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STAR BUFFET INC - Quarter Report: 2006 November (Form 10-Q)

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.

20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark  One)

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

For the quarterly period ended:  November 6, 2006

OR

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

For the transition period from             to             

Commission File Number:  0-6054

STAR BUFFET, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

 

84-1430786

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

 

 

1312 N. Scottsdale Road,

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(480) 425-0397

(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  o

 

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o                Accelerated filer o                Non-accelerated filer x

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  o

No  x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of December 13, 2006, there were 3,170,675 shares of Common Stock, $ .001 par value, outstanding.

 




STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 6, 2006 (unaudited) and
January 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve and
forty weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the forty
weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A

Risk Factors

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

2




PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1:               Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

November 6,
 2006

 

January 30,
 2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

621,000

 

$

491,000

 

Current portion of notes receivable

 

43,000

 

39,000

 

Receivables

 

427,000

 

297,000

 

Inventories

 

465,000

 

429,000

 

Deferred income taxes

 

187,000

 

258,000

 

Prepaid expenses

 

360,000

 

132,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

2,103,000

 

1,646,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, buildings and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Property, buildings and equipment, net

 

17,646,000

 

15,358,000

 

Property and equipment leased to third parties, net

 

3,507,000

 

3,734,000

 

Property, buildings and equipment held for future use

 

2,606,000

 

3,156,000

 

Property and equipment under capitalized leases, net

 

782,000

 

885,000

 

Property held for sale

 

931,000

 

931,000

 

Total property, buildings and equipment

 

25,472,000

 

24,064,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable, net of current portion

 

1,888,000

 

4,399,000

 

Deposits and other

 

132,000

 

133,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other assets

 

2,020,000

 

4,532,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes, net of current portion

 

2,138,000

 

2,190,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

1,677,000

 

1,677,000

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

637,000

 

715,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

 

2,314,000

 

2,392,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

34,047,000

 

$

34,824,000

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(Continued)

3




STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

 

 

November 6,
 2006

 

January 30,
2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable-trade

 

$

2,328,000

 

$

2,178,000

 

Payroll and related taxes

 

1,158,000

 

1,131,000

 

Sales and property taxes

 

999,000

 

666,000

 

Rent, licenses and other

 

615,000

 

508,000

 

Income taxes payable

 

609,000

 

891,000

 

Revolving line of credit

 

679,000

 

 

Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt

 

672,000

 

640,000

 

Current maturities of obligations under capital leases

 

154,000

 

142,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

7,214,000

 

6,156,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred rent payable

 

1,299,000

 

1,317,000

 

Other long-term liability

 

 

34,000

 

Capitalized lease obligations, net of current maturities

 

1,275,000

 

1,397,000

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

5,070,000

 

5,636,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

14,858,000

 

14,540,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value; authorized 1,500,000 shares; none issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 8,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,170,675 and 3,003,425 shares

 

3,000

 

3,000

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

17,490,000

 

16,618,000

 

Retained earnings

 

1,696,000

 

3,663,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

19,189,000

 

20,284,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

34,047,000

 

$

34,824,000

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4




STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

 

 

Twelve Weeks Ended

 

Forty Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 6,
2006

 

November 7,
2005

 

November 6,
2006

 

November 7,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

12,185,000

 

$

11,493,000

 

$

44,580,000

 

$

44,150,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food costs

 

4,450,000

 

3,997,000

 

15,687,000

 

15,085,000

 

Labor costs

 

4,238,000

 

3,954,000

 

14,785,000

 

14,234,000

 

Occupancy and other expenses

 

2,856,000

 

2,776,000

 

9,653,000

 

9,095,000

 

General and administrative expenses

 

553,000

 

456,000

 

1,885,000

 

1,645,000

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

489,000

 

470,000

 

1,612,000

 

1,651,000

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

315,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

12,586,000

 

11,653,000

 

43,622,000

 

42,025,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

(401,000

)

(160,000

)

958,000

 

2,125,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(141,000

)

(125,000

)

(467,000

)

(503,000

)

Interest income

 

9,000

 

28,000

 

75,000

 

330,000

 

Other income

 

64,000

 

101,000

 

229,000

 

280,000

 

Gain (loss) on sale of assets

 

(5,000

)

 

230,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(474,000

)

(156,000

)

1,025,000

 

2,232,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes (benefit)

 

(219,000

)

(54,000

)

298,000

 

750,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(255,000

)

$

(102,000

)

$

727,000

 

$

1,482,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share – basic

 

$

(0.08

)

$

(0.03

)

$

0.23

 

$

0.50

 

Net income per common share – diluted

 

$

(0.08

)

$

(0.03

)

$

0.23

 

$

0.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

 

3,170,675

 

3,003,425

 

3,139,864

 

2,985,564

 

Weighted average shares outstanding –diluted

 

3,170,675

 

3,003,425

 

3,159,034

 

3,208,903

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5




STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 

 

Forty Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 6,
2006

 

November 7,
2005

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

727,000

 

$

1,482,000

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,595,000

 

1,633,000

 

Amortization of loan cost

 

17,000

 

18,000

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

(230,000

)

 

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

315,000

 

Deferred income taxes

 

123,000

 

(162,000

)

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(130,000

)

211,000

 

Inventories

 

(36,000

)

(22,000

)

Prepaid expenses

 

(228,000

)

(177,000

)

Deposits and other

 

1,000

 

(3,000

)

Deferred rent payable

 

(18,000

)

(2,000

)

Accounts payable-trade

 

150,000

 

123,000

 

Income taxes payable

 

(282,000

)

253,000

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

433,000

 

(607,000

)

Total adjustments

 

1,395,000

 

1,580,000

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

2,122,000

 

3,062,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of license

 

 

(25,000

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

171,000

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(2,000

)

(2,000

)

Loan repayment by officer

 

 

698,000

 

Receipts from payments on notes receivable

 

1,323,000

 

79,000

 

Issuance of note receivable

 

(100,000

)

(1,500,000

)

Acquisition of property, buildings and equipment

 

(2,201,000

)

(737,000

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(809,000

)

(1,487,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

872,000

 

267,000

 

Payments on long term debt

 

(482,000

)

(429,000

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

564,000

 

300,000

 

Proceeds (payments) on line of credit, net

 

679,000

 

452,000

 

Capitalized loan costs

 

(11,000

)

(9,000

)

Principal payment on capitalized lease obligations

 

(110,000

)

(89,000

)

Dividends paid

 

(2,695,000

)

(2,253,000

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,183,000

)

(1,761,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

130,000

 

(186,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

491,000

 

692,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

621,000

 

$

506,000

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

6




 

 

 

Forty Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 6, 2006

 

November 7, 2005

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

455,000

 

$

486,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

468,000

 

$

659,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange of notes receivable for equipment and leaseholds

 

$

1,285,000

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer of debt as a part of the sale of assets

 

$

616,000

 

$

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

7




STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note (A) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts for Star Buffet, Inc., together with its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries Summit Family Restaurants Inc. (“Summit”), HTB Restaurants, Inc. (“HTB”), Northstar Buffet, Inc. (“NSBI”) and Star Buffet Management, Inc. (“SBMI”) (collectively the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2006.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented have been reflected herein.  Results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year or for any future periods.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2006 consolidated financial statements to conform to the fiscal 2007 presentation.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of operations and assets and liabilities directly related to the Company’s operations.  Certain estimates, assumptions and allocations were made in preparing such financial statements.

