

Under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, there were 2,462,543 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding options and restricted stock awards at September 27, 2009, and 1,096,462 shares available for future grants. Total stock compensation expense recognized for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 and September 27, 2009 was $2,493 and $1,633, respectively.

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(4) Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

On February 19, 2008, the Company amended and restated its existing credit facility to increase the revolving loan commitment to $250.0 million. The amended and restated credit extended the maturity date of the outstanding principal from March 11, 2010 to February 19, 2013, and changed the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio in the financial covenants to 3.50:1.00.

On February 26, 2009, the Company entered into a First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment reduced the revolving loan commitment from $250.0 million to $175.0 million, with additional reductions scheduled beginning December 31, 2009 through the final maturity date of February 19, 2013. The revolving loan commitment is scheduled to be reduced to $170.0 million on December 31, 2009. The amendment decreased the Company’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and increased its maximum Leverage Ratio, in each case beginning with the fourth quarter of 2008 and continuing through the second quarter of 2010, after which these two covenants reset to their original levels. The amendment also added two new covenants. The first is a minimum EBITDA test and the second places new restrictions on capital expenditures. The amendment also increased the interest rates applicable to borrowings based on the Company’s actual leverage ratio, ranging from 2.50% to 4.25% above the applicable LIBOR rate or, at the Company’s option, from 1.25% to 3.00% above the applicable base rate. At the time of the amendment, net deferred costs of $0.4 million related to the Company’s credit agreement were written off.

As of September 27, 2009, the Company had an aggregate of $148.5 million of outstanding indebtedness under its senior credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 4.27%. Under the amended revolving loan commitment, the Company had approximately $23.3 million of borrowings available under its revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $3.2 million. The Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants and is also subject to several restrictive covenants under its borrowings. The restrictive covenants include, but are not limited to, covenants that, subject to exceptions: (1) prohibit the Company and its subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness and from guaranteeing obligations of others; (2) prohibit the Company and its subsidiaries from creating, incurring, assuming or permitting to exist any lien on or with respect to any property or asset; (3) limit the Company’s ability and its subsidiaries’ ability to enter into joint ventures, acquisitions, and other investments; (4) prohibit the Company and its subsidiaries from directly or indirectly creating or becoming liable with respect to any contingent liabilities; and (5) restrict the Company and its subsidiaries from directly or indirectly declaring, ordering, paying, or making any restricted junior payments. The Company’s obligations under the senior credit facility are guaranteed by each of its existing and future subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of its assets and a pledge of the capital stock of its subsidiaries. As of September 27, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under its senior credit facility.

(5) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share were computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2009, options to purchase 2,563,543 and 2,351,643 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock at weighted average exercise prices of $10.63 and $10.56 per share, respectively, were not included in the calculation of weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share because their effects were anti-dilutive.

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The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(6) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to various claims, legal actions and other matters arising in the normal course of business. Management does not expect disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

(7) Discontinued Operations

The Company accounts for its closed restaurants in accordance with “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” FASB Accounting Codification Standards Topic 360-10 (Topic 360-10). Therefore, when a restaurant is closed, and the restaurant is either held for sale or abandoned, the restaurant’s operations are eliminated from continuing operations. Accordingly, the operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, are presented as discontinued operations and prior period operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, are reclassified.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company was notified that the replacement tenant in the Manhattan-UN, New York, location was placed in default by the landlord and as a result, the Company resumed lease payments with respect to this property during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Payments will equal $0.6 million in the aggregate per fiscal year through September 2016. The Company will attempt to sublease the property in order to recover some or all of the amounts paid with respect to the lease. At September 27, 2009, the Company maintained a contingent lease liability of $0.7 million related to this property. The Company accounted for its exit costs in accordance with the provisions of “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 420 (Topic 420), which required that such costs be expensed in the periods whereby such costs are incurred. All of the losses incurred are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated income statements.

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a contingent lease liability of $0.4 million related to its decision to close the Ruth’s Chris Steak House located in Naples, Florida. Lease payments for this location will equal $0.2 million in the aggregate per fiscal year through January 2022. The Company will attempt to sublease the property in order to recover some or all of the amounts paid with respect to the lease. The Company accounted for its exit costs in accordance with the provisions of Topic 420. All of the losses incurred with respect to this location are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated income statements.

