FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
x | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 24, 2006. |
o | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 for the transition period from _______________ to _______________. |
Commission File Number 0-3189
NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 11-3166443 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS employer identification number) |
1400 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York 11590
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)
(516) 338-8500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer o Non-accelerated Filer x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
At November 3, 2006, an aggregate of 5,903,783 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value of $.01, were outstanding.
NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Page | |||
Number | |||
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 3 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 24, 2006 and | |||
March 26, 2006 | 3 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Thirteen Weeks | |||
Ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005 | 4 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Twenty-six Weeks | |||
Ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005 | 5 | ||
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - | |||
Twenty-six weeks Ended September 24, 2006 | 6 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -Twenty-six Weeks | |||
Ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005 | 7 | ||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 8 | ||
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial | ||
Condition and Results of Operations | 17 | ||
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 24 | |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 25 | |
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 26 | |
Item 1A | Risk Factors | 26 | |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 26 | |
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 27 | |
Item 5. | Other Information | 27 | |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 28 | |
SIGNATURES | 29 |
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
September 24, 2006 | March 26, 2006 | ||||||
ASSETS | (Unaudited) | ||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,696 | $ | 3,009 | |||
Marketable securities | 21,440 | 16,882 | |||||
Notes and accounts receivable, net | 4,635 | 3,908 | |||||
Inventories | 628 | 817 | |||||
Assets held for sale | 50 | - | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 355 | 1,019 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,187 | 1,364 | |||||
Total current assets | 31,991 | 26,999 | |||||
Notes receivable, net | 60 | 137 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 4,406 | 4,568 | |||||
Goodwill | 95 | 95 | |||||
Intangible assets, net | 3,760 | 3,884 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,469 | 1,484 | |||||
Other assets, net | 247 | 256 | |||||
$ | 42,028 | $ | 37,423 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||||
Current maturities of capital lease obligation | $ | - | $ | 8 | |||
Accounts payable | 2,235 | 2,091 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 5,510 | 5,606 | |||||
Deferred franchise fees | 491 | 219 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 8,236 | 7,924 | |||||
Capital lease obligation, less current maturities | - | 31 | |||||
Other liabilities | 1,353 | 1,420 | |||||
Total liabilities | 9,589 | 9,375 | |||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note J) | |||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; | |||||||
7,762,633 and 7,600,399 shares issued; 5,871,533 and 5,709,299 | |||||||
shares outstanding at September 24, 2006 and March 26, 2006, respectively | 78 | 76 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 44,681 | 43,699 | |||||
Deferred compensation | (172 | ) | (208 | ) | |||
Accumulated deficit | (4,957 | ) | (8,197 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (33 | ) | (164 | ) | |||
39,597 | 35,206 | ||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,891,100 shares at September 24, 2006 and March 26, 2006 | (7,158 | ) | (7,158 | ) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity | 32,439 | 28,048 | |||||
$ | 42,028 | $ | 37,423 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
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Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | ||||||
REVENUES | |||||||
Sales | $ | 10,229 | $ | 8,780 | |||
Franchise fees and royalties | 1,756 | 1,738 | |||||
License royalties | 907 | 833 | |||||
Interest income | 150 | 114 | |||||
Other income | 82 | 188 | |||||
Total revenues | $ | 13,124 | 11,653 | ||||
COSTS AND EXPENSES | |||||||
Cost of sales | 6,904 | 6,156 | |||||
Restaurant operating expenses | 859 | 851 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 198 | 192 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 66 | 66 | |||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,476 | 2,121 | |||||
Interest expense | - | 9 | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 10,503 | 9,395 | |||||
Income from continuing operations before provision | |||||||
for income taxes | 2,621 | 2,258 | |||||
Provision for income taxes | 1,039 | 871 | |||||
Income from continuing operations | 1,582 | 1,387 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations, including gains on disposal of discontinued operations of $400 in 2006 and $2,819 in 2005, before income taxes. | 439 | 2,815 | |||||
Income tax expense | 177 | 1,094 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations | 262 | 1,721 | |||||
Net income | $ | 1,844 | $ | 3,108 | |||
PER SHARE INFORMATION | |||||||
Basic income per share: | |||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .27 | $ | .25 | |||
Income from discontinued operations | .05 | .31 | |||||
Net income | $ | .32 | $ | .56 | |||
Diluted income per share: | |||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .26 | $ | .21 | |||
Income from discontinued operations | .04 | .27 | |||||
Net income | $ | .30 | $ | .48 | |||
Weighted average shares used in computing income | |||||||
per share | |||||||
Basic | 5,773,000 | 5,566,000 | |||||
Diluted | 6,227,000 | 6,527,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
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Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | ||||||
REVENUES | |||||||
Sales | $ | 19,391 | $ | 17,002 | |||
Franchise fees and royalties | 3,433 | 3,486 | |||||
License royalties | 2,083 | 1,990 | |||||
Interest income | 282 | 196 | |||||
Other income | 179 | 361 | |||||
Total revenues | $ | 25,368 | 23,035 | ||||
COSTS AND EXPENSES | |||||||
Cost of sales | 13,523 | 12,451 | |||||
Restaurant operating expenses | 1,703 | 1,634 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 395 | 391 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 131 | 131 | |||||
General and administrative expenses | 4,690 | 4,226 | |||||
Interest expense | 1 | 20 | |||||
Other expense, net | 35 | - | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 20,478 | 18,853 | |||||
Income from continuing operations before provision | |||||||
for income taxes | 4,890 | 4,182 | |||||
Provision for income taxes | 1,912 | 1,604 | |||||
Income from continuing operations | 2,978 | 2,578 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations, including gains on disposal of discontinued operations of $400 in 2006 and $2,819 in 2005, before income taxes. | 439 | 2,778 | |||||
Income tax expense | 177 | 1,079 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations | 262 | 1,699 | |||||
Net income | $ | 3,240 | $ | 4,277 | |||
PER SHARE INFORMATION | |||||||
Basic income per share: | |||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .52 | $ | .46 | |||
Income from discontinued operations | .04 | .31 | |||||
Net income | $ | .56 | $ | .77 | |||
Diluted income per share: | |||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .48 | $ | .40 | |||
Income from discontinued operations | .04 | .26 | |||||
Net income | $ | .52 | $ | .66 | |||
Weighted average shares used in computing income | |||||||
per share | |||||||
Basic | 5,753,000 | 5,560,000 | |||||
Diluted | 6,266,000 | 6,501,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
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Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in | Deferred | Accumulated | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Treasury Stock, at Cost | Total Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Compensation | Deficit | Loss | Shares | Amount | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 26, 2006 | 7,600,399 | $ | 76 | $ | 43,699 | $ | (208 | ) | $ | (8,197 | ) | $ | (164 | ) | 1,891,100 | $ | (7,158 | ) | $ | 28,048 | ||||||||
Shares issued in connection with exercise of employee stock options | 162,234 | 2 | 134 | - | - | - | - | - | 136 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit on stock option exercises | - | - | 726 | - | - | - | - | - | 726 | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | - | - | 122 | - | - | - | - | - | 122 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred compensation relating to restricted stock | - | - | - | 36 | - | - | - | - | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of deferred income tax benefit of $87 | - | - | - | - | - | 131 | - | - | 131 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | - | 3,240 | - | - | - | 3, 240 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 24, 2006 | 7,762,633 | $ | 78 | $ | 44,681 | $ | (172 | ) | $ | (4,957 | ) | $ | (33 | ) | 1,891,100 | $ | (7,158 | ) | $ | 32,439 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
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Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 3,240 | $ | 4,277 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash | |||||||
provided by operating activities | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 395 | 391 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 131 | 131 | |||||
Amortization of bond premium | 127 | 105 | |||||
Amortization of deferred compensation | 36 | 36 | |||||
Share-based compensation expense | 122 | - | |||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 5 | 5 | |||||
Income tax benefit on stock option exercises | - | 45 | |||||
Gain on disposal of leasehold interest and fixed assets | (414 | ) | (2,869 | ) | |||
Deferred income taxes | 105 | 16 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Notes and accounts receivable | (673 | ) | (155 | ) | |||
Inventories | 189 | 47 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 664 | 489 | |||||
Other assets | 9 | (12 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 48 | 713 | |||||
Deferred franchise fees | 272 | (14 | ) | ||||
Other liabilities | (53 | ) | (74 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 4,203 | 3,131 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities | - | 1,188 | |||||
Purchase of available for sale securities | (4,467 | ) | (5,730 | ) | |||
Purchase of intellectual property | (7 | ) | - | ||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (283 | ) | (251 | ) | |||
Payments received on notes receivable | 18 | 295 | |||||
Proceeds from sale of leasehold interest and property plant and equipment | 400 | 3,521 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (4,339 | ) | (977 | ) | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
Principal repayments of note payable and capitalized lease obligation | (39 | ) | (87 | ) | |||
Income tax benefit on stock option exercises | 726 | - | |||||
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants | 136 | _238 | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 823 | 151 | |||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 687 | 2,305 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 3,009 | 2,935 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 3,696 | $ | 5,240 | |||
Cash paid during the period for: | |||||||
Interest | $ | 1 | $ | 20 | |||
Income taxes | $ | 925 | $ | 1,512 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
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NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 24, 2006
(Unaudited)
NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Nathan's Famous, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively “Nathan’s”, the “Company” or “we”) for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Management believes that the disclosures included in the accompanying interim financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading, but should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Nathan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2006.
