nath20221226_10q.htm
0000069733 false --03-26 2023 Q3 5 17 6 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0.25 0.35 0.45 0.52 0.79 0.52 0.80 0.01 0.01 00000697332022-03-282022-12-25 xbrli:shares 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMembernath:ExecutiveChairmanOfTheBoardMember2022-12-082022-12-08 iso4217:USD 00000697332021-03-292021-12-26 00000697332021-09-272021-12-26 00000697332022-09-262022-12-25 00000697332022-12-25 xbrli:pure utr:Y 0000069733us-gaap:OtherIncomeMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OtherIncomeMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:OtherIncomeMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OtherIncomeMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:RestaurantOperatingExpenseMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733nath:RestaurantOperatingExpenseMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733nath:RestaurantOperatingExpenseMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733nath:RestaurantOperatingExpenseMember2022-09-262022-12-25 00000697332022-03-27 0000069733nath:SeniorSecured2025NotesMemberus-gaap:SeniorNotesMember2022-03-27 0000069733nath:SeniorSecured2025NotesMemberus-gaap:SeniorNotesMember2022-12-25 0000069733nath:SeniorSecured2025NotesMemberus-gaap:SeniorNotesMember2022-09-25 0000069733nath:Plan10b51Member2022-03-282022-12-25 iso4217:USDxbrli:shares 0000069733nath:SixthStockRepurchasePlanMember2016-03-122022-12-25 0000069733nath:SixthStockRepurchasePlanMember2016-03-11 0000069733us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2023-02-022023-02-02 00000697332022-11-042022-11-04 00000697332022-08-052022-08-05 00000697332022-06-102022-06-10 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember2022-03-282022-12-25 00000697332021-03-292022-03-27 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMembernath:VestingOnDecember82027Member2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMembernath:VestingOnDecember82026Member2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMembernath:VestingOnDecember82025Member2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMembernath:VestingOnDecember82024Member2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RestrictedStockMembernath:VestingOnDecember82023Member2022-03-282022-12-25 utr:M 0000069733us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:RestaurantOperationsMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:RestaurantOperationsMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:RestaurantOperationsMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:RestaurantOperationsMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:ProductLicensingMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:ProductLicensingMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:ProductLicensingMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:ProductLicensingMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:BrandedProductProgramMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:BrandedProductProgramMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:BrandedProductProgramMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMembernath:BrandedProductProgramMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:DeferredFranchiseFeesAndOtherDeferredRevenueMember2022-03-27 0000069733nath:DeferredFranchiseFeesAndOtherDeferredRevenueMember2022-12-25 00000697332021-03-28 utr:D 0000069733nath:OtherReceivablesMember2022-03-27 0000069733nath:OtherReceivablesMember2022-12-25 0000069733nath:FranchiseAndLicenseRoyaltiesMember2022-03-27 0000069733nath:FranchiseAndLicenseRoyaltiesMember2022-12-25 0000069733nath:BrandedProductSalesMember2022-03-27 0000069733nath:BrandedProductSalesMember2022-12-25 00000697332027-03-292022-12-25 00000697332026-03-302022-12-25 00000697332025-03-312022-12-25 00000697332024-04-012022-12-25 00000697332023-03-272022-12-25 00000697332022-12-262022-12-25 00000697332021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:NonUsMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:NonUsMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:NonUsMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:NonUsMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733country:US2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733country:US2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733country:US2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733country:US2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:AdvertisingFundRevenueMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733nath:AdvertisingFundRevenueMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733nath:AdvertisingFundRevenueMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733nath:AdvertisingFundRevenueMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:FranchiseFeesAndRoyaltiesMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733nath:FranchiseFeesAndRoyaltiesMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733nath:FranchiseFeesAndRoyaltiesMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733nath:FranchiseFeesAndRoyaltiesMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:FranchiseMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:FranchiseMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:FranchiseMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:FranchiseMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:FranchiseRoyaltiesMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733nath:FranchiseRoyaltiesMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733nath:FranchiseRoyaltiesMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733nath:FranchiseRoyaltiesMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:LicenseMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:LicenseMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:LicenseMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:LicenseMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:ProductMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:ProductMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:ProductMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:ProductMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:CompanyOperatedRestaurantsMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733nath:CompanyOperatedRestaurantsMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733nath:CompanyOperatedRestaurantsMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733nath:CompanyOperatedRestaurantsMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:BrandedProductsMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733nath:BrandedProductsMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733nath:BrandedProductsMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733nath:BrandedProductsMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733nath:VirtualKitchensMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-03-292021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2021-03-28 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-03-28 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-03-28 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-03-28 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-03-282022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2022-03-27 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-03-27 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-03-27 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-03-27 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-09-272021-12-26 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-09-272021-12-26 00000697332021-09-26 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2021-09-26 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-09-26 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-09-26 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-09-26 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-09-262022-12-25 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-09-262022-12-25 00000697332022-09-25 0000069733us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2022-09-25 0000069733us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-09-25 0000069733us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-09-25 0000069733us-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-09-25 00000697332023-02-02 thunderdome:item
 
 

UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended December 25, 2022.

 

OR

 

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

For the transition period from ___________ to ____________.

 

Commission File No. 001-35962

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware  

 

11-3166443  

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

One Jericho Plaza, Second Floor – Wing A, Jericho, New York 11753

(Address and Zip Code of principal executive offices)

 

(516) 338-8500

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

________________________________________________________________

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

 

NATH

 

The NASDAQ Global Market

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  ☐

 

Accelerated filer  ☒

Non-accelerated filer  ☐

 

Smaller reporting company 

   

Emerging growth company 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

At February 2, 2023, an aggregate of 4,079,720 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value of $.01, were outstanding.

 

-1-

 

 

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

 

 

Page

 

  Number
     

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

3

     

 

Consolidated Financial Statements  

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 25, 2022 (Unaudited) and March 27, 2022 3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) – Thirteen and Thirty-nine Weeks Ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 4
     
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited) – Thirteen Weeks Ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 5
     
 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited) – Thirty-nine Weeks Ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021

6

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Thirty-nine Weeks Ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021

7

     
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8

     

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

20
     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

30

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

31

     

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

32

     

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

32

     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

32

     

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

32

     

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

32

     

Item 5.

Other Information.

32

     

Item 6.

Exhibits.

33

     

SIGNATURES

 

34

 

-2-

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

 

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

December 25, 2022

   

March 27, 2022

 
   

(Unaudited)

         
ASSETS                
                 
CURRENT ASSETS                

Cash and cash equivalents (Note E)

  $ 55,454     $ 50,063  

Accounts and other receivables, net (Note G)

    13,042       13,374  

Inventories

    336       522  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note H)

    1,109       1,441  

Total current assets

    69,941       65,400  
                 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $10,824 and $10,344, respectively

    3,513       3,785  

Operating lease assets (Note Q)

    6,604       7,416  

Goodwill

    95       95  

Intangible asset, net

    913       1,043  

Deferred income taxes

    584       582  

Other assets

    175       195  
                 

Total assets

  $ 81,825     $ 78,516  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES                

Accounts payable

  $ 3,847     $ 6,381  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note K)

    5,511       7,833  

Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note Q)

    1,827       1,849  

Deferred franchise fees

    343       349  

Total current liabilities

    11,528       16,412  
                 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1,436 and $1,817, respectively (Note P)

    108,564       108,183  

Operating lease liabilities (Note Q)

    5,583       6,487  

Other liabilities

    737       674  

Deferred franchise fees

    1,378       1,748  
                 

Total liabilities

    127,790       133,504  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note R)                
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                

Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 9,369,235 shares issued; and 4,079,720 and 4,115,154 shares outstanding at December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022, respectively

    94       94  

Additional paid-in capital

    62,388       62,307  

Accumulated deficit

    (21,785 )     (32,619 )

Stockholders’ equity before treasury stock

    40,697       29,782  
                 

Treasury stock, at cost, 5,289,515 and 5,254,081 shares at December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022, respectively

    (86,662 )     (84,770 )

Total stockholders’ deficit

    (45,965 )     (54,988 )
                 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

  $ 81,825     $ 78,516  

 

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

 

-3-

 

 

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Thirteen and Thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 
REVENUES                                

Sales

  $ 18,340     $ 18,637     $ 72,535     $ 61,462  

License royalties

    6,337       5,878       26,064       24,218  

Franchise fees and royalties

    976       919       3,268       2,993  

Advertising fund revenue

    501       479       1,504       1,437  

Total revenues

    26,154       25,913       103,371       90,110  
                                 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

                               

Cost of sales

    14,925       16,040       59,490       51,536  

Restaurant operating expenses

    932       547       3,217       2,874  

Depreciation and amortization

    303       259       837       807  

General and administrative expenses

    3,161       2,975       10,122       9,702  

Advertising fund expense

    501       479       1,679       1,437  

Total costs and expenses

    19,822       20,300       75,345       66,356  
                                 

Income from operations

    6,332       5,613       28,026       23,754  
                                 

Interest expense

    (1,944 )     (2,650 )     (5,831 )     (7,951 )