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(8) Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the quarter and thirty-nine week period ended September 27, 2009 was 11.2% and 18.0%, respectively, compared to an effective income tax rate of 46.7% and 26.0% for the quarter and thirty-nine week period ended September 28, 2008. The decrease in the estimated annual effective rate for fiscal 2009 is primarily attributable to an increase in the impact of federal tax credits combined with a decrease in income before income tax.

The Company accounts for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the provisions of “Income Taxes,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 (Topic 740). The implementation of Topic 740 did not result in any changes to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions. As of December 28, 2008 and September 27, 2009, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled approximately $0.7 million, of which $0.5 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company does not anticipate there will be any material changes in the unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months. The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 28, 2008 and September 27, 2009, the Company had accrued approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the payment of interest, which is included as a component of the unrecognized tax benefit noted above.

The Company files consolidated and separate income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction, many state jurisdictions and Puerto Rico. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for years before 2007 and is no longer subject to state and local or Puerto Rico income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.

(9) Restructuring

As financial markets experienced great volatility in late 2008, management undertook a corporate restructuring to better support the new strategy of little to moderate company-owned restaurant growth.

The details of the restructuring charges are as follows:

The Company has accrued lease obligations related to certain locations for which a lease was signed and the Company subsequently decided not to build. The accrual of $3.5 million is based on management’s estimate of the most likely outcome of the lease exit negotiations. However, it is reasonably possible that factors could change in the near term that would result in a change in estimate.

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(10) Significant Accounting Policies

Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the second quarter of 2009, we adopted “Financial Instruments – Fair Value Option,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 825-10 (Topic 825-10) and “Interim Reporting,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 270 (Topic 270) which require fair value of financial instruments disclosure in interim reporting period, as well as in annual, financial statements. The fair values of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration. The remaining disclosure requirements of Topic 825-10 and Topic 270 are presented in Note 14 “Fair Value Measurements.”

In accordance with “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820 (Topic 820), we deferred application of Topic 820 as it applies to nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, until the first quarter of 2009. The deferral provided by Topic 820 applied to our measurement of property and equipment, goodwill, trademarks and franchise rights at fair value made in connection with periodic impairment assessments. Our adoption of Topic 820 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, as it relates to our impairment assessment of long-lived and intangible assets, has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In the second quarter of 2009, we adopted “Subsequent Events,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 855 (Topic 855). Topic 855 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Topic 855 is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. Our adoption of Topic 855 in the second quarter of 2009 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In the third quarter of 2009, we adopted “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 105 (Topic 105). Topic 105 provides for the FASB Accounting Standards Codification^TM (the “Codification”) to become the single official source of authoritative, nongovernmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Codification did not change GAAP but reorganizes the literature. Topic 105 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. Our adoption of Topic 105 in the third quarter of 2009 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements For Future Application

In December 2007, the FASB issued “Business Combinations,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805-20 (Topic 805-20). Topic 805-20 provides companies with guidance on how an acquiring company recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. Topic 805-20 also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs incurred as a result of the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. Topic 805-20 is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption of Topic 805-20 is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that Topic 805-20 will have on the consolidated financial statements and expects that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets, income statements or statements of cash flows.

In June 2009, the FASB issued “Transfers and Servicing – Sales and Financial Assets,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 860-20 (Topic 860-20). Topic 860-20 will require more information about transfers of financial assets, eliminates the qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE) concept, changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets and requires additional disclosures. Topic 860-20 amends “Consolidation – Variable Interest Entities,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810-10 (Topic 810-10) regarding certain guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity and modifies the methods allowed for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. In addition, Topic 860-20 requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and enhanced disclosures related to an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. Topic 860-20 is effective for annual reporting periods that begin after November 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact that Topic 860-20 will have on the consolidated financial statements and expect the adoption of these standards will not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet, income statements or cash flows.