A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is identified in Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies subsequent to March 26, 2006, except as disclosed in Note E.
NOTE B - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS - NOT YET ADOPTED
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” ("FIN 48,") which clarifies the accounting and disclosures for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FIN 48 also provides guidance on the de-recognition of uncertain tax positions, financial statement classification, accounting for interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods and adds new disclosure requirements. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are evaluating the impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In, September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, (“SFAS No. 157,”) to eliminate the diversity in practice that exists due to the different definitions of fair value. SFAS No. 157 retains the exchange price notion in earlier definitions of fair value, but clarifies that the exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. SFAS No. 157 states that the transaction is hypothetical at the measurement date, considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the asset or liability. As such, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price), as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability at the measurement date (an entry price).
SFAS No. 157 also stipulates that, as a market-based measurement, fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (a) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (b) the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). SFAS No. 157 expands disclosures about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities in interim and annual periods subsequent to initial recognition.
SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, although earlier application is encouraged. Additionally, prospective application of the provisions of SFAS No. 157 is required as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied, except when certain circumstances require retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108,”) which was issued to provide consistency between how registrants quantify financial statement misstatements.
Historically, there have been two widely used methods for quantifying the effects of financial statement misstatements. These methods are referred to as the “roll-over” and “iron curtain” methods. The roll-over method quantifies the amount by which the current year income statement is misstated. Exclusive reliance on an income statement approach can result in the accumulation of errors on the balance sheet that may not have been material to any individual income statement, but which may misstate one or more balance sheet accounts. The iron curtain method quantifies the error as the cumulative amount by which the current year balance sheet is misstated. Exclusive reliance on a balance sheet approach can result in disregarding the effects of errors in the current year income statement that results from the correction of an error existing in previously issued financial statements. We currently use the roll-over method for quantifying identified financial statement misstatements.
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SAB 108 established an approach that requires quantification of financial statement misstatements based on the effects of the misstatement on each of the company’s financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. This approach is commonly referred to as the “dual approach” because it requires quantification of errors under both the roll-over and iron curtain methods.
SAB 108 allows registrants to initially apply the dual approach either by (1) retroactively adjusting prior financial statements as if the dual approach had always been used or by (2) recording the cumulative effect of initially applying the dual approach as adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of our fiscal year with an offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. Use of this “cumulative effect” transition method requires detailed disclosure of the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected through the cumulative adjustment and how and when it arose.
We will initially apply SAB 108 using the cumulative effect transition method in connection with the preparation of our annual financial statements for the year ending March 25, 2007 and are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SAB 108 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
NOTE C - ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs--an amendment of ARB No.43” (“SFAS No.151”) which is the result of its efforts to converge U.S. accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards. SFAS No.151 requires idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) costs to be recognized as current-period charges. It also requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No.151 was effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In June 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“SFAS No.154”). Opinion 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principles be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS No. 154 was effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
See Note E for a discussion of the impact of SFAS 123R, "Share-based Payments".
NOTE D - INCOME PER SHARE
Basic income per common share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of stock options or warrants. Diluted income per common share gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares used in the computation of diluted income per common share result from the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, using the treasury stock method.
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The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the per share amounts for the thirteen and twenty- six week periods ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005, respectively.
Thirteen weeks
Income from Continuing Operations | Number of Shares | Income from Continuing Operations Per Share | |||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic EPS | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic calculation | $ | 1,582 | $ | 1,387 | 5,773 | 5,566 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.25 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive employee stock | |||||||||||||||||||
options and warrants | - | - | 454 | 961 | (0.01 | ) | (0.04 | ) | |||||||||||
Diluted EPS | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted calculation | $ | 1,582 | $ | 1,387 | 6,227 | 6,527 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.21 |
Twenty-six weeks
Income from | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from | Continuing Operations | ||||||||||||||||||
Continuing Operations | Number of Shares | Per Share | |||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic EPS | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic calculation | $ | 2,978 | $ | 2,578 | 5,753 | 5,560 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.46 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive employee stock | |||||||||||||||||||
options and warrants | - | - | 513 | 941 | (0.04 | ) | (0.06 | ) | |||||||||||
Diluted EPS | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted calculation | $ | 2,978 | $ | 2,578 | 6,266 | 6,501 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.40 |
Options and warrants to purchase 197,500 and 19,500 shares of common stock in the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise prices exceeded the average market price of common shares during the respective periods.
NOTE E - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
As of the beginning of fiscal 2007, we adopted SFAS 123R, “Share-based Payments”, (“SFAS No. 123R”) using the modified prospective method. SFAS 123R replaces SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”). SFAS 123R requires the cost of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values measured at the grant date, or the date of later modification, over the requisite service period. In addition, under the modified prospective approach, SFAS 123R requires unrecognized cost (based on the amounts previously disclosed in pro forma footnote disclosures) related to awards vesting after the date of initial adoption to be recognized by the Company in the financial statements over the remaining requisite service period. Therefore, the amount of compensation costs to be recognized over the requisite service period on a prospective basis after March 26, 2006 will include: (i) previously unrecognized compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, March 26, 2006 based on their fair values measured at the grant date, (ii) compensation cost of all share-based payments granted subsequent to March 26, 2006 based on their respective grant date fair value, and (iii) the incremental fair value of awards modified subsequent to March 26, 2006 measured as of the date of such modification.
When recording compensation cost for equity awards, SFAS 123R requires companies to estimate at the date of grant the number of equity awards granted that are expected to be forfeited and to subsequently adjust the estimated forfeitures to reflect actual forfeitures.
For tax purposes, Nathan’s expects to be entitled to a tax deduction, subject to certain limitations, based on the fair value of the underlying equity award when the stock options vest or are exercised. SFAS 123R requires that compensation cost be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value measured at the grant date, or the date of later modification, over the requisite service period. The cumulative compensation cost recognized for equity awards pursuant to SFAS 123R and amounts that ultimately will be deductible for tax purposes are temporary differences as prescribed by SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. The tax effect of compensation deductions for tax purposes in excess of compensation cost recognized in the financial statements, if any, will be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital when realized. A deferred tax asset recorded for compensation cost recognized in the financial statements that exceeds the amount that is ultimately realized on the tax return, if any, will be charged to income tax expense when the stock options vest or are exercised or expire unless we have an available additional paid-in capital pool, as defined pursuant to SFAS 123R (“APIC Pool”). Nathan’s is required to assess whether there is an available APIC Pool when the restrictions lapse or stock options are exercised or expire.
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SFAS 123R also amends SFAS 95, “Statement of Cash Flows,” to require companies to change the classification in the statement of cash flows of any tax benefits realized upon the exercise of stock options or issuance of nonvested share unit awards in excess of that which is associated with the expense recognized for financial reporting purposes. These amounts are required to be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of income taxes paid in operating cash flows.
In October 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123R-2, "Practical Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defined in FASB Statement No. 123R.” As a practical accommodation, in determining the grant date of an award subject to Statement 123R, assuming all other criteria in the grant date definition have been met, a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of an award to an individual employee shall be presumed to exist at the date the award is approved in accordance with the relevant corporate governance requirements if both of the following conditions are met: (a) the award is a unilateral grant and, therefore, the recipient does not have the ability to negotiate the key terms and conditions of the award with the employer; and (b) the key terms and conditions of the award are expected to be communicated to an individual recipient within a relatively short time period from the date of approval.
In November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123R-3, "Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards." FAS 123R-3 provides that companies may elect to use a specified alternative method to calculate the historical APIC Pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R. The option to use the alternative method is available regardless of whether SFAS No. 123R was adopted using the modified prospective or modified retrospective application transition method, and whether it is has the ability to calculate its pool of excess tax benefits in accordance with the guidance in paragraph 81 of SFAS No. 123R. This method only applies to awards that are fully vested and outstanding upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
The adoption of these staff positions has not had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
The incremental pre-tax share-based compensation expense recognized pursuant to the adoption of SFAS 123R for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006 was $87,000. The incremental share-based compensation expense caused income before income taxes to decrease by $87,000. Net income decreased by $52,000 and basic and diluted earnings per share decreased by $0.01 for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006. Total share-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123R, including the incremental pre-tax share-based compensation expense above, was $105,000, with an associated tax benefit of $43,000, and was included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006.