Interest income

    158       24       260       88  

Other (expense) income, net

    (60 )     3       (4 )     24  
                                 

Income before provision for income taxes

    4,486       2,990       22,451       15,915  

Provision for income taxes

    1,223       860       6,093       4,477  

Net income

  $ 3,263     $ 2,130     $ 16,358     $ 11,438  
                                 
PER SHARE INFORMATION                                
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:                                

Basic

    4,080       4,115       4,092       4,115  

Diluted

    4,116       4,115       4,104       4,115  
                                 
Income per share:                                

Basic

  $ .80     $ .52     $ 4.00     $ 2.78  

Diluted

  $ .79     $ .52     $ 3.99     $ 2.78  
                                 

Dividends declared per share

  $ .45     $ .35     $ 1.35     $ 1.05  

 

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

 

-4-

 

 

 

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT

Thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

                   

Additional

                           

Total

 
   

Common

   

Common

   

Paid-in

   

Accumulated

   

Treasury Stock, at Cost

   

Stockholders’

 
   

Shares

   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Deficit

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Deficit

 
                                                         

Balance, September 25, 2022

    9,369,235     $ 94     $ 62,323     $ (23,212 )     5,289,515     $ (86,662 )   $ (47,457 )
                                                         

Dividends on common stock

    -       -       -       (1,836 )     -       -       (1,836 )

Share-based compensation

    -       -       65       -       -       -       65  

Net income

    -       -       -       3,263       -       -       3,263  

Balance, December 25, 2022

    9,369,235     $ 94     $ 62,388     $ (21,785 )     5,289,515     $ (86,662 )   $ (45,965 )

 

 

                   

Additional

                           

Total

 
   

Common

   

Common

   

Paid-in

   

Accumulated

   

Treasury Stock, at Cost

   

Stockholders’

 
   

Shares

   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Deficit

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Deficit

 
                                                         

Balance, September 26, 2021

    9,369,235     $ 94     $ 62,291     $ (33,614 )     5,254,081     $ (84,770 )   $ (55,999 )
                                                         

Dividends on common stock

    -       -       -       (1,440 )     -       -       (1,440 )

Share-based compensation

    -       -       8       -       -       -       8  

Net income

    -       -       -       2,130       -       -       2,130  

Balance, December 26, 2021

    9,369,235     $ 94     $ 62,299     $ (32,924 )     5,254,081     $ (84,770 )   $ (55,301 )

 

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

 

-5-

 

 

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT

Thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

                   

Additional

                           

Total

 
   

Common

   

Common

   

Paid-in

   

Accumulated

   

Treasury Stock, at Cost

   

Stockholders’

 
   

Shares

   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Deficit

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Deficit

 
                                                         

Balance, March 27, 2022

    9,369,235     $ 94     $ 62,307     $ (32,619 )     5,254,081     $ (84,770 )   $ (54,988 )
                                                         

Repurchase of common stock

    -       -       -       -       35,434       (1,892 )     (1,892 )

Dividends on common stock

    -       -       -       (5,524 )     -       -       (5,524 )

Share-based compensation

    -       -       81       -       -       -       81  

Net income

    -       -       -       16,358       -       -       16,358  

Balance, December 25, 2022

    9,369,235     $ 94     $ 62,388     $ (21,785 )     5,289,515     $ (86,662 )   $ (45,965 )

 

 

                   

Additional

                           

Total

 
   

Common

   

Common

   

Paid-in

   

Accumulated

   

Treasury Stock, at Cost

   

Stockholders’

 
   

Shares

   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Deficit

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Deficit

 
                                                         

Balance, March 28, 2021

    9,369,015     $ 94     $ 62,240     $ (40,042 )     5,254,081     $ (84,770 )   $ (62,478 )
                                                         

Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans

    220       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Withholding tax on net share settlement of share-based compensation plans

    -       -       (7 )     -       -       -       (7 )

Dividends on common stock

    -       -       -       (4,320 )     -       -       (4,320 )

Share-based compensation

    -       -       66       -       -       -       66  

Net income

    -       -       -       11,438       -       -       11,438  

Balance, December 26, 2021

    9,369,235     $ 94     $ 62,299     $ (32,924 )     5,254,081     $ (84,770 )   $ (55,301 )

 

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

 

-6-

 

 

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                

Net income

  $ 16,358     $ 11,438  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities                

Depreciation and amortization

    837       807  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    87       -  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    381       518  

Share-based compensation expense

    81       66  

Provision for doubtful accounts

    114       112  

Deferred income taxes

    (2 )     (10 )

Other non-cash items

    (114 )     (98 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                

Accounts and other receivables, net

    218       (2,635 )

Inventories

    186       253  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    332       504  

Other assets

    20       128  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    (4,856 )     (1,395 )

Deferred franchise fees

    (376 )     249  

Other liabilities

    63       (41 )
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    13,329       9,896  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                

Insurance proceeds for property and equipment

    42       -  

Purchase of property and equipment

    (564 )     (465 )
                 

Net cash used in investing activities

    (522 )     (465 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                

Dividends paid to stockholders

    (5,524 )     (4,320 )

Payments of withholding tax on net share settlement of share-based compensation plans

    -       (7 )

Repurchase of treasury stock

    (1,892 )     -  
                 

Net cash used in financing activities

    (7,416 )     (4,327 )
                 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    5,391       5,104  
                 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    50,063       81,064  
                 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 55,454     $ 86,168  
                 
Cash paid during the period for:                

Interest

  $ 7,288     $ 9,938  

Income taxes paid

  $ 5,041     $ 3,558  
                 

Non-cash financing activity:

               

Dividends declared per share

  $ 1.35     $ 1.05  

 

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

 

-7-

 

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 25, 2022

(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 and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 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, our results of operations are seasonal in nature, and the results of any interim period 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 prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

Management believes that the disclosures included in the accompanying consolidated 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 27, 2022 as filed with the SEC on June 10, 2022.

 

Our significant interim accounting policies include the recognition of advertising fund expense in proportion to advertising funds revenue, and the recognition of income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate.

 

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 27, 2022.

 

COVID-19 Pandemic and Inflation

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had and may continue to have a significant impact on our business and results of operations.

 

During fiscal 2022, we experienced pandemic and inflationary pressures, most notably within our Restaurant Operations and Branded Products Program segments. We experienced macroeconomic impacts arising from the long-term duration of the pandemic, including rising labor costs, increasing commodity prices, higher packaging costs and fuel prices, which contributed to a decline in consumer confidence and spending. We expect this trend to continue for the remainder of fiscal 2023. Our average cost of hot dogs for the thirty-nine week period ended December 25, 2022 was approximately 3% higher than during the thirty-nine week period ended December 26, 2021.

 

Inflation has an impact on food, paper, utility, labor and benefits and other general and administrative expenses which can impact our results of operations. In general, we have been able to offset cost increases resulting from inflation by increasing prices. We may not be able to offset cost increases in the future.

 

The Company’s franchisees and Branded Menu Program operators also have experienced some disruptions and challenges as a result of the pandemic including workforce absences, as well as changes in the availability and cost of labor, including higher wages and overtime costs.

 

There is continued uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions and their impacts on the Company’s business. We remain in regular contact with our major suppliers and to date we have not experienced significant disruptions in our supply chain.

 

The extent to which COVID-19 will continue to impact the Company will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be impacted by new and evolving variants, the adoption rates of vaccines in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and further actions that may be taken to limit the public health and economic impact.

 

Such impacts may include non-cash asset impairments and difficulty collecting trade receivables, among other things.

 

-8-

 

 

 

NOTE B – NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT YET ADOPTED

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which significantly changes the impairment model for most financial instruments. Current guidance requires the recognition of credit losses based on an incurred loss impairment methodology that reflects losses once the losses are probable. Under the new standard, the Company will be required to use a current expected credit loss model (“CECL”) that will immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the consolidated financial instruments that are in the scope of this update, including trade receivables. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in the development of credit loss estimates. In November 2019, the FASB deferred the effective date for smaller reporting companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. This standard is required to take effect in Nathan’s first quarter (June 2023) of our fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective accounting standards, when adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NOTE C – REVENUES

 

The Company’s disaggregated revenues for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 

Branded Products

  $ 16,661     $ 16,901     $ 61,862     $ 51,960  

Company-owned restaurants

    1,679       1,736       10,673       9,502  

Total sales

    18,340       18,637       72,535       61,462  
                                 

License royalties

    6,337       5,878       26,064       24,218  
                                 

Franchise royalties

    829       744       2,785       2,581  

Franchise fees

    147       175       483       412  

Total franchise fees and royalties

    976       919       3,268       2,993  
                                 

Advertising fund revenue

    501       479       1,504       1,437  
                                 

Total revenues

  $ 26,154     $ 25,913     $ 103,371     $ 90,110  

 

The following table disaggregates revenues by primary geographical market (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 

United States

  $ 24,824     $ 25,066     $ 98,836     $ 87,545  

International

    1,330       847       4,535       2,565  

Total revenues

  $ 26,154     $ 25,913     $ 103,371     $ 90,110  

 

-9-

 

 

Contract balances

 

The following table provides information about contract receivables and liabilities (deferred franchise fees) from contracts with customers (in thousands):

 

   

December 25,

2022

   

March 27,

2022

 

Receivables, which are included in “Accounts and other receivables, net” (a)

  $ -     $ 312  

Deferred franchise fees (b)

  $ 1,721     $ 2,097  

 

 

(a)

Includes receivables related to “franchise fees and royalties”

 

(b)

Deferred franchise fees of $343 and $1,378 as of December 25, 2022 and $349 and $1,748 as of March 27, 2022 are included in Deferred franchise fees – current and long term, respectively.

