Texas Roadhouse, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2016

 

OR

 

 

For the transition period from           to

 

Commission File Number 000-50972

 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant specified in its charter)

 

 

6040 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 200

Louisville, Kentucky 40205

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(502) 426-9984

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes   ☒  No  ☐.

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

 

 

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

 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding were 70,323,596 on April 27, 2016.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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

(unaudited)

(1)   Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Texas Roadhouse, Inc.  ("TRI"), our wholly-owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which we own more than a 50 percent interest (collectively the "Company," "we," "our" and/or "us") as of March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015 and for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015.  

 

As of March 29, 2016, we owned and operated 408 restaurants and franchised an additional 83 restaurants in 49 states and four foreign countries.  Of the 408 company-owned restaurants that were operating at March 29, 2016, 392 were wholly-owned and 16 were majority-owned.

 

As of March 31, 2015, we owned and operated 375 restaurants and franchised an additional 79 restaurants in 49 states and four foreign countries.  Of the 375 company-owned restaurants that were operating at March 31, 2015, 359 were wholly-owned and 16 were majority-owned.

 

As of March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we owned 5.0% to 10.0% equity interest in 24 and 23 franchise restaurants, respectively.  Additionally, as of March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we owned a 40% equity interest in four non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants as part of a joint venture agreement with a casual dining restaurant operator in China.  The unconsolidated restaurants are accounted for using the equity method.  Our investments in these unconsolidated affiliates are included in Other assets in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, and we record our percentage share of net income earned by these unconsolidated affiliates in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income under Equity income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions for these unconsolidated restaurants as well as the entities whose accounts have been consolidated have been eliminated. 

 

We have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reporting of revenue and expenses during the periods to prepare these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property and equipment, goodwill, obligations related to insurance reserves, leases and leasehold improvements and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, except that certain information and footnotes have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  Operating results for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2016.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2015.

 

Our significant interim accounting policies include the recognition of income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate.

 

(2)   Share-based Compensation

 

On May 16, 2013, our stockholders approved the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan").  The Plan provides for the granting of incentive and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of common

stock, stock appreciation rights, and full value awards, including restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), deferred stock units, performance stock and performance stock units ("PSUs").  This plan replaced the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Beginning in 2008, we changed the method by which we provide share-based compensation to our employees by granting RSUs as a form of share-based compensation.  A RSU is the conditional right to receive one share of common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting requirement. A PSU is the conditional right to receive one share of common stock upon meeting a performance obligation along with the satisfaction of the vesting requirement.

 

The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recorded in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income:

 

 

Share-based compensation activity by type of grant as of March 29, 2016 and changes during the 13 weeks then ended are presented below.

 

Summary Details for RSUs

 

 

As of March 29, 2016, with respect to unvested RSUs, there was $19.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.  The vesting terms of the RSUs range from approximately 1.0 to 5.0 years.  The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015 was $8.1 million and $13.4 million, respectively.  The excess tax benefit realized from tax deductions associated with vested restricted stock units for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015 was $0.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively. 

 

Summary Details for PSUs

 

In 2015, we granted PSUs to two of our executives subject to a one-year vesting and the achievement of certain earnings targets, which determine the number of units to vest at the end of the vesting period.  Share-based compensation is recognized for the number of units expected to vest at the end of the period and is expensed beginning on the grant date and through the performance period.  For each grant, PSUs vest after meeting the performance and service conditions. 

 

On January 8, 2015 we granted PSUs with a grant date fair value of approximately $4.0 million based on the grant date price per share of $34.77.  On January 8, 2016, 144,000 shares vested related to this PSU grant and were distributed during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016.  On November 19, 2015, we granted PSUs with a grant date fair value of approximately $3.9 million based on the grant date price per share of $34.11.  As of March 29, 2016, with respect to unvested PSUs, there was $3.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.8 years.  The distribution of vested performance stock units as common stock related to the November 19, 2015 grants will occur in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Summary Details for Stock Options

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015 was $3.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively.  No stock options vested during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 or March 31, 2015. 

 

For the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, cash received before tax withholdings from options exercised was $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively.  The excess tax benefit realized from deductions associated with options exercised for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015 was $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

(3)   Long-term Debt

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

 

The interest rate for our installment loan outstanding at both March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015 was 10.46%.  The debt is secured by certain land and building assets and is subject to certain prepayment penalties.