The incremental pre-tax share-based compensation expense recognized pursuant to the adoption of SFAS 123R for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 was $122,000. The incremental share-based compensation expense caused income before income taxes to decrease by $122,000. Net income decreased by $73,000 and basic and diluted earnings per share decreased by $0.01 for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006. Total share-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123R, including the incremental pre-tax share-based compensation expense above, was $158,000, with an associated tax benefit of $64,000, and was included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006.
As of September 24, 2006, there was $1,218,000 of unamortized compensation expense related to stock options. We expect to recognize this expense over a period of 4.75 years, which represents the requisite service period for such awards.
During the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006, the Company granted 197,500 options having an exercise price of $13.08 per share. All of the options granted will be vested as follows: 20% on the first anniversary of the grant, 40% on the second anniversary of the grant, 60% on the third anniversary of the grant, 80% on the fourth anniversary of the grant and 100% on the fifth anniversary of the grant. All options have an expiration date of ten years from the date of grant. No options were granted during the twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005.
The weighted-average option fair values, as determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, and the assumptions used to estimate these values for stock options granted during the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 are as follows:
2006 | ||||
Weighted-average option fair values | $ | 6.1686 | ||
Expected life (years) | 7.0 | |||
Interest rate | 5.21 | % | ||
Volatility | 34.33 | % | ||
Dividend yield | 0 | % |
Prior to March 26, 2006, Nathan’s accounted for share-based compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of APB 25, as permitted by SFAS 123, and accordingly, did not recognize compensation expense for stock options with an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying stock at the date of grant.
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The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share had the fair value-based method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” been applied to stock-based employee compensation during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005. Additional compensation expense, net of tax, of $22,000 and $45,000 would have been recognized for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005, respectively, and the effect on net income and net income per share would have been as follows:
Thirteen Weeks ended September 25, 2005 | Twenty-six Weeks ended September 25, 2005 | ||||||
(in thousands except per share amounts) | |||||||
Net income, as reported | $ | 3,108 | $ | 4,277 | |||
Add: Stock-based compensation included in net income | 11 | 22 | |||||
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense | |||||||
determined under fair value-based method for all awards | (33 | ) | (67 | ) | |||
Pro forma net income | $ | 3,086 | $ | 4,232 | |||
Earnings per Share | |||||||
Basic - as reported | $ | 0.56 | $ | 0.77 | |||
Diluted - as reported | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.66 | |||
Basic - pro forma | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.76 | |||
Diluted - pro forma | $ | 0.47 | $ | 0.65 |
Stock Incentive Plans and Warrants
On December 15, 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Stock Option Plan (the “1992 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) to officers and key employees and nonqualified stock options to directors, officers and key employees. Up to 525,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 1992 Plan. The terms of the options are generally ten years, except for ISOs granted to any employee, whom prior to the granting of the option, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting rights, for which the option term will be five years. The exercise price for nonqualified stock options outstanding under the 1992 Plan can be no less than the fair market value, as defined, of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. For ISOs, the exercise price can generally be no less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant, with the exception of any employee who prior to the granting of the option owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting rights, for which the exercise price can be no less than 110% of fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The 1992 Plan expired with respect to the granting of new options on December 2, 2002.
On May 24, 1994, the Company adopted the Outside Director Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options to non-employee directors, as defined, of the Company. Under the Directors’ Plan, 200,000 shares of common stock have been authorized and issued. Options awarded to each non-employee director are fully vested, subject to forfeiture under certain conditions and shall be exercisable upon vesting. The Directors’ Plan expired with respect to the granting of new options on December 31, 2004. As of September 24, 2006, there are no options outstanding under this plan.
In April 1998, the Company adopted the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options to directors, officers and key employees. Up to 500,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the 1998 Plan. As of September 24, 2006, no shares are available to be issued in the future under this plan.
In June 2001, the Company adopted the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options to directors, officers and key employees. Up to 350,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options granted and for future issuance in connection with awards under the 2001 Plan. As of September 24, 2006, there are 3,500 shares available to be issued in the future under this plan.
In June 2002, the Company adopted the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options or restricted stock awards to directors, officers and key employees. Up to 300,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance in connection with awards under the 2002 Plan. As of September 24, 2006, there are 2,500 shares available to be issued in the future under this plan.
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The 1998 Plan, the 2001 Plan and the 2002 Plan expire on April 5, 2008, June 13, 2011 and June 17, 2012, respectively, unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors under conditions specified in the respective Plan.
On October 1, 1999, the Company issued 478,584 stock options to employees of Miami Subs to replace 957,168 of previously issued Miami Subs options pursuant to the acquisition by Nathan’s and issued 47,006 new options. All options were fully vested upon consummation of the merger. Exercise prices range from a low of $3.1875 to a high of $18.6120 per share and expire at various times through September 30, 2009.
On July 17, 1997, the Company granted to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, representing the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The shares vested at a rate of 25% per annum commencing July 17, 1998 and the warrant expires in July 2007.
In January 2005, Nathan’s issued 50,000 shares of restricted common stock to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in connection with a new employment agreement. These shares vest ratably over 5 years. A charge of $362,500, representing the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, was recorded to deferred compensation and is being amortized to earnings ratably over the vesting period.
In general, our stock incentive plans have terms of ten years and vest over periods of between three and five years. We have historically issued new shares of common stock for options that have been exercised and determined the grant date fair value of options and warrants granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.
Stock options and warrants outstanding:
Transactions under all plans for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006, are as follows:
Shares | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||||
Options outstanding at March 26, 2006 | 1,332,024 | $ | 3.78 | 3.6 | |||||||||
Granted | 197,500 | $ | 13.08 | ||||||||||
Expired | (3,750 | ) | $ | 6.20 | |||||||||
Exercised | (206,666 | ) | $ | 3.47 | |||||||||
Options outstanding at September 24, 2006 | 1,319,108 | $ | 5.08 | 4.4 | $ | 10,299,000 | |||||||
Options exercisable at September 24, 2006 | 1,081,608 | $ | 3.61 | 3.3 | $ | 10,000,000 | |||||||
Weighted-average fair value of options granted | $ | 6.1686 | |||||||||||
Warrants outstanding at March 26, 2006 | 150,000 | $ | 3.25 | 1.3 | |||||||||
Granted | - | - | |||||||||||
Expired | - | - | |||||||||||
Exercised | - | - | |||||||||||
Warrants outstanding at September 24, 2006 | 150,000 | $ | 3.25 | 0.8 | $ | 1,440,000 | |||||||
Warrants exercisable at September 24, 2006 | 150,000 | 0.8 | $ | 1,440,000 | |||||||||
Weighted-average fair value of warrants granted | $ | - |
The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005 was $1,605,000 and $67,000, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 and September 25, 2005 was $1,794,000 and $115,000, respectively.
NOTE F - ACQUISITION
On February 28, 2006, the Company acquired all trademarks and other intellectual property relating to the Arthur Treacher’s brand from PAT Franchise Systems, Inc. (“PFSI”) for $1,250,000 in cash plus related expenses of approximately $100,000 and terminated its Co-Branding Agreement with PFSI. Since fiscal 2000, the Company has successfully co-branded certain Arthur Treacher’s signature products in the Nathan’s franchise system. Based upon such co-branding success, the Company acquired these assets to continue its co-branding efforts and seek new means of distribution.
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The Company simultaneously granted back to PFSI a limited license to use the Arthur Treacher’s intellectual property solely for the purposes of: (a) PFSI continuing to permit the operation of its existing Arthur Treacher’s franchised restaurant system (approximately 60 restaurants); and (b) PFSI granting rights to third parties who wish to develop new traditional Arthur Treacher’s quick service restaurants in Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and areas of Northern New York State (collectively, the “PFSI Markets”). The Company also retained certain rights to sell franchises for the operation of Arthur Treacher’s restaurants in certain circumstances within the geographic scope of the PFSI Markets. PFSI has no obligation to pay fees or royalties to the Company in connection with its use of any Arthur Treacher’s intellectual property within the PFSI Markets.
NF Treacher’s Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary, was created for the purpose of acquiring these assets. The acquired assets have been recorded at fair value as trademarks and trade names based upon the preliminary purchase price allocation, which is subject to adjustment based upon finalization of a valuation, and which will be subject to periodic impairment testing. No restaurants were acquired in this transaction.