The following is a summary of the Company’s restaurant properties as of November 6, 2006. The Company has four reporting segments: HomeTown Buffet, North’s Star, Florida Buffets Division and Summit Restaurants Division. The Company’s reportable segments are based on brand similarities. The HomeTown Buffet segment includes the Company’s 14 franchised HomeTown Buffet restaurants. The North’s Star segment includes two JJ North’s Country Buffet restaurants, one North’s Star Buffet restaurant and one Western Sizzlin restaurant which was acquired on October 10, 2006 in Griffin, Georgia.  The North’s Star Buffet is a non-operating unit. The Company closed one JJ North’s Country Buffet in Bend, Oregon on September 20, 2006.  The Florida Buffets Division includes two BuddyFreddys restaurants, two BuddyFreddys Country Buffet restaurants and two Holiday House restaurants. The Florida Buffet Division also includes four non-operating units. The Company closed one BuddyFreddys Country Buffet on June 9, 2006 without incurring any costs associated with the leaseholds or the lease.  The Summit Restaurants Division included the Company’s eight JB’s Restaurants at the beginning of the fiscal year, which included two non-operating JB’s Restaurants.  The non-operating JB’s restaurant in Laramie, Wyoming was sold in March 2006.  The Summit Restaurant Division acquired four K-BOB’S Restaurants during the first quarter.  The Company acquired three K-BOB’S restaurants on January 31, 2006 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, Beeville, Texas and Lamesa, Texas.  The Company also acquired the K-BOB’S restaurant in Dumas, Texas on February 28, 2006.  The Summit Restaurants Division also includes the Casa Bonita restaurant in Denver, Colorado and a Pecos Diamond Steakhouse in Artesia, New Mexico which the Company acquired on July 11, 2006.

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star

 

Florida
Buffets

 

Summit
Restaurants

 

Total

 

Owned

 

3

 

1

 

5

 

5

 

14

 

Leased

 

11

 

3

 

5

 

8

 

27

 

Total

 

14

 

4

 

10

 

13

 

41

 

 

In addition to the above summary, the Company purchased in September 2005 a restaurant facility in Rexburg, Idaho.  The Company leases the restaurant facility to a JB’s franchisee.

8




As of November 6, 2006, the Company’s operating and non-operating restaurants are located in the following states:

Number of Restaurants

State

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star

 

Florida
Buffets

 

Summit
Restaurants

 

Total

 

Arizona

 

8

 

1

 

 

1

 

10

 

Colorado

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

2

 

Florida

 

 

 

10

 

 

10

 

Georgia

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Idaho

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Montana

 

 

 

 

2

 

2

 

New Mexico

 

2

 

 

 

2

 

4

 

Texas

 

 

 

 

3

 

3

 

Utah

 

2

 

 

 

4

 

6

 

Washington

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Wyoming

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

Total

 

14

 

4

 

10

 

13

 

41

 

 

As of November 6, 2006, the Company’s non-operating restaurants are located in the following states:

Number of
Non-Operating Restaurants

State

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star

 

Florida
Buffets

 

Summit
Restaurants

 

Total

 

Arizona

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Florida

 

 

 

4

 

 

4

 

Idaho

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Utah

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

 

2

 

4

 

1

 

7

 

 

The operating results for the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006 included operations shown in the tables above and the lease income and fixed charges for the seven restaurants that were closed during the entire quarter. Two non-operating stores continue to be closed at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2007 for repositioning and one non-operating restaurant is for sale and is recorded as property held for sale. The four remaining closed restaurants have been leased to third parties.

The Company utilizes a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the last Monday in January.  The first quarter of each year contains 16 weeks while the other three quarters each contain 12 weeks, except the fourth quarter has 13 weeks if the fiscal year has 53 weeks.

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

9




The following is a summary of the Company’s restaurant properties as of November 7, 2005. The HomeTown Buffet segment included the Company’s 14 franchised HomeTown Buffet restaurants. The North’s Star segment included two JJ North’s Country Buffet restaurants. The North’s Star segment also included two non-operating properties. The Florida Buffets Division included two BuddyFreddys restaurants, three BuddyFreddys Country Buffet restaurants and two Holiday House restaurants. The Florida Buffets Division also included four non-operating properties. The Summit Restaurants Division segment included the Company’s six JB’s Restaurants and two non-operating properties.  The Summit Restaurants Division also included two Casa Bonita restaurants.

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star

 

Florida
Buffets

 

Summit
Restaurants

 

Total

 

Owned

 

3

 

1

 

5

 

4

 

13

 

Leased

 

11

 

3

 

6

 

5

 

26

 

Total

 

14

 

4

 

11

 

9

 

38

 

 

As of November 7, 2005, the Company’s operating and non-operating restaurants were located in the following states:

Number of Restaurants

State

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star

 

Florida
Buffets

 

Summit
Restaurants

 

Total

 

Arizona

 

8

 

1

 

 

1

 

10

 

Colorado

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

2

 

Florida

 

 

 

11

 

 

11

 

Idaho

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Montana

 

 

 

 

2

 

2

 

New Mexico

 

2

 

 

 

 

2

 

Oregon

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Utah

 

2

 

 

 

4

 

6

 

Washington

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Wyoming

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

2

 

Total

 

14

 

4

 

11

 

9

 

38

 

 

As of November 7, 2005, the Company’s non-operating restaurants were located in the following states:

Number of
Non-Operating Restaurants

State

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star

 

Florida
Buffets

 

Summit
Restaurants

 

Total

 

Arizona

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Florida

 

 

 

4

 

 

4

 

Idaho

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Utah

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

Wyoming

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

 

2

 

4

 

2

 

8

 

 

10




Note (B) Related Party Transactions

In connection with the Company’s employment contract with Mr. Robert E. Wheaton, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, the Company agreed to provide Mr. Wheaton with certain loans solely for the purchase of the Company’s common stock prior to the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Wheaton owns approximately 48% of the Company’s outstanding common shares including options to purchase stock and may have the effective power to elect members of the board of directors and to control the vote on substantially all other matters, without the approval of the other stockholders. The loans were secured by the common stock and bore interest at the prevailing rate set forth in the Company’s credit facility with M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank. Repayment terms stipulated that Mr. Wheaton would repay principal and interest on or before the later of the fifth anniversary date of the initial advance under the loan agreement, the date he received a lump sum payment per a termination clause or six month’s after the termination of his employment. Management elected not to record any interest income on the loans until the interest income was paid to the Company. On June 8, 2005, Mr. Wheaton paid the principal balance of $698,000 in full and paid $250,000 in interest. On May 22, 2006, Mr. Wheaton paid the final interest payment of $43,713.

Note (C) Segment and Related Reporting

The Company has four reporting segments: HomeTown Buffet, North’s Star, Florida Buffets Division and Summit Restaurants Division. The Company’s reportable segments are aggregated based on brand similarities of operating segments.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on income before income taxes.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table. The other assets presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and not in the reportable segments relate to the Company as a whole, and not individual segments. Also certain corporate overhead income and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are not included in the reportable segments.

