Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Thirteen
weeks ended June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
|
June 27, 2010
|
|
|
June 28, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
|
|
$
|
12,350
|
|
|
$
|
11,015
|
|
Franchise
fees and royalties
|
|
|
1,255
|
|
|
|
1,154
|
|
License
royalties
|
|
|
1,799
|
|
|
|
1,807
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
|
240
|
|
Other
income
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
Total
revenues
|
|
|
15,626
|
|
|
|
14,232
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS
AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of sales
|
|
|
9,488
|
|
|
|
8,109
|
|
Restaurant
operating expenses
|
|
|
825
|
|
|
|
823
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
232
|
|
|
|
199
|
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
|
|
2,564
|
|
|
|
2,628
|
|
Total
costs and expenses
|
|
|
13,109
|
|
|
|
11,759
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
before provision for income taxes
|
|
|
2,517
|
|
|
|
2,473
|
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
857
|
|
|
|
910
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
1,660
|
|
|
$
|
1,563
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PER
SHARE INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
income per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
.30
|
|
|
$
|
.28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
income per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
.29
|
|
|
$
|
.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares used in computing income per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
5,594,000
|
|
|
|
5,612,000
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
5,694,000
|
|
|
|
5,879,000
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Thirteen
weeks ended June 27, 2010
(in
thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Paid-in
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
Treasury Stock, at Cost
|
|
|
Stockholders’
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
March 28, 2010
|
|
|
8,773,241
|
|
|
$
|
88
|
|
|
$
|
52,003
|
|
|
$
|
16,797
|
|
|
$
|
616
|
|
|
|
3,178,793
|
|
|
$
|
(25,192
|
)
|
|
$
|
44,312
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based
compensation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
gains on available for sale securities, net of deferred income taxes of
$34
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,660
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,660
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
June 27, 2010
|
|
|
8,773,241
|
|
|
$
|
88
|
|
|
$
|
52,110
|
|
|
$
|
18,457
|
|
|
$
|
666
|
|
|
|
3,178,793
|
|
|
$
|
(25,192
|
)
|
|
$
|
46,129
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements
.
Nathan’s
Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Thirteen
weeks ended June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009
(in
thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
|
June 27, 2010
|
|
|
June 28, 2009
|
|
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
1,660
|
|
|
$
|
1,563
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
232
|
|
|
|
199
|
|
Amortization
of bond premium
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
71
|
|
Share
based compensation expense
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
|
107
|
|
Provision
for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
121
|
|
Deferred
income taxes
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
|
|
(43
|
)
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
and other receivables, net
|
|
|
(1,457
|
)
|
|
|
(2,193
|
)
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(94
|
)
|
|
|
(328
|
)
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
511
|
|
|
|
626
|
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
(46
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Accounts
payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
|
|
274
|
|
|
|
(39
|
)
|
Deferred
franchise fees
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
Other
liabilities
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
1,204
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from sale of available-for-sale securities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
435
|
|
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
|
|
(404
|
)
|
|
|
(189
|
)
|
Payments
received on note receivable
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash (used in) provided by investing activities
|
|
|
(365
|
)
|
|
|
317
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
839
|
|
|
|
332
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
11,609
|
|
|
|
8,679
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
12,448
|
|
|
$
|
9,011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid during the period for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Income
taxes
|
|
$
|
73
|
|
|
$
|
155
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NATHAN'S
FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 27,
2010
(Unaudited)
NOTE A -
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements of Nathan's Famous, Inc. and
subsidiaries (collectively “Nathan’s,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or
“our”) as of and for the thirteen week periods ended June 27, 2010 and June 28,
2009 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited financial
statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments)
which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods
presented. However, these results are not necessarily indicative of
results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.
Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Management believes that the disclosures
included in the accompanying interim financial statements and footnotes are
adequate to make the information not misleading, but should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in Nathan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March
28, 2010.
A summary
of the Company’s significant accounting policies is identified in Note B of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2010 Annual
Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant
accounting policies subsequent to March 28, 2010.
NOTE B –
ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
We do not
believe any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting standards, when
adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying financial
statements.
NOTE C –
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Nathan’s
follows a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to
measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of
“observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.” The valuation
hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset
or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as
follows:
·
Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for
an identical asset or liability in an active market
·
Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for a
similar asset or liability in an active market, quoted prices in markets that
are not active, or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are
observable for substantially the full term of the asset or
liability
·
Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant
to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability
The
following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a
recurring basis as of June 27, 2010 based upon the valuation hierarchy (in
thousands):
|
|
Level
1
|
|
|
Level
2
|
|
|
Level
3
|
|
|
Carrying
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable
securities
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
24,328
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
24,328
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
assets at fair value
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
24,328
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
24,328
|
|
Nathan’s
marketable securities, which consist primarily of municipal bonds, are not
actively traded. The valuation of such bonds is based upon quoted
market prices for similar bonds currently trading in an active
market.