 

On November 1, 2013, we entered into Omnibus Amendment No. 1 and Consent to Credit Agreement and Guaranty with respect to our revolving credit facility dated as of August 12, 2011 with a syndicate of commercial lenders led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo, N.A. The amended revolving credit facility, which has a maturity date of November 1, 2018, remains an unsecured, revolving credit agreement under which we may borrow up to $200.0 million. The amendment provides us with the option to increase the revolving credit facility by $200.0 million, up to $400.0 million, subject to certain limitations.

 

The terms of the amended revolving credit facility require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin of 0.875% to 1.875%, depending on our leverage ratio, or the Alternate Base Rate, which is the higher of the issuing bank’s prime lending rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% or the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for a one month interest period on such day plus 1.0%. We are also required to pay a commitment fee of 0.125% to 0.30% per year on any unused portion of the amended revolving credit facility, depending on our leverage ratio. The weighted-average interest rate for the amended revolving credit facility at March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015 was 1.31% and 3.22%, respectively, including the impact of an interest rate swap which expired on January 7, 2016. At March 29, 2016, we had $50.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $143.4 million of availability, net of $6.6 million of outstanding letters of credit.

 

The lenders’ obligation to extend credit under the amended revolving credit facility depends on us maintaining certain financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00 and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00.  The amended revolving credit facility permits us to incur additional secured or unsecured indebtedness outside the facility, except for the incurrence of secured indebtedness that in the aggregate exceeds 15% of our consolidated tangible net worth or circumstances where the incurrence of secured or unsecured indebtedness would prevent us from complying with our financial covenants.  We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 29, 2016.

 

(4)     Income Taxes

 

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective tax rate for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5)Derivative and Hedging Activities

 

We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as hedging instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815").  We use interest rate-related derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations of interest rates.  By using these instruments, we expose ourselves, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk.  Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us.  We attempt to minimize the credit risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties whose credit rating is evaluated on a quarterly basis.  Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates.  We attempt to minimize market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be taken.

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

On January 7, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap, starting on February 7, 2009, with a notional amount of $25.0 million to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our variable rate borrowings.  We designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to interest payments on a $25.0 million tranche of floating rate debt borrowed under our amended revolving credit facility.  Under the terms of the swap, we paid a fixed rate of 2.34% on the $25.0 million notional amount and received payments from the counterparty based on the one month LIBOR for a term that ended on January 7, 2016, effectively resulting in a fixed rate on the LIBOR component of the $25.0 million notional amount.

 

We entered into the above interest rate swap with the objective of eliminating the variability of our interest cost that arises because of changes in the variable interest rate for the designated interest payments.  Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("AOCI").  Additionally, amounts related to the yield adjustment of the hedged interest payments were subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period during which the related interest affected earnings.  We reclassified a loss from AOCI, net of tax, in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet to interest expense in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income when the interest rate swap expired on January 7, 2016.  See note 10 for fair value discussion of this interest rate swap.

 

The following table summarizes the fair value and presentation in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets for derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

 

(1) As of December 29, 2015, a derivative liability was included in other accrued liabilities on the balance sheet. 

 

The following table summarizes the effect of our interest rate swaps in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015:

 

 

The loss reclassified from AOCI to income was recognized in interest expense on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. For each of the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we did not recognize any gain or loss due to hedge ineffectiveness related to the derivative instruments in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

(6)Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Revenue Recognition

(Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, "ASU 2014-09")

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective.   In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue standard.  ASU 2014-09 is now effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2017 (our 2018 fiscal year) with early adoption permitted in the first quarter of 2017.  The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.   In March and April 2016, the FASB issued the following amendments to clarify the implementation guidance: ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) and ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606); Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.  The standard will not impact our recognition of revenue from company-owned restaurants or our recognition of continuing fees from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise sales.  We are continuing to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this standard will have on the recognition of other less significant revenue transactions such as initial fees from franchisees.

 

Inventory

(Accounting Standards Update 2015-11, "ASU 2015-11")

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory, which simplifies the measurement principle of inventories valued under the First-In, First-Out ("FIFO") or weighted average methods from the lower of cost or market to the lower

of cost and net realizable value.  ASU 2015-11 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our 2017 fiscal year).  We do not expect the standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption.