(Dollars in Thousands)

40 Weeks Ended
November 6, 2006

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star(1)

 

Florida
Buffet(2)

 

Summit(3)
Restaurants

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

21,114

 

$

1,720

 

$

7,957

 

$

13,789

 

$

 

$

44,580

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

75

 

75

 

Interest expense

 

(129

)

 

 

 

(338

)

(467

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

773

 

66

 

335

 

388

 

50

 

1,612

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

195

 

(312

)

302

 

2,357

 

(1,517

)

1,025

 

Total assets

 

11,528

 

2,925

 

7,680

 

8,660

 

3,254

 

34,047

 

 

11




 

40 Weeks Ended
November 7, 2005

 

HomeTown
Buffet

 

North’s
Star(1)

 

Florida
Buffet(2)

 

Summit(3)
Restaurants

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

21,770

 

$

1,773

 

$

8,215

 

$

12,392

 

$

 

$

44,150

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

330

 

330

 

Interest expense

 

(139

)

 

 

 

(364

)

(503

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

767

 

66

 

465

 

304

 

49

 

1,651

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

18

 

74

 

175

 

48

 

 

315

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

1,235

 

(245

)

324

 

2,055

 

(1,137

)

2,232

 

Total assets

 

12,138

 

4,227

 

8,441

 

6,393

 

3,876

 

35,075

 

 


(1) Included in the reportable segment for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 are two locations that were closed for the entire 40 weeks.  These locations incurred $0 of impairment expense in the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006. These locations have a net book value of equipment of $23,000, buildings and leaseholds of $510,000 and land of $224,000 included in total assets at November 6, 2006.

Included in the reportable segment for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005 are two locations that were closed for the entire 40 weeks.  These locations incurred $26,000 of impairment expense in the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005. These locations had a net book value of equipment of $23,000, buildings and leaseholds of $510,000 and land of $224,000 included in total assets at November 7, 2005.

(2) Included in the reportable segment for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 are four locations that were closed for the entire 40 weeks.  These four locations incurred $130,000 of depreciation and amortization and $0 of impairment expense for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006. These locations have a net book value of equipment of $458,000, buildings of $1,780,000 and land of $1,559,000 included in total assets at November 6, 2006.

Included in the reportable segment for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005 were four locations that were closed for the entire 40 weeks.  These four locations incurred $166,000 of depreciation and amortization and $35,000 of impairment expense for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005. These locations had a net book value of equipment of $550,000, buildings of $1,288,000 and land of $1,559,000 included in total assets at November 7, 2005.

(3) Included in the reportable segment for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 is a single location that was closed for the entire 40 weeks. This location incurred $13,000 in depreciation and amortization expense during the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006. This location has a net book value of equipment of $5,000, buildings of $502,000 and land of $228,000 included in total assets at November 6, 2006.

Included in the reportable segment for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005 were two locations that were closed for the entire 40 weeks and one location opened for 10 weeks during the first quarter. The locations had $386,000 of land that was included in total assets. These locations had $19,000 and $904,000 of net book value of equipment and buildings included in total assets, respectively, and incurred $23,000 in depreciation and amortization expense and $17,000 of impairment expense during the 40 weeks. The location opened for 10 weeks had revenues of $113,000.

Note (D) Net Income per Common Share

Net income per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and, as appropriate, dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Stock options are considered to be common stock equivalents.

Basic net income per common share is the amount of net income for the period available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per common share is the amount of net income for the period available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and to

12




each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. The following is a reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate diluted earnings per share on net income for the respective fiscal periods:

 

Net (Loss)
Income

 

Shares

 

Per Share
Amount

 

12 Weeks Ended November 6, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

$

(255,000

)

3,170,675

 

$

(0.08

)

Dilutive stock options

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

$

(255,000

)

3,170,675

 

$

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 Weeks Ended November 7, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

$

(102,000

)

3,003,425

 

$

(0.03

)

Dilutive stock options

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

$

(102,000

)

3,003,425

 

$

(0.03

)

 

 

 

Net Income

 

Shares

 

Per Share
Amount

 

40 Weeks Ended November 6, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

$

727,000

 

3,139,864

 

$

0.23

 

Dilutive stock options

 

 

19,170

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

$

727,000

 

3,159,034

 

$

0.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40 Weeks Ended November 7, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

$

1,482,000

 

2,985,564

 

$

0.50

 

Dilutive stock options

 

 

223,339

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

$

1,482,000

 

3,208,903

 

$

0.46

 

 

Average shares used in the 12 weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005 diluted earnings per share computations exclude stock options to purchase 529,000 and 696,000 shares of common stock, respectively, because these options are antidilutive due to the Company’s net loss for the periods. Average shares used in the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005 diluted earnings per share computations exclude stock options to purchase 489,000 shares of common stock due to the market price of the underlying stock being less than the exercise price.

Note (E) Goodwill

Goodwill and other intangible assets primarily represent the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. The Company reviews goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with SFAS 142. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company reviews goodwill for possible impairment by restaurant.

The Company utilizes a two-part impairment test.  First, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to carrying value (including goodwill).  If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the second step is performed.  In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill.  If the carrying value is greater, a loss is recognized. The goodwill impairment test considers the impact of current conditions and the economic outlook for the restaurant industry, the general overall economic outlook, including market data, governmental and environmental factors, in establishing the assumptions used to compute the fair value of each reporting unit.  We also take into account the historical,

13




current and future (based on probability) operating results of each reporting units and any other facts and data pertinent to valuing the reporting units in our impairment test.

The Company has an independent evaluation of goodwill conducted every three years.  The most recent independent valuation was conducted as of February 1, 2005. There were not any goodwill impairment losses for the 12-week and 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005.

Note (F) Inventories

Inventories consist of food, beverage, gift shop items and restaurant supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, determined by the first-in, first-out method.

Note (G) Properties, Buildings and Equipment

The Company evaluates impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The Company determines that an impairment write-down is necessary for restaurant locations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

The components of property, buildings and equipment used in restaurant operations, not including property under capitalized leases, are as follows:

 

November 6,
2006

 

January 30,
2006

 

Property, buildings and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

$

13,530,000

 

$

11,913,000

 

Land

 

3,410,000

 

3,085,000

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

21,928,000

 

20,402,000

 

 

 

38,868,000

 

35,400,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(21,222,000

)

(20,042,000

)

 

 

$

17,646,000

 

$

15,358,000

 

 

The components of property under capitalized leases are as follows:

Property and equipment under capitalized leases

 

$

3,193,000

 

$

3,193,000

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(2,411,000

)

(2,308,000

)

 

 

$

782,000

 

$

885,000

 

 

Total property, buildings and equipment includes the following land, equipment, buildings and leaseholds currently in seven non-operating units. Four of the seven units are leased to third-party operators, two units are closed for remodeling and repositioning and one unit is included in property held for sale at November 6, 2006. The components of property, buildings and equipment are as follows:

14




 

 

November 6,
2006

 

January 30,
2006

 

Property and equipment leased to third parties:

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

$

892,000

 

$

892,000

 

Land

 

1,370,000

 

1,370,000

 

Buildings and leaseholds

 

3,083,000

 

3,083,000

 

 

 

5,345,000

 

5,345,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(1,838,000

)

(1,611,000

)

 

 

$

3,507,000

 

$

3,734,000

 

 

 

November 6,
2006

 

January 30,
2006

 

Property, buildings and equipment held for future use:

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

$

6,310,000

 

$

6,431,000

 

Land

 

741,000

 

899,000

 

Buildings and leaseholds

 

1,465,000

 

1,935,000

 

 

 

8,516,000

 

9,265,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(5,910,000

)

(6,109,000

)

 

 

$

2,606,000

 

$

3,156,000

 

 

 

November 6,
2006

 

January 30,
2006

 

Property held for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

567,000

 

$

567,000

 

Buildings

 

364,000

 

364,000

 

 

 

$

931,000

 

$

931,000

 

 

The Company did not record any impairment for the 12 weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005. The Company recorded impairment expense of $0 and $315,000 for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005, respectively, primarily as a result of decreasing the carrying value of assets held for future use.

