Ruths Hospitality Group, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended June 28, 2015

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

None.

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  ☒    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  ☒

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of July 30, 2015 was 35,211,431, which includes 1,140,428 shares of unvested restricted stock.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—Unaudited

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income—Unaudited

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Unaudited

for the Twenty-six Weeks ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014

(Amounts in thousands) 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Unaudited

(Amounts in thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Unaudited

ITEM 2.      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect, when made, the Company’s 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,” “targeting,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” or other similar words and phrases. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company’s objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected, implied or anticipated by the Company’s forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include: reductions in the availability of, or increases in the cost of, USDA Prime grade beef, fish and other food items; changes in economic conditions and general trends; the loss of key management personnel; the effect of market volatility on the Company’s stock price; health concerns about beef or other food products; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; changes in consumer preferences or discretionary spending; labor shortages or increases in labor costs; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to Company employees, the sale or preparation of food, the sale of alcoholic beverages and the opening of new restaurants; harmful actions taken by the Company’s franchisees; a material failure, interruption or security breach of the Company’s information technology network; repeal or reduction of the federal FICA tip credit; unexpected expenses incurred as a result of the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants; the Company’s ability to protect its name and logo and other proprietary information; an impairment in the financial statement carrying value of our goodwill, other intangible assets or property; the impact of litigation; the restrictions imposed by the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement; and changes in, or the discontinuation of, the Company’s quarterly cash dividend payments or share repurchase program. 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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. You should not assume that material events subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have not occurred.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this report to the “Company,” “Ruth’s,” “we,” “us”, “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

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a leading restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. operates Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and sells franchise rights to Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisees giving the franchisees the exclusive right to operate similar restaurants in a particular area designated in the franchise agreement. As of June 28, 2015, there were 146 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, including 66 Company-owned restaurants, one restaurant operating under a management agreement and 79 franchisee-owned restaurants.

As of December 28, 2014, we also operated eighteen Mitchell’s Fish Markets and three Mitchell’s/Cameron’s Steakhouse restaurants (collectively, the Mitchell’s Restaurants), located primarily in the Midwest and Florida. On January 21, 2015, we sold the Mitchell’s Restaurants to a third party for $10 million. The assets sold consisted primarily of leasehold interests, leasehold improvements, restaurant equipment and furnishings, inventory, and related intangible assets, including brand names and trademarks associated with the 21 Mitchell’s Restaurants. For financial reporting purposes, the Mitchell’s Restaurants are classified as a discontinued operation for all periods presented and, as of December 28, 2014, the assets were classified as held for sale.

During 2015, we are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the founding of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The Ruth’s Chris menu features a broad selection of high-quality USDA Prime- and Choice-grade steaks and other premium offerings served in Ruth’s Chris’ signature fashion—“sizzling” and topped with butter—complemented by other traditional menu items inspired by our New Orleans heritage. The Ruth’s Chris restaurants reflect the 50 year commitment to the core values instilled by our founder, Ruth Fertel, of caring for our guests by delivering the highest quality food, beverages and service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

All Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants are located in the United States. The franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants include 20 international franchisee-owned restaurants in Aruba, Canada, China, Hong Kong, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. In February 2015, we opened a new Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant in St. Petersburg, FL, and a new Company-owned restaurant is expected to open in Dallas, TX in our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015. New franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants opened in Ann Arbor, MI and Charleston, SC in May 2015. We opened three new Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants in 2014 – one in Denver, CO in January, one in Gaithersburg, MD in October, and one in Marina del Rey, CA in November. In February 2014, we acquired the franchisee-owned restaurant located in Austin, TX. Three new franchisee-owned restaurants opened in 2014 – one in Boise, ID in February, one in Panama City, Panama in September and one in Taipei, Taiwan in December. Due to an expiring lease term, we closed the Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Kansas City, MO in March 2014 after seventeen years of operation. Due to local market conditions and disappointing financial results, we negotiated an early termination of the facility lease for the Providence, RI Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant, which closed in September 2014.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, our first and fourth quarters have tended to be the strongest revenue quarters due largely to the year-end holiday season and the popularity of dining out during the fall and winter months. Consequently, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular period may decrease.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 provides additional information about our business, operations and financial condition.