 

Significant changes in deferred franchise fees are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 

Deferred franchise fees at beginning of period

  $ 2,097     $ 1,773  

New deferrals due to cash received and other

    107       661  

Revenue recognized during the period

    (483 )     (412 )

Deferred franchise fees at end of period

  $ 1,721     $ 2,022  

 

Anticipated future recognition of deferred franchise fees

 

The following table reflects the estimated franchise fees to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at the end of the period (in thousands):

 

   

Estimate for fiscal year

 

2023 (a)

  $ 86  

2024

    339  

2025

    322  

2026

    287  

2027

    168  

Thereafter

    519  

Total

  $ 1,721  

 

 

(a)

Represents franchise fees expected to be recognized for the remainder of the 2023 fiscal year, which includes international development fees expected to be recognized over the duration of one year or less. Amount does not include $483 of franchise fee revenue recognized for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022.

 

We have applied the optional exemption, as provided for under ASC Topic 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers, which allows us to not disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the transaction price is a sales-based royalty.

 

 

NOTE D – 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. 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.

 

-10-

 

 

The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the per-share amounts for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, respectively.

 

Thirteen weeks

                                               
                                   

Net Income

 
   

Net Income

   

Number of Shares

   

Per Share

 
   

2022

   

2021

   

2022

   

2021

   

2022

   

2021

 
   

(in thousands)

   

(in thousands)

                 
Basic EPS                                                

Basic calculation

  $ 3,263     $ 2,130       4,080       4,115     $ 0.80     $ 0.52  

Effect of dilutive employee stock options

    -       -       36       -       (0.01 )     -  
Diluted EPS                                                

Diluted calculation

  $ 3,263     $ 2,130       4,116       4,115     $ 0.79     $ 0.52  

 

Thirty-nine weeks

                                               
                                   

Net Income

 
   

Net Income

   

Number of Shares

   

Per Share

 
   

2022

   

2021

   

2022

   

2021

   

2022

   

2021

 
   

(in thousands)

   

(in thousands)

                 
Basic EPS                                                

Basic calculation

  $ 16,358     $ 11,438       4,092       4,115     $ 4.00     $ 2.78  

Effect of dilutive employee stock options

    -       -       12       -       (0.01 )     -  
Diluted EPS                                                

Diluted calculation

  $ 16,358     $ 11,438       4,104       4,115     $ 3.99     $ 2.78  

 

Options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock in the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise price exceeded the average market price of common shares during the period.

 

 

NOTE E – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalents at December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022. The Company’s cash balances principally consist of cash in bank and money market accounts.

 

At December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022, substantially all of the Company’s cash balances are in excess of Federal government insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

 

 

NOTE F – 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 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

 

-11-

 

 

The face value and fair value of long-term debt as of December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

December 25, 2022

   

March 27, 2022

 
   

Face value

   

Fair value

   

Face value

   

Fair value

 
                                 

Long-term debt

  $ 110,000     $ 107,497     $ 110,000     $ 111,346  

 

The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt based upon review of observable pricing in secondary markets as of the last trading day of the fiscal period. Accordingly, the Company classifies its long-term debt as Level 2.

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of the instruments.

 

Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring 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 December 25, 2022, no fair value adjustment or material fair value measurements were required for non-financial assets or liabilities.

 

 

NOTE G – ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES, NET                  

 

Accounts and other receivables, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

   

December 25,

   

March 27,

 
   

2022

   

2022

 
                 

Branded product sales

  $ 9,301     $ 9,318  

Franchise and license royalties

    3,276       3,923  

Other

    753       391  
      13,330       13,632  
                 

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts

    288       258  

Accounts and other receivables, net

  $ 13,042     $ 13,374  

 

Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from franchisees, including virtual kitchens, retail licensees and Branded Product Program customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are generally considered past due. The Company does not recognize franchise and license royalties that are not deemed to be realizable.

 

The Company individually reviews each past due account and determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current and expected future ability to pay its obligation to the Company, the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Based on management’s assessment, the Company provides for estimated uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings. After the Company has used reasonable collection efforts, it writes off accounts receivable through a charge to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the thirty-nine week period ended December 25, 2022 and the fiscal year ended March 27, 2022 are as follows (in thousands):          

 

   

December 25,

2022

   

March 27,

2022

 
                 

Beginning balance

  $ 258     $ 345  

Bad debt expense

    114       186  

Write offs and other

    (84 )     (273 )

Ending balance

  $ 288     $ 258  

 

-12-

 

 

 

NOTE H – PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

December 25,

   

March 27,

 
   

2022

   

2022

 
                 

Real estate taxes

  $ 151     $ 71  

Insurance

    306       327  

Marketing

    372       653  

Other

    280       390  

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

  $ 1,109     $ 1,441  

 

 

NOTE I – INTANGIBLE ASSET

 

The Company’s definite-lived intangible asset consists of trademarks, and the trade name and other intellectual property in connection with its Arthur Treacher’s co-branding agreements. Based upon review of the current Arthur Treacher’s co-branding agreements, the Company determined that the remaining useful lives of these agreements is six years concluding in fiscal year 2028, and the intangible asset is subject to annual amortization. The Company performs an annual impairment test, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the intangible asset may be impaired. The Company tests for recoverability of its definite-lived intangible asset based on the projected undiscounted cash flows to be derived from such co-branding agreements. Cash flow projections require significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge in future periods and such impairment could be material.

 

There have been no significant events or changes in circumstances during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 that would indicate that the carrying amount of the Company’s intangible asset may be impaired as of December 25, 2022.

 

 

NOTE J - LONG LIVED ASSETS

 

Long-lived assets on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

Long-lived assets include property, equipment and right-of-use assets for operating leases with finite useful lives. Assets are grouped at the individual restaurant level which represents the lowest level for which cash flows can be identified largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The Company generally considers a history of restaurant operating losses to be its primary indicator of potential impairment for individual restaurant locations.

 

The Company tests for recoverability based on the projected undiscounted cash flows to be derived from such assets. If the projected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the Company will record on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis, an impairment loss, if any, based on the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company generally measures fair value by considering discounted estimated future cash flows from such assets. Cash flow projections and fair value estimates require significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record impairment charges in future periods and such impairments could be material.

 

There have been no significant events or changes in circumstances during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 that would indicate that the carrying amount of the Company’s long-lived assets may be impaired as of December 25, 2022.

 

-13-

 

 

 

NOTE K – ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):         

 

   

December 25,

   

March 27,

 
   

2022

   

2022

 

Payroll and other benefits

  $ 2,590     $ 3,109  

Accrued rebates

    156       166  

Rent and occupancy costs

    118       90  

Deferred revenue

    -       876  

Construction costs

    -       58  

Interest

    1,131       2,968  

Professional fees

    71       129  

Sales, use and other taxes

    55       39  

Corporate income taxes

    1,094       103  

Other

    296       295  

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  $ 5,511     $ 7,833  

 

 

NOTE L – INCOME TAXES

 

The effective income tax rates for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 were 27.3% and 28.8%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2022 reflected $1,223 of income tax expense recorded on $4,486 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended December 26, 2021 reflected $860 of income tax expense recorded on $2,990 of pre-tax income.

 

The effective income tax rates for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 were 27.1% and 28.1%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 reflected $6,093 of income tax expense recorded on $22,451 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 26, 2021 reflected $4,477 of income tax expense recorded on $15,915 of pre-tax income.

 

The effective income tax rates for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 were higher than the United States statutory income tax rate primarily due to state and local taxes.

 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in Other Liabilities at December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022 was $437 and $403, respectively, all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. As of December 25, 2022 and March 27, 2022, the Company had approximately $315 and $271, respectively, accrued for the payment of interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.

