Table of Contents

 

UNITEDUNITED 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 MayAugust 31, 2019

 

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

 

For the transition period from ________to________

 

Commission file number: 001-36865

 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

47-1535633

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporationIncorporation or organization)

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

 

265 Turner Drive, Durango, CO 81303

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(970) 259-0554

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

RMCF

Nasdaq Global Market

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

RMCF

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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
 
   
Non-accelerated filerSmaller 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 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 ☒

 

On June 25,October 1, 2019, the registrant had outstanding 5,965,8275,994,997 shares of its common stock, $0.001 par value.

 

1

Table of Contents

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY6

Item 2. 
NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS7

Item 2.

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

16

18

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

22

26

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

22

26

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

23

27

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

23

27

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

23

27

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

24

27

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

27

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

24

27

Item 5.

Other Information

24

27

Item 6.

Exhibits

25

28

Signature

26
Signatures29

 

2

Table of Contents

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     Financial Statements

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

  

Three Months Ended August 31,

  

Six Months Ended August 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 

Revenues

                        

Sales

 $6,460,611  $6,582,049  $5,384,040  $5,736,319  $11,844,651  $12,318,368 

Franchise and royalty fees

  1,965,388   1,784,036   2,001,230   2,063,769   3,966,618   3,847,805 

Total Revenue

  8,425,999   8,366,085   7,385,270   7,800,088   15,811,269   16,166,173 
                        

Costs and Expenses

                        

Cost of sales

  4,614,744   4,665,242   3,738,435   3,883,884   8,353,179   8,549,126 

Franchise costs

  483,013   493,250   441,638   582,798   924,651   1,076,048 

Sales and marketing

  556,651   588,250   434,782   565,212   991,433   1,153,462 

General and administrative

  1,144,731   914,447   830,451   813,388   1,975,182   1,727,835 

Retail operating

  448,902   562,472   469,304   498,856   918,206   1,061,328 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense of $145,699, $136,505, respectively, included in cost of sales

  231,955   301,000 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense of $147,415, $138,212, $293,114 and $274,717, respectively, included in cost of sales

  225,417   296,737   457,372   597,737 

Costs associated with Company-owned store closures

  -   58,188   -   118,793   -   176,981 

Total costs and expenses

  7,479,996   7,582,849   6,140,027   6,759,668   13,620,023   14,342,517 
                        

Income from Operations

  946,003   783,236   1,245,243   1,040,420   2,191,246   1,823,656 
                        

Other Income (Expense)

                        

Interest Expense

  (12,398)  (22,639)  (3,487)  (19,418)  (15,885)  (42,057)

Interest Income

  10,179   4,577   6,007   4,627   16,186   9,204 

Other income (expense), net

  (2,219)  (18,062)  2,520   (14,791)  301   (32,853)
                        

Income Before Income Taxes

  943,784   765,174   1,247,763   1,025,629   2,191,547   1,790,803 
                        

Income Tax Provision

  232,175   188,230   329,675   274,814   561,850   463,044 
                        

Consolidated Net Income

 $711,609  $576,944  $918,088  $750,815  $1,629,697  $1,327,759 
                        

Basic Earnings per Common Share

 $0.12  $0.10  $0.15  $0.13  $0.27  $0.22 

Diluted Earnings per Common Share

 $0.11  $0.10  $0.15  $0.13  $0.26  $0.22 
                        

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic

  5,962,278   5,905,414   5,977,746   5,923,351   5,970,012   5,914,383 

Dilutive Effect of Employee Stock Awards

  272,286   77,594   279,584   59,479   275,935   68,536 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted

  6,234,564   5,983,008   6,257,330   5,982,830   6,245,947   5,982,919 

 

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

 

3

Table of Contents

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

May 31,

  

February 28,

  

August 31,

  

February 28,

 
 

2019

  

2019

  

2019

  

2019

 

 

(unaudited)

      

(unaudited)

     
Assets          

Current Assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

 $5,895,574  $5,384,027  $5,753,209  $5,384,027 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $557,916 and $489,502, respectively

  3,877,170   3,993,262 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $585,306 and $489,502, respectively

  4,017,572   3,993,262 

Notes receivable, current portion

  140,452   110,162   134,926   110,162 

Refundable income taxes

  4,534   190,201   44,726   190,201 

Inventories, less reserve for slow moving inventory of $171,651 and $371,147, respectively

  4,016,264   4,270,357 

Inventories, less reserve for slow moving inventory of $178,658 and $371,147, respectively

  4,195,198   4,270,357 

Other

  440,173   318,126   465,876   318,126 

Total current assets

  14,374,167   14,266,135   14,611,507   14,266,135 
                

Property and Equipment, Net

  5,855,457   5,786,139   5,857,664   5,786,139 
                

Other Assets

                

Notes receivable, less current portion

  357,877   281,669   317,507   281,669 

Goodwill, net

  1,046,944   1,046,944   1,046,944   1,046,944 

Franchise rights, net

  3,521,112   3,678,920   3,363,304   3,678,920 

Intangible assets, net

  479,601   498,337   460,865   498,337 

Deferred income taxes

  569,393   607,421   505,462   607,421 

Lease right of use asset

  3,280,508   -   3,066,826   - 

Other

  63,384   56,576   56,264   56,576 

Total other assets

  9,318,819   6,169,867   8,817,172   6,169,867 
                

Total Assets

 $29,548,443  $26,222,141  $29,286,343  $26,222,141 
                

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

                

Current Liabilities

                

Current maturities of long term debt

 $829,941  $1,176,488  $480,445  $1,176,488 

Accounts payable

  1,126,472   897,074   1,295,732   897,074 

Accrued salaries and wages

  732,313   655,853   597,856   655,853 

Gift card liabilities

  715,700   742,289   648,142   742,289 

Other accrued expenses

  271,863   293,094   291,353   293,094 

Dividend payable

  715,899   714,939   719,359   714,939 

Contract liabilities

  238,194   256,094   239,278   256,094 

Lease liability

  851,249   -   808,989   - 

Total current liabilities

  5,481,631   4,735,831   5,081,154   4,735,831 
                

Lease Liability, Less Current Portion

  2,429,259   -   2,257,837   - 

Contract Liabilities, Less Current Portion

  1,020,997   1,096,478   976,651   1,096,478 
                

Commitments and Contingencies

                
                

Stockholders' Equity

                

Preferred stock, $.001 par value per share; 250,000 authorized; -0- shares issued and outstanding

  -   -   -   - 

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, 50,000 authorized; -0- shares issued and outstanding

  -   - 

Undesignated series, 200,000 shares authorized; -0- shares issued and outstanding

  -   - 

Common stock, $.001 par value, 46,000,000 shares authorized, 5,962,327 shares and 5,957,827 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

  5,962   5,958 

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, authorized 50,000 shares

  -   - 

Undesignated series, authorized 200,000 shares

  -   - 

Common stock, $.001 par value, 46,000,000 shares authorized, 5,991,162 shares and 5,957,827 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

  5,991   5,958 

Additional paid-in capital

  6,882,114   6,650,864   7,037,501   6,650,864 

Retained earnings

  13,728,480   13,733,010   13,927,209   13,733,010 
                

Total stockholders' equity

  20,616,556   20,389,832   20,970,701   20,389,832 
                

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 $29,548,443  $26,222,141  $29,286,343  $26,222,141 

 

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

 

4

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Six Months Ended

 
 

May 31,

  

August 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

                

Net Income

 $711,609  $576,944  $1,629,697  $1,327,759 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            

Depreciation and amortization

  377,654   437,505   750,486   872,454 

Provision for obsolete inventory

  23,766   24,185   47,945   57,614 

Provision for loss on accounts and notes receivable

  81,283   23,400   108,283   40,800 

Asset impairment and store closure losses

  -   44,000   -   67,822 

Loss on sale or disposal of property and equipment

  2,867   17,056   5,796   26,020 

Expense recorded for stock compensation

  231,254   155,807   386,670   280,728 

Deferred income taxes

  38,028   (54,493)  101,959   38,814 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

  (100,089)  672,005   (267,491)  421,162 

Refundable income taxes

  185,667   -   145,475   257,685 

Inventories

  344,058   (916,261)  212,138   (1,579,686)

Contract Liabilities

  (90,248)  (78,883)

Other current assets

  (122,047)  (168,990)  (147,750)  (154,537)

Accounts payable

  115,667   291,989   213,734   58,005 

Accrued liabilities

  28,640   349,987   (153,885)  (254,540)

Contract liabilities

  (130,378)  (71,671)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  1,828,109   1,374,251   2,902,679   1,388,429 
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

                

Proceeds received on notes receivable

  28,400   33,698   74,296   55,612 

Proceeds from (cost of) sale or distribution of assets

  -   500 

Purchases of property and equipment

  (283,548)  (130,572)  (480,984)  (242,432)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

  312   (5,366)  312   (13,717)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (254,836)  (101,740)  (406,376)  (200,537)
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

                

Payments on long-term debt

  (346,547)  (333,955)  (696,043)  (670,336)

Dividends paid

  (715,179)  (708,653)  (1,431,078)  (1,417,305)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (1,061,726)  (1,042,608)  (2,127,121)  (2,087,641)
                

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

  511,547   229,903 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

  369,182   (899,749)
                

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

  5,384,027   6,072,984   5,384,027   6,072,984 
                

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

 $5,895,574  $6,302,887  $5,753,209  $5,173,235 

 

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

 

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

 
  

May 31,

 
  

2019

  

2018

 

Common Stock

        

Balance at February 28:

 $5,958  $5,903 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

  -   - 

Issuance of common stock

  -   - 

Exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and other

  4   2 

Balance at May 31:

  5,962   5,905 
         

Additional Paid-in Capital

        

Balance at February 28:

  6,650,864   6,131,147 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

  -   - 

Issuance of common stock

  -   - 

Exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and other

  231,250   155,805 

Balance at May 31:

  6,882,114   6,286,952 
         

Retained Earnings

        

Balance at February 28:

  13,733,010   13,419,553 

Consolidated Net income

  711,609   576,944 

Cash dividends declared

  (716,139)  (708,653)

Adoption of ASC 606

  -   925,929 

Balance at May 31:

  13,728,480   14,213,773 
         

Total Stockholders' Equity

 $20,616,556  $20,506,630 
         

Common Shares

        

Balance at February 28:

  5,957,827   5,903,436 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

  -   - 

Exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and other

  4,500   2,000 

Balance at May 31:

  5,962,327   5,905,436 
          

Additional

         
  

Common Stock

      

Paid-in

  

Retained

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Total

 