Note (H) Stock-Based Compensation

In 2004, the FASB issued a revision to SFAS No. 123 “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), which requires the measurement of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair value-based method and recording of such expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income.  In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a rule delaying the effective date for recording the compensation expense in the statement of operations under SFAS 123R until the beginning of the first annual period ending after June 15, 2006.

On January 31, 2006 we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)).  SFAS 123(R) requires the recognition of compensation costs relating to share based payment transactions in the financial statements.  We have elected the modified prospective application method of reporting.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R) we elected to account for stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” under which no compensation cost is recognized and the pro

15




forma effects on earnings and earnings per share are disclosed as if the fair value approach had been adopted.  Our stock-based compensation plans are summarized in the table below:

Name of Plan

 

Shares
Authorized

 

Shares
Available

 

Plan
Expiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1997 Stock Incentive Plan

 

750,000

 

1,000

 

February 2015

 

 

Stock options issued under the terms of the plans have, or will have, an exercise price equal to, or greater than, the fair market value of the common stock at the date of the option grant, and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant, with the most recent grant expiring in 2015.   The 1997 Plan provides for the grant of “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and non-statutory stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company, except that incentive stock options may not be granted to non-employee directors or consultants. The 1997 Plan provides participants with incentives which will encourage them to acquire a proprietary interest in, and continue to provide services to, the Company. The Board of Directors has sole discretion and authority, consistent with the provisions of the 1997 Plan, to determine which eligible participants will receive options, the time when stock options will be granted, terms of stock options granted and number of shares which will be subject to stock options granted under the 1997 Plan.

The stock option transactions and the options outstanding are summarized as follows:

 

40 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 6, 2006

 

November 7, 2005

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

696,000

 

$

8.90

 

701,000

 

$

9.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

49,000

 

$

6.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

167,000

 

$

5.22

 

53,000

 

$

5.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

0

 

$

5.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

529,000

 

$

11.56

 

697,000

 

$

10.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

529,000

 

$

11.56

 

697,000

 

$

10.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period

 

$

N/A

 

 

 

$

6.70

 

 

 

 

We have elected the Black-Scholes method of valuation for fiscal 2006 and used the following assumptions:

16




 

 

40 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 6, 2006

 

November 7, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average risk free interest rate

 

N/A

 

4.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected life

 

N/A

 

5 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected Dividend rate

 

N/A

 

7.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average volatility

 

N/A

 

37.5

%

 

To estimate expected lives for this valuation, it was assumed that stock options will be exercised at varying schedules after becoming fully vested.  It is initially assumed that all stock options will vest.  Fair value computations are highly sensitive to the volatility factor assumed; the greater the volatility, the higher the computed fair value of the options granted.

Total fair value of options granted was approximately $0 and $330,000 for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005, respectively.  The amounts are amortized ratably over the vesting period of the options.  The effect of the change from applying the original provisions of SFAS 123 to the adoption of SFAS 123(R) would have been a charge of $61,000 to income before income taxes for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005.  There was no tax effect on the income statement due to a full valuation allowance recorded against the deferred tax assets.  The adoption of SFAS 123(R) had no effect on cash flows.  The pro forma effect of the adoption of SFAS 123(R) on basic and diluted earnings per share was a negative $0.02 for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005.

There were no options granted during the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006.  The following table illustrates the pro-forma effect on net income and on the net income per share for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005, as if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123.

 

40 Weeks Ended
November 7, 2005

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

1,482,000

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation included in net income, as reported

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation expense, net of tax

 

61,000

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, pro forma

 

1,421,000

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

0.50

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma

 

0.48

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

0.46

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma

 

0.44

 

 

17




The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at November 6, 2006:

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of
Exercise Prices

 

Number
Outstanding

 

Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Number
Exercisable

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

$

5.00

 

12,000

 

3.0

 

$

5.00

 

12,000

 

$

5.00

 

$

6.70

 

28,000

 

8.3

 

$

6.70

 

28,000

 

$

6.70

 

$

12.00

 

489,000

 

0.9

 

$

12.00

 

489,000

 

$

12.00

 

 

 

529,000

 

 

 

 

 

529,000

 

 

 

 

For stock options granted during the quarter ended May 23, 2005, the weighted average fair value at the date of grant for options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:

Assumptions:

 

16 Weeks ended
May 23, 2005

 

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

 

4.0

%

Weighted average volatility

 

37.5

%

Expected life

 

5 years

 

Dividends

 

7.5

%

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company granted 49,200 fully vested stock options at an exercise price equal to the current fair value of the stock.  The Company has not granted any stock options in fiscal 2007 as of December 13, 2006.

Note (I) Commitments and Contingencies

HTB entered into a franchise agreement for each location which requires among other items, the payment of a continuing royalty fee paid to HomeTown Buffet, Inc. The royalty fee is based on 2% of the aggregate gross sales of all the Company’s HomeTown Buffet restaurants. Each of the franchise agreements has a 20-year term (with two five-year renewal options). HTB provides weekly sales reports to the HomeTown franchisor as well as periodic and annual financial statements. HTB is obligated to operate its Hometown Buffet restaurants in compliance with the franchisor’s requirements. The franchisor requires HTB to operate each restaurant in conformity with Franchise Operating Manuals, Recipe Manuals and Menus and HTB is to use it best effort to achieve the highest practicable level of sales, promptly make royalty payments and restricts operating restaurants within a geographic radius of the franchisor’s restaurants. The HomeTown franchisor may terminate a franchise agreement for a number of reasons, including HTB’s failure to pay royalty fees when due, failure to comply with applicable laws or repeated failure to comply with one or more requirements of the franchise agreement. Many state franchise laws limit the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise. Generally, a franchisor may terminate a franchise agreement only if the franchisee violates a material and substantial provision of the agreement and fails to remedy the violation within a specified period.

18




In 1998, the Company had previously sued North’s Restaurants, Inc. (“North’s”) which resulted in a negotiated settlement in favor of the Company represented by an Amended and Restated Promissory Note (the “Star Buffet Promissory Note).  As a result of North’s failing to live up to its obligations under the Star Buffet Promissory Note, on March 2, 2004, the Company filed a second action against North’s in the United States District Court, District of Utah, Central Division, Case No. 2:04CV00211, seeking not less than $2,934,453 plus interest at the default rate as set forth in the Star Buffet Promissory Note.  In January 2005, the court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment, ruling that North’s had failed to pay amounts owed to the Company.  The Company obtained a judgment against North’s in the amount of $3,059,905.78, plus $15,980.45 in attorney’s fees and costs.

In a related proceeding, North’s other secured creditor, Pacific Mezzanine, initiated litigation against North’s seeking a monetary judgment and the appointment of a receiver. On October 4, 2004, the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Jackson approved an order appointing a receiver.