 

On August 16, 2022, the United States enacted the Inflation Reduction Act. Among other provisions, this new law imposes a 1% excise tax on stock buybacks made after December 31, 2022, with certain exceptions including stock repurchases of less than $1,000 within a tax year. We are not expecting this new law to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NOTE M – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Nathan’s considers itself to be a brand marketer of the Nathan’s Famous signature products to the foodservice industry pursuant to its various business structures. Nathan’s sells its products directly to consumers through its restaurant operations segment consisting of Company-owned and franchised restaurants, including virtual kitchens, to distributors that resell our products to the foodservice industry through the Branded Product Program and by third party manufacturers pursuant to license agreements that sell our products to club stores and grocery stores nationwide. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) who evaluates performance and allocates resources for the Branded Product Program, Product Licensing and Restaurant Operations segments based upon a number of factors, the primary profit measure being income from operations. Certain administrative expenses are not allocated to the segments and are reported within the Corporate segment.

 

Branded Product Program – This segment derives revenue principally from the sale of hot dog products either directly to foodservice operators or to various foodservice distributors who resell the products to foodservice operators.

 

Product licensing – This segment derives revenue, primarily in the form of royalties, from licensing a broad variety of Nathan’s Famous branded products, including our hot dogs, sausage and corned beef products, frozen French fries and additional products through retail grocery channels and club stores throughout the United States.

 

-14-

 

Restaurant operations – This segment derives revenue from the sale of our products at Company-owned restaurants and earns fees and royalties from its franchised restaurants, including its virtual kitchens.

 

Revenues from operating segments are from transactions with unaffiliated third parties and do not include any intersegment revenues.

 

Income from operations attributable to Corporate consists principally of administrative expenses not allocated to the operating segments such as executive management, finance, information technology, legal, insurance, corporate office costs, corporate incentive compensation and compliance costs and expenses of the Advertising Fund.

 

Interest expense, interest income, and other (expense) income, net, are managed centrally at the corporate level, and, accordingly, such items are not presented by segment since they are excluded from the measure of profitability reviewed by the CODM.

 

Operating segment information is as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

    Thirty-nine weeks ended  
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 
Revenues                                

Branded Product Program

  $ 16,661     $ 16,901     $ 61,862     $ 51,960  

Product licensing

    6,337       5,878       26,064       24,218  

Restaurant operations

    2,655       2,655       13,941       12,495  

Corporate (1)

    501       479       1,504       1,437  

Total revenues

  $ 26,154     $ 25,913     $ 103,371     $ 90,110  
                                 
Income from operations                                

Branded Product Program

  $ 2,451     $ 1,681     $ 7,003     $ 5,096  

Product licensing

    6,292       5,832       25,928       24,081  

Restaurant operations

    (238 )     (69 )     1,879       623  

Corporate

    (2,173 )     (1,831 )     (6,784 )     (6,046 )

Income from operations

  $ 6,332     $ 5,613     $ 28,026     $ 23,754  
                                 

Interest expense

    (1,944 )     (2,650 )     (5,831 )     (7,951 )

Interest income

    158       24       260       88  

Other (expense) income, net

    (60 )     3       (4 )     24  

Income before provision for income taxes

  $ 4,486     $ 2,990     $ 22,451     $ 15,915  
   

 

 

(1)

Represents advertising fund revenue.

 

 

NOTE N – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Total share-based compensation during each of the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 was $65 and $8, and $81 and $66, respectively. As of December 25, 2022, there was $3,409 of unamortized compensation expense related to share-based incentive awards. We expect to recognize this expense over approximately fifty-five months, which represents the weighted average remaining requisite service periods for such awards.

 

During the thirty-nine week period ended December 25, 2022, the Company granted 50,000 restricted stock units at a fair value of $67.59 per unit representing the closing price on the date of grant, which will be fully vested five years from the date of grant. The restricted stock units vest ratably over a five-year period as follows: 10,000 restricted stock units on December 8, 2023; 10,000 restricted stock units on December 8, 2024; 10,000 restricted stock units on December 8, 2025; 10,000 restricted stock units on December 8, 2026; and 10,000 restricted stock units on December 8, 2027.

 

The Company recognizes compensation cost for unvested stock-based incentive awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Compensation cost charged to expense under all stock-based incentive awards is as follows (in thousands):

      

    Thirteen weeks ended     Thirty-nine weeks ended  
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 

Stock options

  $ 8     $ 8     $ 24     $ 52  

Restricted stock units

    57       -       57       14  

Total compensation cost

  $ 65     $ 8     $ 81     $ 66  

 

-15-

 

Stock options:

 

There were no new share-based awards granted during the thirty-nine week period ended December 25, 2022.

 

Transactions with respect to stock options for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 are as follows:

 

           

Weighted-

   

Weighted-

   

Aggregate

 
           

Average

   

Average

   

Intrinsic

 
           

Exercise

   

Remaining

   

Value

 
   

Shares

   

Price

   

Contractual Life

   

(in thousands)

 
                                 
                                 

Options outstanding at March 27, 2022

    20,000     $ 79.20       2.92       -  

Granted

    -       -       -       -  

Exercised

    -       -       -       -  

Options outstanding at December 25, 2022

    20,000     $ 79.20       2.17       -  
                                 

Options exercisable at December 25, 2022

    12,500     $ 85.62       1.29       -  

 

Restricted stock units:

 

Transactions with respect to restricted stock units for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 are as follows:

 

           

Weighted-

 
           

Average

 
           

Grant-date

Fair value

 
   

Shares

   

Per share

 

Unvested restricted stock units at March 27, 2022

    --     $ --  

Granted

    50,000     $ 67.59  

Vested

    --     $ -  

Unvested restricted stock units at December 25, 2022

    50,000     $ 67.59  

 

 

NOTE O– STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

1. Dividends

 

Effective June 10, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared its first quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share for fiscal 2023, which was paid on June 24, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 20, 2022.

 

Effective August 5, 2022, the Board declared its second quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share for fiscal 2023, which was paid on September 2, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 22, 2022.

 

Effective November 3, 2022, the Board declared its third quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share for fiscal 2023 which was paid on December 2, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 21, 2022.

 

Effective February 2, 2023, the Board authorized the increase of its regular dividend from $0.45 to $0.50 per quarter and declared its fourth quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share payable on March 3, 2023 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 21, 2023.

 

Our ability to pay future dividends is limited by the terms of the Indenture with U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral trustee. In addition to the terms of the Indenture, the declaration and payment of any cash dividends in the future are subject to final determination of the Board and will be dependent upon our earnings and financial requirements.

 

2. Stock Repurchase Program

 

In 2016, the Board authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 1,200,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company. As of December 25, 2022, Nathan’s had repurchased 1,101,884 shares at a cost of $39,000 under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At December 25, 2022 there were 98,116 shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to the sixth stock repurchase plan. The plan does not have a set expiration date. Purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program 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.

 

-16-

 

On June 14, 2022, the Board approved a 10b5-1 Plan (the “10b5-1 Plan”) which expired on September 13, 2022.

 

During the thirty-nine week period ended December 25, 2022, the Company repurchased in open market transactions 35,434 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average share price of $53.39 for a total cost of $1,892 under the 10b5-1 Plan.

 

 

NOTE P – LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

   

December 25,

   

March 27,

 
   

2022

   

2022

 
                 

6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025

  $ 110,000     $ 110,000  

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

    (1,436 )     (1,817 )

Long-term debt, net

  $ 108,564     $ 108,183  

 

 

NOTE Q – LEASES

 

The Company is party as lessee to various leases for its Company-owned restaurants and lessee/sublessor to one franchised location property, including land and buildings, as well as leases for its corporate office and certain office equipment.

 

Company as lessee

 

The components of the net lease cost for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 

Operating lease cost

  $ 378     $ 378     $ 1,214     $ 1,223  

Variable lease cost

    396       57       1,246       1,023  

Less: Sublease income, net

    (22 )     (41 )     (64 )     (62 )
                                 

Total net lease cost

  $ 752     $ 394     $ 2,396     $ 2,184  

 

The following table presents the components of the net lease cost on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 

Restaurant operating expenses

  $ 589     $ 243     $ 1,908     $ 1,713  

General and administrative expenses

    185       192       552       533  

Less: Other income, net

    (22 )     (41 )     (64 )     (62 )
                                 

Total net lease cost

  $ 752     $ 394     $ 2,396     $ 2,184  

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

  $ 216     $ 187     $ 950     $ 544  

 

-17-

 

 

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of December 25, 2022 were as follows:

 

Weighted average remaining lease term (years):

    5.6  
         

Weighted average discount rate:

    8.868 %

 

Future lease commitments to be paid and received by the Company as of December 25, 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Payments

   

Receipts

         
   

Operating Leases

   

Subleases

   

Net Leases

 
                         
Fiscal year:                        

2023 (a)

  $ 383     $ 42     $ 341  

2024

    1,782       271       1,511  

2025

    1,687       274       1,413  

2026

    1,717       278       1,439  

2027

    1,726       281       1,445  

Thereafter

    2,036       624       1,412  

Total lease commitments

  $ 9,331     $ 1,770     $ 7,561  

Less: Amount representing interest

    1,921                  

Present value of lease liabilities (b)

  $ 7,410                  

 

 

(a)

Represents future lease commitments to be paid and received by the Company for the remainder of the 2023 fiscal year. Amount does not include $1,216 of lease commitments paid and received by the Company for the thirty-nine week period ended December 25, 2022.