Balance as of May 31, 2018

  5,905,436  $5,905  $6,286,952  $14,213,773  $20,506,630 

Net income

              750,815   750,815 

Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other

  43,224   43   (43)      - 

Share-based compensation

          124,921       124,921 

Common stock dividends

              (713,839)  (713,839)

Balance as of August 31, 2018

  5,948,660  $5,948  $6,411,830  $14,250,749  $20,668,527 
                     

Balance as of February 28, 2018

  5,903,436  $5,903  $6,131,147  $13,419,553  $19,556,603 

Net income

              1,327,759   1,327,759 

Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other

  45,224   45   (45)      - 

Share-based compensation

          280,728       280,728 

Common stock dividends

              (1,422,492)  (1,422,492)

Adoption of ASC 606

              925,929   925,929 

Balance as of August 31, 2018

  5,948,660  $5,948  $6,411,830  $14,250,749  $20,668,527 
                     

Balance as of May 31, 2019

  5,962,327  $5,962  $6,882,114  $13,728,480  $20,616,556 

Net income

              918,088   918,088 

Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other

  28,835   29   (29)      - 

Share-based compensation

          155,416       155,416 

Common stock dividends

              (719,359)  (719,359)

Balance as of August 31, 2019

  5,991,162  $5,991  $7,037,501  $13,927,209  $20,970,701 
                     

Balance as of February 28, 2019

  5,957,827   5,958  $6,650,864  $13,733,010  $20,389,832 

Net income

              1,629,697   1,629,697 

Issuance of common stock, vesting of restricted stock units and other

  33,335   33   (33)      - 

Share-based compensation

          386,670       386,670 

Common stock dividends

              (1,435,498)  (1,435,498)

Balance as of August 31, 2019

  5,991,162  $5,991  $7,037,501  $13,927,209  $20,970,701 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Nature of Operations

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“RMCF”), Aspen Leaf Yogurt, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“ALY”), and U-Swirl International, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“U-Swirl”), and its 46%-owned subsidiary, U-Swirl, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“SWRL”), of which, RMCF had financial control until February 29, 2016 (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company is an international franchisor, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator. Founded in 1981, the Company is headquartered in Durango, Colorado and manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolate candies and other confectionery products. U-Swirl franchises and operates soft-serve frozen yogurt cafés. The Company also sells its candy in selected locations outside of its system of retail stores and licenses the use of its brand with certain consumer products.

 

In January 2013, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including ALY, the Company entered into two agreements to sell all of the assets of its ALY frozen yogurt stores, along with its interest in the self-serve frozen yogurt franchises and retail units branded as “Yogurtini,” which the Company also acquired in January 2013, to SWRL, in exchange for a 60% controlling equity interest in SWRL (46% equity interest as of May 31, 2019). Upon completion of these transactions, the Company ceased to directly operate any Company-owned ALY locations or sell and support frozen yogurt franchise locations, which were being supported by SWRL. The SWRL board of directors is composed solely of board members also serving on the Company’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”).

In fiscal year (“FY”) 2014, SWRL acquired the franchise rights and certain other assets of self-serve frozen yogurt concepts under the names “CherryBerry,” “Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt” and “Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt.” In connection with these acquisitions, the Company entered into a credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. used to finance the acquisitions by SWRL, and in turn, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with SWRL to cover the purchase price and other costs associated with the acquisitions (the “SWRL Loan Agreement”). Borrowings under the SWRL Loan Agreement were secured by all of the assets of SWRL, including all of the outstanding stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary, U-Swirl. As a result of certain defaults under the SWRL Loan Agreement, the Company issued a demand for payment of all obligations under the SWRL Loan Agreement. SWRL was unable to repay the obligations under the SWRL Loan Agreement, and as a result, the Company foreclosed on all of the outstanding stock of U-Swirl on February 29, 2016 in full satisfaction of the amounts owed under the SWRL Loan Agreement. This resulted in U-Swirl becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company as of February 29, 2016, and concurrently the Company ceased to have financial control of SWRL as of February 29, 2016. As of May 31, 2019, SWRL had no operating assets.

U-Swirl operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafés under the names “U-Swirl,” “Yogurtini,” “CherryBerry,” “Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt,” “Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt,” “Let’s Yo!” and “Aspen Leaf Yogurt”.

The Company’s revenues are currently derived from three principal sources:sources, which are similar for its wholly owned subsidiaries RMCF and U-Swirl: (i) sales to franchisees and other third partiesothers of chocolates and other confectionery products manufactured by the Company; (ii) sales at Company-owned stores of chocolates, frozen yogurt, and other confectionery products and frozen yogurt (including products manufactured by us)the Company); (iii) the collection of initial franchise fees and royalties from franchisees.

7

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSboth confectionary products and frozen yogurt.

 

The following table summarizes the number of stores operating under the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory brand and frozen yogurt cafés at Mayas of August 31, 2019:

 

 

Sold, Not Yet

Open

  

Open

  

Total

  

Sold, Not Yet

Open

  

Open

  

Total

 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

                        

Company-owned stores

  -   2   2   -   2   2 

Franchise stores - Domestic stores and kiosks

  3   181   184   1   179   180 

International license stores

  1   63   64   1   63   64 

Cold Stone Creamery - co-branded

  9   93   102   7   95   102 

U-Swirl (Including all associated brands)

          -             

Company-owned stores

  -   1   1   -   1   1 

Company-owned stores - co-branded

  -   3   3   -   3   3 

Franchise stores - Domestic stores

  -   86   86   -   82   82 

Franchise stores - Domestic - co-branded

  1   8   8   1   8   9 

International license stores

  -   2   2   -   2   2 

Total

  14   439   453   10   435   445 

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain amounts previously presented for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (of a normal and recurring nature) which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.year, or any other future period.

 

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Subsequent Events

 

Management evaluated all activity ofOn September 30, 2019 the Company throughexecuted a Revolving Line of Credit Note with Wells Fargo Bank. This document was executed to renew the issueexisting $5 million line of credit and extend the maturity date of the financial statements and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.from September 30, 2019 to September 30, 2021.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2018, the SEC adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification. These amendments eliminate, modify, or integrate into other SEC requirements certain disclosure rules. Among the amendments is the requirement to present an analysis of changes in stockholders’ equity in the interim financial statements included in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The analysis, which can be presented as a footnote or separate statement, is required for the current and comparative quarter and year-to-date interim periods. The amendments are effective for all filings made on or after November 5, 2018. In light of the anticipated timing of effectiveness of theThe Company adopted these amendments and expected proximity of effectiveness to the filing date for most filers’ quarterly reports, the SEC’s Division of Corporate Finance issued a Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation related to Exchange Act Forms, (“CDI – Question 105.09”), that provides transition guidance related to this disclosure requirement. CDI – Question 105.09 states that the SEC would not object if the filer’s first presentation of the changes in shareholders’ equity is included in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter that begins after the effective date of the amendments. As such, the Company adopted these SEC amendments on November 30, 2018 and is first presenting the analysis of changes in stockholders’ equity in its interim financial statements in this Quarterly Report on this Form 10-Q. The adoption of these SEC amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows or stockholders’ equity.ended May 31, 2019.

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. ASU 2016-13 will require immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning March 1, 2020 and subsequent interim periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet by lessees for those leases currently classified as operating leases under ASC 840 “Leases.” These amendments also require qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 as of March 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective method. This method allows the new standard to be applied retrospectively through a cumulative catch-up adjustment recognized upon adoption. As a result, comparative information in the Company’s financial statements has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company recorded a Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of $3.3 million upon adoption. The impact of the new standard did not affect the Company’s cash flows or results of operations. The lease liability reflects the present value of the Company’s estimated future minimum lease payments over the lease term, which includes options that are likely to be exercised, discounted using an incremental borrowing rate or implicit rate. See Note 11 - Leasing Arrangements for additional information.

 

 

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options andthe settlement of restricted stock units. For FY 2019 and FY 2018, no stock options were excluded from diluted shares as there were no stock options outstanding. Restricted stock units become dilutive within the period granted and remain dilutive until the units vest and are issued as common stock.

 

 

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

 

The Company heldInventories consist of the following inventory at May 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019:following:

 

 

May 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

  

August 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

 

Ingredients and supplies

 $2,380,863  $2,612,954  $2,347,557  $2,612,954 

Finished candy

  1,754,915   1,983,854   1,971,270   1,983,854 

U-Swirl food and packaging

  52,137   44,696   55,029   44,696 

Reserve for slow moving inventory

  (171,651)  (371,147)  (178,658)  (371,147)

Total inventories

 $4,016,264  $4,270,357  $4,195,198  $4,270,357 

 

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NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment at May 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019 consistedconsists of the following:

 

 

May 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

  

August 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

 

Land

 $513,618  $513,618  $513,618  $513,618 

Building

  5,031,395   5,031,395   5,031,395   5,031,395 

Machinery and equipment

  10,509,121   10,263,119   10,205,508   10,233,119 

Furniture and fixtures

  864,944   864,944   850,934   864,944 

Leasehold improvements

  1,128,659   1,131,659   1,151,346   1,131,659 

Transportation equipment

  440,050   422,458   435,306   422,458 

Asset impairment

  (30,000)  (30,000)
  18,457,787   18,197,193   18,188,107   18,197,193 
                

Less accumulated depreciation

  (12,602,330)  (12,411,054)  (12,330,443)  (12,411,054)

Property and equipment, net

 $5,855,457  $5,786,139  $5,857,664  $5,786,139 

 

 

NOTE 5 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Cash Dividend

 

The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per common share on March 16, 201815, 2019 to stockholders of record on March 6, 2018.5, 2019. The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock on June 15, 201814, 2019 to stockholders of record on June 5, 2018. The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock on September 14, 2018 to stockholders of record on September 4, 2018. The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock on December 7, 2018 to stockholders of record on November 23, 2018. The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock on February 14, 2019, which was paid on March 15, 2019 to stockholders of record on March 5, 2019. The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock on May 28,August 16, 2019, which was paid on June 14,September 13, 2019 to stockholders of record on JuneSeptember 4, 2019.

 

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Future declarationsdeclaration of dividends will depend on, among other things, the Company's results of operations, capital requirements, financial condition capital requirements, and on such other factors as the Company's Board of Directors may in its discretion consider relevant and in the best long-term interest of the Company’s stockholders.

 

Stock Repurchases

 

On July 15, 2014, the Company publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of its common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, the Company announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of its common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, the Company announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of its common stock under the repurchase plan. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Under theThe Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and restated) (the “2007 Plan”),restated on August 8, 2013) authorizes the Company may authorize and grantgranting of stock awards to employees, non-employee directors, consultants and certain other eligible participants, including stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units.