 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.

Second Quarter Ended June 28, 2015 (13 Weeks) Compared to Second Quarter Ended June 29, 2014 (13 Weeks)

Overview. Operating income increased by $1.6 million, or 16.0%, to $11.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. Operating income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 was favorably impacted by a $7.8 million increase in restaurant sales, which was somewhat offset by increased food and restaurant operating expenses. Income from continuing operations increased from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 by $1.0 to $7.7 million. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 by $612 thousand to $7.5 million.

Segment Profits. Segment profitability information is presented in Note 7 to the financial statements. Not all operating expenses are allocated to operating segments. The Ruth’s Chris Steak House Company-owned restaurants, which are all located in the United States, are managed as an operating segment. The Ruth’s Chris concept operates within the full-service dining industry, providing similar products to similar customers. The franchise operations are reported as a separate operating segment. No costs are allocated to the franchise operations segment. Segment profits for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment increased by $4.0 million to $20.0 million from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase was driven by a $7.8 million increase in revenues, which exceeded the increase in segment operating expenses. Franchise income in the second quarter of 2015 increased by $310 thousand, or 8.1%, compared to the second quarter of 2014 mainly due to increased restaurant count.

Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased by $7.8 million, or 10.0%, to $85.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase was attributable to a $3.2 million increase in Company-owned comparable sales and $4.6 million in restaurant sales at new restaurants. Excluding discontinued operations, total operating weeks for all brands during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased to 858 from 819 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. Company-owned comparable restaurant sales increased 4.2%, driven by an average check increase of 3.5% and an entrée increase of 0.7%.

Franchise Income. Franchise income in the second quarter of 2015 increased $310 thousand, or 8.1%, compared to the second quarter of 2014. There was a 1.0% increase in comparable franchised restaurant sales and a $200 thousand increase in opening fees.

Other Operating Income. Other operating income in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 was relatively unchanged compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. Other operating income includes gift card breakage revenue, our share of income from a managed restaurant and miscellaneous restaurant income.

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs increased $1.3 million, or 5.4%, to $26.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 30.5% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from 31.8% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to a 2.4% decrease in beef costs.

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $2.5 million, or 6.7%, to $40.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased to 46.9% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from 48.4% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily attributable to lower healthcare claims.

Marketing and Advertising. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $525 thousand to $2.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase in marketing and advertising expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 was primarily attributable to a planned shift in the timing of advertising spending.

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased $1.6 million to $7.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily attributable to performance-based compensation.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $473 thousand to $3.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 due to depreciation related to three new Company-owned restaurants that have opened since June 2014.

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs were $139 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 primarily due to the planned opening of the Dallas, TX Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015. Pre-opening costs were $119 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 primarily due to the opening of the Denver, CO Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $124 thousand to $174 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in expense was primarily due to a lower average debt balance in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015.

Income Tax Expense. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, we recognized income tax expense of $3.6 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we recognized income tax expense of $2.9 million. The effective tax rate, including the impact of discrete items, increased to 31.8% for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared to 30.2% for the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The effective tax rate increased primarily due to higher levels of pre-tax accounting income in the second quarter of 2015, compared with the same period of 2014. Fiscal year 2015 discrete items and other unexpected changes impacting annual tax financial accounting tax expense may cause the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2015 to differ from the effective tax rate for the second quarter.

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations of $7.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased by $1.0 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 due to the factors noted above.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income taxes. Income (loss) from discontinued operation, net of income taxes, for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 was a loss of $153 thousand compared with income of $236 thousand during the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The loss in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 and the income in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 were both primarily attributable to the Mitchell’s Restaurants.

Net Income. Net income was $7.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 and increased by $612 thousand compared to $6.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase was largely attributable to the factors noted above.

Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 28, 2015 Compared to Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 29, 2014

Overview. Operating income increased $3.8 million, or 16.1%, to $27.6 million for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. Operating income for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 was favorably impacted by a $14.8 million increase in restaurant sales. Income from continuing operations increased from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014 by $2.8 million to $18.4 million. Net income for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 increased from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014 by $2.2 million to $17.9 million.

Segment Profits. Segment profits for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment increased by $6.7 million to $42.8 million from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase was driven by a $14.8 million increase in revenues, which exceeded the increase in segment operating expenses. Franchise income increased $296 thousand in the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 to $8.1 million compared to the first twenty-six weeks of 2014.

Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased by $14.8 million, or 9.1%, to $177.8 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase was attributable to a $5.6 million increase in Company-owned comparable restaurant sales and $9.2 million in restaurant sales at new restaurants. Excluding discontinued operations, total operating weeks for all brands during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 increased to 1,710 from 1,628 in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. Company-owned comparable restaurant sales increased 3.5%, driven by an average check increase of 3.4% and an entrée increase of 0.1%.

Franchise Income. Franchise income in the first twenty-six weeks of 2015 increased $296 thousand compared to the first twenty-six weeks of 2014. There was a $100 thousand increase in opening fees as well as increased royalties from new franchise restaurant openings during the last twelve months.

Other Operating Income. Other operating income in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 was relatively unchanged compared to the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. Other operating income includes gift card breakage revenue, our share of income from a managed restaurant and miscellaneous restaurant income.

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs increased $2.8 million, or 5.4%, to $54.3 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 30.5% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from 31.6% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to a 3.5% decrease in beef costs.

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $5.4 million, or 7.0%, to $82.0 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased to 46.1% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from 47.0% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily attributable to lower healthcare claims.

Marketing and Advertising. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $371 thousand to $4.0 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase in marketing and advertising expenses in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2015 was primarily attributable to a planned shift in the timing of advertising spending.

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased $1.8 million to $13.9 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily attributable to incentive and performance-based compensation.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $882 thousand to $6.1 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014 due to depreciation related to three new Company-owned restaurants that have opened since June 2014.

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs were $515 thousand in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 primarily due to the opening of the St. Petersburg, FL Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant. Pre-opening costs were $528 thousand in the first twenty-six weeks fiscal year 2014 primarily due to the opening of the Denver, CO Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $185 thousand to $400 thousand in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in expense was primarily due to a lower average debt balance in the first half of fiscal year 2015.

Income Tax Expense. During the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015, we recognized income tax expense of $8.8 million. During the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2014, we recognized income tax expense of $7.6 million. The effective tax rate, including the impact of discrete items, decreased to 32.3% for the first twenty-six weeks fiscal year 2015 compared to 32.6% for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to a decrease in the recognition of unfavorable discrete income tax items during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015. Fiscal year 2015 discrete items and other unexpected changes impacting annual tax financial accounting tax expense may cause the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2015 to differ from the effective tax rate for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015.

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations of $18.4 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 increased by $2.7 million compared to the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014 due to the factors noted above.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income taxes. Income (loss) from discontinued operation, net of income taxes, for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 was a loss of $509 thousand compared with income of $111 thousand during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The loss in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 and the income for the first twenty-six weeks of 2014 were both primarily attributable to the Mitchell’s Restaurants.

Net Income. Net income was $17.9 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 and increased by $2.1 million compared to $15.8 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase was largely attributable to the factors noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our principal sources of cash during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 were net cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets and borrowings under our $100 million senior credit facility. Our principal uses of cash during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 were for capital expenditures, principal repayments under our $100 million senior credit facility, common stock repurchases and dividend payments.

Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Except for the receipt of $10 million cash for the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015, we do not anticipate that the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants or any of our closed restaurants reported in discontinued operations will have a material impact on the Company’s cash flow during fiscal year 2015.