     
 

(b)

The present value of minimum operating lease payments of $1,827 and $5,583 are included in “Current portion of operating lease liabilities” and “Long-term operating lease liabilities,” respectively on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Company as lessor

 

The components of lease income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
                                 

Operating lease income, net

  $ 22     $ 41     $ 64     $ 62  

 

 

NOTE R – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

1.

Commitments

 

On December 8, 2022, the Company amended its employment agreement with its Executive Chairman of the Board, Howard M. Lorber. Under the amendment, the term of the employment agreement was extended from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2027. In addition, Mr. Lorber received a grant of 50,000 restricted stock units subject to vesting as provided in a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Mr. Lorber and the Company.

 

2.

Contingencies

 

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.

 

-18-

 

 

 

NOTE S – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were issued and filed with the SEC. There were no subsequent events that require recognition or disclosure.

 

-19-

 

 

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believes”, “expects”, “projects”, “may”, “would”, “should”, “seeks”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, “anticipates” or similar expressions that relate to our strategy, plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results or to our expectations regarding future industry trends are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those that we expected. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are based upon information available to us on the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

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 impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the status of our licensing and supply agreements, including our licensing revenue and overall profitability being substantially dependent on our agreement with John Morrell & Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc., the impact of our debt service and repayment obligations under the 2025 Notes, including the effect on our ability to fund working capital, operations and make new investments; economic (including inflationary pressures like those currently being experienced), weather (including the impact on the supply of cattle and the impact on sales at our restaurants, particularly during the summer months), and change in the price of beef trimmings; our ability to pass on the cost of any price increases in beef and beef trimmings, or labor costs; legislative and business conditions; the collectibility of receivables; changes in consumer tastes; the continued viability of Coney Island as a destination location for visitors; the ability to continue to attract franchisees; the impact of the minimum wage legislation on labor costs in New York State or other changes in labor laws, including regulations which could render a franchisor as a “joint employee” or the impact of our union contracts; our ability to attract competent restaurant and managerial personnel; the enforceability of international franchising agreements; the future effects of any food borne illness such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE or e-coli; as well as those risks discussed from time to time in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-K annual report for the year ended March 27, 2022, and in other documents we file with the U.S. 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 product licensing program sells packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through supermarkets or grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. Our Branded Product Program 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. Our Branded Menu Program 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.

 

-20-

 

Our revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded Product Program, operating Company-owned restaurants, licensing agreements for the sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and club stores, the sale of Nathan’s products directly to other foodservice operators and the manufacture of certain proprietary spices by third parties and the royalties, fees and other sums we can earn from franchising the Nathan’s restaurant concept (including the Branded Menu Program and virtual kitchens).

 

At December 25, 2022, our restaurant system, excluding virtual kitchens, consisted of 233 Nathan’s franchised units, including 120 Branded Menu Program units, and four Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in 17 states, and 12 foreign countries (including 2 Branded Menu units in Ukraine which are temporarily closed as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict). Our virtual kitchens in operation consisted of 226 units located in 19 states and four foreign countries.

 

At December 26, 2021, our restaurant system, excluding virtual kitchens, consisted of 242 Nathan’s franchised units, including 120 Branded Menu Program units, and four Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in 18 states, and 14 foreign countries. Our virtual kitchens in operation consisted of 277 units located in 20 states and six foreign countries.

 

Our primary focus is to expand the market penetration of the Nathan’s Famous brand by increasing the number of distribution points for our products across all of our business platforms, including our Licensing Program for distribution of Nathan’s Famous branded consumer packaged goods, our Branded Products Program for distribution of Nathan’s Famous branded bulk products to the foodservice industry, and our namesake restaurant system comprised of both Company-owned and franchised units, including virtual kitchens. The primary drivers of our recent growth have been our Licensing and Branded Product Programs which have been the largest contributors to the Company’s profits.

 

While we do not expect to significantly increase the number of Company-owned units, we may opportunistically and strategically invest in a small number of new units as showcase locations for prospective franchisees and master developers as we seek to grow our franchise system. We continue to seek opportunities to drive sales in a variety of ways as we adapt to the ever-changing consumer and environment.

 

As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 27, 2022, our future results could be materially impacted by many developments including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, our dependence on Smithfield Foods, Inc. as our principal supplier and the dependence of our licensing revenue and overall profitability on our agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. In addition, our future operating results could be impacted by supply constraints on beef or by increased costs of beef, beef trimmings and other commodities due to inflationary pressures compared to earlier periods.

 

On November 1, 2017, the Company issued $150,000,000 of 6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) and used the majority of the proceeds of this offering to redeem the Company’s 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2020, paid a portion of the special $5.00 cash dividend and used the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital.

 

On January 26, 2022, the Company redeemed $40,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Notes. As a result of the partial redemption, the Company expects to reduce its future cash interest expense by $2,650,000 per annum.

 

As described below, we are also including information relating to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures, in this Form 10-Q quarterly report. See “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures.”

 

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic related to the outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus, designated COVID-19.

 

COVID-19 related pressures have continued during the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 (“fiscal 2023 period”), although to a lesser extent than during the thirty-nine weeks ended December 26, 2021 (“fiscal 2022 period”). As approved vaccines continue to be distributed and administered, state and local restrictions continue to be lessened. Despite the fact that vaccines are now widely available across the country, there have been increases in diagnosed cases reported due to the spread of additional COVID-19 variants.

 

Customer traffic at our Company-owned restaurants, in particular at Coney Island, during the fiscal 2023 period increased by approximately 12% over the fiscal 2022 period. Additionally, we experienced increased customer traffic within our franchise system, including airport locations; highway travel plazas; shopping malls; movie theaters; and casino locations, primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada. The increase in customer traffic translated into higher Company-owned restaurant sales and higher franchise fees and royalties during the fiscal 2023 period than during the fiscal 2022 period.

 

-21-

 

 

Additionally, as the level of comfort of consumers gathering in social settings increases and travel continues to increase, our Branded Product Program customers, including professional sports arenas, amusement parks, shopping malls and movie theaters have experienced stronger attendance contributing to higher sales.

 

We continue to follow guidance from health officials in determining the appropriate restrictions, if any, to place within our operations. Our Company-owned and franchised restaurants could be disrupted by COVID-19 related employee absences or due to changes in the availability and cost of labor.

 

There continues to be uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic as variants including Omicron and others have caused increases in the number of reported COVID-19 cases. We cannot predict the ultimate duration, scope and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic or its ultimate impact on our business in the short or long-term. The ongoing economic impacts and health concerns associated with the pandemic may continue to affect consumer behavior, spending levels, and may result in reduced customer traffic and consumer spending trends that may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Inflation

 

We remain in regular contact with our major suppliers and to date we have not experienced significant disruptions in our supply chain; however, we have experienced rising transportation costs, rising costs of hot dogs due to the higher costs for beef and beef trimmings, and other food costs and paper products, which could continue to increase as the impact of COVID-19 continues across the supply chain.

 

The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and its variants, along with other macroeconomic events could lead to further wage inflation, product cost inflation and supply chain challenges during the remainder of fiscal 2023 and may impact our operations.

 

In general, we have been able to offset cost increases resulting from inflation by increasing prices. We continue to monitor these inflationary pressures and will continue to implement mitigation plans as needed. Delays in implementing price increases, competitive pressures, consumer spending levels and other factors may limit our ability to implement further price increases in the future.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

As discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 27, 2022, 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 consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those consolidated 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 intangible assets; impairment of long-lived assets; and income taxes (including uncertain tax positions). Since March 27, 2022, there have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies or significant changes to the assumptions and estimates related to them.

 

New Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted         

 

Please refer to Note B of the preceding consolidated financial statements for our discussion of the New Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted.

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

The Company believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures, are useful to investors to assist in assessing and understanding the Company's operating performance and underlying trends in the Company's business because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are (i) among the measures used by management in evaluating performance and (ii) are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a common performance measure.

 

-22-

 

 

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures

 

The following is provided to supplement certain Non-GAAP financial measures.

 

In addition to disclosing results that are determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America ("US GAAP"), the Company has provided EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income excluding (i) interest expense; (ii) provision for income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization expense. The Company has also provided Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as EBITDA, excluding (i) the loss on disposal of property and equipment and (ii) share-based compensation that the Company believes will impact the comparability of its results of operations.

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under US GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to net income or other measures of financial performance or liquidity in conformity with US GAAP. Additionally, our definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other companies. Analysis of results and outlook on a non-US GAAP basis should be used as a complement to, and in conjunction with, data presented in accordance with US GAAP.