 

The Company recognized $231,254$155,416 and $386,670 of stock-based compensation expense during the three monthsthree- and six-month periods ended MayAugust 31, 2019, respectively, compared with $155,807to $124,921 and $280,728 during the three monthsthree- and six-month periods ended MayAugust 31, 2018.2018, respectively. Compensation costs related to stock-based compensation are generally amortized over the vesting period of the stock awards.

 

The following table summarizes non-vested restricted stock unit transactions for common stock during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

  

Three Months Ended

 
  

May 31,

 
  

2019

  

2018

 

Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of February 28:

  25,002   77,594 

Granted

  270,000   - 

Vested

  -   - 

Cancelled/forfeited

  -   - 

Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of May 31:

  295,002   77,594 
         

Weighted average grant date fair value

 $9.62  $12.16 

Weighted average remaining vesting period (in years)

  4.94   1.02 

The Company issued 4,500 fully vested, unrestricted shares of stock to non-employee directors during the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to 2,000 shares issued during the three months ended May 31, 2018. In connection with these non-employee director stock issuances, the Company recognized $42,525 and $24,480 of stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

During the three months ended May 31, 2019, the Company recognized $188,729 of stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested, non-forfeited restricted stock unit grants. The restricted stock units generally vest between 17% and 20% annually over a period of five to six years. Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of non-vested, non-forfeited restricted stock units, as of May 31, 2019, was $2,461,553, which is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 4.94 years.

During the three months ended May 31, 2019, the Company granted 270,000 shares of restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $2,536,100 or $9.39 per share, compared with no restricted stock units awarded in the three months ended May 31, 2018. The restricted stock unit grants vest between 17% and 20% annually over a period of five to six years.

The Company has no outstanding stock options as of May 31, 2019.

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NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the six months ended August 31, 2019 and 2018:

  

Six Months Ended

 
  

August 31,

 
  

2019

  

2018

 

Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of February 28:

  25,002   77,594 

Granted

  270,000   - 

Vested

  (28,502)  (43,224)

Cancelled/forfeited

  -   (200)

Outstanding non-vested restricted stock units as of August 31:

  266,500   34,170 
         

Weighted average grant date fair value

 $9.40  $12.05 

Weighted average remaining vesting period (in years)

  5.14   0.88 

The Company issued an aggregate of 4,833 fully vested, unrestricted shares of common stock to non-employee directors during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to an aggregate of 2,000 shares issued during the six months ended August 31, 2018. In connection with these non-employee director stock issuances, the Company recognized $45,652 and $24,480 of stock-based compensation expense during the six months ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

During the three- and six-month periods ended August 31, 2019, the Company recognized $152,289 and $341,018, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock unit grants. The restricted stock unit grants generally vest in equal annual or quarterly installments over a period of five to six years. During the six-month periods ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, 28,502 and 43,224 restricted stock units vested and were issued as common stock, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation expense of non-vested, non-forfeited restricted stock units granted as of August 31, 2019 was $2,309,265, which is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 5.14 years.

The Company has no outstanding stock options as of August 31, 2019.

 

NOTE 6 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Six Months Ended

 
 

May 31,

  

August 31,

 

 

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 
Cash paid for:                

Interest, net

 $2,851  $17,774  $808  $33,006 

Income taxes

  8,481   7,277   314,417   166,545 

Non-cash Operating Activities

                

Accrued Inventory

  166,649   256,856   237,842   96,454 

Non-cash Financing Activities

                

Dividend payable

 $715,899  $708,652  $719,359  $713,839 

 

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NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 7 - OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

The Company classifies its business interests into five reportable segments: Franchising, Manufacturing, Retail Stores, U-Swirl operations and Other. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements and Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on operating contribution, which excludes unallocated corporate general and administrative costs and income tax expense or benefit. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic businesses that utilize common merchandising, distribution and marketing functions, as well as common information systems and corporate administration. All inter-segment sales prices are market based. Each segment is managed separately because of the differences in required infrastructure and the differencesdifference in products and services:

 

Three Months Ended May 31, 2019

 

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Other

  

Total

 

Three Months Ended

August 31, 2019

 

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Other

  

Total

 

Total revenues

 $1,429,041  $5,866,472  $232,419  $1,159,805  $-  $8,687,737  $1,515,805  $4,714,682  $265,662  $1,122,751  $-  $7,618,900 

Intersegment revenues

  (1,286)  (260,452)  -   -   -   (261,738)  (1,321)  (232,309)  -   -   -   (233,630)

Revenue from external customers

  1,427,755   5,606,020   232,419   1,159,805   -   8,425,999   1,514,484   4,482,373   265,662   1,122,751   -   7,385,270 

Segment profit (loss)

  617,910   1,168,687   (15,012)  279,163   (1,106,964)  943,784   828,978   955,360   7,979   296,880   (841,434)  1,247,763 

Total assets

  1,275,471   11,660,148   992,148   6,330,540   9,290,136   29,548,443   1,445,041   11,838,237   1,005,356   5,620,012   9,377,697   29,286,343 

Capital expenditures

  10,540   223,552   9,518   -   39,938   283,548   (2,040)  162,127   23,106   1,673   12,570   197,436 

Total depreciation & amortization

 $10,830  $150,132  $2,611  $190,769  $23,312  $377,654  $10,353  $151,848  $2,533  $185,208  $22,891  $372,833 

 

Three Months Ended May 31, 2018

 

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Other

  

Total

 

Three Months Ended

August 31, 2018

 

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Other

  

Total

 

Total revenues

 $1,313,206  $5,870,514  $361,435  $1,133,254  $-  $8,678,409  $1,470,486  $5,032,787  $298,359  $1,250,905  $-  $8,052,537 

Intersegment revenues

  (1,035)  (311,289)  -   -   -   (312,324)  (1,732)  (250,717)  -   -   -   (252,449)

Revenue from external customers

  1,312,171   5,559,225   361,435   1,133,254   -   8,366,085   1,468,754   4,782,070   298,359   1,250,905   -   7,800,088 

Segment profit (loss)

  489,271   1,169,335   (78,494)  135,155   (950,093)  765,174   693,383   1,070,613   (120,262)  229,818   (847,923)  1,025,629 

Total assets

  1,058,006   12,533,723   1,054,367   7,594,185   5,897,814   28,138,095   1,199,536   13,332,652   1,011,649   5,920,971   6,065,406   27,530,214 

Capital expenditures

  3,529   111,765   2,071   3,338   9,869   130,572   6   61,152   1,734   9,966   39,502   112,360 

Total depreciation & amortization

 $11,924  $141,028  $12,675  $244,051  $27,827  $437,505  $11,631  $142,697  $11,179  $241,033  $28,409  $434,949 

 

Revenue from one customer of the Company’s Manufacturing segment represented approximately $1.4 million, or 16.3 percent of the Company’s revenues from external customers during the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to $1.3 million, or 15.2 percent of the Company’s revenues from external customers during the three months ended May 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended

August 31, 2019

 

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Other

  

Total

 

Total revenues

 $2,944,846  $10,581,154  $498,081  $2,282,556  $-  $16,306,637 

Intersegment revenues

  (2,607)  (492,761)  -   -   -   (495,368)

Revenue from external customers

  2,942,239   10,088,393   498,081   2,282,556   -   15,811,269 

Segment profit (loss)

  1,446,888   2,124,047   (7,033)  576,043   (1,948,398)  2,191,547 

Total assets

  1,445,041   11,838,237   1,005,356   5,620,012   9,377,697   29,286,343 

Capital expenditures

  8,500   385,679   32,624   1,673   52,508   480,984 

Total depreciation & amortization

 $21,183  $301,980  $5,143  $375,977  $46,203  $750,486 

 

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NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Six Months Ended

August 31, 2018

 

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Other

  

Total

 

Total revenues

 $2,783,691  $10,903,302  $659,794  $2,384,159  $-  $16,730,946 

Intersegment revenues

  (2,767)  (562,006)  -   -   -   (564,773)

Revenue from external customers

  2,780,924   10,341,296   659,794   2,384,159   -   16,166,173 

Segment profit (loss)

  1,182,654   2,239,948   (198,756)  364,973   (1,798,016)  1,790,803 

Total assets

  1,199,536   13,332,652   1,011,649   5,920,971   6,065,406   27,530,214 

Capital expenditures

  3,535   172,917   3,805   13,304   48,871   242,432 

Total depreciation & amortization

 $23,556  $283,724  $23,854  $485,084  $56,236  $872,454 

Revenue from one customer of the Company’s Manufacturing segment represented approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3 percent, of the Company’s revenues from external customers during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8 percent, of the Company’s revenues from external customers during the six months ended August 31, 2018.

 

NOTE 8 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangible assets at May 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019 consist of the following:

 

      

May 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

       

August 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

 
 

Amortization

Period (in years)

  

Gross Carrying

Value

  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Gross Carrying

Value

  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Amortization Period (Years)

  

Gross Carrying Value

  

Accumulated Amortization

  

Gross Carrying Value

  

Accumulated Amortization

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization

                                          

Store design

  10   $220,778  $214,527  $220,778  $214,152   10   $220,778  $214,903  $220,778  $214,152 

Packaging licenses

  3-5   120,830   120,830   120,830   120,830   3-5   120,830   120,830   120,830   120,830 

Packaging design

  10    430,973   430,973   430,973   430,973   10    430,973   430,973   430,973   430,973 

Trademark/Non-competition agreements

  5-20   715,339   241,989   715,339   223,628   5-20   715,339   260,349   715,339   223,628 

Franchise rights

  20    5,979,637   2,458,525   5,979,637   2,300,717   20    5,979,637   2,616,333   5,979,637   2,300,717 

Total

       7,467,557   3,466,844   7,467,557   3,290,300       $7,467,557  $3,643,388  $7,467,557  $3,290,300 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

                                          

Franchising segment-

                                          

Company stores goodwill

      $1,099,328  $267,020  $1,099,328  $267,020       $832,308      $832,308     

Franchising goodwill

       295,000   197,682   295,000   197,682        97,318       97,318     

Manufacturing segment-goodwill

       295,000   197,682   295,000   197,682        97,318       97,318     

Trademark

       20,000   -   20,000   -        20,000       20,000     

Total goodwill

       1,709,328   662,384   1,709,328   662,384        1,046,944       1,046,944     
                                          

Total Intangible Assets

      $9,176,885  $4,129,228  $9,176,885  $3,952,684       $8,514,501  $3,643,388  $8,514,501  $3,290,300 

Effective March 1, 2002, under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, all goodwill with indefinite lives is no longer subject to amortization. Accumulated amortization related to intangible assets not subject to amortization is a result of amortization expense related to indefinite life goodwill incurred prior to March 1, 2002.