 

Deferred Taxes 

(Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, "ASU 2015-17") 

   

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet.  ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our 2017 fiscal year), including interim periods within those annual periods.  Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period.  Upon adoption, ASU 2015-17 may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively.  We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Leases

(Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, "ASU 2016-02")

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases.  This update also requires additional disclosures about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.  ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 (our 2019 fiscal year).  Early adoption is permitted.  A modified retrospective approach is required for all leases existing or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the consolidated financial statements.  We are currently assessing the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows and we have not determined the effect of the amended guidance on our ongoing financial reporting.

 

Share-Based Compensation

(Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, "ASU 2016-09")

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions.  The amendments in this update cover such areas as the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows.  ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our 2017 fiscal year) and interim periods within those annual periods.  Early adoption is permitted.  We are currently assessing the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

 

(7)Commitments and Contingencies

 

The estimated cost of completing capital project commitments at March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015 was approximately $157.5 million and $129.4 million, respectively.

 

Effective December 31, 2013, we sold two restaurants, which operated under the name Aspen Creek, located in Irving, Texas and Louisville, Kentucky. We assigned the leases associated with these restaurants to the acquirer, but remain contingently liable under the terms of the leases if the acquirer defaults. We are contingently liable for the initial terms of the leases and any renewal periods. The Irving lease has an initial term that expires December 2019, along with three five-year renewals. The Louisville lease has an initial term that expires November 2023, along with three five-year renewals. The assignment of the Louisville lease releases us from liability after the initial lease term expiration contingent upon certain conditions being met by the acquirer.

 

We entered into real estate lease agreements for five restaurant locations, listed in the table below, before granting franchise rights for those restaurants. We have subsequently assigned the leases to the franchisees, but remain contingently liable if a franchisee defaults, under the terms of the lease.

 

 

(1)  As discussed in note 8, these restaurants are owned, in whole or part, by certain officers, directors and 5% shareholders of the Company.

 

We are contingently liable for the initial terms of the leases and any renewal periods. All of the leases have three five-year renewals.

 

As of March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015, we are contingently liable for $17.0 million and $17.2 million, respectively, for the seven leases discussed above.  These amounts represent the maximum potential liability of future payments under the guarantees.  In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to pursue and recover damages incurred.  No material liabilities have been recorded as of March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015 as the likelihood of default was deemed to be less than probable and the fair value of the guarantees is not considered significant.

 

During the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016, we bought most of our beef from three suppliers. Although there are a limited number of beef suppliers, we believe that other suppliers could provide a similar product on comparable terms. A change in suppliers, however, could cause supply shortages, higher costs to secure adequate supplies and a possible loss of sales, which would affect operating results adversely. We have no material minimum purchase commitments with our vendors that extend beyond a year.

 

On September 30, 2011, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) filed a lawsuit styled Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, Civil Action Number 1:11-cv-11732. The complaint alleges that applicants over the age of 40 were denied employment in our restaurants in bartender, host, server and server assistant positions due to their age.  The EEOC is seeking injunctive relief, remedial actions, payment of damages to the applicants and costs.  We have filed an answer to the complaint, the case is in discovery and we are preparing for trial in 2017.  We deny liability and are vigorously defending this case; however, in view of the inherent uncertainties of litigation, the outcome of this case cannot be predicted at this time.  We cannot estimate the amount or range of loss, if any, associated with this matter.

 

On March 1, 2016, we entered into a binding Term Sheet to resolve alleged violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act asserted on behalf of a purported class of employees.  Once the settlement agreement is finalized, it will be subject to court approval.  To cover the estimated costs of the settlement, including estimated payments to any opt-in members and class attorneys, as well as related settlement administration costs, we recorded a charge of $5.5 million ($3.4 million after-tax) during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016.  The charge is recorded in general and administrative expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  The actual amount of any settlement payment could vary from our estimate and will be subject to many factors including approval by the court,  the claims process, and other matters typically associated with the settlement of class action litigation.

 

Occasionally, we are a defendant in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, including "slip and fall" accidents, employment related claims and claims from guests or employees alleging illness, injury or food quality, health or operational concerns.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters, most of which are covered by insurance, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.    