 

The following is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):

 

   

Thirteen weeks ended

   

Thirty-nine weeks ended

 
   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

   

December 25,

2022

   

December 26,

2021

 
   

(unaudited)

   

(unaudited)

 
                                 

Net income

  $ 3,263     $ 2,130     $ 16,358     $ 11,438  

Interest expense

    1,944       2,650       5,831       7,951  

Provision for income taxes

    1,223       860       6,093       4,477  

Depreciation and amortization

    303       259       837       807  

EBITDA

    6,733       5,899       29,119       24,673  
                                 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    101       -       87       -  

Share-based compensation

    65       8       81       66  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 6,899     $ 5,907     $ 29,287     $ 24,739  

 

Seasonality

 

Our routine business pattern is affected by seasonal fluctuations, including the effects of weather and economic conditions. Historically, sales from our Company-owned locations, principally at Coney Island, and franchised restaurants from which franchised royalties are earned and the Company’s earnings have been highest during our first two fiscal quarters, with the fourth quarter representing the slowest period. Additionally, revenues from our Branded Product Program and retail licensing program generally follow similar seasonal fluctuations, although not to the same degree. Working capital requirements may vary throughout the year to support these seasonal patterns.

 

Due to the above seasonal factors, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures, our results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of those for a full fiscal year.

 

Results of Operations

                  

Thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2022 compared to thirteen weeks ended December 26, 2021

 

Revenues

 

Total revenues increased by 1% to $26,154,000 for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2022 (“third quarter fiscal 2023”) as compared to $25,913,000 for the thirteen weeks ended December 26, 2021 (“third quarter fiscal 2022”).

 

Total sales decreased by 2% to $18,340,000 for the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $18,637,000 for the third quarter fiscal 2022 which included foodservice sales from the Branded Product Program decreasing by 1% to $16,661,000 for the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to sales of $16,901,000 for the third quarter fiscal 2022. During the third quarter fiscal 2023, the volume of hot dogs sold in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately 3% as compared to the third quarter fiscal 2022. Our average selling prices decreased by approximately 3% as compared to the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

Total Company-owned restaurant sales decreased by 3% to $1,679,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $1,736,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in traffic at our Yonkers, New York and Oceanside, New York locations which were partially offset by an increase in traffic at our Coney Island locations.

 

-23-

 

License royalties increased by 8% to $6,337,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $5,878,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our license agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. at retail and foodservice, including sales of hot dogs to WalMart, increased 5% to $5,489,000 for the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $5,239,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. The increase is primarily due to a 7% increase in retail volume as compared to the third quarter fiscal 2022, which was offset by a 3% decline in average net selling price. The foodservice business earned higher royalties of $63,000 as compared to the third quarter fiscal 2022. Royalties earned from all other licensing agreements for the manufacture and sale of Nathan’s products increased by $209,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to the third quarter fiscal 2022 primarily due to additional royalties earned on sales of French fries and seasonings.

 

Franchise fees and royalties were $976,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $919,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Total royalties were $829,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $744,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu program were $151,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $101,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program are not based upon a percentage of restaurant sales but are based upon product purchases. Virtual kitchen royalties were $30,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $88,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Traditional franchise royalties were $648,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $555,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Franchise restaurant sales increased to $14,761,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $12,280,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022 primarily due to higher sales at airport locations; highway travel plazas; shopping malls; movie theaters; and casino locations, primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 61 Nathan’s units, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $12,369,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $9,811,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

At December 25, 2022, 233 franchised units, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program units were operating as compared to 242 franchised units, including domestic, international franchised and Branded Menu Program units at December 26, 2021. Total franchise fee income was $147,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $175,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Domestic franchise fee income was $27,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $36,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. International franchise fee income was $61,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $63,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

We recognized $59,000 and $76,000 in forfeited fees in the third quarter fiscal 2023 and the third quarter fiscal 2022, respectively. During the third quarter fiscal 2023, two franchised units opened, as well as two Branded Menu Program units. Additionally, 9 virtual kitchens opened. During the third quarter fiscal 2022, twelve franchised units opened, as well as fourteen Branded Menu Program units. Additionally, 39 virtual kitchens opened.

 

Advertising fund revenue, after eliminating Company contributions, was $501,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $479,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2022 period.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Overall, our cost of sales decreased by 7% to $14,925,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $16,040,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) increased to $3,415,000 or 19% of sales during the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $2,597,000 or 14% of sales during the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program decreased by 7% to $13,681,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $14,724,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022, primarily due to the 9% decrease in the average cost per pound of our hot dogs, partially offset by the 3% increase in the volume of hot dogs sold as discussed above. Beef prices declined during the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to the significantly higher commodity costs experienced during the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

We did not make any purchase commitments of beef during the third quarter fiscal 2023 or the third quarter fiscal 2022. If the cost of beef and beef trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases or otherwise reduce any increase in our costs through the use of purchase commitments, our margins will be adversely impacted.

 

With respect to Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the third quarter fiscal 2023 was $1,244,000 or 74% of restaurant sales as compared to $1,316,000 or 76% of restaurant sales in the third quarter fiscal 2022. The decrease in cost of sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 was primarily due to the 3% decrease in sales as discussed above. Food and paper costs as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 31%, down from 32% in the comparable period of the prior year. Labor and related expenses as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 43%, down from 44% in the comparable period in the prior year. The availability of labor remains a challenge at our Company-owned restaurants and it has required us to remain flexible as it relates to staffing levels and costs.

 

Restaurant operating expenses were $932,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $547,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. We incurred higher occupancy expenses of $324,000, higher utility expenses of $18,000, and higher insurance costs of $22,000.

 

-24-

 

 

Depreciation and amortization, which primarily consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment, was $303,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $259,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $186,000 or 6% to $3,161,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $2,975,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to higher compensation expenses of $287,000 offset, in part, by a decrease in travel expenses of $37,000 and a reduction in bad debt expense of $52,000.

 

Advertising fund expense, after eliminating Company contributions, was $501,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $479,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

Other Items

 

Interest expense of $1,944,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 represented interest expense of $1,817,000 on the 2025 Notes and amortization of debt issuance costs of $127,000.

 

Interest expense of $2,650,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022 represented interest expense of $2,477,000 on the 2025 Notes and amortization of debt issuance costs of $173,000.

 

Interest income was $158,000 for the third quarter fiscal 2023 as compared to $24,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2022.

 

Other expense, net was $60,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2023 which primarily relates to a loss on disposal of assets for capitalized software no longer in use of $101,000 offset by sublease income from a franchised restaurant.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The effective income tax rate for the third quarter fiscal 2023 was 27.3% compared to 28.8% in the third quarter fiscal 2022. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter fiscal 2023 reflected income tax expense of $1,223,000 recorded on $4,486,000 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter fiscal 2022 reflected income tax expense of $860,000 recorded on $2,990,000 of pre-tax income. The effective tax rates are higher than the statutory rates primarily due to state and local taxes.

 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 25, 2022 was $437,000 all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. As of December 25, 2022, the Company had approximately $315,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.

 

Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefit excluding accrued interest and penalties could be further reduced by up to $16,000 during the fiscal year ending March 26, 2023.

 

Results of Operations

 

Thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 compared to thirty-nine weeks ended December 26, 2021

 

Revenues

 

Total revenues increased by 15% to $103,371,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2022 (“fiscal 2023 period”) as compared to $90,110,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 26, 2021 (“fiscal 2022 period”).

 

Total sales increased by 18% to $72,535,000 for the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $61,462,000 for the fiscal 2022 period which included foodservice sales from the Branded Product Program increasing by 19% to $61,862,000 for the fiscal 2023 period as compared to sales of $51,960,000 for the fiscal 2022 period. During the fiscal 2023 period, the volume of hot dogs sold increased by approximately 14% as compared to the fiscal 2022 period. Our average selling prices increased by approximately 5% as compared to the fiscal 2022 period.

 

Total Company-owned restaurant sales increased by 12% to $10,673,000 during the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $9,502,000 during the fiscal 2022 period. The increase was primarily due to an increase in traffic at our Coney Island locations.

 

-25-

 

 

License royalties increased by 8% to $26,064,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $24,218,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our license agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. at retail and foodservice, including sales of hot dogs to WalMart, increased 6% to $23,594,000 for the 2023 fiscal period as compared to $22,161,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. The increase is due to a 9% increase in average net selling price as compared to the fiscal 2022 period which was offset, in part, by a 3% decrease in retail volume. The foodservice business earned higher royalties of $196,000 as compared to the fiscal 2022 period. Royalties earned from all other licensing agreements for the manufacture and sale of Nathan’s products increased by $413,000 during the fiscal 2023 period as compared to the fiscal 2022 period primarily due to additional royalties earned on sales of French fries, cocktail franks, mozzarella sticks, pickles and seasonings.