NOTE G - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
1. Sale of Restaurant
The Company observes the provisions of SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate,” which establishes accounting standards for recognizing profit or loss on sales of real estate. SFAS No. 66 provides for profit recognition by the full accrual method, provided (a) the profit is determinable, that is, the collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured or the amount that will not be collectible can be estimated, and (b) the earnings process is virtually complete, that is, the seller is not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale to earn the profit. Unless both conditions exist, recognition of all or part of the profit shall be postponed and other methods of profit recognition shall be followed. In accordance with SFAS No. 66, the Company recognizes profit on sales of restaurants under the full accrual method, the installment method and the deposit method, depending on the specific terms of each sale. The Company continues to record depreciation expense on the property subject to the sales contracts that are accounted for under the deposit method and records any principal payments received as a deposit until such time that the transaction meets the sales criteria of SFAS No. 66.
During the twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005, the Company sold one Company-owned restaurant that it had previously leased to the operator pursuant to a management agreement, for total cash consideration of $515,000 and entered into a franchise agreement with the buyer to continue operating the restaurant. As the Company expects to have a continuing stream of cash flows from this restaurant, the results of operations for this restaurant are included in “Income from continuing operations before income taxes” in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings for the twenty-six week period ended September 25, 2005 through the date of sale. There were no sales of Company-owned restaurants during the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006.
The results of operations for this restaurant for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005 are as follows:
Thirteen Weeks | Twenty-six Weeks | ||||||
(in thousands) | (in thousands) | ||||||
Total revenues | $ | 2 | $ | 61 | |||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | 2 | $ | 59 |
2. Discontinued Operations
The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No.144"), related to the accounting and reporting for segments of a business to be disposed of. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the definition of discontinued operations includes components of an entity whose cash flows are clearly identifiable. SFAS No. 144 requires the Company to classify as discontinued operations any restaurant or property that Nathan’s sells, abandons or otherwise disposes of where the Company will have no further involvement in the operation of, or cash flows from, such restaurant's operations.
On July 13, 2005, Nathan’s sold all of its right, title and interest in and to a vacant real estate parcel previously utilized as a parking lot, adjacent to a Company-owned restaurant, located in Brooklyn, New York, in exchange for a cash payment of $3,100,000. A gain of $2,819,000 was recognized into income during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005. Nathan’s also entered into an agreement pursuant to which an affiliate of the buyer has assumed all of Nathan’s rights and obligations under a lease for an adjacent property and has agreed to pay $500,000 to Nathan’s for its leasehold interest on the earlier of (i) three years after closing or (ii) six months after the closing of the adjacent property, $100,000 of which was paid and recognized into income in the fiscal year ended March 26, 2006. On January 17, 2006, the adjacent property was sold and the remaining balance of $400,000 was received in October 2006, after period end, and is included as a gain from discontinued operations during fiscal 2007. Recovery of $39,000 of reimbursable expenses have been included in discontinued operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006. The operating expenses for these properties have been included in discontinued operations for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 25, 2005 as the Company has no continuing involvement in the operation of, or cash flows from, these properties.
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Results of operations for these properties are as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended | Twenty-six Weeks Ended | ||||||||||||
Sept. 24, 2006 | Sept, 25, 2005 | Sept 24, 2006 | Sept 25, 2005 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes | |||||||||||||
(including gains on disposal of $400 in 2006, and $2,819 in 2005) | $ | 439 | $ | 2,815 | $ | 439 | $ | 2,778 |
NOTE H- STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
On September 14, 2001, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to one million shares of its common stock. Pursuant to its stock repurchase program, it repurchased one million shares of common stock in open market transactions and a private transaction at a total cost of $3,670,000 through the quarter ended September 29, 2002. On October 7, 2002, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to one million additional shares of its common stock. Through September 24, 2006, Nathan’s purchased 891,100 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $3,488,000. To date, Nathan’s has purchased a total of 1,891,100 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $7,158,000. There were no repurchases of the Company’s common stock during the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006. Nathan’s expects to make additional purchases of stock from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or in privately negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the purchases. Nathan’s expects to fund these stock repurchases from its operating cash flow.
NOTE I - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of comprehensive income are as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended | Twenty-six Weeks Ended | ||||||||||||
September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 1,844 | $ | 3,108 | $ | 3,240 | $ | 4,277 | |||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax provision (benefit) of $118, ($35), $87 and $19, respectively | $ | 189 | $ | (56 | ) | $ | 131 | $ | 27 | ||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 2,033 | $ | 3,052 | $ | 3,371 | $ | 4,304 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 24, 2006 and March 26, 2006 consists entirely of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes.
NOTE J - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
1. Contingencies
We and our subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation. Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on our financial position or our results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.
2. Guarantees
The Company guarantees certain equipment financing for certain franchisees with a third-party lender. The Company’s maximum obligation, should all of the franchisees default on the required monthly payment to the third-party lender for loans funded by the lender, as of September 24, 2006, would be approximately $1,000. The equipment financing expires at various dates through fiscal 2007.
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The Company also guarantees a franchisee’s note payable with a bank. The note payable matured in August 2006, and the franchisee is currently seeking to refinance this loan with the bank. We have advised the lender that upon completion of the refinancing, we will no longer guarantee this loan. The Company’s maximum obligation, should the franchisee default on the loan, would be approximately $184,000 as of September 24, 2006.
The guarantees referred to above were entered into by the Company prior to December 31, 2002 and have not been modified since that date, which was the effective date for FIN 45 “Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.”
NOTE K - RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications of prior period balances have been made to conform to the September 24, 2006 presentation.
NOTE L - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On November 1, 2006, Howard M. Lorber, currently, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, was appointed to the newly created position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., effective January 1, 2007. Additionally, Eric Gatoff, currently, Vice President and Corporate Counsel was appointed as Chief Executive Officer Nathan’s Famous, Inc., effective January 1, 2007.
In connection with the foregoing, the Company has agreed to enter into an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Lorber (the “Lorber Employment Agreement”) and Gatoff (the “Gatoff Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Lorber Employment Agreement as proposed, Mr. Lorber will serve as Executive Chairman of the Board from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2012, unless his employment is terminated in accordance with the terms of the Lorber Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Lorber Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorber will receive a base salary of $400,000, and will not receive a contractual bonus; provided that, for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2007, Mr. Lorber will be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the bonus payable to him under his existing agreement. The Lorber Employment Agreement will further provide for a three-year consulting period after the termination of employment during which Mr. Lorber will receive a consulting fee of $200,000 per year in exchange for his agreement to provide no less than 30 days of consulting services. The Lorber Employment Agreement will also provide Mr. Lorber the right to participate in employment benefits offered to other Nathan’s executives. During and after the contract term, Mr. Lorber is subject to certain confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-competition provisions in favor of the Company.
Under the terms of the Gatoff Employment Agreement as proposed, Mr. Gatoff has agreed to serve as Chief Executive Officer effective from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2008, which period shall extend for additional one-year periods unless either party delivers notice of non-renewal no less than 180 days prior to the end of the term then in effect. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Gatoff will receive a base salary of $225,000 and an annual bonus equal in an amount of up to 100% of his base salary, depending upon the Company’s achievement of performance goals established and agreed to by the Compensation Committee and Mr. Gatoff for each fiscal year during the employment term, provided that the bonus payable to Mr. Gatoff for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2007 is to be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, based on Mr. Gatoff’s status as Vice President and Corporate Counsel through December 31, 2006 and provided, further, that Mr. Gatoff will be entitled to a minimum bonus of 50% of his base salary for the first two years of the Gatoff Employment Agreement. The agreement will further provide for an automobile allowance in the amount provided to other executive officers, currently $1,250 per month and the right of Mr. Gatoff to participate in employment benefits offered to other Nathan’s executives. During and after the contract term, Mr. Gatoff is subject to certain confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-competition provisions in favor of the Company.
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
As used in this Report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nathan’s” or “the Company” mean Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries (unless the context indicates a different meaning).
Our revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded Product Program, operating Company-owned restaurants, franchising the Nathan’s, Miami Subs, Arthur Treacher’s and Kenny Rogers restaurant concepts and brands, along with licensing the sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and other retail venues. The Branded Product Program enables foodservice operators to offer Nathans’ hot dogs and other proprietary items for sale within their facilities. In conjunction with this program, foodservice operators are granted a limited use of the Nathans’ trademark with respect to the sale of hot dogs and certain other proprietary food items and paper goods.