Prior to August 2006, the receiver has remitted only approximately $56,000 in loan repayments. In April, 2006 the Company noticed all relevant parties of its intent to foreclose to seek to expedite the liquidation of North’s assets and repay amounts owed to the Company.  Subsequent to the notice, the receiver moved to have the Company’s foreclosure of North’s assets set aside so that certain of North’s assets could be sold to a third party.  The motion was approved.  On August 7, 2006, the receiver paid the Company approximately $1,291,000 from a partial sale of the assets. The Company’s note, together with the obligation to the other significant creditor of North’s, is secured by the real and personal property, landlord leases, trademarks and all other intellectual property owned by North’s. The Company believes current and future cash flows including asset sales are adequate for recovery of the remaining principal amount of the note receivable. The Company has not recognized any interest income with respect to this note since August 2003.  The Company has not provided an allowance for bad debts for the note as of November 6, 2006.

On February 1, 2005, the Company announced in a press release that it had entered into a strategic alliance with K-BOB’S USA Inc. and related affiliates (“K-BOB’S”). In accordance with the terms of the strategic alliance, Star Buffet agreed to lend K-BOB’S up to $1.5 million on a long-term basis.  The Company loaned K-BOB’S $1.5 million and the current balance is $214,500.  In exchange, K-BOB’S granted Star Buffet an option to purchase as many as five corporate owned and operated K-BOB’S restaurants located in New Mexico and Texas, as well as rights to develop K-BOB’S in other areas in the United States.  On January 31, 2006, the Company exercised its option under the terms of the strategic alliance and purchased three K-BOB’S restaurants.  In addition, the Company acquired another K-BOB’S location in Texas for cash of $700,000 in February 2006.

In connection with the Company’s employment contract with Robert E. Wheaton, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Wheaton six years salary and bonus if he resigns related to change of control of the Company or is terminated, unless the termination is for cause. Mr. Wheaton’s employment contract also includes an annual bonus of $25,000.

The Company is engaged in ordinary and routine litigation incidental to its business. Management does not anticipate that any resolution of any of these proceedings will require payments that will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or financial position or liquidity.

Note (J) Taxes

The Company is able to take advantage of the Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips resulting in a lower effective tax rate of approximately 29.1% and 33.6% for the 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005, respectively.

19




Note (K) Insurance Programs

The Company is self-insured for general liability claims. The Company has commercial insurance for casualty claims in excess of $2 million per claim and $3 million per year as a risk reduction strategy. Self-insurance accruals include estimates based on historical information and expected future developments. If actual claims differ from estimates and assumptions, our actual accrual requirements may be materially different from the calculated accruals. The Company had general liability insurance reserves of $49,000 and $35,000 for the 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005 respectively.

Note (L) Recent Developments

The Company completed the acquisition of five Whistle Junction buffet restaurants on November 28, 2006.  The acquisition included the purchase of certain operating assets including Whistle Junction’s intellectual property and the assumption of real estate leases for restaurants located in Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Titusville, St. Cloud and Lakeland, Florida.

20




STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, presented elsewhere in this report and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2006.  Comparability of periods may be affected by the closure of restaurants or the implementation of the Company’s acquisition and strategic alliance strategies. The costs associated with integrating new restaurants or under performing or unprofitable restaurants, if any, acquired or otherwise operated by the Company may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in any individual period.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions; success of integrating newly acquired under performing or unprofitable restaurants; the impact of competitive products and pricing; success of operating initiatives; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; changes in business strategy or development plans; quality of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; changes in prevailing interest rates and the availability of financing; food, labor, and employee benefits costs; changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; implementation of the Company’s acquisition and strategic alliance strategy; the effect of the Company’s accounting polices and other risks detailed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2006, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Overview

Consolidated results for the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006 declined $153,000 to a loss of $255,000 or $(0.08) per share on a diluted basis as compared with net loss of $102,000 for the comparable prior year period.  Consolidated net income for the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006 decreased $755,000 to $727,000 or $0.23 per share on a diluted basis as compared with net income of $1,482,000 for the comparable prior year period. The increase in the net loss for the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006 is primarily due to higher food costs. Total revenues increased $692,000 or 6.0% from $11.5 million in the 12 weeks ended November 7, 2005 to $12.2 million for the 12 weeks ended November 6, 2006. The closed stores sales decrease was $560,000 and new stores contributed $1,149,000 in sales for the 12 weeks ended November 6, 2006.

The decrease in net income for the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006 is primarily due to a $255,000 decrease in interest income including the $250,000 recognized on the loan to the President and Chief Executive Officer in the prior fiscal year, an increase of approximately $250,000 in maintenance and repairs and higher utility costs of approximately $165,000 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Total revenues increased $430,000 or 1.0% from $44.2 million in the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005 to $44.6 million in the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006. The closed stores decrease was approximately $2.3 million and the new stores contributed $3.2 million in sales for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006. The increase in revenues of the four acquired K-BOB’S, Pecos Diamond Steakhouse, and Western Sizzlin restaurants more than offset the loss of sales from closed stores during the first 40 weeks of this year. The decrease in revenues in comparable same store sales was primarily in the HomeTown Buffet division. The Company believes the decline in same store sales is a result of weaker economic conditions due in part to higher interest rates, oil prices and inflation and due to new restaurant competition in certain markets.  The decline in sales on a same store basis significantly impacts net income because occupancy, salaries, benefits, and other expenses are primarily fixed in nature and generally do

21




not vary significantly with restaurant sales volume. Occupancy and other expense includes major expenditures such as rent, insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance and advertising.

Recent Developments

The Company acquired three K-BOB’S Restaurants in Tucumcari, New Mexico, Beeville, Texas and Lamesa, Texas on January 31, 2006 for $1,285,500. Further, the Company acquired the land, building and equipment of the K-BOB’S Restaurant in Dumas, Texas on February 28, 2006 for $700,000. The Company also sold its restaurant in Laramie, Wyoming in March 2006 for approximately $780,000 which included a $616,000 mortgage that was paid as part of the sale. In April 2006, the Company entered into a Strategic Alliance with Western Sizzlin Corporation. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, the Company plans to convert certain of its existing restaurants to the Western Sizzlin brand; test a newly developed Western Sizzlin buffet prototype; and seek to acquire selected Western Sizzlin franchised restaurants. Additionally, as an important element of the Strategic Alliance, the Company and Western Sizzlin will explore a number of identified opportunities to reduce operating and administrative expenses. On June 1, 2006 the Company financed the February 2006 purchase of the K-BOB’S in Dumas, Texas with a $564,000 5-year mortgage on the building and land.  On July 11, the Company purchased the land, building and equipment of Pecos Diamond Steakhouse in Artesia, New Mexico for approximately $850,000. On August 7, 2006, the Company received $1,291,000 in partial payment on the note receivable from North’s Restaurants, Inc.  On October 10, 2006 the Company acquired a Western Sizzlin restaurant in Griffin, Georgia. On November 7, 2006 the Company financed the July 2006 purchase of the Pecos Diamond Steakhouse in Artesia, New Mexico with a $595,000 5-year mortgage on the building and land. On November 28, 2006 the Company completed the acquisition of five Whistle Junction buffet restaurants.  The acquisition included the purchase of certain operating assets including Whistle Junction’s intellectual property and the assumption of real estate leases for restaurants located in Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Titusville, St. Cloud and Lakeland, Florida.  The purchase price was approximately $270,000 paid in cash.

The following states in which the Company does business have passed laws increasing the minimum wage: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Oregon and Washington.  These increases are effective January 2007 and it is anticipated that they will affect the labor costs of the Company (see the discussion below under “Results of Operations”).

Components of Income from Operations

Total revenues include a combination of food, beverage, merchandise and vending sales and are net of applicable state and city sales taxes.