 

Franchise fees and royalties were $3,268,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $2,993,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Total royalties were $2,785,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $2,581,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu program were $468,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $430,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program are not based upon a percentage of restaurant sales but are based upon product purchases. Virtual kitchen royalties were $112,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $258,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Traditional franchise royalties were $2,205,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $1,893,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Franchise restaurant sales increased to $49,302,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $40,910,000 in the fiscal 2022 period primarily due to higher sales at airport locations; highway travel plazas; shopping malls; movie theaters; and casino locations, primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 63 Nathan’s units, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $40,192,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $31,434,000 in the fiscal 2022 period.

 

At December 25, 2022, 233 franchised units, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program units were operating as compared to 242 franchised units, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program franchise units at December 26, 2021. Total franchise fee income was $483,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $412,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Domestic franchise fee income was $84,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $109,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. International franchise fee income was $191,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $173,000 during the fiscal 2022 period.

 

We recognized $208,000 and $130,000 in forfeited fees in the fiscal 2023 period and fiscal 2022 period, respectively. During the fiscal 2023 period, six franchised units opened, as well as two Branded Menu Program units. Additionally, 67 virtual kitchens opened. During the fiscal 2022 period, fifteen franchised units opened, as well as thirty-two Branded Menu Program units. Additionally, 164 virtual kitchens opened.

 

Advertising fund revenue, after eliminating Company contributions, was $1,504,000 in the fiscal 2023 period, as compared to $1,437,000 during the fiscal 2022 period.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Overall, our cost of sales increased by 15% to $59,490,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $51,536,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) increased to $13,045,000 or 18% of sales during the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $9,926,000 or 16% of sales during the fiscal 2022 period.

 

Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program increased by 17% to $53,056,000 during the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $45,343,000 during the fiscal 2022 period, primarily due to the 14% increase in the volume of hot dogs sold as discussed above, as well as a 3% increase in the average cost per pound of our hot dogs. We continue to experience commodity inflation, including beef and beef trimmings.

 

We did not make any purchase commitments of beef during the fiscal 2023 period or the fiscal 2022 period. If the cost of beef and beef trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases or otherwise reduce any increase in our costs through the use of purchase commitments, our margins will be adversely impacted.

 

With respect to Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the fiscal 2023 period was $6,434,000 or 60% of restaurant sales as compared to $6,193,000 or 65% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2022 period. The increase in cost of sales during the fiscal 2023 period was primarily due to the 12% increase in sales discussed above. The decrease in cost of sales, as a percent of total restaurant sales, was due to an increase in customer counts driving higher sales which were offset by higher commodity costs and restaurant labor costs. Food and paper costs as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 29%, down from 30% in the comparable period of the prior year. Labor and related expenses as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 31%, down from 35% in the comparable period in the prior year due to labor wage increases as a result of competitive pressures, offset by higher sales.

 

Restaurant operating expenses were $3,217,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $2,874,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. We incurred higher occupancy expenses of $118,000, higher utility expenses of $54,000, higher marketing expenses of $51,000, and higher insurance costs of $77,000.

 

-26-

 

 

Depreciation and amortization, which primarily consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment, were $837,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $807,000 in the fiscal 2022 period.

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $420,000 or 4% to $10,122,000 in the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $9,702,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to higher compensation expenses of $232,000, and higher marketing and trade show expenses of $295,000.

 

Advertising fund expense, after eliminating Company contributions, was $1,679,000 in the fiscal 2023 period, as compared to $1,437,000 in the fiscal 2022 period. The Company has determined that the Advertising Fund normal seasonal deficit is not to be fully recovered during the remainder of the fiscal 2023 period and has reflected the projected deficit of $175,000 in the fiscal 2023 period.

 

Other Items

 

Interest expense of $5,831,000 in the fiscal 2023 period represented interest expense of $5,450,000 on the 2025 Notes and amortization of debt issuance costs of $381,000.

 

Interest expense of $7,951,000 in the fiscal 2022 period represented interest expense of $7,433,000 on the 2025 Notes and amortization of debt issuance costs of $518,000.

 

Interest income was $260,000 for the fiscal 2023 period as compared to $88,000 in the fiscal 2022 period.

 

Other expense, net was $4,000 in the fiscal 2023 period which primarily relates to a net loss on disposal of assets for capitalized software no longer in use of $87,000, offset by sublease income from a franchised restaurant.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2023 period was 27.1% compared to 28.1% in the fiscal 2022 period. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2023 period reflected income tax expense of $6,093,000 recorded on $22,451,000 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2022 period reflected income tax expense of $4,477,000 recorded on $15,915,000 of pre-tax income. The effective tax rates are higher than the statutory rates primarily due to state and local taxes.

 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 25, 2022 was $437,000 all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. As of December 25, 2022, the Company had approximately $315,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.

 

Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefit excluding accrued interest and penalties could be further reduced by up to $16,000 during the fiscal year ending March 26, 2023.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, Nathan’s did not have any open purchase commitments for hot dogs. Nathan’s may enter into purchase commitments in the future as favorable market conditions become available.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources         

 

Cash and cash equivalents at December 25, 2022 aggregated $55,454,000, a $5,391,000 increase during the fiscal 2023 period as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $50,063,000 at March 27, 2022. Net working capital increased to $58,413,000 from $48,988,000 at March 27, 2022. We paid our semi-annual interest payments for fiscal 2023 of $3,643,750 on May 1, 2022 and November 1, 2022, respectively. We paid our first, second and third quarter fiscal 2023 dividend payments of $1,852,000, $1,836,000 and $1,836,000 on June 24, 2022, September 2, 2022 and December 2, 2022, respectively. We expect to pay our fourth quarter dividend on March 3, 2023.

 

The 2025 Notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 1st and November 1st of each year, beginning on May 1, 2018. The 2025 Notes have no scheduled principal amortization payments prior to its final maturity on November 1, 2025.

 

-27-

 

 

Cash provided by operations of $13,329,000 in the fiscal 2023 period is primarily attributable to net income of $16,358,000 in addition to other non-cash operating items of $1,384,000, offset by changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $4,413,000. Non-cash operating expenses consist principally of depreciation and amortization of $837,000, amortization of debt issuance costs of $381,000, share-based compensation expense of $81,000, bad debts of $114,000, and a loss on disposal of assets of $87,000. In the fiscal 2023 period, accounts and other receivables decreased by $218,000 due primarily to lower franchise and license royalties receivable of $647,000 which were offset, in part, by higher receivables due to the Advertising Fund of $329,000. Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased by $332,000 due primarily to the reduction of prepaid insurance and marketing expenses of $21,000 and $281,000, respectively. In the fiscal 2023 period, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities decreased by $4,856,000 due primarily to lower accrued interest expense of $1,837,000 as a result of the partial redemption of our 2025 Notes; a decline in accrued payroll and other benefits of $519,000 resulting primarily from the payment of year-end fiscal 2022 incentive compensation; earned deferred revenue of $876,000; and a decline in accounts payable of $2,534,000 due to the timing of product purchases for our Branded Product Program and Company-owned restaurants. Offsetting these declines were increases in accrued corporate income taxes of $991,000 due to the timing of estimated tax payments and higher earnings.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $522,000 in the fiscal 2023 period primarily in connection with capital expenditures incurred for our Branded Product Program, our Coney Island restaurants and our general ledger and accounting system upgrade.

 

Cash used in financing activities of $7,416,000 in the fiscal 2023 period relates primarily to the payments of the Company’s quarterly $0.45 per share cash dividends on June 24, 2022, September 2, 2022 and December 2, 2022 totaling $5,524,000. Additionally, during the fiscal 2023 period, the Company repurchased 35,434 shares of common stock for $1,892,000 under the 10b5-1 Plan.

 

In 2016, the Board authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 1,200,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company. As of December 25, 2022, Nathan’s has repurchased 1,101,884 shares at a cost of $39,000,000 under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At December 25, 2022, there were 98,116 shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to the sixth stock repurchase plan. The plan does not have a set expiration date. Purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program 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.

 

On June 14, 2022, the Board approved a 10b5-1 stock plan (the “10b5-1 Plan”) which expired on September 13, 2022.

 

During the fiscal 2023 period, the Company repurchased in open market transactions 35,434 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price of $53.39 for a total cost of $1,892,000 under the 10b5-1 Plan. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2022.

 

As discussed above, we had cash and cash equivalents at December 25, 2022 aggregating $55,454,000. Our Board routinely monitors and assesses its cash position and our current and potential capital requirements. On May 31, 2018, the Board authorized the commencement of a regular dividend of $1.00 per share per annum, payable at the rate of $0.25 per share per quarter. On June 14, 2019, the Board authorized the increase of its regular quarterly dividend to $0.35 from $0.25. On February 4, 2022, the Board authorized the increase of its regular quarterly dividend to $0.45 from $0.35. On February 2, 2023, the Board authorized the increase of its regular quarterly dividend to $0.50 from $0.45. The Company paid its first quarter fiscal 2023 dividend of $1,852,000 on June 24, 2022, its second quarter fiscal 2023 dividend of $1,836,000 on September 2, 2022 and its third quarter fiscal 2023 dividend of $1,836,000 on December 2, 2022.