The
carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable
approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of the
instruments. The carrying amount of the note receivable approximates
fair value, as determined using level three inputs, as the current interest rate
on such instrument approximates current market interest rates on similar
instruments.
Certain
non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a
nonrecurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair
value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain
circumstances, such as when evidence of impairment exists. At June 27, 2010, no
fair value adjustment or material fair value measurements were required for
non-financial assets or liabilities.
NOTE D –
MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The
Company determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of
purchase and reassesses the appropriateness of the classification at each
reporting date. At June 27, 2010 and March 28, 2010, all marketable securities
held by the Company have been classified as available-for-sale and, as a result,
are stated at fair value, based upon quoted market prices for similar assets as
determined in active markets or model-derived valuations in which all
significant inputs are observable for substantially the full-term of the asset,
with unrealized gains and losses included as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are
determined on a specific identification basis.
The cost,
gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair market value for
marketable securities, which consist entirely of municipal bonds that are
classified as available-for-sale securities are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
|
|
|
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
|
|
|
Fair
Market
Value
|
|
June
27, 2010
|
|
$
|
23,235
|
|
|
$
|
1,093
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
24,328
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March
28, 2010
|
|
$
|
23,308
|
|
|
$
|
1,009
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
24,317
|
|
As of
June 27, 2010 and March 28, 2010 none of the securities held by the Company were
in an unrealized loss position.
As of
June 27, 2010, the municipal bonds mature at various dates between August 2010
and October 2019. The following represents the bond maturities by period (in
thousands):
Fair value of Municipal Bonds
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less than
1 Year
|
|
|
1 – 5 Years
|
|
|
5 – 10 Years
|
|
|
After
10 Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June
27, 2010
|
|
$
|
24,328
|
|
|
$
|
3,986
|
|
|
$
|
13,596
|
|
|
$
|
6,746
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March
28, 2010
|
|
$
|
24,317
|
|
|
$
|
2,984
|
|
|
$
|
12,354
|
|
|
$
|
8,979
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Proceeds
from the sale of available-for-sale securities and the resulting gross realized
gains and losses included in the determination of net income are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
Thirteen weeks ended
|
|
|
|
June 27,
2010
|
|
|
June 28,
2009
|
|
Available-for-sale
securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
435
|
|
Gross
realized gains
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
The
change in net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities for the thirteen
weeks ended June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009 of $50 and $61, respectively, which
is net of deferred income taxes, has been included as a component of
comprehensive income.
NOTE E –
INCOME PER SHARE
Basic
income per common share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of stock
options or warrants. Diluted income per common share gives effect to all
potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period.
Dilutive common shares used in the computation of diluted income per common
share result from the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, as
determined using the treasury stock method.
The
following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the
per share amounts for the thirteen-week periods ended June 27, 2010 and June 28,
2009, respectively.
Thirteen
weeks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
Net Income
Per Share
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
calculation
|
|
$
|
1,660
|
|
|
$
|
1,563
|
|
|
|
5,594
|
|
|
|
5,612
|
|
|
$
|
0.30
|
|
|
$
|
0.28
|
|
Effect
of dilutive employee stock options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
267
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Diluted EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
calculation
|
|
$
|
1,660
|
|
|
$
|
1,563
|
|
|
|
5,694
|
|
|
|
5,879
|
|
|
$
|
0.29
|
|
|
$
|
0.27
|
|
Options
to purchase 110,000 shares of common stock in the thirteen-week
periods ended June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009 were not included in the
computation of diluted EPS because the exercise prices exceeded the average
market price of common shares during the periods.
NOTE F –
INCOME TAXES
The
income tax provisions reflect effective tax rates of 34.0% in 2010 and 36.8% in
2009. Nathan’s estimates that its annual tax rate for the fiscal year
ending March 27, 2011 will be in the range of approximately 36.0% to
39.0%. The final annual tax rate is subject to many variables,
including the effect of tax-exempt interest earned, among other factors, and
therefore cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the
actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates.
The
amount of unrecognized tax benefits at June 27, 2010
was $331,000, all of
which would impact Nathan’s effective tax rate, if recognized. As of
June 27, 2010, Nathan’s had $350,000
of accrued interest and
penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.
During
the thirteen-week period ended June 27, 2010, Nathan’s settled uncertain tax
positions with one state jurisdiction and has accordingly reduced the associated
unrecognized tax benefits including the related accrued interest and penalties
by approximately $79,000. During the fiscal year ending March 27, 2011, Nathan’s
is seeking to settle additional uncertain tax positions with the tax
authorities. As a result, it is reasonably possible that the amount of
unrecognized tax benefits including the related accrued interest and penalties
could be reduced by up to $50,000, which would favorably impact Nathan’s
effective tax rate.