Food costs primarily consist of the costs of food and beverage items.  Various factors beyond the Company’s control, including adverse weather and natural disasters, may affect food costs.  Accordingly, the Company may incur periodic fluctuations in these costs.  Generally, temporary increases are absorbed by the Company and not passed on to customers; however, management may adjust menu prices to compensate for increased costs of a more permanent nature.

Labor costs include restaurant management salaries, bonuses, hourly wages for unit level employees, various health, life and dental insurance programs, vacation and sick pay and payroll taxes.

Occupancy and other expenses are primarily fixed in nature and generally do not vary with restaurant sales volume.  Rent, insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance and advertising account for the major expenditures in this category.

General and administrative expenses include all corporate and administrative functions that serve to support the existing restaurant base and provide the infrastructure for future growth.  Management, supervisory and staff salaries, employee benefits, data processing, training and office supplies are the major items of expense in this category.

22




Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the Company’s results of operations as a percentage of total revenues for the 12 and 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 and November 7, 2005.

 

 

Twelve Weeks Ended

 

Forty Weeks Ended

 

 

 

November 6,
2006

 

November 7,
2005

 

November 6,
2006

 

November 7,
2005

 

Total revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food costs

 

36.5

 

34.8

 

35.2

 

34.2

 

Labor costs

 

34.8

 

34.4

 

33.2

 

32.2

 

Occupancy and other expenses

 

23.4

 

24.1

 

21.6

 

20.6

 

General and administrative expenses

 

4.5

 

4.0

 

4.2

 

3.7

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4.0

 

4.1

 

3.6

 

3.8

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

Total costs and expenses

 

103.3

 

101.4

 

97.8

 

95.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

(3.3

)

(1.4

)

2.2

 

4.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(1.2

)

(1.1

)

(1.0

)

(1.1

)

Interest income

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

0.8

 

Other income

 

0.5

 

0.9

 

0.5

 

0.6

 

Gain (loss) on sale of assets

 

(0.0

)

 

0.5

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

(3.9

)

(1.4

)

2.3

 

5.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes (benefit)

 

(1.4

)

(0.5

)

0.8

 

1.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

(2.5

)%

(0.9

)%

1.5

%

3.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

 

46.2

%

34.5

%

29.1

%

33.6

%

 

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table. The other assets presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and not in the reportable segments relate to the Company as a whole, and not to the individual segments. Also certain corporate overhead income and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are not included in the reportable segments.

(Dollars in Thousands)

40 Weeks Ended
November 6, 2006

 

HomeTown
Buffet(1)

 

North’s
Star(2)

 

Florida
Buffet(3)

 

Summit
Restaurants(4)

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

21,114

 

$

1,720

 

$

7,957

 

$

13,789

 

$

 

$

44,580

 

Food cost

 

7,948

 

739

 

2,933

 

4,067

 

 

15,687

 

Labor cost

 

6,757

 

654

 

2,656

 

4,718

 

 

14,785

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

75

 

75

 

Interest expense

 

(129

)

 

 

 

(338

)

(467

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

773

 

66

 

335

 

388

 

50

 

1,612

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

195

 

(312

)

302

 

2,357

 

(1,517

)

1,025

 

 

23




 

40 Weeks Ended
November 7, 2005

 

HomeTown
Buffet(1)

 

North’s
Star(2)

 

Florida
Buffet(3)

 

Summit
Restaurants(4)

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

21,770

 

$

1,773

 

$

8,215

 

$

12,392

 

$

 

$

44,150

 

Food cost

 

8,058

 

716

 

2,950

 

3,361

 

 

15,085

 

Labor cost

 

6,567

 

620

 

2,747

 

4,300

 

 

14,234

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

330

 

330

 

Interest expense

 

(139

)

 

 

 

(364

)

(503

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

767

 

66

 

465

 

304

 

49

 

1,651

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

18

 

74

 

175

 

48

 

 

315

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

1,235

 

(245

)

324

 

2,055

 

(1,137

)

2,232

 

 


(1) The same store sales declined this year resulting in higher food costs for HomeTown Buffet as a percentage of sales. The lower same store sales also resulted in a higher labor cost as a percent of sales. The Hometown Buffet division also had higher maintenance, repairs and utilities expense in the current year compared to the prior year. Management believes sales decreased because of general economic conditions including higher gas prices and increased competition in certain areas. Utility expense increased this year as compared to the prior year primarily because of higher costs for both electricity and gas.

(2) The same store sales declined this year resulting in higher food costs for North’s Star as a percentage of sales. The lower same store sales also resulted in a higher labor cost as a percent of sales. The North’s Star division also had higher maintenance, repairs and utilities expense in the current year compared to the prior year. Management believes sales decreased because of general economic conditions including higher gas prices and increased competition in certain areas. Utility expense increased this year as compared to the prior year primarily because of higher costs for both electric and gas.  During the quarter this year the Company closed the JJ North’s restaurant in Bend, Oregon and acquired the Western Sizzlin in Griffin, Georgia.

(3) The decline in income before income taxes in the Florida Division was primarily the result of higher maintenance, repair and utilities expense and higher general and administrative costs in the current year compared to the prior year. Utility expense increased this year as compared to the prior year primarily because of higher costs for both electricity and gas.

(4) The increase in sales from the four new K-BOB’S Restaurants and the Pecos Diamond Steakhouse of approximately $3.1 million more than offset the sales loss of approximately $1.6 million from the Casa Bonita Restaurant closed during the third quarter of fiscal 2006 in the Summit Restaurant division. The increase in income before income taxes was primarily the $234,000 gain on selling the restaurant facility in Laramie, Wyoming and higher sale volume.

Food costs as a percentage of total revenues increased from 34.8% during the 12-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 36.5% during the 12 weeks ended November 6, 2006, and from 34.2% during the 40-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 35.2% during the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006. The increase for the 12 and 40 weeks as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to the closing of one Casa Bonita restaurant in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The Casa Bonita restaurants have traditionally had a lower food cost than the full line buffets.  In addition to the food cost increasing because of the changing sales mix, each division had higher food costs in the third quarter.  The increase in food costs primarily in the Hometown Buffet division was a result of menu improvements.

Labor costs as a percentage of total revenues increased from 34.4% during the 12-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 34.8% during the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006 and actual costs increased by $285,000. Labor costs as a percentage of total revenues increased from 32.2% during the 40-week period ended November

24




7, 2005 to 33.2% during the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006 and actual labor costs increased by $551,000. The increase in labor cost and as a percentage of revenue resulted primarily from higher starting wages in certain markets in fiscal 2007 as compared to the fiscal year 2006. The minimum wage increases in six states discussed early, will increase wage costs for the Company starting in January 2007. In response to the increased costs, the Company will increase menu pricing in January with the goal of maintaining a labor cost as percentage of sales consistent with prior results, although there can be no assurance that this will be the result (see the discussion under “Risk Factors”).

Occupancy and other expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 24.1% during the 12-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 23.4% during the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006 but actual costs increased by $80,000. Occupancy and other expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased from 20.6% during the 40-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 21.6% during the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006 and actual costs increased by $558,000. The increase as a percentage of total revenues for the 12 week period was primarily attributable to an increase of $38,000 in advertising costs and $54,000 in utility costs.  The increase as a percentage of total revenues for the 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006 was primarily attributable to increases of $250,000 in repairs and maintenance, $165,000 in utility costs and $60,000 for advertising costs for the 40 week period.