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets totaled $176,544$353,088 and $211,287$422,573 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

During the year ended February 28, 2019, the Company reviewed its estimates of the future economic life of certain intangible assets. As a result of this review, the Company accelerated the rate of amortization of certain intangible assets to better reflect their expected future value. Consistent with the treatment of a change in estimate, the new rate of amortization of intangible assets will be applied to future periods.

At MayAugust 31, 2019, annual amortization of intangible assets, based upon the Company’s existing intangible assets and current useful lives, is estimated to be the following:

 

FYE 20

 $529,632 

FYE 21

  594,229 

FYE 22

  490,060 

FYE 23

  411,607 

FYE 24

  345,642 

Thereafter

  1,629,543 

Total

 $4,000,713 

2020

  353,088 

2021

  594,229 

2022

  490,060 

2023

  411,607 

2024

  345,642 

Thereafter

  1,629,543 

Total

 $3,824,169 

 

12

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 9 – COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPANY-OWNED STORE CLOSURES

 

Costs associated with Company-owned store closures were comprisedthe result of asset disposal and impairment costs of $58,188 for the three months ended May 31, 2018, relating to the closure and planned closing of certain underperforming Company-owned locations.locations during the three and six months ended August 31, 2018. Costs associated with Company-owned store closures of $118,793 and $176,981 were incurred during the three and the six months ended August 31, 2018, respectively.

 

There were no comparable costs incurred during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

 

NOTE 10 – NOTE PAYABLE

 

The Company’s long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note, the proceeds of which were loaned to SWRL and used to finance SWRL’s business acquisitions. As of May 31, 2019, approximately $830,000 was outstanding under this promissory note. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020.

12

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of May 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, notes payable consisted of the following:

 

 

May 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

  

August 31, 2019

  

February 28, 2019

 

Promissory note

 $829,941  $1,176,488  $480,445  $1,176,488 

Less: current maturities

  (829,941)  (1,176,488)  (480,445)  (1,176,488)

Long-term obligations

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

 

 

NOTE 11 – LEASING ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Company conducts its retail operations in facilities leased under non-cancelable operating leases of up to ten years. Certain leases contain renewal options for between five and ten additional years at increased monthly rentals. Some of the leases provide for contingent rentals based on sales in excess of predetermined base levels. 

 

The Company acts as primary lessee of some franchised store premises, which the Company then subleases to franchisees, but the majority of existing locations are leased by the franchisee directly.

 

In some instances, the Company has leased space for its Company-owned locations that are now occupied by franchisees. When the Company-owned location was sold or transferred, the store was subleased to the franchisee who is responsible for the monthly rent and other obligations under the lease.

 

The Company also leases trucking equipment and warehouse space in support of its manufacturing operations. Expense associated with trucking and warehouse leases is included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income.

 

ASU 2016-02 allows, as a practical expedient, the retention of the classification of existing leases as operating or financing. All of the Company’s leases are classified as operating leases and that classification has been retained upon adoption. The Company does not believe the utilization of this practical expedient has a material impact on lease classifications.

 

The Company accounts for payments related to lease liabilities on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As of MayLease expense recognized for the six months ended August 31, 2019 and 2018 lease expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income was $238,666$478,707 and $265,426,$522,181, respectively.

 

The amount of the Right‘Right of Use AssetAsset’ and Lease Liability‘Lease Liability’ recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 was $3.3 million. The lease liability reflects the present value of the Company’s estimated future minimum lease payments over the life of its leases. This includes known escalations and renewal option periods reasonably assured of being exercised. Typically, renewal options are considered reasonably assured of being exercised if the sales performance of the location remains strong. Therefore, the Right‘Right of Use AssetAsset’ and Lease Liability‘Lease Liability’ include an assumption on renewal options that have not yet been exercised by the Company, and are not currently a future obligation. The Company has separated non-lease components from lease components in the recognition of the Asset‘Right of Use Asset’ and Liability‘Lease Liability’ except in instances where such costs were not practical to separate. To the extent that occupancy costs, such as site maintenance, are included in the Asset‘Right of Use Asset’ and ‘Lease Liability, the impact is immaterial. For franchised locations, the related occupancy costs including property taxes, insurance and site maintenance are generally required to be paid by the franchisees as part of the franchise arrangement. In addition, the Company is the lessee under non-store related leases such as storage facilities and trucking equipment. For leases where the implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate to calculate the lease liability that represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur to borrow on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease. The weighted average discount rate used for operating leases was 3.4% as of MayAugust 31, 2019. The total estimated future minimum lease payments is $3.6$3.4 million.

 

13

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities for ourthe Company’s operating leases were as follows:

 

FYE 20

 $663,738 

FYE 21

  819,005 

FYE 22

  694,755 

FYE 23

  437,445 

FYE 24

  315,962 

Thereafter

  717,040 

Total

 $3,647,945 
     

Less: imputed interest

  (367,437)

Present value of lease liabilities:

 $3,280,508 
     

Weighted average lease term (in years)

  6.8 

FY 20

 $416,147 

FY 21

  819,004 

FY 22

  694,755 

FY 23

  437,446 

FY 24

  315,963 

Thereafter

  717,039 

Total

 $3,400,354 
     

Less: imputed interest

  (333,528)

Present value of lease liabilities:

 $3,066,826 
     

Weighted average lease term (years)

  7.0 

 

During the three months ended August 31, 2019 the Company entered into a lease amendment to extend the term of a lease for a Company-owned location. This lease amendment resulted in the Company recognizing a present value of future lease liability of $476,611 based upon a total lease liability of $532,811.

 

NOTE 12 – REVENUE–REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS.CUSTOMERS

 

Effective March 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606. ASC 606 provides that revenues are to be recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received for those goods or services. This new standard does not impact the Company's recognition of revenue from sales of confectionary items to itsthe Company’s franchisees and others, or in its Company-owned stores as those sales are recognized at the time of the underlying sale and are presented net of sales taxes and discounts. The standard also does not change the recognition of royalties and marketing fees from franchised or licensed locations, which are based on a percent of sales and recognized at the time the sales occur. The standard does change the timing in which the Company recognizes initial fees from franchisees and licensees for new franchise locations and renewals that affect the term of the franchise agreement.

 

Initial Franchise Fees, License Fees, Transfer Fees and Renewal Fees

 

The Company's policy for recognizing initial franchise and renewal fees through February 28, 2018 was to recognize initial franchise fees upon new store openings and renewals that impact the term of the franchise agreement upon renewal. In accordance with the new guidance, the initial franchise services are not distinct from the continuing rights or services offered during the term of the franchise agreement, and will be treated as a single performance obligation. Beginning March 1, 2018, initial franchise fees are being recognized as the Company satisfies the performance obligation over the term of the franchise agreement, which is generally 10-15 years.

 

At August 31, 2019, annual revenue expected to be recognized in the future, related to performance obligations that are not yet fully satisfied, are estimated to be the following:

FY 20

 $117,608 

FY 21

  188,664 

FY 22

  175,465 

FY 23

  162,496 

FY 24

  131,911 

Thereafter

  439,785 

Total

 $1,215,929 

Gift Cards

 

The Company’s franchisees sell gift cards, which do not have either expiration dates or non-usage fees. The proceeds from the sale of gift cards by the franchisees are accumulated by the Company and paid out to the franchisees upon customer redemption. The Company has historically accumulated gift card liabilities and has not recognized breakage associated with the gift card liability. The adoption of ASC 606 requires the use of the “proportionate” method for recognizing breakage, which the Company has not historically utilized. Upon adoption of ASC 606 the Company began recognizing breakage from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer or the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote (“gift card breakage”). The determination of the gift card breakage rate is based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns.

On May 31, 2019, annual revenue expected to be recognized in the future, related to performance obligations that are not yet fully satisfied, are estimated to be the following:

FYE 20

 $186,880 

FYE 21

  199,216 

FYE 22

  186,117 

FYE 23

  171,982 

FYE 24

  133,064 

Thereafter

  381,932 

Total

 $1,259,191 

 

14

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 13 – DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUE

 

The following table presents disaggregated revenue by method of recognition and segment:

 

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606:

Three Months Ended May 31, 2019                    
                     
Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606:                    
  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 
                     

Franchise fees

 $80,019  $-  $-  $26,261  $106,280 
  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 
                     

Franchise fees

 $65,327  $-  $-  $16,602  $81,929 

Revenues recognized at a point in time:

  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 

Factory sales

  -   4,482,373   -   -   4,482,373 

Retail sales

  -   -   265,662   636,005   901,667 

Royalty and marketing fees

  1,449,157   -   -   470,144   1,919,301 

Total

 $1,514,484  $4,482,373  $265,662  $1,122,751  $7,385,270 

Three Months Ended August 31, 2018

Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606:

  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 
                     

Franchise fees

 $36,005  $-  $-  $71,533  $107,538 

 

Revenues recognized at a point in time:                    
  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 

Factory sales

  -   5,606,020   -   -   5,606,020 

Retail sales

  -   -   232,419   622,172   854,591 

Royalty and marketing fees

  1,347,736   -   -   511,372   1,859,108 

Total

 $1,427,755  $5,606,020  $232,419  $1,159,805  $8,425,999 

Three Months Ended May 31, 2018                    
                     
Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606:                    
                     
  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 
Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606:                    

Franchise fees

 $74,516  $-  $-  $18,619  $93,135 

Revenues recognized at a point in time:                             
 

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 

Factory sales

  -   5,559,225   -   -   5,559,225   -   4,782,070   -   -   4,782,070 

Retail sales

  -   -   361,435   661,389   1,022,824   -   -   298,359   655,890   954,249 

Royalty and marketing fees

  1,237,655   -   -   453,246   1,690,901   1,432,749   -   -   523,482   1,956,231 

Total

 $1,312,171  $5,559,225  $361,435  $1,133,254  $8,366,085  $1,468,754  $4,782,070  $298,359  $1,250,905  $7,800,088 

 

15

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019

Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606:

  
  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 
                     

Franchise fees

 $145,346  $-  $-  $42,863  $188,209 

Revenues recognized at a point in time:

         
  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 

Factory sales

  -   10,088,393   -   -   10,088,393 

Retail sales

  -   -   498,081   1,258,177   1,756,258 

Royalty and marketing fees

  2,796,893   -   -   981,516   3,778,409 

Total

 $2,942,239  $10,088,393  $498,081  $2,282,556  $15,811,269 

Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Revenues recognized over time under ASC 606:

  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 
                     

Franchise fees

 $110,521  $-  $-  $90,152  $200,673 

Revenues recognized at a point in time:

         
  

Franchising

  

Manufacturing

  

Retail

  

U-Swirl

  

Total

 

Factory sales

  -   10,341,296   -   -   10,341,296 

Retail sales

  -   -   659,794   1,317,278   1,977,072 

Royalty and marketing fees

  2,670,403   -   -   976,729   3,647,132 

Total

 $2,780,924  $10,341,296  $659,794  $2,384,159  $16,166,173 

16

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM (UNAUDITED) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14 – LOSS CONTINGENCY

In June 2019, the Company’s largest customer, FTD Companies, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries (“FTD”), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. As a part of such bankruptcy proceedings, divisions of FTD’s business and certain related assets, including the divisions that the Company has historically sold product to, were sold through an auction to multiple buyers.