NOTE G –
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Total
share-based compensation during the thirteen-week periods ended June 27, 2010
and June 28, 2009 was $107,000 and $107,000, respectively. Total share-based
compensation is included in general and administrative expense in our
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of June 27, 2010, there was
$364,000
of
unamortized compensation expense related to stock options. We expect to
recognize this expense over approximately one year and nine months, which
represents the requisite service periods for such awards.
There
were no share-based awards granted during the thirteen-week periods ended June
27, 2010 or June 28, 2009.
Stock
options outstanding:
Transactions
with respect to stock options for the thirteen weeks ended June 27, 2010 are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
Intrinsic
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
Contractual Life
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
outstanding at March 28, 2010
|
|
|
534,750
|
|
|
$
|
10.31
|
|
|
|
4.12
|
|
|
$
|
2,879,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
outstanding at June 27, 2010
|
|
|
534,750
|
|
|
$
|
10.31
|
|
|
|
3.87
|
|
|
$
|
2,985,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
exercisable at June 27, 2010
|
|
|
448,583
|
|
|
$
|
9.33
|
|
|
|
3.86
|
|
|
$
|
2,890,000
|
|
NOTE H –
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Through
June 27, 2010, Nathan’s purchased a total of 3,178,793 shares of common stock at
a cost of approximately $25,192,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans
previously authorized by the Board of Directors. No shares were
repurchased during the thirteen-week periods ended June 27, 2010 and June 28,
2009. As of June 27, 2010, an aggregate of 821,207 shares are remaining to be
purchased pursuant to such plans.
Purchases
may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or
privately-negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by
management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases to be made
under these stock-repurchase plans.
At June
27, 2010, the Company has reserved 12,283,875 shares of common stock for
issuance upon exercise of the Common Stock Purchase Rights approved by the Board
of Directors on June 4, 2008.
NOTE I -
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The
components of comprehensive income are as follows:
|
|
Thirteen
weeks ended
June 27, 2010
|
|
|
Thirteen
weeks ended
June 28, 2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
(in thousands
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
1,660
|
|
|
$
|
1,563
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax provision of $34, and
$40,
respectively
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive
income
|
|
$
|
1,710
|
|
|
$
|
1,624
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income at June 27, 2010 and March 28, 2010 consists entirely
of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred
taxes.
NOTE J -
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In
February 2010, the Company entered into a commitment, as amended, to purchase
585,000 pounds of hot dogs for approximately $1,012,000 from its primary hot dog
manufacturer. Nathan’s completed the purchase of this product, in addition to
approximately 162,000 pounds of hot dogs pursuant to a prior agreement during
the fiscal period ended June 27, 2010, in conclusion of all of its outstanding
purchase commitments. The hot dogs purchased represent approximately
23% of Nathan’s usage during the period.
The
Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and
routine litigation. Management presently believes that the ultimate
outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or
results of operations. Nevertheless, litigation is subject to
inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An
unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result
in a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations for the
period in which the ruling occurs.
The
Company is also involved in the following legal proceedings:
The
Company is party to a License Agreement with SMG, Inc. (“SMG”) dated as of
February 28, 1994, as amended (the “License Agreement”) pursuant to which: (i)
SMG acts as the Company’s exclusive licensee for the manufacture, distribution,
marketing and sale of packaged Nathan’s Famous frankfurter product at
supermarkets, club stores and other retail outlets in the United States; and
(ii) the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require SMG to
produce frankfurters for the Nathan’s Famous restaurant system and Branded
Product Program. On July 31, 2007, the Company provided notice to SMG
that the Company has elected to terminate the License Agreement, effective July
31, 2008 (the “Termination Date”), due to SMG’s breach of certain provisions of
the License Agreement. SMG has disputed that a breach has occurred and has
commenced, together with certain of its affiliates, an action in state court in
Illinois seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did not
breach the License Agreement. The Company filed its own action on August 2,
2007, in New York State court seeking a declaratory judgment that SMG has
breached the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated the
License Agreement. On January 23, 2008, the New York court granted SMG’s motion
to dismiss the Company’s case in New York on the basis that the dispute was
already the subject of a pending lawsuit in Illinois. The
Company has answered SMG’s complaint in Illinois and asserted its own
counterclaims which seek, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG
did breach the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated
the License Agreement. On July 31, 2008, SMG and Nathan’s entered into a
Stipulation pursuant to which Nathan’s agreed that it would not effectuate the
termination of the License Agreement on the grounds alleged in the present
litigation until such litigation has been successfully adjudicated, and SMG
agreed that in such event, Nathan’s shall have the option to require SMG to
continue to perform under the License Agreement for an additional period of up
to six months to ensure an orderly transition of the business to a new
licensee/supplier. On June 30, 2009, SMG and Nathan’s each filed
motions for summary judgment. Both motions for summary judgment were
ultimately denied on February 25, 2010. On January 28, 2010, SMG
filed a motion for leave to file a Second Amended Complaint and Amended Answer,
which sought to assert new claims and affirmative defenses based on Nathan’s
alleged breach of the parties’ License Agreement in connection with the manner
in which Nathan’s profits from the sale of its proprietary seasonings to
SMG. On February 25, 2010, the court granted SMG’s motion for leave,
and its Second Amended Complaint and Amended Answer were filed with the
court. On March 29, 2010, Nathan’s filed an answer to SMG’s Second
Amended Complaint, which denied substantially all of the allegations in the
complaint. The parties are presently conducting discovery on these
new claims and defenses. Nathan’s expects a trial in this action to
be completed before the end of calendar 2010.