In addition to plans for expansion of our Branded Product Program and through franchising, Nathan’s continues to co-brand within its restaurant system. Currently, the Arthur Treacher’s products are being sold within 107 Nathan’s and Miami Subs restaurants, the Nathan’s brand is included on the menu of 50 Miami Subs restaurants, while the Kenny Rogers Roasters products are being sold within 99 Nathan’s and Miami Subs restaurants.
At September 24, 2006, our combined restaurant system consisted of 360 franchised or licensed units and six Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in 22 states and 11 foreign countries. At September 24, 2006, and September 25, 2005, our Company-owned restaurant system included six Nathan’s units (including one seasonal unit).
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements and the notes to our consolidated financial statements contain information that is pertinent to management’s discussion and analysis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary in determining the related asset and liability amounts.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“SFAS No. 142") requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives be reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment. The most significant assumptions, which are used in this test, are estimates of future cash flows. We typically use the same assumptions for this test as we use in the development of our business plans. If these assumptions differ significantly from actual results, additional impairment expenses may be required. No goodwill or other intangible assets were determined to be impaired during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (“SFAS No. 144") requires management judgments regarding the future operating and disposition plans for under-performing assets, and estimates of expected realizable values for assets to be sold. The application of SFAS No. 144 has affected the amounts and timing of charges to operating results in recent years. We evaluate possible impairment of each restaurant individually and record an impairment charge whenever we determine that impairment factors exist. We consider a history of restaurant operating losses to be the primary indicator of potential impairment of a restaurant’s carrying value. No restaurants were determined to be impaired during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006.
Impairment of Notes Receivable
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” requires management judgments regarding the future collectibility of notes receivable and the underlying fair market value of collateral. We consider the following factors when evaluating a note for impairment: a) indications that the borrower is experiencing business problems, such as operating losses, marginal working capital, inadequate cash flow or business interruptions; b) whether the loan is secured by collateral that is not readily marketable; or c) whether the collateral is susceptible to deterioration in realizable value. When determining possible impairment, we also assess our future intention to extend certain leases beyond the minimum lease term and the debtor’s ability to meet its obligation over that extended term. No notes receivable were determined to be impaired during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006.
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Revenue Recognition
Sales by Company-owned restaurants, which are typically paid in cash by the customer, are recognized upon the performance of services.
In connection with its franchising operations, the Company receives initial franchise fees, development fees, royalties, and in certain cases, revenue from sub-leasing restaurant properties to franchisees.
Franchise and area development fees, which are typically received prior to completion of the revenue recognition process, are recorded as deferred revenue. Initial franchise fees, which are non-refundable, are recognized as income when substantially all services to be performed by Nathan’s and conditions relating to the sale of the franchise have been performed or satisfied, which generally occurs when the franchised restaurant commences operations. The following services are typically provided by the Company prior to the opening of a franchised restaurant:
· | Approval of all site selections to be developed. |
· | Provision of architectural plans suitable for restaurants to be developed. |
· | Assistance in establishing building design specifications, reviewing construction compliance and equipping the restaurant. |
· | Provision of appropriate menus to coordinate with the restaurant design and location to be developed. |
· | Provide management training for the new franchisee and selected staff. |
· | Assistance with initial operations and marketing of restaurants being developed. |
Development fees are non-refundable and the related agreements require the franchisee to open a specified number of restaurants in the development area within a specified time period or the agreements may be canceled by the Company. Revenue from development agreements is deferred and recognized as restaurants in the development area commence operations on a pro rata basis to the minimum number of restaurants required to be open, or at the time the development agreement is effectively canceled.
Nathan’s recognizes franchise royalties when they are earned and deemed collectible. Franchise fees and royalties that are not deemed to be collectible are not recognized as revenue until paid by the franchisee, or until collectibility is deemed to be reasonably assured. The number of non-performing units is determined by analyzing the number of months that royalties have been paid during a period. When royalties have been paid for less than the majority of the time frame being reported, such location is deemed non-performing. Accordingly, the number of non-performing units may differ between the quarterly results and year to date results. Revenue from sub-leasing properties is recognized as income as the revenue is earned and becomes receivable and deemed collectible. Sub-lease rental income is presented net of associated lease costs in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Nathan’s recognizes revenue from the Branded Product Program when it is determined that the products have been delivered via third party common carrier to Nathans’ customers.
Nathan’s recognizes revenue from royalties on the licensing of the use of its name on certain products produced and sold by outside vendors. The use of Nathans’ name and symbols must be approved by Nathan’s prior to each specific application to ensure proper quality and project a consistent image. Revenue from license royalties is recognized when it is earned and deemed collectible.
In the normal course of business, we extend credit to trade customers of our Branded Product Program, franchisees for the payment of ongoing royalties and retail licensees. Notes and accounts receivable, net, as shown on our consolidated balance sheets are net of allowances for doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the financial statements, assessment of collectibility based upon historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. In the event that the collectibility of a receivable at the date of the transaction is doubtful, the associated revenue is not recorded until the facts and circumstances change in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition.”
Share-based Compensation
We have various share-based compensation plans that provide stock options and restricted stock awards for certain employees and non-employee directors to purchase shares of our common stock. Prior to our adoption of SFAS 123R at the beginning of fiscal 2007, we accounted for share-based compensation in accordance with APB 25, which utilized the intrinsic value method of accounting for share-based compensation, as compared to using the fair-value method prescribed in SFAS 123R. Nathan’s uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model in order to determine the fair value of options granted. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions about the future, including the expected option life, expected option forfeitures and future stock price volatility. As such, changes in the Company’s assumptions could result in a different fair value. During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006, we recorded share-based compensation expense of $87,000 and $122,000, respectively in connection with the vesting of options. No share-based compensation expense attributable to stock option grants was recorded during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005. Nathan’s also expects to incur quarterly expenses of approximately $87,000 for the remainder of fiscal 2007, principally in connection with its June 2006 option grants.
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Income Taxes
When necessary, we record a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In considering the need for a valuation allowance against some portion or all of our deferred tax assets, we must make certain estimates and assumptions regarding future taxable income, the feasibility of tax planning strategies and other factors. Changes in facts and circumstances or in the estimates and assumptions that are involved in establishing and maintaining a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets could result in adjustments to the valuation allowance in future quarterly or annual periods.
As of March 26, 2006 and September 24, 2006, we maintained a valuation allowance of $346,000 for deferred tax assets related to certain federal and certain state net operating loss carryforwards and AMT tax credit carryforwards. Even though we expect to generate taxable income, realization of the tax benefit of such deferred tax assets may remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, since they are subject to various limitations and may only be used to offset income of certain entities or of a certain character.
We use an estimate of our annual income tax rate to recognize a provision for income taxes in financial statements for interim periods. However, changes in facts and circumstances could result in adjustments to our effective tax rate in future quarterly or annual periods.
Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs--an amendment of ARB No.43” (“SFAS No.151”) which is the result of its efforts to converge U.S. accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards. SFAS No.151 requires idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) costs to be recognized as current-period charges. It also requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No.151 was effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In June 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“SFAS No.154”). Opinion 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principle be recognized by including in net income of the period of the change the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS No. 154 was effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
See Note E, beginning on page 10 of this Form 10-Q for a complete discussion of the impact of SFAS 123R on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
See Note B, beginning on page 8 of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted.
Results of Operations
Thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006 compared to thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2005
Revenues from Continuing Operations
Total sales increased by $1,449,000 or 16.5% to $10,229,000 for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006 ("second quarter fiscal 2007") as compared to $8,780,000 for the thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2005 ("second quarter fiscal 2006"). Sales from the Branded Product Program increased by 14.2% to $4,864,000 for the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to sales of $4,258,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily attributable to increased volume of approximately 14%. Total Company-owned restaurant sales (representing six comparable Nathan’s restaurants) increased by 5.5% to $4,341,000 as compared to $4,115,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2006. During the second quarter fiscal 2007, sales, predominantly to our television retailer were approximately $617,000 higher than the second quarter fiscal 2006 resulting from the timing of this years “Today’s Special Value,” the introduction of new products offered and more airings.
Franchise fees and royalties were $1,756,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 compared to $1,738,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. Franchise royalties were $1,637,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $1,574,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. Domestic franchise restaurant sales decreased by 2.5% to $40,780,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $41,813,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. This decline of $1,033,000 represents the net sales difference between new units that have opened and the units that have closed between the two periods, and lower sales from our comparable restaurants. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 200 restaurants) decreased by $461,000 or 1.3% to $35,653,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $36,114,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. During the second quarter fiscal 2007, we received $104,000 of royalties that were previously deemed to be uncollectable and recorded increased royalty income of $32,000 as a result of our acquisition of the Arthur Treacher’s intellectual property. At September 24, 2006, 360 domestic and international franchised or licensed units were operating as compared to 361 domestic and international franchised or licensed units at September 25, 2005. During the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006, royalty income from 17 domestic franchised locations has been deemed unrealizable as compared to 26 domestic franchised locations during the thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2005. Domestic franchise fee income was $58,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $87,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. International franchise fee income was $61,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007, as compared to $74,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2006. During the second quarter fiscal 2007, three new franchised units opened, including one unit in Kuwait. During the second quarter fiscal 2006, six new franchised units were opened, including one unit in the Dominican Republic and one in the United Arab Emirates.