The Company has historically conducted business with FTD under a Gourmet Foods Supplier Agreement (the “Supplier Agreement”), that among other provisions, provided assurance that custom inventory purchased by the Company and developed specifically for FTD would be purchased by FTD upon termination of the Supplier Agreement. On September 23, 2019, the Company received notice that the bankruptcy court had approved FTD to reject and not enforce the Supplier Agreement as part of the proceedings.

As a result of FTD’s bankruptcy, the sale of certain assets, and the court’s approval to reject and not enforce the terms of the Supplier Agreement, the Company is uncertain if accounts receivable and inventory balances associated with FTD at August 31, 2019 will be realized at their full value, or if any revenue will be received from FTD in the future. A potential loss associated with these balances is not probable and/or is not able to be estimated as of the date of these consolidated financial statements.

As of August 31, 2019, balances associated with FTD consist of the following:

  

August 31, 2019

 

Ingredients and supplies

 $382,656 

Finished candy

  76,688 

Accounts receivable

  73,232 
     

Total potential loss, contingent upon the bankruptcy proceedings

 $532,576 

FTD represented approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. FTD represented approximately $3.1 million or 9% of our total revenues during the year ended February 28, 2019 compared to revenue of approximately $5.1 million or 13% of our total revenues during the year ended February 28, 2018.  Our future results may be adversely impacted by decreases in the purchases of this customer or the loss of this customer entirely.

17

Table of Contents
 

Item 2.

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

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”) includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute “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 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. The nature of our operations and the environment in which we operate subject us to changing economic, competitive, regulatory and technological conditions, risks and uncertainties. The statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this document may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will," "intend," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "plan," "estimate," "potential," or similar expressions. Factors which could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to: the outcome of our ongoing evaluation of strategic alternatives, including, but not limited to, the time table for identifying potential transactions or transaction candidates and whether any transaction will be completed, relationships and changes in our customers,changes in the confectionery business environment, seasonality, consumer interest in our products, general economic conditions, the success of our frozen yogurt business, receptiveness of our products internationally, consumer and retail trends, costs and availability of raw materials, competition, the success of our co-branding strategy, the success of international expansion efforts and the effect of government regulations. Government regulations which we and our franchisees and licensees either are or may be subject to and which could cause results to differ from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: local, state and federal laws regarding health, sanitation, safety, building and fire codes, franchising, licensing, employment, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of food products and motor carriers. For a detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained herein, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. As such they should not be unduly relied upon for more current circumstances. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Unless otherwise specified, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries(including its operating subsidiary with the same name, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“RMCF”)).

 

Overview

 

We are an international franchisor, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator. Founded in 1981, we are headquartered in Durango, Colorado and manufacture an extensive line of premium chocolate candies and other confectionery products. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, U-Swirl International, Inc. (“U-Swirl”), franchises and operates soft-serve frozen yogurt cafés. Our revenues and profitability are derived principally from our franchised/license system of retail stores that feature chocolate, frozen yogurt and other confectionary products. We also sell our candy in select locations outside of our system of retail stores and license the use of our brand with certain consumer products. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, there were two Company-owned, 9395 licensee-owned and 244242 franchised Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores operating in 37 states, Canada, South Korea, the republic of Panama, and the Philippines. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, U-Swirl operated four Company-owned cafés and 9692 franchised cafés located in 24 states and Qatar. U-Swirl operates self-serve frozen yogurt cafés under the names “U-Swirl,” “Yogurtini,” “CherryBerry,” “Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt,” “Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt,” “Let’s Yo!” and “Aspen Leaf Yogurt”.

 

Bankruptcy of FTD Companies

In June 2019, the Company’s largest customer, FTD Companies, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries (“FTD”), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. As a part of such bankruptcy proceedings, divisions of FTD’s business and certain related assets, including the divisions that the Company has historically sold product to, were sold through the auction to multiple buyers. The Company is uncertain if accounts receivable and inventory balances associated with FTD at August 31, 2019 will be realized at their full value, or if any revenue will be received from FTD in the future.

18

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended MayAugust 31, 2019 Compared to the Three Months Ended MayAugust 31, 2018

 

Results Summary

 

Basic earnings per share increased 20.0%15.4% from $0.10 per share for$0.13 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $0.12 for$0.15 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. Revenues increased 0.7%decreased (5.3)% from $8.37$7.8 million forin the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $8.43$7.4 million forin the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase in revenues was due primarily to an increase in royalty and marketing fees, franchise fees and factory sales, partially offset by a decrease in retail sales. Operating income increased 20.8%19.7% from $783,000 for$1.0 million in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $946,000 for$1.2 million in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. Net income increased 23.3%22.3% from $577,000 for$751,000 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $712,000 for$918,000 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses and an increase in revenue in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

16

Table of Contents

Revenues

 

Three Months Ended

          

Three Months Ended

         
 

May 31,

  $  

%

  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

(

 

Factory Sales

 

The increasedecrease in factory sales for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 2.0% increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores partially offset by a 2.1%32.4% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations and a 2.7% decrease in purchases by our network of franchised and licensed stores. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores.stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, decreased during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, werewith revenue from such customer decreasing to approximately $1.4 million,$103,000, or 16.3%1.4%, of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to $1.3 million,$144,000, or 15.2%1.8% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 for this same customer. If2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, purchases from this customer decrease our sales could decline, and there is no assurance that salesif so, whether such revenues will return to such customer will continue at historicalhistoric levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Retail Sales

 

RetailThe decrease in retail sales at Company-owned stores decreased for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 as a resultwas primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locationlocations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores and U-Swirl cafés increased 2.4%decreased 1.7% in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Royalty,Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

 

The increasedecrease in royaltyroyalties and marketing fees forfrom the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared2018 to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 20182019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure and an increase in same store sales at franchise stores and cafes, partially offset by a 5.0%6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 296291 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 282272 during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of the number of domestic store closures exceeding the number of domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.7%0.1% during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

The increasedecrease in franchise feesfee revenue for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was the result of an increasea decrease in revenue resulting from store closuresfewer franchise stores in operation and the terminationassociated recognition of any future contract liability associated withrevenue over the closure.term of the franchise agreement.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Sales

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $4,326.5  $4,270.8  $55.7   1.3%

Cost of sales - retail

  288.2   394.4   (106.2)  (26.9)%

Franchise costs

  483.0   493.3   (10.3)  (2.1)%

Sales and marketing

  556.7   588.3   (31.6)  (5.4)%

General and administrative

  1,144.7   972.6   172.1   17.7%

Retail operating

  448.9   562.5   (113.6)  (20.2)%

Total

 $7,248.0  $7,281.9  $(33.9)  (0.5)%

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $3,435.3  $3,575.4  $(140.1)  (3.9)%

Cost of sales - retail

  303.1   308.5   (5.4)  (1.8)%

Franchise costs

  441.6   582.8   (141.2)  (24.2)%

Sales and marketing

  434.8   565.2   (130.4)  (23.1)%

General and administrative

  830.5   813.4   17.1   2.1%

Retail operating

  469.3   498.9   (29.6)  (5.9)%

Total

 $5,914.6  $6,344.2  $(429.6)  (6.8)%

 

Gross Margin

 

 

Three Months Ended

          

Three Months Ended

         
 

May 31,

  $  

%

  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

(

 

 

Three Months Ended

          

Three Months Ended

         
 

May 31,

  

%

  

%

  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                                

Factory gross margin

  22.8%  23.2%  (0.4)%  (1.7)%  23.4%  25.2%  (1.9)%  (7.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total

  28.6%  29.1%  (0.5)%  (1.7)%  30.6%  32.3%  (1.7)%  (5.4)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

 

Three Months Ended

          

Three Months Ended

         
 

May 31,

  $  

%

  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

(

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

 

Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

 

SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

26

29

s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $5,606.0  $5,559.2  $46.8   0.8% $4,482.4  $4,782.1  $(299.7)  (6.3)%

Retail sales

  854.6   1,022.8   (168.2)  (16.4)%  901.7   954.3   (52.6)  (5.5)%

Franchise fees

  106.3   93.2   13.1   14.1%  81.9   107.5   (25.6)  (23.8)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  1,859.1   1,690.9   168.2   9.9%  1,919.3   1,956.2   (36.9)  (1.9)%

Total

 $8,426.0  $8,366.1  $59.9   0.7% $7,385.3  $7,800.1  $(414.8)  (5.3)%

 

Factory Sales

 

The increasedecrease in factory sales for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 2.0% increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores partially offset by a 2.1%32.4% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations and a 2.7% decrease in purchases by our network of franchised and licensed stores. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores.stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, decreased during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, werewith revenue from such customer decreasing to approximately $1.4 million,$103,000, or 16.3%1.4%, of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to $1.3 million,$144,000, or 15.2%1.8% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 for this same customer. If2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, purchases from this customer decrease our sales could decline, and there is no assurance that salesif so, whether such revenues will return to such customer will continue at historicalhistoric levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Retail Sales

 

RetailThe decrease in retail sales at Company-owned stores decreased for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 as a resultwas primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locationlocations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores and U-Swirl cafés increased 2.4%decreased 1.7% in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Royalty,Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

 

The increasedecrease in royaltyroyalties and marketing fees forfrom the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared2018 to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 20182019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure and an increase in same store sales at franchise stores and cafes, partially offset by a 5.0%6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 296291 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 282272 during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of the number of domestic store closures exceeding the number of domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.7%0.1% during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

The increasedecrease in franchise feesfee revenue for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was the result of an increasea decrease in revenue resulting from store closuresfewer franchise stores in operation and the terminationassociated recognition of any future contract liability associated withrevenue over the closure.term of the franchise agreement.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Sales

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $4,326.5  $4,270.8  $55.7   1.3%

Cost of sales - retail

  288.2   394.4   (106.2)  (26.9)%

Franchise costs

  483.0   493.3   (10.3)  (2.1)%

Sales and marketing

  556.7   588.3   (31.6)  (5.4)%

General and administrative

  1,144.7   972.6   172.1   17.7%

Retail operating

  448.9   562.5   (113.6)  (20.2)%

Total

 $7,248.0  $7,281.9  $(33.9)  (0.5)%

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $3,435.3  $3,575.4  $(140.1)  (3.9)%