On
October 5, 2009, the Company was served with a summons and complaint filed in
the Supreme Court of Suffolk County, New York. The plaintiff, Painted Pieces
LTD, alleged copyright infringement and asserted causes of action for breach of
contract, unjust enrichment, willful wrongful use of plaintiff’s artwork, and
violation of the New York general business law, in each case due to the
reproduction of certain artwork used by the Company in its advertising.
The complaint sought damages of an aggregate $10,500,000. In May 2010,
this action was settled whereby Nathan’s agreed to purchase these assets for
$140,000.
On
December 1, 2009, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company executed a Guaranty
of Lease in connection with its re-franchising of a restaurant located in West
Nyack, New York. The Guaranty of Lease could be called upon in the
event of a default by the tenant/franchisee. The guaranty extends
through the fifth Lease Year, as defined in the lease, and shall not exceed an
amount equal to the highest amount of the annual minimum rent, percentage rent
and any additional rent payable pursuant to the lease and reasonable attorney’s
fees and other costs. We have recorded a liability of $207,700 in
connection with this guaranty, which does not include potential real estate tax
increases and attorney’s fees and other costs as these amounts are not
reasonably determinable at this time. In connection with Nathan’s
Franchise Agreement, Nathan’s has received a personal guaranty from the
franchisee for all obligations under the Guaranty of Lease. To date, Nathan’s
has not been required to make any payments pursuant to this
guarantee.
NOTE K
- SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Effective
August 3, 2010, we established an uncommitted line of credit of $10,000,000
at either the prime rate (3.25% as of August 3, 2010) or the 1-month LIBOR
rate plus 200 basis points (2.305% as of August 3, 2010), which expires on June
30, 2011.
Item
2.
|
Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
|
Forward-Looking
Statements
Statements
in this Form 10-Q quarterly report may be “forward-looking statements” within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that
express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any
other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or
conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and
projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by
management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
These risks and uncertainties, many of which are not within our control, include
but are not limited to: the adverse effect that increasing commodity costs have
on our profitability and operating results; the pending litigation with the
primary supplier of hot dogs to our Branded Product Program may result in a
disruption in that supply or increased costs, either of which would
adversely affect our operating results; current economic conditions could result
in decreased consumer spending on discretionary products, such as fast food; as
well as those risks discussed from time to time in the Company’s Form 10-K
annual report for the year ended March 28, 2010, and in other documents which we
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, actual outcomes and
results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the
forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements
with the words “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,”
“will,” “should” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any
obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or
circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q.
Introduction
As used
in this Report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nathan’s” or “the Company” mean
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries (unless the context indicates a
different meaning).
We are
engaged primarily in the marketing of the “Nathan’s Famous” brand and the sale
of products bearing the “Nathan’s Famous” trademarks through several different
channels of distribution. Historically, our business has been the
operation and franchising of quick-service restaurants featuring Nathan’s World
Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French-fried potatoes, and a variety of other
menu offerings. Our Company-owned and franchised units operate under
the name “Nathan’s Famous,” the name first used at our original Coney Island
restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s licensing program began in 1978 by selling
packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through
supermarkets or grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. During fiscal
1998, we introduced our Branded Product Program, which currently enables
foodservice retailers and others to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products
outside of the realm of a traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction
with this program, purchasers of Nathan’s products are granted a limited use of
the Nathan’s Famous trademark with respect to the sale of the purchased
products, including Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, certain other
proprietary food items and paper goods. During fiscal 2008, we launched our
Branded Menu Program, which is a limited franchise program, under which
foodservice operators may sell a greater variety of Nathan’s Famous menu items
than under the Branded Product Program.