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License royalties were $907,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $833,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. This increase was attributable to higher royalties for the sale of hot dogs and pursuant to a new agreement to license our name for use with snack foods and other items.
Interest income was $150,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 versus $114,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006 primarily due to higher interest earned on the increased amount of marketable securities owned during the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to the second quarter fiscal 2006.
Other income was $82,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 versus $188,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. This reduction was primarily due to lower revenues under supplier contracts of $67,000 and lower income from subleasing activities of $42,000.
Costs and Expenses from Continuing Operations
Cost of sales increased by $748,000 to $6,904,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 from $6,156,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $3,325,000 or 32.5% during the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $2,634,000 or 30.0% during the second quarter fiscal 2006. The primary reason for this improved margin has been due to the impact that the lower cost of beef has had on our Branded Product Program during the second quarter fiscal 2007. Commodity costs of our hot dogs had continuously risen during the prior three consecutive years. Beginning in the summer of 2005, prices began to soften and have continued that trend during the past quarter. Our cost of hot dogs was approximately 12.4% lower during the second quarter fiscal 2007 than the second quarter fiscal 2006; however, there is no assurance that the current pricing will continue. Overall, our Branded Product Program incurred higher costs totaling approximately $103,000. This increase is the result of the higher volume during the second quarter fiscal 2007 than in the second quarter fiscal 2006; however, that increase was significantly offset by the lower cost of product during the second quarter fiscal 2007, as described above. During the second quarter fiscal 2007, the cost of restaurant sales at our six comparable Company-owned units was $2,365,000, or 54.5% of restaurant sales, as compared to $2,211,000, or 53.7% of restaurant sales, in the second quarter fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to higher labor costs. Cost of sales also increased by $491,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 due primarily to higher sales volume to our television retailer.
Restaurant operating expenses were $859,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $851,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006.
Depreciation and amortization was $198,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $192,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006.
Amortization of intangible assets was $66,000 in both the second quarter fiscal 2007 and second quarter fiscal 2006.
General and administrative expenses increased by $355,000 to $2,476,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to $2,121,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2006. During the second quarter fiscal 2007, we incurred $92,000 for professional services in connection with our Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance efforts and an expense of $87,000 in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R “Share Based Payment,” which now requires Nathan’s to record an expense for the fair value of options granted over the vesting period (See Note E). Additionally, we incurred severance costs of $73,000, higher business development costs of $44,000, higher salaries and related costs of $33,000 and higher incentive compensation of $15,000 in connection with increased earnings by the Company during the second quarter fiscal 2007, compared to the second quarter fiscal 2006.
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There was no interest expense during the second quarter fiscal 2007 as compared to interest expense of $9,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2006. The elimination of interest expense relates primarily to the early repayment of an outstanding bank loan in January 2006 and the capital lease obligation in July 2006.
Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
In the second quarter fiscal 2007, the income tax provision was $1,039,000 or 39.6% of income from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $871,000 or 38.6% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the second quarter fiscal 2006.
Discontinued Operations
On July 13, 2005, we sold a vacant piece of property in Brooklyn, New York, to a third party, which was classified as “held-for-sale” at March 27, 2005. We also sold our leasehold interest in an adjacent property on January 17, 2006 to the same buyer. At March 26, 2006, the buyer owed Nathan’s $439,000 from the sale of our leasehold interest and certain reimbursable operating expenses, whose collectability was not then reasonably assured and therefore not included in income. In July 2006, we received $39,000 for the reimbursement of operating expenses from December 2005 and January 2006. In October 2006, we received $400,000 relating to the sale of our leasehold interest, which was due in July 2006. During the second quarter fiscal 2007, income of $39,000 and gain of $400,000 were recorded into income from discontinued operations. During the second quarter fiscal 2006, we recognized a gain of $2,819,000, net of associated expenses in connection with the sale of our vacant piece of property, which was partly offset by an operating loss of $4,000 during the second quarter 2006 in connection with this property.
Results of Operations
Twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 compared to twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005
Revenues from Continuing Operations
Total sales increased by $2,389,000 or 14.1% to $19,391,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 ("fiscal 2007 period") as compared to $17,002,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005 (“fiscal 2006 period"). Sales from the Branded Product Program increased by 16.0% to $9,937,000 for the fiscal 2007 period as compared to sales of $8,563,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. This increase was primarily attributable to increased volume of approximately 17.2% and higher average selling prices, which were partly offset by higher rebates. During the fiscal 2007 period, approximately 1,600 new points of distribution were opened under our Branded Product Program, including approximately 750 units within K-Mart stores. Total Company-owned restaurant sales (representing six comparable Nathan’s restaurants) increased by 2.3% to $7,595,000 as compared to $7,421,000 during the fiscal 2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period, sales, predominantly to our television retailer were approximately $841,000 higher than the fiscal 2006 period resulting from the introduction of new products offered and more airings.
Franchise fees and royalties were $3,433,000 in the fiscal 2007 period compared to $3,486,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. Franchise royalties were $3,189,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $3,086,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. Domestic franchise restaurant sales decreased by 2.0% to $81,219,000 in the fiscal 2007 period, as compared to $82,858,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. This decline of $1,639,000 represents the net sales difference between new units that have opened and the units that have closed between the two periods, and lower sales from our comparable restaurants. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 200 restaurants) decreased by $527,000 or 0.7% to $70,653,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $71,180,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period, we received $125,000 of royalties that were previously deemed to be uncollectable and recorded increased royalty income of $58,000 as a result of our acquisition of the Arthur Treacher’s intellectual property. At September 24, 2006, 360 domestic and international franchised or licensed units were operating as compared to 361 domestic and international franchised or licensed units at September 25, 2005. During the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006, royalty income from 21 domestic franchised locations has been deemed unrealizable as compared to 26 domestic franchised locations during the twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2005. Domestic franchise fee income was $132,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $146,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. International franchise fee income was $112,000 in the fiscal 2007 period, as compared to $185,000 during the fiscal 2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period, seven new franchised units opened, including one unit in Japan and one unit in Kuwait. During the fiscal 2006 period, 16 new franchised units were opened, including three units in Japan, one unit in Kuwait, one unit in the Dominican Republic and two in the United Arab Emirates, and we franchised one unit that previously operated pursuant to a management agreement. During the fiscal 2006 period, Nathan’s also recognized $69,000 in connection with three forfeited franchise fees.
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License royalties were $2,083,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $1,990,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. This increase was attributable to higher royalties from the sale of our hot dogs and our new snack food agreement, which were partly offset by reduced royalties from the sale of Bratwurst and breakfast sausages.
Interest income was $282,000 in the fiscal 2007 period versus $196,000 in the fiscal 2006 period, primarily due to higher interest earned on the increased amount of marketable securities owned during the fiscal 2007 period as compared to the fiscal 2006 period.
Other income was $179,000 in the fiscal 2007 period versus $361,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. This reduction was primarily due to lower revenues under supplier contracts of $94,000, and lower income from subleasing activities of $73,000.
Costs and Expenses from Continuing Operations
Cost of sales increased by $1,072,000 to $13,523,000 in the fiscal 2007 period from $12,451,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $5,868,000 or 30.3% during the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $4,551,000 or 26.8% during the fiscal 2006 period. The primary reason for this improved margin is the impact that the lower cost of beef has had on our Branded Product Program during the fiscal 2007 period. Commodity costs of our hot dogs had continuously risen to increase during the prior three consecutive years. Beginning in the summer of 2005, prices began to soften and have continued that trend during the fiscal 2007 period. Our cost of hot dogs was approximately 13.6% lower during the fiscal 2007 period than the fiscal 2006 period; however, there is no assurance that the current pricing will continue. Overall, our Branded Product Program incurred higher costs totaling approximately $275,000. This increase is the result of the higher volume during the fiscal 2007 period than in the fiscal 2006 period; however, that increase was significantly reduced because of the lower cost of product during the fiscal 2007 period, as described above. During the fiscal 2007 period, the cost of restaurant sales at our six comparable Company-owned units was $4,246,000, or 55.9% of restaurant sales, as compared to $4,076,000, or 54.9% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2006 period. The increase was primarily due to higher labor costs. Cost of sales also increased by $627,000 in the fiscal 2007 period primarily due to higher sales volume to our television retailer.