Cost of sales - retail

  303.1   308.5   (5.4)  (1.8)%

Franchise costs

  441.6   582.8   (141.2)  (24.2)%

Sales and marketing

  434.8   565.2   (130.4)  (23.1)%

General and administrative

  830.5   813.4   17.1   2.1%

Retail operating

  469.3   498.9   (29.6)  (5.9)%

Total

 $5,914.6  $6,344.2  $(429.6)  (6.8)%

 

Gross Margin

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total

 $1,845.9  $1,916.8  $(70.9)  (3.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total

 $1,645.7  $1,852.5  $(206.8)  (11.2)%

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  22.8%  23.2%  (0.4)%  (1.7)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total

  28.6%  29.1%  (0.5)%  (1.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  23.4%  25.2%  (1.9)%  (7.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total

  30.6%  32.3%  (1.7)%  (5.4)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  145.7   136.5   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,425.2   1,424.9   0.3   0.0%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,991.6  $2,053.3  $(61.7)  (3.0)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  25.4%  25.6%  (0.2)%  (0.8)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  30.8%  31.2%  (0.4)%  (1.3)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  147.4   138.2   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,194.5   1,344.9   (150.4)  (11.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,793.1  $1,990.7  $(197.6)  (9.9)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.6%  28.1%  (1.5)%  (5.2)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  33.3%  34.7%  (1.4)%  (4.0)%

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

 

Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

 

SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

26

29

s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                                

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)% $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total

 $1,845.9  $1,916.8  $(70.9)  (3.7)% $1,645.7  $1,852.5  $(206.8)  (11.2)%

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  22.8%  23.2%  (0.4)%  (1.7)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total

  28.6%  29.1%  (0.5)%  (1.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  23.4%  25.2%  (1.9)%  (7.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total

  30.6%  32.3%  (1.7)%  (5.4)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  145.7   136.5   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,425.2   1,424.9   0.3   0.0%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,991.6  $2,053.3  $(61.7)  (3.0)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  25.4%  25.6%  (0.2)%  (0.8)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  30.8%  31.2%  (0.4)%  (1.3)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  147.4   138.2   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,194.5   1,344.9   (150.4)  (11.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,793.1  $1,990.7  $(197.6)  (9.9)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.6%  28.1%  (1.5)%  (5.2)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  33.3%  34.7%  (1.4)%  (4.0)%

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

 

Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

 

SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

26

29

s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $5,606.0  $5,559.2  $46.8   0.8% $4,482.4  $4,782.1  $(299.7)  (6.3)%

Retail sales

  854.6   1,022.8   (168.2)  (16.4)%  901.7   954.3   (52.6)  (5.5)%

Franchise fees

  106.3   93.2   13.1   14.1%  81.9   107.5   (25.6)  (23.8)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  1,859.1   1,690.9   168.2   9.9%  1,919.3   1,956.2   (36.9)  (1.9)%

Total

 $8,426.0  $8,366.1  $59.9   0.7% $7,385.3  $7,800.1  $(414.8)  (5.3)%

 

Factory Sales

 

The increasedecrease in factory sales for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 2.0% increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores partially offset by a 2.1%32.4% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations and a 2.7% decrease in purchases by our network of franchised and licensed stores. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores.stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, decreased during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, werewith revenue from such customer decreasing to approximately $1.4 million,$103,000, or 16.3%1.4%, of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to $1.3 million,$144,000, or 15.2%1.8% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 for this same customer. If2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, purchases from this customer decrease our sales could decline, and there is no assurance that salesif so, whether such revenues will return to such customer will continue at historicalhistoric levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Retail Sales

 

RetailThe decrease in retail sales at Company-owned stores decreased for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 as a resultwas primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locationlocations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores and U-Swirl cafés increased 2.4%decreased 1.7% in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Royalty,Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

 

The increasedecrease in royaltyroyalties and marketing fees forfrom the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared2018 to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 20182019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure and an increase in same store sales at franchise stores and cafes, partially offset by a 5.0%6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 296291 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 282272 during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of the number of domestic store closures exceeding the number of domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.7%0.1% during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

The increasedecrease in franchise feesfee revenue for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was the result of an increasea decrease in revenue resulting from store closuresfewer franchise stores in operation and the terminationassociated recognition of any future contract liability associated withrevenue over the closure.term of the franchise agreement.

 

19

Table of Contents

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Sales

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $4,326.5  $4,270.8  $55.7   1.3%

Cost of sales - retail

  288.2   394.4   (106.2)  (26.9)%

Franchise costs

  483.0   493.3   (10.3)  (2.1)%

Sales and marketing

  556.7   588.3   (31.6)  (5.4)%

General and administrative

  1,144.7   972.6   172.1   17.7%

Retail operating

  448.9   562.5   (113.6)  (20.2)%

Total

 $7,248.0  $7,281.9  $(33.9)  (0.5)%

17

Table of Contents
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $3,435.3  $3,575.4  $(140.1)  (3.9)%

Cost of sales - retail

  303.1   308.5   (5.4)  (1.8)%

Franchise costs

  441.6   582.8   (141.2)  (24.2)%

Sales and marketing

  434.8   565.2   (130.4)  (23.1)%

General and administrative

  830.5   813.4   17.1   2.1%

Retail operating

  469.3   498.9   (29.6)  (5.9)%

Total

 $5,914.6  $6,344.2  $(429.6)  (6.8)%

 

Gross Margin

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total

 $1,845.9  $1,916.8  $(70.9)  (3.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total

 $1,645.7  $1,852.5  $(206.8)  (11.2)%

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  22.8%  23.2%  (0.4)%  (1.7)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total

  28.6%  29.1%  (0.5)%  (1.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  23.4%  25.2%  (1.9)%  (7.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total

  30.6%  32.3%  (1.7)%  (5.4)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  145.7   136.5   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,425.2   1,424.9   0.3   0.0%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,991.6  $2,053.3  $(61.7)  (3.0)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  25.4%  25.6%  (0.2)%  (0.8)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  30.8%  31.2%  (0.4)%  (1.3)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  147.4   138.2   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,194.5   1,344.9   (150.4)  (11.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,793.1  $1,990.7  $(197.6)  (9.9)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.6%  28.1%  (1.5)%  (5.2)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  33.3%  34.7%  (1.4)%  (4.0)%

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

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Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

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Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

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The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

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Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

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Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

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Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

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Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

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Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

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Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

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Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

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SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

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29

s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

                                  

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)% $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  145.7   136.5   9.2   6.7%  147.4   138.2   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,425.2   1,424.9   0.3   0.0%  1,194.5   1,344.9   (150.4)  (11.2)%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,991.6  $2,053.3  $(61.7)  (3.0)% $1,793.1  $1,990.7  $(197.6)  (9.9)%                                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  25.4%  25.6%  (0.2)%  (0.8)%  26.6%  28.1%  (1.5)%  (5.2)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  30.8%  31.2%  (0.4)%  (1.3)%  33.3%  34.7%  (1.4)%  (4.0)%

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

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Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

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Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

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The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

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Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

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Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

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Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

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Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

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Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

23

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Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

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Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

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SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

26

29

s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $5,606.0  $5,559.2  $46.8   0.8% $4,482.4  $4,782.1  $(299.7)  (6.3)%

Retail sales

  854.6   1,022.8   (168.2)  (16.4)%  901.7   954.3   (52.6)  (5.5)%

Franchise fees

  106.3   93.2   13.1   14.1%  81.9   107.5   (25.6)  (23.8)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  1,859.1   1,690.9   168.2   9.9%  1,919.3   1,956.2   (36.9)  (1.9)%

Total

 $8,426.0  $8,366.1  $59.9   0.7% $7,385.3  $7,800.1  $(414.8)  (5.3)%

 

Factory Sales

 

The increasedecrease in factory sales for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 2.0% increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores partially offset by a 2.1%32.4% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations and a 2.7% decrease in purchases by our network of franchised and licensed stores. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores.stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, decreased during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, werewith revenue from such customer decreasing to approximately $1.4 million,$103,000, or 16.3%1.4%, of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to $1.3 million,$144,000, or 15.2%1.8% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 for this same customer. If2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, purchases from this customer decrease our sales could decline, and there is no assurance that salesif so, whether such revenues will return to such customer will continue at historicalhistoric levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Retail Sales

 

RetailThe decrease in retail sales at Company-owned stores decreased for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 as a resultwas primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locationlocations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores and U-Swirl cafés increased 2.4%decreased 1.7% in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Royalty,Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

 

The increasedecrease in royaltyroyalties and marketing fees forfrom the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared2018 to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 20182019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure and an increase in same store sales at franchise stores and cafes, partially offset by a 5.0%6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 296291 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 282272 during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of the number of domestic store closures exceeding the number of domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.7%0.1% during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

The increasedecrease in franchise feesfee revenue for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was the result of an increasea decrease in revenue resulting from store closuresfewer franchise stores in operation and the terminationassociated recognition of any future contract liability associated withrevenue over the closure.term of the franchise agreement.

 

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Table of Contents

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Sales

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $4,326.5  $4,270.8  $55.7   1.3%

Cost of sales - retail

  288.2   394.4   (106.2)  (26.9)%

Franchise costs

  483.0   493.3   (10.3)  (2.1)%

Sales and marketing

  556.7   588.3   (31.6)  (5.4)%

General and administrative

  1,144.7   972.6   172.1   17.7%

Retail operating

  448.9   562.5   (113.6)  (20.2)%

Total

 $7,248.0  $7,281.9  $(33.9)  (0.5)%

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Table of Contents
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $3,435.3  $3,575.4  $(140.1)  (3.9)%

Cost of sales - retail

  303.1   308.5   (5.4)  (1.8)%

Franchise costs

  441.6   582.8   (141.2)  (24.2)%

Sales and marketing

  434.8   565.2   (130.4)  (23.1)%

General and administrative

  830.5   813.4   17.1   2.1%

Retail operating

  469.3   498.9   (29.6)  (5.9)%

Total

 $5,914.6  $6,344.2  $(429.6)  (6.8)%

 

Gross Margin

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total

 $1,845.9  $1,916.8  $(70.9)  (3.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total

 $1,645.7  $1,852.5  $(206.8)  (11.2)%

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  22.8%  23.2%  (0.4)%  (1.7)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total

  28.6%  29.1%  (0.5)%  (1.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  23.4%  25.2%  (1.9)%  (7.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total