 

(8)   Related Party Transactions

 

As of March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we had 10 franchise restaurants owned in whole or part, by certain of our officers, directors and 5% stockholders of the company.  For both of the 13 week periods ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, these entities paid us fees of approximately $0.5 million.  As disclosed in note 7, we are contingently liable on leases which are related to two of these restaurants.

 

(9)   Earnings Per Share

 

The share and net income per share data for all periods presented are based on the historical weighted-average shares outstanding.  The diluted earnings per share calculations show the effect of the weighted-average stock options and RSUs outstanding from our equity incentive plans as discussed in note 2.

 

The following table summarizes the options and nonvested stock that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect:

 

 

PSUs are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation until the performance-based criteria have been met.  See note 2 for further discussion of PSUs.

 

The following table sets forth the calculation of earnings per share and weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands) as presented in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10)  Fair Value Measurements

 

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in measuring fair value.  The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date.

 

Level 1Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3Inputs that are unobservable for the asset.

 

There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016.

 

The following table presents the fair values for our financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:

 

 

As of December 29, 2015, the fair value of our interest rate swap was determined based on industry-standard valuation models.  Such models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to present value using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves.  See note 5 for discussion of our interest rate swap, which expired on January 7, 2016.

 

The Second Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan of Texas Roadhouse Management Corp., as amended, (the "Deferred Compensation Plan") is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which allows highly compensated employees to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amounts to one or more investment funds held in a rabbi trust. We report the accounts of the rabbi trust in other assets and the corresponding liability in other liabilities in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These investments are considered trading securities and are reported at fair value based on third-party broker statements.  The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to these investments, as well as the offsetting compensation expense, are recorded in general and administrative expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

 

At March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their carrying values based on the short-term nature of these instruments.  The fair value of our amended revolving credit facility at March 29, 2016 and December 29, 2015 approximated its carrying value since it is a variable rate credit facility (Level 2).  The fair value of our installment loan is estimated based on the current rates offered to us for instruments of similar terms and maturities. The carrying amounts and related estimated fair values for our installment loan are as follows:

 

 

 

 

(11)  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 were as follows:

 

 

(12)  Stock Repurchase Program

 

On May 22, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of our common stock.  This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous stock repurchase program which was approved on February 16, 2012. All repurchases to date under our stock repurchase program have been made through open market transactions.  The timing and the amount of any repurchases will be determined by management under parameters established by our Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of our stock price, market conditions and other corporate considerations.

 

For the 13 week period ended March 29, 2016 we paid approximately $4.1 million to repurchase 114,700 shares of our common stock. As of March 29, 2016, we had approximately $69.9 million remaining under our authorized stock repurchase program.  We did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the 13 week period ended March 31, 2015.

 

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

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

This report contains forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and certain assumptions made by us.  Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.  Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.  The section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2015, in Part II, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q and disclosures in our other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.  You should carefully consider those risks, in addition to the other information in this report, and in our other filings with the SEC, before deciding to invest in our Company or to maintain or increase your investment.  We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.  The information contained in this Form 10-Q is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock.  We urge you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the SEC that discuss our business in greater detail and advise interested parties of certain risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. is a growing restaurant company operating predominately in the casual dining segment. Our founder, chairman and chief executive officer ("CEO"), W. Kent Taylor, started the business in 1993 with the opening of the first Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana. Since then, we have grown to 491 restaurants in 49 states and four foreign countries. Our mission statement is "Legendary Food, Legendary Service®." Our operating strategy is designed to position each of our restaurants as the local hometown favorite for a broad segment of consumers seeking high quality, affordable meals served with friendly, attentive service. As of March 29, 2016, our 491 restaurants included:

 

 

 

We have contractual arrangements which grant us the right to acquire at pre-determined formulas the remaining equity interests in 14 of the 16 majority-owned company restaurants and 68 of the franchise restaurants.

 

Throughout this report, we use the term "restaurants" to include Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33, unless otherwise noted.

 

Presentation of Financial and Operating Data

 

Throughout this report, the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015 are referred to as Q1 2016 and Q1 2015, respectively.

 

Long-term Strategies to Grow Earnings Per Share and Create Shareholder Value

 

Our long-term strategies with respect to increasing net income and earnings per share, along with creating shareholder value, include the following:

 

Expanding Our Restaurant Base.   We will continue to evaluate opportunities to develop Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 restaurants in existing markets and in new domestic and international markets. Domestically, we will remain focused primarily on markets where we believe a significant demand for our restaurants exists because of population size, income levels and the presence of shopping and entertainment centers and a significant employment base.  Our ability to expand our restaurant base is influenced by many factors beyond our control and, therefore, we may not be able to achieve our anticipated growth.