Restaurant operating expenses were $1,703,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $1,634,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period, we incurred higher costs of $47,000 in connection with recruiting and maintenance at our Coney Island restaurant in preparation for the summer season.
Depreciation and amortization was $395,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $391,000 in the fiscal 2006 period.
Amortization of intangible assets was $131,000 in both the fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 periods.
General and administrative expenses increased by $464,000 to $4,690,000 in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to $4,226,000 in the fiscal 2006 period. During the fiscal 2007 period we incurred an expense of $122,000 in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R “Share Based Payment,” which now requires Nathan’s to record an expense for the fair the value of options granted over the vesting period (See Note E). In June 2006, Nathan’s granted 197,500 options having a total fair value of $1,218,000. Pursuant to SFAS No. 123R, Nathan’s expects to incur quarterly expenses of approximately $87,000 for the remainder of fiscal 2007 primarily in connection with its June 2006 option grants. We also incurred $92,000 for professional services in connection with our Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance efforts, higher salaries and related costs of $75,000, severance costs of $73,000, higher incentive compensation of $40,000 in connection with increased earnings by the Company, higher professional fees of $26,000 and higher business development costs of $17,000 during the fiscal 2007 period than during the fiscal 2006 period.
Interest expense was $1,000 during the fiscal 2007 period as compared to interest expense of $20,000 during the fiscal 2006 period. The reduction of interest expense primarily relates to the early repayment of an outstanding bank loan in January 2006 and the capital lease obligation in July 2006.
Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
In the fiscal 2007 period, the income tax provision was $1,912,000 or 39.1% of income from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $1,604,000 or 38.4% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the fiscal 2006 period.
Discontinued Operations
On July 13, 2005, we sold a vacant piece of property in Brooklyn, New York, to a third party, which was classified as “held-for-sale” at March 27, 2005. We also sold our leasehold interest in an adjacent property on January 17, 2006 to the same buyer. At March 26, 2006, the buyer owed Nathan’s $439,000 from the sale of our leasehold interest and certain reimbursable operating expenses, whose collectability was not then reasonably assured and therefore not included in income. In July 2006, we received $39,000 for the reimbursement of operating expenses from December 2005 and January 2006. In October 2006, we received $400,000 relating to the sale of our leasehold interest, which was due in July 2006. During the fiscal 2007 period, income of $39,000 and gain of $400,000 were recorded into income from discontinued operations. During the fiscal 2006 period, we recognized a gain of $2,819,000, net of associated expenses in connection with the sale of our vacant piece of property, which was partly offset by an operating loss of $41,000 during the fiscal 2006 period, in connection with this property.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than the loan guarantees discussed under the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of this Management Discussion and Analysis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents at September 24, 2006 aggregated $3,696,000, increasing by $687,000 during the fiscal 2007 period. At September 24, 2006, marketable securities were $21,440,000 and net working capital increased to $23,755,000 from $19,075,000 at March 26, 2006.
Cash provided by operations of $4,203,000 in the fiscal 2007 period is primarily attributable to net income of $3,240,000, plus non-cash items and gains on sales of leasehold interest and fixed assets of $507,000. Changes in Nathan’s operating assets and liabilities increased cash by $456,000 principally due to decreased prepaid expenses and other current assets of $664,000, primarily by reducing our current year tax installments by the amount of our prepaid income taxes as of March 26, 2006, and utilization of prepaid insurance. Deferred franchise fees increased by $272,000 from cash received in connection with future restaurant openings, and the sale of inventory on hand by our Branded Product Program and our television retailer. Cash was reduced from increased accounts receivable and notes receivable of $673,000 primarily resulting from increased royalties from retail licensees and higher sales of the Branded Product Program.
We used cash for investment purposes of $4,339,000 in the fiscal 2007 period, primarily due to our purchase of “available for sale” securities of $4,467,000, investment of $290,000 in capital expenditures which were partly offset with proceeds received from the sale of leasehold interest of $400,000 and the receipt of $18,000 from notes receivable.
We generated cash from our financing activities of $823,000 in the fiscal 2007 period. We received net proceeds of $136,000 from the exercise of employee stock options, and expect to receive an income tax benefit from the exercise of stock options of $726,000, which were partly offset by our payments made to terminate our capitalized lease obligation of $39,000.
On September 14, 2001, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to one million shares of its common stock. Pursuant to its stock repurchase program, we repurchased one million shares of common stock in open market transactions and a private transaction at a total cost of $3,670,000 through the quarter ended September 29, 2002. On October 7, 2002, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to one million additional shares of its common stock. Through September 24, 2006, Nathan’s purchased 891,100 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $3,488,000. To date, Nathan’s has purchased a total of 1,891,100 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $7,158,000. There were no repurchases of the Company’s common stock during the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006. Nathan’s expects to make additional purchases of stock from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or in privately negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the purchases. Nathan’s expects to fund these stock repurchases from its operating cash flow.
We expect that we will make additional investments in certain existing restaurants and support the growth of the Branded Product Program in the future and fund those investments from our operating cash flow. We may also incur capital expenditures in connection with opportunistic investments on a case-by-case basis.
At September 24, 2006, there were 26 properties that we either own or lease from third parties which we lease or sublease to franchisees, operating managers and non-franchisees. There is also one vacant property that we lease that is not currently leased to a third party. We remain contingently liable for all costs associated with these properties including: rent, property taxes and insurance. We may incur future cash payments with respect to such properties, consisting primarily of future lease payments, including costs and expenses associated with terminating any of such leases. Additionally, we guaranteed financing on behalf of certain franchisees with two third-party lenders. Our maximum obligation for loans funded by the lenders as of September 24, 2006 was approximately $185,000.
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The following schedules represent Nathan’s cash contractual obligations and the expiration of other contractual commitments by maturity at September 24, 2006 (in thousands):
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||
Cash Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than 1 Year | 1 - 3 Years | 4-5 Years | After 5 Years | |||||||||||
Employment Agreements | $ | 1,383 | $ | 749 | $ | 572 | $ | 62 | $ | - | ||||||
Operating Leases | 9,988 | 3,170 | 3,999 | 1,750 | 1,069 | |||||||||||
Gross Cash Contractual Obligations | 11,371 | 3,919 | 4,571 | 1,812 | 1,069 | |||||||||||
Sublease Income | 5,971 | 1,762 | 2,152 | 1,212 | 845 | |||||||||||
Net Cash Contractual Obligations | $ | 5,400 | $ | 2,157 | $ | 2,419 | $ | 600 | $ | 224 |
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period | ||||||||||||||||
Other Contractual Commitments | Total Amounts Committed | Less than 1 Year | 1 - 3 Years | 4-5 Years | After 5 Years | |||||||||||
Loan Guarantees | $ | 185 | $ | 185 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Total Other Contractual Commitments | $ | 185 | $ | 185 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
Management believes that available cash, marketable securities and cash generated from operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations for at least the next twelve months. We currently maintain a $7,500,000 uncommitted bank line of credit and have never borrowed any funds under this line of credit.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Cash and cash equivalents
We have historically invested our cash and cash equivalents in short term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments which are reinvested when they mature throughout the year. Although our existing investments are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on short-term investments could be affected at the time of reinvestment as a result of intervening events. As of September 24, 2006, Nathans’ cash and cash equivalents aggregated $3,696,000. Earnings on these cash and cash equivalents would increase or decrease by approximately $9,200 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates.
Marketable securities
We have invested our marketable securities in intermediate term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments. These investments are subject to fluctuations in interest rates. As of September 24, 2006, the market value of Nathans’ marketable securities aggregated $21,440,000. Interest income on these marketable securities would increase or decrease by approximately $54,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates. The following chart presents the hypothetical changes in the fair value of the marketable investment securities held at September 24, 2006 that are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations (in thousands):
Valuation of securities Given an interest rate Decrease of X Basis points | Fair | Valuation of securities Given an interest rate Increase of X Basis points | ||||||||||||||||||||
(150BPS) | (100BPS) | (50BPS) | Value | +50BPS | +100BPS | +150BPS | ||||||||||||||||
Municipal notes and bonds | $ | 22,793 | $ | 22,331 | $ | 21,881 | $ | 21,440 | $ | 21,007 | $ | 20,581 | $ | 20,163 |
Borrowings
The interest rate on our borrowings are generally determined based upon the prime rate and may be subject to market fluctuation as the prime rate changes, as determined within each specific agreement. We do not anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our borrowings. At September 24, 2006, we had no outstanding debt. If we were to borrow money in the future, such borrowings would be based upon the then prevailing interest rates. We also maintain a $7,500,000 credit line at the prime rate (8.25% as of September 24, 2006). We have never borrowed any funds under this credit line. Accordingly, we do not believe that fluctuations in interest rates would have a material impact on our financial results.