Our
revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded
Product Program, operating Company-owned restaurants, franchising the Nathan’s
restaurant concept (including the Branded Menu Program) and licensing agreements
for the sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and club stores, the
manufacture of certain proprietary spices and the sale of Nathan’s products
directly to other foodservice operators.
In
addition to plans for expansion through franchising, licensing and our Branded
Product Program, Nathan’s continues to seek to co-brand within its restaurant
system. Nathan’s is also the owner of the Arthur Treacher’s brand. At
June 27, 2010, the Arthur Treacher’s brand was being sold within 61
Nathan’s
restaurants.
At June
27, 2010, our restaurant system consisted of
252
Nathan’s franchised
units, including 75 Branded Menu units and five Company-owned units (including
one seasonal unit), located in 24 states, the Cayman Islands and four foreign
countries. At June 28, 2009, our restaurant system consisted of 244
Nathan’s
franchised
units, including 62 Branded Menu locations and six Company-owned units
(including one seasonal unit), located in 25 states and four foreign countries.
All Miami Subs locations have been removed for the period ended June 28, 2009,
to enhance the comparability of Nathan’s restaurant system.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
As
discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2010, the
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are
based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements. These judgments
can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results could differ
from those estimates. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate
to revenue recognition; impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets;
impairment of long-lived assets; impairment of notes receivable; share-based
compensation and income taxes (including uncertain tax
positions). Since March 28, 2010, there have been no changes in our
critical accounting policies or significant changes to the assumptions and
estimates related to them.
Adoption
of Accounting Pronouncements
We do not
believe any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting standards, when
adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying financial
statements.
Results
of Operations
Thirteen
weeks ended June 27, 2010 compared to thirteen weeks ended June 28,
2009
Revenues
Total
sales were $12,350,000 for the thirteen weeks ended June 27, 2010 (“fiscal 2011
period”) as compared to $11,015,000 for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2009
(“fiscal 2010 period”). Foodservice sales from the Branded
Product and Branded Menu Programs increased by 14.7% to $7,850,000 for the
fiscal 2011 period as compared to sales of $6,843,000 in the fiscal 2010 period.
This increase was primarily attributable to higher volume. Total Company-owned
restaurant sales, which was comprised of five comparable Nathan’s restaurants in
both periods (including one seasonal restaurant), increased by 15.2% to
$4,027,000 during the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $3,496,000 during the
fiscal 2010 period. The sales increase at our Company-owned restaurants was due
to higher customer counts of approximately 9.7% and higher check averages of
approximately 5.2%. The sales increase arose primarily at our Coney Island
restaurant in June 2010, which we believe was primarily attributable to
favorable weather conditions during June 2010 as compared to the rainy
conditions throughout June 2009. During the fiscal 2011 period, sales
to our television retailer were approximately $203,000 lower than the fiscal
2010 period. Nathan’s products were on air 35 times during the fiscal 2011
period as compared to 38 times during the fiscal 2010 period.
Franchise
fees and royalties increased by 8.8% to $1,255,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as
compared to $1,154,000 in the fiscal 2010 period. Total royalties were
$1,079,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $1,037,000 in the fiscal
2010 period. During the fiscal 2011 period, we did not recognize revenue of
$3,000 for royalties deemed to be uncollectible as compared to $105,000 of
royalty income deemed uncollectible during the fiscal 2010 period. Total
royalties, excluding the adjustments for royalties deemed uncollectible as
described above, were $1,081,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to
$1,142,000 in the fiscal 2010 period. Franchise restaurant sales were
$23,023,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $23,998,000 in the fiscal
2010 period. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 131
Nathan’s outlets, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were
$19,588,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $19,927,000 in the fiscal
2010 period, a decrease of 1.7%. Franchise sales within retail
environments continued to be negatively affected by the adverse economic
environment, however sales at our travel and entertainment venues were higher by
approximately 4.3% compared to the fiscal 2010 period. International franchise
sales, principally the Middle East, declined by approximate $290,000 or 26.2%
during the fiscal 2011 period as compared to the fiscal 2010 period. At June 27,
2010, 252 domestic and international franchised or Branded Menu Program
franchise outlets were operating as compared to 244 domestic and international
franchised or Branded Menu Program franchise outlets at June 28, 2009.