During November 2014, a new share repurchase program was approved by our Board of Directors under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of outstanding common stock from time to time. The new share repurchase program replaced the previous share repurchase program announced in May 2013, which has been terminated. During the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015, 350,749 shares were repurchased under the repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $5.3 million or an average cost of $14.99 per share. All repurchased shares were retired and cancelled. As of June 28, 2015, $39.6 million remained available for future purchases under the new program.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, we commenced paying quarterly cash dividends to holders of common and restricted stock. We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, or $2.1 million in the aggregate, during the first and second quarter of fiscal year 2015. On July 31, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, or approximately $2.1 million in the aggregate, to be paid on August 27, 2015 to common and restricted stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 13, 2015. Future dividends will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors. 

We have decreased borrowing under our senior credit facility by $13.0 million since the end of fiscal year 2014. As of June 28, 2015, we had no outstanding indebtedness under our senior credit facility with approximately $95.8 million of borrowings available, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4.2 million. As of June 28, 2015, the weighted average interest rate on our outstanding letters of credit was 2.1%. In addition, the fee on our unused senior credit facility was 0.2%.

We amended our senior credit agreement in May 2013 to reset the limit applicable to junior stock payments, which include both cash dividend payments and repurchases of common and preferred stock. As a result of the amendment, we are permitted to make up to $100 million in junior stock payments subsequent to December 30, 2012 through the end of the agreement; $36.3 million of such payments had been made as of June 28, 2015. As of June 28, 2015, we were in compliance with all the covenants under our senior credit facility.

We anticipate capital expenditures for fiscal year 2015 will total approximately $20.0 million to $23.0 million. We believe that our borrowing ability under our senior credit facility coupled with our anticipated cash flow from operations should provide us with adequate liquidity in fiscal year 2015.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table presents a summary of our net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands):

Operating Activities. Operating cash inflows pertain primarily to restaurant sales and franchise income. Operating cash outflows pertain primarily to expenditures for food and beverages, restaurant operating expenses, marketing and advertising and general and administrative costs. Operating activities provided cash flow during the first twenty-six weeks of both fiscal years 2015 and 2014 primarily because operating revenues exceeded cash-based expenses.

Investing Activities. Cash provided by investing activities aggregated $1.9 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 compared with $9.2 million cash used in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014 primarily due to receipt of $10 million from the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets. Investing cash outflows during the first twenty-six weeks of both fiscal years 2015 and 2014 pertained primarily to capital expenditure projects. Cash used in investing projects during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015 pertained to $3.9 million for restaurant remodel projects and $3.4 million for new restaurants. Cash used in investing activities during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014 pertained to $3.5 million for restaurant remodel projects, $2.9 million for leasehold improvements at a new Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant and $2.8 million for the acquisition of the Austin, TX Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant from an owner franchisee.

Financing Activities. Financing activities used cash during the first twenty-six weeks of both fiscal years 2015 and 2014. During the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015, we: reduced the debt outstanding under our senior credit facility by $13.0 million; used $5.3 million to repurchase common stock; paid $1.1 million in employee taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options; and paid dividends of $4.2 million. We paid $1.1 million in taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options because some recipients elected to satisfy their individual minimum tax withholding obligations by having us withhold a number of vested shares of restricted stock and/or a number of shares otherwise issuable pursuant to stock options, in each case in an amount having a value on the date of vesting or exercise equal to a recipient’s minimum required federal and state withholding taxes. During the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2014, we: increased the debt outstanding under our senior credit facility by $3.0 million; used $6.7 million to repurchase common stock; paid $2.2 million in employee taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options; and paid dividends of $3.6 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 28, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 includes a summary of the critical accounting policies and estimates that we believe are the most important to aid in the understanding our financial results. There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies and estimates that impacted our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal year 2015.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect the fair market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely, for variable rate debt, including borrowings under the Company’s senior credit facility, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value of such debt, but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. At June 28, 2015, the Company had no variable rate debt outstanding. The Company currently does not use financial instruments to hedge its risk to market fluctuations in interest rates. Ceteris paribus, a hypothetical immediate one percentage point change in interest rates would be expected to have an impact on pre-tax earnings and cash flows for fiscal year 2015 of less than $100 thousand.