  30.6%  32.3%  (1.7)%  (5.4)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  145.7   136.5   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,425.2   1,424.9   0.3   0.0%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,991.6  $2,053.3  $(61.7)  (3.0)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  25.4%  25.6%  (0.2)%  (0.8)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  30.8%  31.2%  (0.4)%  (1.3)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  147.4   138.2   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,194.5   1,344.9   (150.4)  (11.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,793.1  $1,990.7  $(197.6)  (9.9)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.6%  28.1%  (1.5)%  (5.2)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  33.3%  34.7%  (1.4)%  (4.0)%

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

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Table of Contents

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

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Table of Contents

Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

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Table of Contents

The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

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Table of Contents

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

18

Table of Contents

 

Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

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Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

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Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

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Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

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Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

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Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

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SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

26

29

s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

                                  

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)% $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total

 $1,845.9  $1,916.8  $(70.9)  (3.7)% $1,645.7  $1,852.5  $(206.8)  (11.2)%

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  22.8%  23.2%  (0.4)%  (1.7)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total

  28.6%  29.1%  (0.5)%  (1.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  23.4%  25.2%  (1.9)%  (7.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total

  30.6%  32.3%  (1.7)%  (5.4)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  145.7   136.5   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,425.2   1,424.9   0.3   0.0%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,991.6  $2,053.3  $(61.7)  (3.0)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  25.4%  25.6%  (0.2)%  (0.8)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  30.8%  31.2%  (0.4)%  (1.3)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  147.4   138.2   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,194.5   1,344.9   (150.4)  (11.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,793.1  $1,990.7  $(197.6)  (9.9)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.6%  28.1%  (1.5)%  (5.2)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  33.3%  34.7%  (1.4)%  (4.0)%

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

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Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

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Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

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Table of Contents

The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

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Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

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Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

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Table of Contents

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

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Table of Contents

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

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Table of Contents

 

Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

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Table of Contents

 

Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

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Table of Contents

 

SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

26

29

s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $5,606.0  $5,559.2  $46.8   0.8% $4,482.4  $4,782.1  $(299.7)  (6.3)%

Retail sales

  854.6   1,022.8   (168.2)  (16.4)%  901.7   954.3   (52.6)  (5.5)%

Franchise fees

  106.3   93.2   13.1   14.1%  81.9   107.5   (25.6)  (23.8)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  1,859.1   1,690.9   168.2   9.9%  1,919.3   1,956.2   (36.9)  (1.9)%

Total

 $8,426.0  $8,366.1  $59.9   0.7% $7,385.3  $7,800.1  $(414.8)  (5.3)%

 

Factory Sales

 

The increasedecrease in factory sales for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 2.0% increase in sales of product to our network of franchised and licensed retail stores partially offset by a 2.1%32.4% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations and a 2.7% decrease in purchases by our network of franchised and licensed stores. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores.stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, decreased during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, werewith revenue from such customer decreasing to approximately $1.4 million,$103,000, or 16.3%1.4%, of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to $1.3 million,$144,000, or 15.2%1.8% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 for this same customer. If2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, purchases from this customer decrease our sales could decline, and there is no assurance that salesif so, whether such revenues will return to such customer will continue at historicalhistoric levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

 

Retail Sales

 

RetailThe decrease in retail sales at Company-owned stores decreased for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 as a resultwas primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locationlocations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores and U-Swirl cafés increased 2.4%decreased 1.7% in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Royalty,Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

 

The increasedecrease in royaltyroyalties and marketing fees forfrom the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared2018 to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 20182019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure and an increase in same store sales at franchise stores and cafes, partially offset by a 5.0%6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 296291 in the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 282272 during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of the number of domestic store closures exceeding the number of domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.7%0.1% during the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

The increasedecrease in franchise feesfee revenue for the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was the result of an increasea decrease in revenue resulting from store closuresfewer franchise stores in operation and the terminationassociated recognition of any future contract liability associated withrevenue over the closure.term of the franchise agreement.

 

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Table of Contents

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Sales

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $4,326.5  $4,270.8  $55.7   1.3%

Cost of sales - retail

  288.2   394.4   (106.2)  (26.9)%

Franchise costs

  483.0   493.3   (10.3)  (2.1)%

Sales and marketing

  556.7   588.3   (31.6)  (5.4)%

General and administrative

  1,144.7   972.6   172.1   17.7%

Retail operating

  448.9   562.5   (113.6)  (20.2)%

Total

 $7,248.0  $7,281.9  $(33.9)  (0.5)%

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Table of Contents
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $3,435.3  $3,575.4  $(140.1)  (3.9)%

Cost of sales - retail

  303.1   308.5   (5.4)  (1.8)%

Franchise costs

  441.6   582.8   (141.2)  (24.2)%

Sales and marketing

  434.8   565.2   (130.4)  (23.1)%

General and administrative

  830.5   813.4   17.1   2.1%

Retail operating

  469.3   498.9   (29.6)  (5.9)%

Total

 $5,914.6  $6,344.2  $(429.6)  (6.8)%

 

Gross Margin

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total

 $1,845.9  $1,916.8  $(70.9)  (3.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total

 $1,645.7  $1,852.5  $(206.8)  (11.2)%

 

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  22.8%  23.2%  (0.4)%  (1.7)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total

  28.6%  29.1%  (0.5)%  (1.7)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

(Percent)

                

Factory gross margin

  23.4%  25.2%  (1.9)%  (7.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total

  30.6%  32.3%  (1.7)%  (5.4)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Three Months Ended

         
  

May 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,279.5  $1,288.4  $(8.9)  (0.7)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  145.7   136.5   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,425.2   1,424.9   0.3   0.0%

Retail gross margin

  566.4   628.4   (62.0)  (9.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,991.6  $2,053.3  $(61.7)  (3.0)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  25.4%  25.6%  (0.2)%  (0.8)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  61.4%  4.9%  8.0%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  30.8%  31.2%  (0.4)%  (1.3)%
  

Three Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $1,047.1  $1,206.7  $(159.6)  (13.2)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  147.4   138.2   9.2   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  1,194.5   1,344.9   (150.4)  (11.2)%

Retail gross margin

  598.6   645.8   (47.2)  (7.3)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $1,793.1  $1,990.7  $(197.6)  (9.9)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.6%  28.1%  (1.5)%  (5.2)%

Retail gross margin

  66.4%  67.7%  (1.3)%  (1.9)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  33.3%  34.7%  (1.4)%  (4.0)%

 

Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider themit in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

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Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Factory margins decreased 190 basis points in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 because of a charge associated with costs of excess capacity. Excess capacity was the result of a 14.8% decrease in production for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. The decrease in Company-owned store margin is due primarily to a change in units in operation during the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the prior year.

Franchise Costs

The decrease in franchise costs in the three months ended August 31, 2019 versus the three months ended August 31, 2018 is due primarily to a decrease in legal and professional expense in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 22.1% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 from 28.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2018. 

Sales and Marketing

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation and lower revenue associated with sales to customers outside of our network of franchised and licensed RMCF locations.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative costs for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 is primarily due to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $92,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 11.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to 10.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Operating Expenses

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018 was due primarily to changes in units in operation as a result of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 52.3% in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to 52.0% in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $225,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019, a decrease of 24.0% from $297,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a decrease in frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $138,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 to $147,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $119,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with company-owned store closures incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

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Other Income (Expense)

Net interest income was $3,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to net interest expense of $15,000 incurred in the three months ended August 31, 2018. This decrease in interest expense is due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances for the three months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended August 31, 2019 was 26.4%, compared to 26.8% for the three months ended August 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended August 31, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended August 31, 2018

Results Summary

Basic earnings per share increased 22.7% to $0.27 for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $0.22 for the six months ended August 31, 2018. Revenues decreased (2.2)% to $15.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $16.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018. Operating income increased 20.2% from $1.8 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $2.2 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. Net income increased 22.7% from $1.3 million in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to $1.6 million in the six months ended August 31, 2019. The increase in operating income and net income was due primarily to lower operating expenses in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Revenues

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 

Factory sales

 $10,088.4  $10,341.3  $(252.9)  (2.4)%

Retail sales

  1,756.3   1,977.1   (220.8)  (11.2)%

Franchise fees

  188.2   200.7   (12.5)  (6.2)%

Royalty and marketing fees

  3,778.4   3,647.1   131.3   3.6%

Total

 $15,811.3  $16,166.2  $(354.9)  (2.2)%

Factory Sales

The decrease in factory sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 versus the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to a 10.2% decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail locations. The decrease in shipments of product to customers outside our network of franchise and licensed retail stores was primarily the result of product rationalization and a decline in revenue associated with products no longer offered for sale. Purchases by the Company’s largest customer, FTD, were approximately $1.5 million, or 9.3%, of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared to $1.4 million, or 8.8% of the Company’s revenues during the six months ended August 31, 2018. As discussed above, FTD declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2019. Until the bankruptcy proceedings are complete, it is unclear whether the Company will realize any revenue from FTD in the future, and if so, whether such revenues will return to historic levels.

Same store pounds purchased by domestic Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and license locations decreased 5.3% in the six months ended August 31, 2019, compared with the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Retail Sales

The decrease in retail sales for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was primarily due to fewer Company-owned units in operation because of the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned locations during the prior fiscal year. Same store sales at all Company-owned stores and cafés increased 0.2% in the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

Royalties, Marketing Fees and Franchise Fees

The increase in royalties and marketing fees from the six months ended August 31, 2018 to the six months ended August 31, 2019 was primarily due to an increase in royalty revenue associated with the Company’s purchase-based royalty structure, partially offset by a 6.5% decrease in domestic franchise units in operation. The average number of total domestic franchise stores in operation decreased from 293 in the six months ended August 31, 2018 to 274 during the six months ended August 31, 2019. This decrease is the result of domestic store closures exceeding domestic store openings. Same store sales at total franchise stores and cafés in operation increased 0.5% during the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018.