Royalty income from four franchised outlets was deemed unrealizable during the
fiscal 2011 period as compared to 13 franchised outlets during the fiscal 2010
period. Total franchise fee income was $176,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as
compared to $117,000 in the fiscal 2010 period. Domestic franchise fee income
was $162,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $68,000 in the fiscal 2010
period due primarily to the re-franchising of one location and higher opening
fees earned from conventional franchised locations opened during the fiscal 2011
period. International franchise fee income was $14,000 in the fiscal 2011
period, as compared to $49,000 during the fiscal 2010 period primarily due to
fewer openings of international franchised restaurants. During the fiscal 2011
period, eight new franchised outlets opened, including one re-franchised
location and five Branded Menu Program outlets. During the fiscal 2010 period,
seven new franchised outlets were opened, including four Branded Menu Program
outlets, one unit in Kuwait and one unit in the Dominican Republic.
License
royalties were $1,799,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $1,807,000 in
the fiscal 2010 period. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our
retail and foodservice license agreements decreased 3.8% to $1,458,000 from
$1,516,000 primarily as a result of higher discounted sales by our licensee
during the fiscal 2011 period. Royalties earned from our primary
licensee, SMG, Inc., primarily from the retail sale of hot dogs, were
$1,065,000 during the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $1,124,000 during the
fiscal 2010 period. Royalties earned from another licensee, substantially from
sales of hot dogs to Sam’s Club, were $393,000 during the fiscal 2011 period as
compared to $392,000 during the fiscal 2010 period. We earned higher royalties
of $24,000 from the sale of proprietary ingredients during the fiscal 2011
period. Royalties earned from all other licensing agreements for the
manufacture and sale of Nathan’s products increased by $26,000 during the fiscal
2011 period, as compared to the fiscal 2010 period.
Interest
income was $208,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $240,000 in the
fiscal 2010 period, primarily due to lower interest income on our cash and cash
equivalents as a result of the current reduced interest rate environment and
less interest earned on the reduced balance of the note receivable, in
connection with the sale of Miami Subs on June 7, 2007.
Other
income was $14,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $16,000 in the
fiscal 2010 period.
Costs and
Expenses
Overall,
our cost of sales increased by $1,379,000 to $9,488,000 in the fiscal 2011
period as compared to $8,109,000 in the fiscal 2010 period. Our gross profit
(representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $2,862,000 or
23.2% of sales during the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $2,906,000 or 26.4%
of sales during the fiscal 2010 period. The reduced margin was primarily due to
the higher cost of hot dogs for our Branded Product Program.
Cost of
sales in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately $1,206,000
during the fiscal 2011 period as compared to the fiscal 2010 period, primarily
as a result of the higher cost of our hot dogs of approximately 7.9% as a
percentage of sales. During the fiscal 2011 period, the market price of hot dogs
was approximately 9.6% higher than during the fiscal 2010 period. This
difference is due to the effect that the Company’s purchase commitments had on
the results in the fiscal 2011 period. During the fiscal 2011 period, our
purchase commitments to acquire 747,000 pounds of hot dogs yielded savings of
approximately
$146,000 as compared to
savings of approximately $41,000 during the fiscal 2010 period. If the cost of
beef and beef trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher
costs through price increases, our margins will be adversely
impacted.
With
respect to our Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the fiscal
2011 period was $2,289,000 or 56.8% of restaurant sales, as compared to
$1,997,000 or 57.1% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2010
period. The primary reason for the decrease in cost of sales in the
fiscal 2011 period was a reduction in paper costs as a percentage of sales. The
lower paper cost as a percentage of sales was due primarily to an opportunistic
purchase of certain paper products below market and the effect of
the higher sales generated by the Company-owned restaurants.
Cost of sales to our
television retailer declined by $119,000 in the fiscal 2011 period, primarily
due to lower sales volume.
Restaurant
operating expenses were $825,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to
$823,000 in the fiscal 2010 period. The difference in restaurant operating costs
was due primarily to higher maintenance costs of $12,000 and operating supply
costs of $13,000 which were partly offset by lower utility costs of $11,000 and
marketing costs of $11,000. During the fiscal 2011 period our utility costs were
approximately 7.0% lower than the fiscal 2010 period which was due to primarily
to lower costs for natural gas. We continue to be concerned about the uncertain
market conditions for oil and natural gas.
Depreciation
and amortization was $232,000 in the fiscal 2011 period as compared to $199,000
in the fiscal 2010 period. This increase is primarily attributable to higher
depreciation expense at our corporate office and for newly added consigned
equipment by our Branded Product Program which were partly offset by lower
restaurant depreciation.
General
and administrative expenses decreased by $64,000 or 2.5% to $2,564,000 in the
fiscal 2011 period as compared to $2,628,000 in the fiscal 2010 period. The
decrease in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to lower bad
debt expense of $135,000, professional fees of $94,000, and un-leased
property expense of $48,000, which were partly offset by higher marketing and
related expenses of $90,000 and compensation and related expenses of
$64,000.