 

Effective February 2, 2023, the Company declared its fourth quarter dividend of $0.50 per common share to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 21, 2023, which is payable on March 3, 2023.

 

The Company’s total cash requirement for dividends for all of fiscal 2023 would be approximately $7,564,000 based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding at February 2, 2023. The Company intends to declare and pay quarterly cash dividends; however, there can be no assurance that any additional quarterly dividends will be declared or paid or of the amount or timing of such dividends, if any.

 

Our ability to pay future dividends is limited by the terms of the Indenture for the 2025 Notes. In addition, the payment of any cash dividends in the future, are subject to final determination of the Board and will be dependent upon our earnings and financial requirements. We may also return capital to our stockholders through stock repurchases, subject to any restrictions in the Indenture, although there is no assurance that the Company will make any repurchases under its existing stock repurchase plan.

 

We expect that in the future we will make investments in certain existing restaurants, support the growth of the Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs, service the outstanding debt, fund our dividend program and may continue our stock repurchase programs, funding 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. During the fiscal year ending March 26, 2023, we will be required to make interest payments of $7,287,500, of which all have been made as of November 1, 2022.

 

-28-

 

Management believes that available cash, cash equivalents and cash generated from operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations, satisfy our debt service requirements, fund dividend distributions and stock repurchases for at least the next 12 months.

 

At December 25, 2022, we sublet one property to a franchisee that we lease from a third party. We remain contingently liable for all costs associated with this property including: rent, property taxes and insurance. We may incur future cash payments with respect to such property, consisting primarily of future lease payments, including costs and expenses associated with terminating such lease.

 

Our contractual obligations primarily consist of the 2025 Notes and the related interest payments, operating leases, and employment agreement with certain executive officers. These contractual obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since March 27, 2022.

 

Inflationary Impact

 

Beginning in fiscal 2022 and continuing into the fiscal 2023 period, we have experienced inflationary pressures on commodity prices. We expect this trend to continue throughout the remainder of fiscal 2023. Our average cost of hot dogs during fiscal 2022 was approximately 19% higher than during fiscal 2021. Our average cost of hot dogs during fiscal 2023 was approximately 3% higher than during fiscal 2022. Beginning in July 2021, the cost of hot dogs has increased significantly due to higher costs for beef and beef trimmings, labor, packaging and transportation, as well as supply chain challenges associated with increased consumer demand as a result of the continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Inherent volatility experienced in certain commodity markets, such as those for beef and beef trimmings due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, inflationary pressures and other macroeconomic factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

We have experienced competitive pressure on labor rates as a result of the increase in the minimum hourly wage for fast food workers which increased to $15.00 in New York state during fiscal 2022 where our Company-owned restaurants are located. Additionally, with the continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased demand for labor at all levels which has resulted in greater challenges retaining adequate staffing levels at our Company-owned restaurants; our franchised restaurants and Branded Menu Program locations; as well as for certain vendors in our supply chain that we depend on for our commodities. We remain in contact with our major suppliers and to date we have not experienced significant disruptions in our supply chain.

 

We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products during the remainder of fiscal 2023. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of operations. In the past, we entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of increasing market prices. Our most recent purchase commitment was completed in 2016 for approximately 2,600,000 pounds of hot dogs. We may attempt to enter into similar purchase 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 and volatile insurance costs resulting from the uncertainty of the insurance markets.

 

We must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act and various federal and state laws governing minimum wages. Increases in the minimum wage and labor regulations have increased our labor costs. The minimum wage for New York State increased to $15.00 per hour on December 31, 2021. All of our Company-owned restaurants operate in New York State. In addition, the federal government and a number of other states are evaluating various proposals to increase their respective minimum wage.

 

We believe that these increases in the minimum wage and other changes in employment law have had a significant financial impact on our financial results and the results of our franchisees that operate in New York State. Our business could be negatively impacted if the decrease in margins for our franchisees results in the potential loss of new franchisees or the closing of a significant number of franchised restaurants.

 

Continued increases in labor costs, commodity prices and other operating expenses, including healthcare, could adversely affect our operations. We attempt to manage inflationary pressure, and rising commodity costs, at least in part, through raising prices. Delays in implementing price increases, competitive pressures, consumer spending levels and other factors may limit our ability to offset these rising costs. Volatility in commodity prices, including beef and beef trimmings could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

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 our Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 27, 2022.

 

-29-

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Cash                                     

 

We have historically invested our cash and cash equivalents in money market funds or short-term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments which are generally reinvested when they mature. Although these existing investments are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on short-term investments could be affected at the time of reinvestment as a result of intervening events. As of December 25, 2022, Nathan’s cash and cash equivalents aggregated $55,454,000. Earnings on this cash would increase or decrease by approximately $139,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates.

 

Borrowings

 

At December 25, 2022, we had $110,000,000 of 6.625% 2025 Notes outstanding which are due in November 2025. Interest expense on these borrowings would increase or decrease by approximately $275,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates. We currently do not anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our borrowings.

 

Commodity Costs

 

Beginning in fiscal 2022 and continuing into the fiscal 2023 period, we have experienced inflationary pressures on commodity prices. We expect this trend to continue throughout the remainder of fiscal 2023. Our average cost of hot dogs during fiscal 2022 was approximately 19% higher than during fiscal 2021. Our average cost of hot dogs during fiscal 2023 was approximately 3% higher than during fiscal 2022. Beginning in July 2021, the cost of hot dogs has increased significantly due to higher costs for beef and beef trimmings, labor, packaging and transportation, as well as supply chain challenges associated with increased consumer demand as a result of the continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Inherent volatility experienced in certain commodity markets, such as those for beef and beef trimmings due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, inflationary pressures and other macroeconomic factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products during the remainder of fiscal 2023. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of operations. In the past, we entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of increasing market prices. Our most recent purchase commitment was completed in 2016 for approximately 2,600,000 pounds of hot dogs. We may attempt to enter into similar purchase 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 and volatile insurance costs resulting from the uncertainty of the insurance markets.

 

With the exception of purchase commitments, we have not attempted to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the commodities we purchase using future, forward, option or other instruments. As a result, we expect that the majority of our future commodity purchases will be subject to market changes in the prices of such commodities. We have attempted to enter sales agreements with our customers that are correlated to our cost of beef, thus reducing our market volatility, or have passed through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our customers that are not on formula pricing, thereby reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial results. A short-term increase or decrease of 10.0% in the cost of our food and paper products for the thirty-nine week period ended December 25, 2022 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by approximately $5,477,000.

 

Foreign Currencies

 

Foreign franchisees generally conduct business with us and make payments in United States dollars, reducing the risks inherent with changes in the values of foreign currencies. As a result, we have not purchased future contracts, options or other instruments to hedge against changes in values of foreign currencies and we do not believe fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies would have a material impact on our financial results.

 

-30-

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(e).  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.         

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 25, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

-31-

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

None.

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 27, 2022, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Nathan's. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

None.

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

None.

 

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

Effective February 2, 2023, the Board declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share which is payable on March 3, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 21, 2023.

 

-32-

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

 

31.1

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

 

 

31.2

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

 

 

32.1

*Certification by Eric Gatoff, CEO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.2

*Certification by Robert Steinberg, CFO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.1

*The following materials from the Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 25, 2022 formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes.

 

 

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

 

 

 

*Filed herewith.

 

**Indicates a management plan or amendment.

 

-33-

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: February 2, 2023

By:

/s/ Eric Gatoff

 

 

 

Eric Gatoff

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Date: February 2, 2023 

By:

/s/ Robert Steinberg

 

 

 

Robert Steinberg

 

 

 

Vice President - Finance 

and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

-34-
ex_469067.htm

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Eric Gatoff, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 25, 2022 of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: February 2, 2023 

 

/s/ Eric Gatoff

 

 

 

Eric Gatoff 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer 

 

    (Principal Executive Officer)  

 

 
ex_469068.htm

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Robert Steinberg, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 25, 2022 of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: February 2, 2023 

 

/s/ Robert Steinberg

 

 

 

Robert Steinberg 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer 

 

    (Principal Financial Officer and  
    Principle Accounting Officer)  

                

 
ex_469069.htm

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

 

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

 

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

 

I, Eric Gatoff, Chief Executive Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., certify that:

 

The quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. for the period ended December 25, 2022 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

The information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.

 

 

 

 

/s/ Eric Gatoff

Eric Gatoff

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 2, 2023

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and will be retained by Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 
ex_469070.htm

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

 

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

 

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

 

I, Robert Steinberg, Chief Financial Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., certify that:

 

The quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. for the period ended December 25, 2022 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

The information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert Steinberg

Robert Steinberg

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: February 2, 2023

                                                                                          

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and will be retained by Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.