 

We currently plan to open approximately 30 company-owned restaurants in 2016 including approximately seven Bubba’s 33 restaurants.  In addition, we anticipate that our existing franchise partners will open as many as six, primarily international, Texas Roadhouse restaurants during 2016.  In Q1 2016, we opened seven company-owned restaurants, including two Bubba’s 33 restaurants.  Additionally, in Q1 2016, our franchise partners opened one international franchise restaurant.

 

Our average capital investment for Texas Roadhouse restaurants opened during 2015, including pre‑opening expenses and a capitalized rent factor, was $4.7 million.  We expect our average capital investment for Texas Roadhouse restaurants opening in 2016 to be approximately $4.8 million. For 2015, the average capital investment, including pre-opening costs, for the four Bubba’s 33 restaurants opened during the year was $6.0 million. We expect our average capital investment for Bubba’s 33 restaurants opening in 2016 to be $5.7 million to $6.0 million.  We continue to focus on driving sales and managing restaurant development costs in order to further increase our restaurant development in the future.  Our capital investment (including cash and non‑cash costs) for new restaurants varies significantly depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to: the square footage, layout, scope of any required site work, type of construction labor, local permitting requirements, our ability to negotiate with landlords, cost of liquor and other licenses and hook‑up fees and geographical location.

We may, at our discretion, add franchise restaurants, domestically and/or internationally, primarily with franchisees who have demonstrated prior success with Texas Roadhouse or other restaurant concepts and in markets in which the franchisee demonstrates superior knowledge of the demographics and restaurant operating conditions. In conjunction with this strategy, we signed our first international franchise development agreement in 2010 for the development of Texas Roadhouse restaurants in eight countries in the Middle East.  In addition to the Middle East, we currently have signed franchise development agreements for the development of Texas Roadhouse restaurants in Taiwan, the Philippines and Mexico.  We currently have nine restaurants open in three countries in the Middle East and two restaurants open in Taiwan for a total of 11 restaurants in four foreign countries.  Additionally, in 2010, we entered into a joint venture agreement with a casual dining restaurant operator in China for a minority ownership in four non‑Texas Roadhouse restaurants, all of which are currently open. We continue to explore opportunities in other countries for international expansion. We may also look to acquire domestic franchise restaurants under terms favorable to the Company and our stockholders.  Additionally, from time to time, we will evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures or other strategic initiatives to acquire or develop additional concepts either domestically and/or internationally.

 

Maintaining and/or Improving Restaurant Level Profitability.   We plan to maintain, or possibly increase, restaurant-level profitability (restaurant margin) through a combination of increased comparable restaurant sales and operating cost management.  In general, we continue to balance the impacts of inflationary pressures with our value

positioning as we remain focused on the long-term success.  This may create a challenge in terms of maintaining and/or increasing restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant sales, in any given year, depending on the level of inflation we experience.  In addition to restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant sales, we also focus on the growth of restaurant margin dollars per store week as a measure of restaurant-level profitability.  In terms of driving higher guest traffic counts, we remain focused on encouraging repeat visits by our guests and attracting new guests through our continued commitment to operational standards relating to food and service quality.  In order to attract new guests and increase the frequency of visits of our existing guests, we also continue to drive various localized marketing programs, to focus on speed of service and to increase throughput by adding seats in certain restaurants.

 

Leveraging Our Scalable Infrastructure.   To support our growth, we continue to make investments in our infrastructure.  Over the past several years, we have made significant investments in our infrastructure, including information systems, real estate, human resources, legal, marketing, international and restaurant operations, including the development of new concepts.  Our goal is for general and administrative costs to increase at a slower growth rate than our revenue. Whether we are able to leverage our infrastructure in future years will depend, in part, on our new restaurant openings, our comparable restaurant sales growth rate going forward and the level of investment we continue to make in our infrastructure.