Provision for Income
Taxes
In the
fiscal 2011 period, the income tax provision was $857,000 or 34.0% of income
before income taxes as compared to $910,000 or 36.8% of income before income
taxes in the fiscal 2010 period. Nathan’s effective tax rate was reduced by 2.8%
and 3.3% during the fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 periods, respectively, due to
the differing effects of tax-exempt interest income. Additionally, during the
fiscal 2011 period, Nathan’s resolved uncertain tax positions, reducing the
associated unrecognized tax benefits along with the related accrued interest and
penalties by approximately $79,000, which lowered the effective tax rate by
3.1%. Nathan’s effective tax rates without these adjustments would have been
40.0% for the fiscal 2011 period and 40.1% for the fiscal 2009
period. Nathan’s is seeking to resolve additional uncertain tax
positions during the year ending March 27, 2011. Nathan’s estimates that its
unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties could
be further reduced by up to $50,000 during the remainder of this fiscal
year.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We are
not currently a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, having concluded
the purchase of hot dogs pursuant to our previous purchase commitments totaling
approximately 747,000 pounds.
Nathan’s may enter into
additional purchase commitments in the future as favorable market conditions
become available. See Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements
contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Cash and
cash equivalents at June 27, 2010 aggregated $12,448,000, increasing by $839,000
during the fiscal 2011 period. At June 27, 2010, marketable
securities were $24,328,000 compared to $24,317,000 at March 28, 2010 and net
working capital increased to $38,281,000 from $36,668,000 at March 28,
2010.
Cash
provided by operations of $1,204,000 in the fiscal 2011 period is primarily
attributable to net income of $1,660,000 and other non-cash items of
$368,000, net.
Changes in Nathan’s
operating assets and liabilities decreased cash by $824,000, resulting primarily
from increased accounts and other receivables of $1,457,000, which were partly
offset by decreased prepaid expenses and other current assets of $511,000 and
increased accounts payable and accrued expenses of $274,000. The increase in
accounts and other receivables relates primarily to normal seasonal fluctuations
from our licensees of $659,000, increased sales under the Branded Product
Program and to our television retailer of $600,000, and advances to Nathan’s
advertising fund of $121,000.
The decrease in prepaid
expenses is due primarily to the application of prepaid income taxes of $380,000
against the current year’s accrual for income taxes and the utilization of
prepaid insurance costs of $108,000. The increase in accounts payable and
accrued expenses is due primarily to higher income taxes payable of $580,000 and
higher seasonal amounts due for product purchased for the Branded Product
Program of $428,000 which was partly offset by the reduction in accrued payroll
and other benefits of $748,000 primarily due to the payment of annual
bonuses.
Cash used
in investing activities was $365,000 in the fiscal 2011 period. We incurred
capital expenditures of $404,000 primarily in connection with our Branded
Product Program and capital maintenance projects at our restaurants. We received
cash proceeds of $39,000 from the receipt of payments on the note
receivable.
Through
June 27, 2010, Nathan’s purchased a total of 3,178,793 shares of common stock at
a cost of approximately $25,192,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans
previously authorized by the Board of Directors. None of these
repurchased shares, were repurchased during the thirteen-week periods ended June
27, 2010 and June 28, 2009.
On
November 13, 2008, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized
a fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000
shares of the Company’s common stock, under which 200,309 shares were
repurchased at a cost of $2,494,000 as of June 27, 2010.
On
November 6, 2009, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities Inc. (“MSI”) amended
the terms of the Company’s original 10b5-1 Agreement dated February 5, 2009, to
increase the aggregate amount to $4.2 million and extend the termination date to
no later than August 10, 2010. The 10b5-1 Agreement was adopted under the safe
harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order
to assist the Company in implementing its previously-announced fourth stock
repurchase plan, for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares.
On June
30, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its fifth stock repurchase plan
for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the
Company and the Company repurchased 238,129 shares of common stock at a cost of
$3,015,000 in a privately-negotiated transaction with Prime Logic Capital, LLC.
As of June 27, 2010, the Company has repurchased 478,484 shares at a cost of
$6,301,000 under the fifth stock repurchase plan.
On
November 3, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its sixth stock
repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on
behalf of the Company. No shares have been repurchased under the sixth stock
repurchase plan.
As of
June 27, 2010, an aggregate of 821,207 shares are remaining to be purchased
pursuant to such plans. Purchases may be made from time to time, depending on
market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, at
prices deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit
on the repurchases to be made under these stock-repurchase plans.
Effective
August 3, 2010, we established an uncommitted line of credit of $10,000,000 at
either the prime rate (3.25% as of August 3, 2010) or the 1-month LIBOR rate
plus 200 basis points (2.305% as of August 3, 2010), which expires on June 30,
2011. At June 27, 2010, we had no outstanding indebtedness.
Management
believes that available cash, marketable securities and cash generated from
operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations and stock
repurchases for at least the next twelve months.