General and administrative costs as a percentage of revenues increased from 4.0% during the 12-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 4.5% during the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006 and actual costs increased by $97,000. General and administrative costs as a percentage of revenues increased from 3.7% during the 40-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 4.2% during the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006 and actual costs increased by $240,000. The increase for the 12 and 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006 was primarily attributable to higher corporate and field payrolls as compared to the same periods of the prior year.

Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 4.1% during the 12-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 4.0% during the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 3.8% during the 40-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 3.6% during the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006. The decrease is primarily attributable to higher sales and certain equipment being fully depreciated for the 12-week and 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006.

The Company did not have any impairment of long-lived assets during the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006 or November 7, 2005. Impairment of long-lived assets as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 0.7% during the 40-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 0.0% during the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006. The impairment in fiscal 2006 was mainly the result of decreasing the carrying value of assets held for future use by $291,000 for the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006. Additionally, the Company had approximately $23,000 of impairment expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 for leasehold improvements.

Interest expense as a percentage of total revenues increased from 1.1% during the 12-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 1.2% during the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006, and decreased from 1.1% during the 40-week period ended November 7, 2005 to 1.0% during the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006. The increase as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to slightly higher debt balances for the 12 week period ended November 6, 2006 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to slightly lower debt balances for the 40 week period ended November 6, 2006 as compared to the same period of the prior year.

Interest income decreased from $28,000 for the 12-week period ended November 7, 2005 to $9,000 for the 12-week period ended November 6, 2006. Interest income decreased from $330,000 for the 40-week period ended November 7, 2005 to $75,000 for the 40-week period ended November 6, 2006. The interest income was generated by the Company’s cash and outstanding notes receivable balances. The decrease for the 12-week period ended November 26, 2006 was primarily attributable to a lower notes receivable balance in the current period compared to the same period in the previous year.  The decrease in interest income for the 40 week period is primarily attributable to Mr. Robert E. Wheaton, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, paying

25




$250,000 in interest to the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 on certain loans used solely for the purchase of the Company’s outstanding common stock on the open market issued prior to the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  No interest was recognized on these loans until paid.

Other income is rental income from the Company’s leased properties and certain management contracts. Rental income was $61,000 and $206,000 for three properties leased for the entire 12 and 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006, respectively.  One leased property was not leased until the third quarter of fiscal 2007.  Rental income was $79,000 and $239,000 for four properties leased for the entire 12 and 40-week periods ended November 7, 2005, respectively. Other income from management contracts was $3,000 and $23,000 for the 12 and 40-week periods ended November 6, 2006, respectively. Other income from management contracts was $23,000 and $41,000 for the 12 and 40-week periods ended November 7, 2005.  One management contract terminated in the second quarter of the current fiscal year.

Impact of Inflation

The impact of inflation on the cost of food, labor, equipment and construction and remodeling of stores could affect the Company’s operations.  Many of the Company’s employees are paid hourly rates related to the federal and state minimum wage laws so that changes in these laws can result in higher labor costs to the Company. In addition, the cost of food commodities utilized by the Company are subject to market supply and demand pressures.  Shifts in these costs may have an impact on the Company’s food costs.  The Company anticipates that modest increases in these costs can be offset through pricing and other cost control efforts; however, there is no assurance that the Company would be able to pass more significant costs on to its customers or, if it were able to do so, that it could do so in a short period of time.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has historically financed operations through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided from operations and available borrowings under bank lines of credit.

As of November 6, 2006, the Company had $621,000 in cash.  Cash and cash equivalents increased by $130,000 during the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006. The net working capital deficit was $(5,111,000) and $(4,510,000) at November 6, 2006 and January 30, 2006, respectively. Total cash provided by operations for the 40 weeks ended November 6, 2006 was approximately $2,122,000 as compared to approximately $3,062,000 for the 40 weeks ended November 7, 2005.  The Company spent approximately $2,201,000 on capital expenditures in the first 40 weeks of fiscal 2007 including approximately $700,000 to purchase the equipment, building and land in the K-BOB’S Restaurant in Dumas, Texas and $850,000 to purchase the equipment, building and land in the Pecos Diamond Steakhouse Restaurant in Artesia, New Mexico.  The Company also reduced its note receivable from K-BOB’S Capital Resource Group, Ltd. by $1,285,500 on January 31, 2006 when the Company purchased three K-BOB’S Restaurants.  The Company also received a payment of $1,291,000 on August 7, 2006 from North’s Restaurant, Inc. which reduced the Company’s note receivable. The Company received approximately $872,000 from the exercise of stock options during the first 40 weeks of fiscal 2007. Long-term debt decreased by approximately $566,000 in the first 40 weeks of fiscal 2007 primarily as a result normal principal payments and the sale of the restaurant facility in Laramie, Wyoming and the resulting debt payment of approximately $616,000 which was partially offset by the financing of the Dumas restaurant property for approximately $564,000.  On November 7, 2006, subsequent to the quarter end, the Company financed the July 2006 purchase of the Pecos Diamond Steakhouse in Artesia, New Mexico with a $595,000 5-year mortgage on the building and land.

The Company has a revolving line of credit with M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank (the “revolving line of credit”) which provides working capital for the Company. The revolving line of credit bears interest at LIBOR plus two percent per annum and is renewable subject to credit review on an annual basis. The revolving line of

26




credit contains covenants which require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and other covenants that restrict the annual payment for capital expenditures and dividends. As of November 6, 2006, the Company is in compliance with these covenants.

On May 24, 2006, the Company extended the revolving line of credit due date from May 31, 2006 to June 15, 2007 and increased the credit limit from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000. The revolving line of credit balance was $679,000 on November 6, 2006 and $529,000 on December 13, 2006.  As of December 13, 2006, $2,471,000 was available on the revolving line of credit.  In addition, the revolving line of credit was amended to permit the Company to pay up to $2,700,000 in annual dividends and to spend up to $8,000,000 in capital expenditures. The revolving line of credit also permits the Company to repurchase up to 250,000 shares of common stock, although as of December 13, 2006, no shares had been repurchased.

The Company believes that available cash, availability under the revolving line of credit and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy its working capital and capital expenditure requirements during the next 12 months. Management does not believe the net working capital deficit will have any effect on the Company’s ability to operate the business and meet obligations as they come due in the next 12 months. The Company projects that operating cash flows will exceed planned capital expenditures in the next 12 months and that funds will be available to return capital to stockholders in the form of dividends, share repurchases or both. There can be no assurance, however, that cash and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy its working capital and capital requirements for the next 12 months or beyond.

It is possible that changes in the Company’s operating results, unavailable loan capacity from the existing credit facility, acceleration of the Company’s capital expenditure plans, potential acquisitions or other events may cause the Company to seek additional financing. Additional financing may be raised through public or private equity and/or debt financing or from other sources.  Additionally, the Company’s revolving line of credit expires on June 15, 2007. Although it is unlikely at this time, there can be no assurance that required financings will be available on acceptable terms or at all.

Critical Accounting Policies and Judgments

The Company prepares its condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements are based on the application of certain accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 30, 2006, included in the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Certain of these policies require numerous estimates and strategic or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or subject to variations and may significantly affect the Company’s reported results and financial position for the current period or future periods. Changes in the underlying factors, assumptions or estimates in any of these areas could have a material impact on the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations. The Company considers the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

27




Property, Buildings and Equipment

Property and equipment and real property under capitalized leases are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are recorded using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

 

Years

 

Buildings

 

40

 

Building improvements

 

15 – 20

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

5 – 8

 

 

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or estimated economic life of the assets. The life of the lease includes renewal options determined by management at lease inception for which failure to renew options would result in a substantial economic penalty.

Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Remodeling costs are generally capitalized.

The Company’s accounting policies regarding buildings and equipment include certain management judgments regarding the estimated useful lives of such assets, the residual values to which the assets are depreciated and the determination as to what constitutes increasing the life of existing assets. These judgments and estimates may produce materially different amounts of depreciation and amortization expense than would be reported if different assumptions were used. As discussed further below, these judgments may also impact the Company’s need to recognize an impairment charge on the carrying amount of these assets as the cash flows associated with the assets are realized.

Impairment of Goodwill

Goodwill and other intangible assets primarily represent the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. The Company reviews goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with SFAS 142. Goodwill is tested for impairment by restaurant.

The Company utilizes a two-part impairment test.  First, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to carrying value (including goodwill).  If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the second step is performed.  In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill.  If the carrying value is greater, a loss is recognized. The goodwill impairment test considers the impact of current conditions and the economic outlook for the restaurant industry, the general overall economic outlook including market data and governmental and environmental factors, in establishing the assumptions used to compute the fair value of each reporting unit.  We also take into account the historical, current and future (based on probability) operating results of each reporting unit and any other facts and data pertinent to valuing the reporting units in our impairment test.

The Company has an independent evaluation of goodwill conducted every three years.  The most recent independent valuation was conducted as of February 1, 2005.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company determines that an impairment write-down is necessary for locations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future

28




undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets. Any impairment reduces the profitability of the Company by the amount of the impairment in the period in which it is recognized.

Judgments made by the Company related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and the ability of the Company to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets are affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions, and changes in operating performance. If these factors are different than the estimates of the Company, the carrying value of the long-lived assets could be adversely affected. As the Company assesses the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, these factors could cause the Company to realize a material impairment charge.

Insurance Programs

The Company is self-insured for general liability claims. The Company has commercial insurance for casualty claims in excess of $2 million per claim and $3 million per year as a risk reduction strategy. Self-insurance accruals include estimates based on historical information and expected future development factors. If actual claims differ from estimates and assumptions, our actual accrual requirements may be materially different from the calculated accruals.

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments principally include obligations associated with its outstanding indebtedness and future minimum operating and capital lease obligations as set forth in the following table:

Contractual Obligations:

 

Total

 

Less than
one year

 

One to
three
years

 

Three to
five years

 

Greater
than

five years

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Long-term debt

 

$

5,742

 

$

672

 

$

2,216

 

$

2,375

 

$

479

 

Operating leases

 

9,422

 

2,446

 

3,675

 

2,783

 

518

 

Capital leases

 

2,046

 

309

 

648

 

574

 

515

 

Purchase commitments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

 

$

17,210

 

$

3,427

 

$

6,539

 

$

5,732

 

$

1,512

 

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies whenever other accounting standards require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; accordingly, it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. Fair value under SFAS 157 is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The standard clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions

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market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. In support of this principle, the standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, for example, a reporting entity’s own data. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS 157.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 requires the use of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and disclosures regarding uncertainties in income tax positions. The Company is required to adopt FIN 48 effective January 30, 2007. Only tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold at the effective date may be recognized upon adoption of FIN 48. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our future results of operations and financial position.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 13-2, “Accounting for a Change or Projected Change in the Timing of Cash Flows Relating to Income Taxes Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction” (FSP 13-2). FSP 13-2 requires that changes in the projected timing of income tax cash flows generated by a leveraged lease transaction be recognized as a gain or loss in the year in which change occurs. The pretax gain or loss is required to be included in the same line item in which the leveraged lease income is recognized, with the tax effect being included in the provision for income taxes. The Company is required to adopt FSP 13-2 effective January 30, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our future results of operations and financial position

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s principal exposure to financial market risks is the impact that interest rate changes could have on its $3.0 million Revolving Line of Credit, of which $679,000 was outstanding as of November 6, 2006 and $529,000 on December 13, 2006. The Revolving Line of Credit interest rate is LIBOR plus two percent per annum (averaging approximately 7.2% in fiscal 2007). A hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in short-term interest rates would result in a reduction of pre-tax earnings, the amount of which would depend on the amount outstanding on the line of credit. All of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have never had a significant impact on the Company and are not expected to in the foreseeable future.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company purchases certain products which are affected by commodity prices and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions and other factors which are not considered predictable or within the Company’s control. Although many of the products purchased are subject to changes in commodity prices, certain purchasing contracts or pricing arrangements contain risk management techniques designed to minimize price volatility. Typically the Company uses these types of purchasing techniques to control costs as an alternative to directly managing financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. In many cases, the Company believes it will be able to address commodity cost increases which are significant and appear to be long-term in nature by adjusting its menu pricing, menu mix or changing its product delivery strategy. However, increases in commodity prices could result in lower operating margins for the Company’s restaurant concepts.

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Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness and the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended November 6, 2006, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  In addition, since the most recent evaluation date, there have been no significant changes in our internal control structure, policies, and procedures or in other areas that could significantly affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is, from time to time, the subject of complaints or litigation from customers alleging injury on properties operated by the Company, illness or other food quality, health or operational concerns. Adverse publicity resulting from such allegations may materially adversely affect the Company and its restaurants, regardless of whether such allegations are valid or whether the Company is liable. The Company also is the subject to complaints or allegations from employees from time to time. The Company believes that the lawsuits, claims and other legal matters to which it has become subject in the course of its business are not material to the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations, but an existing or future lawsuit or claim could result in an adverse decision against the Company that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company has ongoing litigation with North’s Restaurants, Inc. as described in more detail in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company anticipates increasing its menu prices, which may have unintended consequences on its operations.

The Company’s profitability is highly sensitive to increases in food, labor and other operating costs that cannot always be passed on to its guests in the form of higher prices or otherwise compensated for. The minimum wage increases in six states in which the Company operates in January 2007 will directly increase our labor costs and may indirectly increase other costs as higher wage costs for service and commodity suppliers are passed on to the Company.  In anticipation of these increases, the Company will increase menu prices in January 2007 with the desire to maintain prior profitability. However, the Company cannot predict with any certainty that the menu prices increases will be sufficient to maintain its current level of profitability.  In addition, the increase in menu prices may adversely affect the volume of our sales reducing future revenues and profitability.  If the proposed price increases sufficiently adversely affect revenues, the Company may be forced to reduce menu prices, which would adversely affect profitability.

Item 6.  Exhibits

(a)                                  The following exhibits are attached to this report:

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description
of Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Certificate of Incorporation*

 

3.2

 

Bylaws, as amended on September 22, 1997*

 

4.1

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate**

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2

 

Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

99.1

 

Press release dated December 20, 2006.

 


* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1 (Registration No. 333- 32249).

** Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 2 (Registration No. 333- 32249).

32




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.

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 20, 2006

By:

/s/ Robert E. Wheaton

 

 

 

Robert E. Wheaton

 

 

Chairman of the Board,

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and

 

 

Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 20, 2006

By:

/s/ Ronald E. Dowdy

 

 

 

Ronald E. Dowdy

 

 

Group Controller,

 

 

Treasurer, Secretary and

 

 

Principal Accounting Officer

 

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