 

Returning Capital to Shareholders.  We continue to pay dividends and evaluate opportunities to return capital to our shareholders through repurchases of common stock. In 2011, our Board of Directors declared our first quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock. We have consistently grown our per share dividend each year since that time and our long-term strategy includes increasing our regular quarterly dividend amount over time. On February 19, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share of common stock.  The declaration and payment of cash dividends on our common stock is at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and any decision to declare a dividend will be based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, earnings, financial condition, applicable covenants under our amended revolving credit facility, other contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant.

 

In 2008, our Board of Directors approved our first stock repurchase program.  From inception through March 29, 2016, we have paid $216.6 million through our authorized stock repurchase programs to repurchase 14,844,851 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $14.59.  On May 22, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of our common stock.  This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous stock repurchase program which was approved on February 16, 2012.  All repurchases to date have been made through open market transactions.  As of March 29, 2016, $69.9 million remains authorized for stock repurchases.

 

Key Measures We Use to Evaluate Our Company

 

Key measures we use to evaluate and assess our business include the following:

 

Number of Restaurant Openings.  Number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular fiscal period. For company restaurant openings, we incur pre‑opening costs, which are defined below, before the restaurant opens. Typically, new Texas Roadhouse restaurants open with an initial start‑up period of higher than normalized sales volumes, which decrease to a steady level approximately three to six months after opening. However, although sales volumes are generally higher, so are initial costs, resulting in restaurant operating margins that are generally lower during the start‑up period of operation and increase to a steady level approximately three to six months after opening.

 

Comparable Restaurant Sales Growth.   Comparable restaurant sales growth reflects the change in sales for company-owned restaurants over the same period in prior years for the comparable restaurant base. We define the comparable restaurant base to include those restaurants open for a full 18 months before the beginning of the current interim period excluding sales from restaurants closed during the period. Comparable restaurant sales growth can be impacted by changes in guest traffic counts or by changes in the per person average check amount. Menu price changes and the mix of menu items sold can affect the per person average check amount.

 

Average Unit Volume.   Average unit volume represents the average quarterly or annual restaurant sales for company-owned Texas Roadhouse restaurants open for a full six months before the beginning of the period measured excluding sales from restaurants closed during the period.  Growth in average unit volume in excess of comparable restaurant sales growth is generally an indication that newer restaurants are operating with sales levels in excess of the company average. Conversely, growth in average unit volume less than comparable restaurant sales growth is generally an indication that newer restaurants are operating with sales levels lower than the company average.

 

Store Weeks.   Store weeks represent the number of weeks that our company restaurants were open during the reporting period.

 

Restaurant Margin.  Restaurant margin represents restaurant sales less operating costs, including cost of sales, labor, rent and other operating costs.  Depreciation and amortization expense, substantially all of which relates to restaurant-level assets, is excluded from restaurant operating costs and is shown separately as it represents a non-cash charge for the investment in our restaurants.  Restaurant margin is widely regarded as a useful metric by which to evaluate restaurant-level operating efficiency and performance.  Restaurant margin is not a measurement determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative, to income from operations or other similarly titled measures of other companies.  Restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant sales, may fluctuate based on inflationary pressures, commodity costs and wage rates.  As such, we also focus on the growth of restaurant margin dollars per store week as a measure of restaurant-level profitability as it provides additional insight on operating performance.

 

Other Key Definitions

 

Restaurant Sales.   Restaurant sales include gross food and beverage sales, net of promotions and discounts, for all company-owned restaurants.  Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from restaurant sales in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

 

Franchise Royalties and Fees.   Domestic franchisees typically pay a $40,000 initial franchise fee for each new restaurant. In addition, at each renewal period, we receive a fee equal to the greater of 30% of the then-current initial franchise fee or $10,000 to $15,000. Franchise royalties consist of royalties in an amount up to 4.0% of gross sales, as defined in our franchise agreement, paid to us by our domestic franchisees. In addition, fees paid to us by our international franchisees are included in franchise royalties and fees. The terms of the international agreements may vary significantly from our domestic agreements.

 

Restaurant Cost of Sales.   Restaurant cost of sales consists of food and beverage costs.

 

Restaurant Labor Expenses.   Restaurant labor expenses include all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in operations except for profit sharing incentive compensation expenses earned by our restaurant managing partners and market partners. These profit sharing expenses are reflected in restaurant other operating expenses.  Restaurant labor expenses also include share-based compensation expense related to restaurant-level employees.