Nathan’s
philosophy with respect to maintaining a balance sheet with a significant amount
of cash and marketable securities reflects our views of maintaining readily
available capital to expand our existing business and pursue any new business
opportunities which might present themselves to expand our
business. Nathan’s routinely assesses its investment management
approach with respect to our current and potential capital
requirements.
We
expect that in the
future we will continue the stock repurchase programs, make investments in
certain existing restaurants, support the growth of the Branded Product and
Branded Menu Programs and fund those investments from our operating cash flow.
We may also incur capital and other expenditures or engage in investing
activities in connection with opportunistic situations that may arise on a
case-by-case basis.
At June
27, 2010, there were four properties that we lease from third parties which we
sublease to three franchisees and a non-franchisee. We remain contingently
liable for all costs associated with these properties including: rent, property
taxes and insurance. We may incur future cash payments with respect to such
properties, consisting primarily of future lease payments, including costs and
expenses associated with terminating any of such leases.
The
following schedule represents Nathan’s cash contractual obligations and
commitments by maturity (in thousands):
|
|
Payments Due by Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than
|
|
Cash Contractual Obligations
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
1 - 3 Years
|
|
|
3-5 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employment
Agreements
|
|
$
|
2,802
|
|
|
$
|
1,236
|
|
|
$
|
966
|
|
|
$
|
400
|
|
|
$
|
200
|
|
Operating
Leases
|
|
|
17,134
|
|
|
|
1,164
|
|
|
|
2,527
|
|
|
|
2,606
|
|
|
|
10,837
|
|
Gross
Cash Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
19,936
|
|
|
|
2,400
|
|
|
|
3,493
|
|
|
|
3,006
|
|
|
|
11,037
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sublease
Income
|
|
|
642
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
293
|
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
68
|
|
Net
Cash Contractual Obligations
|
|
$
|
19,294
|
|
|
$
|
2,191
|
|
|
$
|
3,200
|
|
|
$
|
2,934
|
|
|
$
|
10,969
|
|
Inflationary
Impact
We do not
believe that general inflation has materially impacted earnings since 2006.
However, since then, we have experienced volatility in our costs for certain
food products, distribution costs and utilities. Our commodity costs for beef
have been especially volatile since fiscal 2004. During the fiscal 2011 period,
the market price of hot dogs was approximately 9.6% higher than during the
fiscal 2010 period. However, as a result of the effects of the Company’s
purchase commitments during that same period of time, our cost of beef was only
approximately 7.9% higher than the fiscal 2010 period.
The purchase commitments
yielded a higher benefit to the Company during the fiscal 2011 period as
compared to the purchase commitment in effect during the fiscal 2010
period.
During the
fiscal 2011 period, our costs were approximately 2.3% lower than if our
purchases were made at the prevailing market prices as compared to the fiscal
2010 period, when our costs were lowered by 0.8%. During the first six months of
calendar 2010, the cost of beef and beef trimmings has risen significantly, well
ahead of the normal seasonal fluctuations, testing our all-time highs reached in
the summer of 2008.
We are unable to predict
the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for
our beef products during the balance of fiscal 2011.
We may attempt to enter
into similar arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future.
Additionally, we expect to continue experiencing volatility in oil and gas
prices on our distribution costs for our food products and utility costs in the
Company-owned restaurants.
In March
2010, the Federal government passed new legislation to reform the U.S. health
care system. As part of the plan, employers will be expected to
provide their employees with minimum levels of healthcare coverage or incur
certain financial penalties. As Nathan’s workforce includes numerous part-time
workers that typically are not offered healthcare coverage, we may be forced to
expand healthcare coverage or incur these new penalties which may increase our
health care costs. In addition to the cost of expanded coverage, we are
concerned that the overall cost of insurance for existing employees may
significantly increase, further increasing our cost of providing healthcare
coverage.
From time
to time, various Federal and New York State legislators have proposed changes to
the minimum wage requirements. Although we only operate five Company-owned
restaurants, we believe that significant increases in the minimum wage could
have a significant financial impact on our financial results and the results of
our franchisees.
Continued
increases in labor, food and other operating expenses, including health care,
could adversely affect our operations and those of the restaurant industry and
we might have to further reconsider our pricing strategy as a means to offset
reduced operating margins.
The
Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be
impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to those set forth
above in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations,” any one of which could cause our actual results to vary
materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. For a
discussion identifying additional risk factors and important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, also see the
discussions in “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements” in this Form 10-Q and “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and our Form
10-K for our fiscal year ended March 28, 2010.