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The decrease in franchise fee revenue for the six months ended August 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended August 31, 2018 was the result of a decrease in revenue resulting from fewer franchise stores in operation and the associated recognition of revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Sales

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Cost of sales - factory

 $7,761.8  $7,846.1  $(84.3)  (1.1)%

Cost of sales - retail

  591.3   703.0   (111.7)  (15.9)%

Franchise costs

  924.7   1,076.0   (151.3)  (14.1)%

Sales and marketing

  991.4   1,153.5   (162.1)  (14.1)%

General and administrative

  1,975.2   1,727.8   247.4   14.3%

Retail operating

  918.2   1,061.3   (143.1)  (13.5)%

Total

 $13,162.6  $13,567.7  $(405.1)  (3.0)%

Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total

 $3,491.6  $3,769.3  $(277.7)  (7.4)%

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  

%

  

%

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

  23.1%  24.1%  (1.1)%  (4.4)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total

  29.5%  30.6%  (1.1)%  (3.7)%

Adjusted Gross Margin

  

Six Months Ended

         
  

August 31,

  $  

%

 

($'s in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

Change

  

Change

 
                 

Factory gross margin

 $2,326.6  $2,495.2  $(168.6)  (6.8)%

Plus: depreciation and amortization

  293.1   274.7   18.4   6.7%

Factory adjusted gross margin

  2,619.7   2,769.9   (150.2)  (5.4)%

Retail gross margin

  1,165.0   1,274.1   (109.1)  (8.6)%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

 $3,784.7  $4,044.0  $(259.3)  (6.4)%
                 

Factory adjusted gross margin

  26.0%  26.8%  (0.8)%  (3.1)%

Retail gross margin

  66.3%  64.4%  1.9%  2.9%

Total Adjusted Gross Margin

  32.0%  32.8%  (0.9)%  (2.7)%

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Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are non-GAAP measures. Adjusted gross margin is equal to the sum of our factory adjusted gross margin plus our retail gross margin calculated in accordance with GAAP. Factory adjusted gross margin is equal to factory gross margin plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin, factory gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP. We believe that adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin are useful to investors because they provide a measure of operating performance and our ability to generate cash that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Additionally, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin rather than gross margin and factory gross margin to make incremental pricing decisions. Adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude the impact of depreciation and amortization expense and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for any measure reported under GAAP. Our use of capital assets makes depreciation and amortization expense a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate income. Due to these limitations, we use adjusted gross margin and factory adjusted gross margin as measures of performance only in conjunction with GAAP measures of performance such as gross margin and factory gross margin.

 

Cost of Salesand Gross Margin

 

Factory gross margins decreased 40110 basis points in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 due primarily tobecause of a decrease in manufacturing efficiencies, primarilycharge associated with costs of excess capacity partially offset by certain cost reductions. Excess capacity was the result of lowera 10.6% decrease in production volume infor the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. Retail gross margins increased 490 basis points in the three months ended May 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in retail gross margins was primarily the result of a reduction in inventory discounts prior to closing certainthe closure of underperforming Company-owned locations realized during the prior year period.fiscal year.

 

Franchise Costs

 

The decrease in franchise costs in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared toversus the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis due primarily to lowera decrease in legal and professional fees.expenses. As a percentage of total royalty and marketing fees and franchise fee revenue, franchise costs decreased to 24.6%23.3%  in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 from 27.6%28.0% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease as a percentage of royalty, marketing and franchise fees is primarily a result of higher royalty revenues.lower franchise costs.

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Sales and Marketing

 

The decrease in sales and marketing costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due to planned cost reductions as a result of fewer domestic franchise units in operation.

 

General and Administrative

 

The increase in general and administrative costs for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 wasis primarily due primarily to higher professional fees associated with the Company’s previously announced process to explore and review strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and position the Company for long-term success. During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, the Company incurred approximately $255,000$347,000 of costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives, compared with no comparable costs incurred in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.6%12.5% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 11.6%10.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018.

 

Retail Operating Expenses

 

The decrease in retail operating expenses for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 was due primarily to a decreasechanges in the number of units in operation, resulting from the saleas a result of certain Company-owned units and the closure of certain underperforming Company-owned units since May 31, 2017.units. Retail operating expenses, as a percentage of retail sales, decreased from 55.0%53.7% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to 52.5%52.3% in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily the result of the change in units in operation from the prior year.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales, was $232,000$457,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, a decrease of 22.9%23.5% from $301,000 incurred$598,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This decrease was the result of lower amortization of franchise rights, the result of a changedecrease in management’s estimates related to the future value of U-Swirl intangibles and the associated acceleration of amortization expense.frozen yogurt cafés in operation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a summary of annual amortization of intangible assets based upon existing intangible assets and current useful lives. Depreciation and amortization included in cost of sales increased 6.7% from $136,500$275,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 to $145,700$293,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019. This increase was the result of an increase in production assets in service.service primarily resulting from the replacement of obsolete equipment or equipment at the end of its operating life.

 

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Costs Associated with Company-Owned Store Closures

There was $177,000 in costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 and no costs associated with Company-owned store closures incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2019. The costs incurred during the six months ended August 31, 2018 were the result of charges related to closing certain underperforming Company-owned locations.

Other Income (Expense)

 

NetInterest income was approximately equal to interest expense was $2,200 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, compared to net interest expense of $18,000 realized$33,000 in the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018. This change was primarily the result of lessdecrease in interest expense incurred onis due to lower average outstanding promissory note balances.balances for the six months ended August 31, 2019.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective income tax rate for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and 2018 was 24.6%.25.6%, compared to 25.9% for the six months ended August 31, 2018. 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of MayAugust 31, 2019 and February 28, 2019, working capital was $8.9 million, compared to $9.5 million as of February 28, 2019, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and the inclusion of $851,000 of current lease liability in the current period with no current lease liability as of February 28, 2019.

 

Cash and cash equivalent balances increased $512,000 fromapproximately $400,000 to $5.8 million as of August 31, 2019 compared to $5.4 million as of February 28, 2019 to $5.9 million as of May 31, 2019, primarily as a result of cash flow generated by operating activities partially offsetexceeding cash flow used by thefinancing activities, including repayment of debt and payment of dividends and the purchases of property and equipment.dividends. Our current ratio was 2.62.9 to 1 at MayAugust 31, 2019 compared to 3.0 to 1 at February 28, 2019. We monitor current and anticipated future levels of cash and cash equivalents in relation to anticipated operating, financing and investing requirements.

 

During the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, we had net income of $1,629,697. Operating activities provided cash of $2,902,679, with the principal adjustment to reconcile the net income to net cash provided by operating activities being depreciation and amortization of $750,486 and the expense recorded for stock compensation of $386,670. During the comparable 2018 period, we had net income of $1,327,759, and operating activities provided cash of $1,828,109, primarily$1,388,429. The principal adjustment to reconcile the result ofnet income to net cash provided by operating results,activities was depreciation and amortization of $377,654, a decrease in inventories of $344,058$872,454 and expense related to stock-based compensation of $231,254. During the three months ended May 31, 2018, operating activities provided cash of $1,374,251, primarily the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $672,005 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesinventory of $587,483$1,579,686. 

 

ForDuring the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019, investing activities used cash of $254,836,$406,376, primarily due to the purchases of property, and equipment of $283,548.$480,984. In comparison, investing activities used cash of $101,740$200,537 during the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2018 primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of $130,572.$242,432.

 

Financing activities used cash of $1,061,726$2,127,121 for the threesix months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 and used cash of $1,042,608$2,087,641 during the three months ended May 31, 2018. This wasprior year period. The Company’s financing activities consist primarily due to dividend payments andof payments on long-term debt during the three months ended May 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2018.declared dividends.

 

We have a $5$5.0 million credit($5.0 million available as of August 31, 2019) working capital line of which $5 million was available (subject to certain borrowing base limitations) as of May 31, 2019, securedcredit collateralized by substantially all of our assets exceptwith the exception of our retail store assets. Additionally, the line of credit is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. At MayAs of August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants. The line of credit linewas renewed in September 2019 and is subject to renewal again in September 2019.2021. As of August 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under this line of credit.

 

Our outstanding long-term debt is comprised of a promissory note used to finance business acquisitions of SWRL of which $830,000 was outstanding(unpaid balance as of MayAugust 31, 2019.2019 of $480,000). The promissory note initially allowed us to borrow up to a maximum of $7.0 million to finance business acquisitions by SWRL and bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 3.75%. ThisThe promissory note matures inon January 15, 2020. Additionally, the promissory note is subject to various financial ratio and leverage covenants. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

On July 15, 2014, we publicly announced a plan to repurchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in private transactions, whenever deemed appropriate by management. On January 13, 2015, we announced a plan to purchase up to an additional $2,058,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan, and on May 21, 2015, we announced a further increase to the repurchase plan by authorizing the purchase of up to an additional $2,090,000 of our common stock under the repurchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended MayAugust 31, 2019 or 2018.2019. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, approximately $638,000 remains available under the repurchase plan for further stock repurchases.

 

We believe cash flows generated by operating activities and available financing will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. If necessary, we havethe Company has an available bank line of credit to help meet these requirements.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 31, 2019, except for the purchase obligations as described below, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.

 

Purchase obligations: As of MayAugust 31, 2019, we had purchase obligations of approximately $378,000.$714,000. These purchase obligations primarily consist of contractual obligations for future purchases of commodities for use in our manufacturing.

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Impact of Inflation

 

Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of ingredients and labor directly affect our operations. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease costs for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.

 

Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost to us of our fixed assets, and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

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Seasonality

 

We are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales, which cause fluctuations in quarterly results of operations. Historically, the strongest sales of our products have occurred during key holidays and the summer vacation season. In addition, quarterly results have been, and in the future are likely to be, affected by the timing of new store openings and sales of franchises. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of new store openings and sales of franchises, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved in other quarters or for a full fiscal year.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market Risk

 

We do not engage in commodity futures trading or hedging activities and do not enter into derivative financial instrumentsinstrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. We also do not engage in transactions in foreign currencies or in interest rate swap transactions that could expose us to market risk. However, we are exposed to some commodity price and interest rate risks.

 

We frequently enter into purchase contracts of between six to eighteen months for chocolate and certain nuts. These contracts permit us to purchase the specified commodity at a fixed price on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract. Because prices for these products may fluctuate, we may benefit if prices rise during the terms of these contracts, but we may be required to pay above-market prices if prices fall and it iswe are unable to renegotiate the terms of the contract. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, based on future contractual obligations for chocolate products,ingredients, we estimate that a 10% increase or decrease10.0% change in the prices of contracted ingredients would result in a $38,000$71,000 favorable or unfavorable price benefit or cost, respectively, resulting from our commodity purchase contracts.

 

We have a $5 million bank line of credit that bears interest at a variable rate. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, no amount was outstanding under the line of credit. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this line of credit.

 

We also entered into a $7.0 million promissory note with interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% annually that was used to finance the previous acquisitions by SWRL. As of MayAugust 31, 2019, $830,000$480,445 was outstanding under this promissory note. We do not believe that we are exposed to any material interest rate risk related to this promissory note.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that material information relating to us is made known to the officers who certify as to our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of MayAugust 31, 2019.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended MayAugust 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item1.Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019.

 

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Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.Applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

None.

 

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Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Par Valuepar value $0.001 Per Share,per share, of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

3.3

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2015).

 

 

10.1*

Revolving Line of Credit Note, dated September 30, 2019, between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

31.1*

Certification Filed Pursuant To Section 302 Ofof The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification Furnished Pursuant To Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

*XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

____________________________

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

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SignatureSignatures

 

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.

 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

Date: July 15,October 11, 2019

 

/s/ Bryan J. Merryman

  

Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and DirectorChairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

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