 

Restaurant Rent Expense.   Restaurant rent expense includes all rent, except pre-opening rent, associated with the leasing of real estate and includes base, percentage and straight-line rent expense.

 

Restaurant Other Operating Expenses.   Restaurant other operating expenses consist of all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, supplies, local store advertising, repairs and maintenance, equipment rent, property taxes, credit card and gift card fees and general liability insurance offset by gift card breakage income. Profit sharing incentive compensation expenses earned by our restaurant managing partners and market partners are also included in restaurant other operating expenses.

 

Pre-opening Expenses.   Pre-opening expenses, which are charged to operations as incurred, consist of expenses incurred before the opening of a new restaurant and are comprised principally of opening team and training compensation and benefits, travel expenses, rent, food, beverage and other initial supplies and expenses.  On average,

over 70% of total pre-opening costs incurred per restaurant opening relate to the hiring and training of employees.  Pre-opening costs vary by location depending on a number of factors, including the size and physical layout of each location; the number of management and hourly employees required to operate each restaurant; the availability of qualified restaurant staff members; the cost of travel and lodging for different geographic areas; the timing of the restaurant opening; and the extent of unexpected delays, if any, in obtaining final licenses and permits to open the restaurants.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.   Depreciation and amortization expenses ("D&A") include the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangibles with definite lives, substantially all of which relates to restaurant-level assets.

 

Impairment and Closure Costs.  Impairment and closure costs include any impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill, associated with restaurants where the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the asset and expenses associated with the closure of a restaurant.  Closure costs also include any gains or losses associated with a relocated restaurant or the sale of a closed restaurant and/or assets held for sale as well as lease costs associated with closed or relocated restaurants.

 

General and Administrative Expenses.   General and administrative expenses ("G&A") are comprised of expenses associated with corporate and administrative functions that support development and restaurant operations and provide an infrastructure to support future growth including the net amount of advertising costs incurred less amounts remitted by franchise restaurants.   Supervision and accounting fees received from certain franchise restaurants are offset against G&A.  G&A also includes share-based compensation expense related to executive officers, support center employees and area managers, including market partners. The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to the investments in our deferred compensation plan, as well as offsetting compensation expense, are also recorded in G&A.

 

Interest Expense, Net.   Interest expense includes the cost of our debt or financing obligations including the amortization of loan fees, reduced by interest income and capitalized interest.  Interest income includes earnings on cash and cash equivalents.

 

Equity Income from Unconsolidated Affiliates.   As of March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we owned a 5.0% to 10.0% equity interest in 24 and 23 franchise restaurants, respectively.  Additionally, as of March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we owned a 40% equity interest in four non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants as part of a joint venture agreement with a casual dining restaurant operator in China.  Equity income from unconsolidated affiliates represents our percentage share of net income earned by these unconsolidated affiliates.

 

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests.   Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the portion of income attributable to the other owners of the majority-owned restaurants.  Our consolidated subsidiaries at March 29, 2016 and March 31, 2015 included 16 majority-owned restaurants, all of which were open.

 

Q1 2016 Financial Highlights

 

Total revenue increased $55.3 million or 12.0% to $515.6 million in Q1 2016 compared to $460.2 million in Q1 2015 primarily due to the opening of new restaurants combined with an increase in average unit volume driven by comparable restaurant sales growth.  Comparable restaurant sales increased 4.6% at company restaurants in Q1 2016.

 

Restaurant margin, as percentage of restaurant sales, increased 116 basis points to 20.1% in Q1 2016 compared to 19.0% in Q1 2015 primarily due to commodity deflation of approximately 1.1% driven by lower food costs, primarily beef.

 

Net income increased $3.3 million or 10.2% to $35.6 million in Q1 2016 compared to $32.3 million in Q1 2015 primarily due to the increase in restaurant margin partially offset by higher general and administrative, depreciation and pre-opening costs.  General and administrative expenses were higher due to a pre-tax charge of $5.5 million ($3.4 million after-tax) related to the settlement of a legal matter. See note 7 for further discussion of this charge.  This charge had a $0.05 impact on diluted earnings per share in Q1 2016.  Diluted earnings per share increased 9.8% to $0.50 from $0.46 in the prior year.

 

Results of Operations

 

 

 

NM — Not meaningful

 

Restaurant Unit Activity