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company believes that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates do not present a material risk to its operations due to the relatively small amount of franchise income it receives from outside the U.S. During the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, franchise income attributable to international locations was approximately $1.6 million each.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is exposed to market price fluctuations in beef and other food product prices, which in the past have been volatile and have impacted the Company’s food and beverage costs. As the Company typically sets its menu prices in advance of its beef and other food product purchases, the Company cannot quickly react to changing costs of beef and other food items. To the extent that the Company is unable to pass the increased costs on to its guests through price increases, the Company’s results of operations would be adversely affected. As of June 28, 2015, the Company had not negotiated set pricing for any of its beef requirements for the remainder of fiscal year 2015. The market for USDA Prime grade beef is particularly volatile. If prices increase, or the supply of beef is reduced, operating margin could be materially adversely affected. Ceteris paribus, a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in beef prices would have an approximate impact on pre-tax earnings ranging from $2.0 million to $3.0 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2015.

From time to time, the Company enters into purchase price agreements for other lower-volume food products, including seafood. In the past, certain types of seafood have experienced fluctuations in availability. Seafood is also subject to fluctuations in price based on availability, which is often seasonal. If certain types of seafood are unavailable, or if the Company’s costs increase, the Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected.

Effects of Healthcare Inflation

The Company is exposed to market price fluctuations related to the cost of providing healthcare to its employees. Claim trends are predicted to outpace inflation throughout the upcoming year. Pharmacy costs are also rising in excess of general and medical cost inflation. If prices increase, or the Company experiences significantly more claims, operating margin could be materially adversely affected. Ceretis paribus, a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in healthcare costs would have an approximate impact on pre-tax earnings of approximately $500 thousand for the remainder of 2015.

Effects of Inflation

The Company believes that general inflation, excluding increases in food and employee health plan costs, has not had a material impact on its results of operations in recent years. Additionally, increases in statutory minimum wage rates may increase our operating costs. During 2014 and 2015, governmental entities acted to increase minimum wage rates in several states where Company-owned restaurants are located. The increased minimum wage rates are expected to increase employee compensation and related taxes by approximately $800 thousand in fiscal year 2015 compared to fiscal year 2014. Also, the U.S. government may consider legislation to increase the federal minimum wage rate, which, if enacted, would further increase employee compensation and related taxes.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of June 28, 2015. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 28, 2015 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

During the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2015, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that in the Company’s judgment has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. While litigation is subject to uncertainties and the outcome of litigated matters is not predictable with assurance, the Company is not aware of any legal proceedings pending or threatened against it that it expects to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

The Company sells a considerable number of gift cards, which are issued and administered by a third party gift card issuer and service provider, consistent with common retail industry practice. The third party gift card issuer is paid a net fee for its services by the Company. The third party gift card issuer and service provider, as well as a number of other restaurant companies, retailers and gift card issuers, were named as defendants in an action filed under seal in June 2013 by William French on behalf of the State of Delaware in the Superior Court of Delaware in and for New Castle County alleging violations of Delaware law. The filing was unsealed in March 2014. The complaint alleges that approximately $30 million with respect to unused gift cards should be escheated by the Company to the State of Delaware and seeks interest and penalties, attorneys’ fees and costs, and an injunction against alleged future violations of Delaware’s unclaimed property laws. The Company has not yet been served with the complaint. The Company believes that it is in compliance with Delaware’s unclaimed property laws and intends to defend its position vigorously if served. To protect its interests, the Company has joined in a notice to remove the case to federal district court, which was filed in May 2014, and a motion to dismiss filed by all defendants in June 2014. In December 2014, the case was remanded back to Superior Court of Delaware.  

There have been no material changes in the risk factors included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. The impact of circumstances and events described in such risk factors could result in significant adverse effects on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Stock repurchase activity during the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2015 was as follows:

None.

None.

None.

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.