Other accounting standards that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

(11) Long-Lived Assets Held for Sale

In accordance with “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 360-10 (Topic 360-10), the Company classifies long-lived assets to be disposed of, such as property, plant and equipment and purchased intangibles, separately as assets held for sale on the balance sheet. These assets are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated. As of September 27, 2009, assets held for sale consisted of $10.5 million for

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the corporate office building located in Heathrow, Florida, and $0.1 million for the company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House location in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement for $10.5 million for the corporate office building. Due to declining market conditions, the purchaser was unable to secure financing, and the purchase and sale contract expired. The Company currently intends to sell the corporate office building within the next twelve months.

On February 28, 2009, the company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House location in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was closed due to lease term expiration in February 2009. The Company elected not to renew the lease and signed a two unit franchise development agreement to acquire the remaining assets, which have an estimated fair value of $0.1 million.

(12) Marketing and Advertising Expense

During the second half of fiscal 2008, the Company introduced value promotions aimed at improving guest traffic. Of the $1.8 million in marketing and advertising expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company spent $0.9 million, or 1.1% of its revenues, in total advertising expenditures. This amount included value promotions, such as a three-course dinner offering, which were advertised through local and national radio, print media, sports sponsorships and professional meeting events. These advertising costs were expensed as incurred.

(13) Franchise Income

The Company currently has 65 Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchise locations, including 14 international locations. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company opened two franchise locations, St. Louis, Missouri, and Durham, North Carolina, and closed one franchise location, Las Vegas – Flamingo, Nevada. No franchise locations were sold or purchased during the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Franchise income includes opening and development fees and income generated from existing franchise locations. The Company records franchise income separately in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following is a summary of franchise income:

(14) Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined under “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820 (Topic 820) as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Topic 820 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.

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 of inputs to the valuation methodology are:

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The Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of Topic 820 at September 27, 2009 were as follows:

We believe that the carrying amount of our revolving credit facility approximates its fair value because interest rates are adjusted regularly to reflect current market rates.

The following table presents the fair values for those assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis and remaining on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 27, 2009 and the losses recognized from all such measurements during the quarter and year to date ended September 27, 2009:

(15) Sale-Leaseback

In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company completed a sale of five restaurant properties to Sovereign Investment Company for $17.6 million. Concurrent with the sales transaction, the Company entered into agreements to lease the properties back for initial terms of 12 to 20 years, along with two five-year options. This sale-leaseback transaction involving real estate does not provide for any continuing involvement other than a normal lease whereby the Company intends to actively use the property during the lease term.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect, when made, our expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements frequently are identified by the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or other similar words and phrases. Similarly, statements herein that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected, implied or anticipated by our forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include: changes in economic conditions and general trends; the loss of key management personnel; the effect of market volatility on our stock price; our ability to integrate the restaurants acquired in the Mitchell’s acquisition; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquired restaurants; health concerns about beef or other food products; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; changes in consumer preferences or discretionary spending; reductions in the availability of, or increases in the cost of, USDA Prime grade beef, fish and other food items; labor shortages or increases in labor costs; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating our employees, the sale or preparation of food, the sale of alcoholic beverages and the opening of new restaurants; harmful actions taken by our franchisees; our ability to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information; the impact of litigation; the restrictions imposed by our credit agreement; failure of internal controls over financial reporting; and the portion of voting power controlled by one principal stockholder. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in

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this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008 filed by us, as well as our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), all of which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this report to the “Company,” “Ruth’s,” “we,” “us”, or “our” or similar words are to Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a Delaware corporation formerly known as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc., and was founded in 1965.

Overview

We are a leading restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. As of September 27, 2009, there were 129 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, of which 64 were company-owned and 65 were franchisee-owned, including 14 international franchisee-owned restaurants in Aruba, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

As of September 27, 2009, there were 19 Mitchell’s Fish Market locations operating under the names of Mitchell’s Fish Market and Columbus Fish Market, and three Cameron’s Steakhouses operating under the names of Cameron’s Steakhouse and Mitchell’s Steakhouse.

The following table summarizes the changes in the number of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Mitchell’s Fish Market and Cameron’s Steakhouse company-operated and franchised restaurants during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2009:

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008 provides additional information about our business, operations and financial condition.

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Results of Operations

The table below sets forth certain operating data expressed as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated, except as otherwise noted. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected in the future.

Third quarter Ended September 27, 2009 (13 Weeks) Compared to Third quarter Ended September 28, 2008 (13 Weeks)