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Commodity Costs
The cost of commodities is subject to market fluctuation. We have not attempted to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the commodities we purchase using future, forward, option or other instruments. As a result, our future commodities purchases are subject to changes in the prices of such commodities. Generally, we attempt to pass through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our customers, thereby reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial results. A short term increase or decrease of 10.0% in the cost of our food and paper products for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2006 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by approximately $1,015,000.
Foreign Currencies
Foreign franchisees generally conduct business with us and make payments in United States dollars, reducing the risks inherent with changes in the values of foreign currencies. As a result, we have not purchased future contracts, options or other instruments to hedge against changes in values of foreign currencies and we do not believe fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies would have a material impact on our financial results.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation and Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements with the words “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements represent our current judgment regarding future events. Although we would not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy and actual results may differ materially from those we anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which we are not aware and / or cannot control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the effect on sales over concerns relating to bovine spongiform encephalopathy; the effect on costs resulting from the availability and cost of gasoline and other petrochemicals; economic, weather, legislative and business conditions; the collectibility of receivables; the availability of suitable restaurant sites on reasonable rental terms; changes in consumer tastes; the ability to continue to attract franchisees; our ability to attract competent restaurant and managerial personnel, and the other risks described under “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of our Form 10-K and this Form 10-Q.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1: Legal Proceedings
We and our subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation. Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.
Item 1A: Risk Factors
Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to those set forth below, which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. For a discussion identifying additional risk factors and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, see the discussions in “Risk Factors, “ “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in our Form 10-K for fiscal 2006 and in this Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance that we have correctly identified and appropriately assessed all factors affecting our business operations or that the publicly available and other information with respect to these matters is complete and correct. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial also may adversely impact the business. Should any risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Nathan’s earnings and business growth strategy depends in large part on the success of its licensees, and Nathan’s or its brand’s reputation may be harmed by actions taken by licensees that are outside of Nathan’s control.
A portion of Nathan’s earnings comes from royalties and fees paid by Nathan’s licensees. Licensees are independent contractors, and their employees are not employees of Nathan’s. Although Nathan’s monitors many of the activities of its licensees as they relate specifically to the manufacture, distribution, advertising and sale of products using a Nathan’s brand, there are many aspects of such licensees’ businesses that are beyond Nathan’s control. Consequently, licensees may not conduct their business in a manner consistent with Nathan’s high standards and requirements. Any shortcomings in the manner in which Nathan’s licensees conduct their businesses may be attributed by consumers to an entire brand or Nathan’s system, thus damaging Nathan’s or a brand’s reputation and potentially adversely affecting Nathan’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c) We have not repurchased any equity securities during the quarter ended September 24, 2006
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Item 4: Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders
(a) | The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on September 14, 2006. |
(b) | Nine Directors were elected at the Annual Meeting to serve until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2007. The names of these Directors and votes cast in favor of their election and shares withheld are as follows: |
FOR | WITHHELD | ||||||
HOWARD M. LORBER | 4,779,733 | 231,667 | |||||
WAYNE NORBITZ | 4,690,770 | 320,630 | |||||
ROBERT J. EIDE | 4,690,508 | 320,892 | |||||
ERIC GATOFF | 4,780,470 | 230,930 | |||||
BRIAN S. GENSON | 4,779,722 | 231,678 | |||||
BARRY LEISTNER | 4,779,333 | 232,067 | |||||
DONALD L. PERLYN | 4,779,653 | 231,747 | |||||
A.F. PETROCELLI | 4,780,433 | 230,967 | |||||
CHARLES RAICH | 4,689,661 | 321,739 |
(c) | The stockholders were asked to vote on the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton, LLP as the auditors for the Company for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2007. |
The proposal was approved as follows: |
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | ||
4,994,556 | 11,677 | 5,068 |
The stockholders were asked to vote on the stockholder proposal presented by the organization known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (“PETA”). |
The proposal was defeated as follows: |
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | ||
337,361 | 2,807,837 | 18,224 |
(d) Not applicable.
Item 5: Other Information
On November 1, 2006, Howard M. Lorber was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company, effective January 1, 2007. Mr. Lorber has served as the Company’s Chairman of the Board since 1990, Chief Executive Officer since 1993 and a Director since 1987. He will continue to serve as a Director. Additionally, on November 1, 2006, Eric Gatoff was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 1, 2007. Mr. Gatoff has served as the Company’s Vice President and Corporate Counsel since October 2003 and as a Director since 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. Gatoff was a partner at Grubman, Indursky & Schindler, P.C., a law firm specializing in intellectual property, media and entertainment law.
In connection with the foregoing, the Company has agreed to enter into an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Lorber (the “Lorber Employment Agreement”) and Gatoff (the “Gatoff Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Lorber Employment Agreement as proposed, Mr. Lorber will serve as Executive Chairman of the Board from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2012, unless his employment is terminated in accordance with the terms of the Lorber Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Lorber Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorber will receive a base salary of $400,000, and will not receive a contractual bonus; provided that, for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2007, Mr. Lorber will be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the bonus payable to him under his existing agreement. The Lorber Employment Agreement will further provide for a three-year consulting period after the termination of employment during which Mr. Lorber will receive a consulting fee of $200,000 per year in exchange for his agreement to provide no less than 30 days of consulting services. The Lorber Employment Agreement will also provide Mr. Lorber the right to participate in employment benefits offered to other Nathan’s executives. During and after the contract term, Mr. Lorber is subject to certain confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-competition provisions in favor of the Company.
In the event that Mr. Lorber’s employment is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to receive his salary and bonus for the remainder of the contract term. The Lorber Employment Agreement will further provide that in the event there is a change in control, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Lorber will have the option, exercisable within one year after such event, to terminate his employment agreement. Upon such termination, will have the right to receive a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of (A) his salary and annual bonuses for the remainder of the employment term (including a prorated bonus for any partial fiscal year), which bonus shall be equal to the average of the annual bonuses awarded to him during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year of termination; or (B) 2.99 times his salary and annual bonus for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year of termination, as well as a lump sum cash payment equal to the difference between the exercise price of any exercisable options having an exercise price of less than the then current market price of our common stock and such then current market price. In addition, the Company will provide Mr. Lorber with a tax gross-up payment to cover any excise tax due. In the event of termination due to Mr. Lorber’s death or disability, he is entitled to receive an amount equal to his salary and annual bonuses for a three-year period, which bonus shall be equal to the average of the annual bonuses awarded to him during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year of termination. Until the effective date of the Lorber Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorber shall continue to provide services under the terms of his existing employment agreement.
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Under the terms of the Gatoff Employment Agreement as proposed, Mr. Gatoff has agreed to serve as Chief Executive Officer effective from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2008, which period shall extend for additional one-year periods unless either party delivers notice of non-renewal no less than 180 days prior to the end of the term then in effect. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Gatoff will receive a base salary of $225,000 and an annual bonus equal in an amount of up to 100% of his base salary, depending upon the Company’s achievement of performance goals established and agreed to by the Compensation Committee and Mr. Gatoff for each fiscal year during the employment term, provided that the bonus payable to Mr. Gatoff for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2007 is to be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, based on Mr. Gatoff’s status as Vice President and Corporate Counsel through December 31, 2006 and provided, further, that Mr. Gatoff will be entitled to a minimum bonus of 50% of his base salary for the first two years of the Gatoff Employment Agreement. The agreement will further provide for an automobile allowance in the amount provided to other executive officers, currently $1,250 per month and the right of Mr. Gatoff to participate in employment benefits offered to other Nathan’s executives. During and after the contract term, Mr. Gatoff is subject to certain confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-competition provisions in favor of the Company.
In the event that Mr. Gatoff’s employment is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to receive his salary for the remainder of the contract term. The Gatoff Employment Agreement will further provide that in the event there is a change in control, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Gatoff will have the option, exercisable within one year after such event, to terminate his employment agreement. Upon such termination, he will have the right to receive a lump sum cash payment equal to his salary and annual bonus for a one-year period, in an amount equal to the bonus paid or payable to Mr. Gatoff for the most recently completed fiscal year. In the event of termination due to Mr. Gatoff’s death or disability, he will be entitled to receive an amount equal to his salary and annual bonus for the balance of the contract term, which bonus shall be equal to the minimum bonus of 50% of his base compensation in the event of a termination during the initial two-year term and the amount of the bonus paid or payable to the Executive for the preceding fiscal year in the event of such termination during any renewal term.
In connection with foregoing, the Board of Directors amended the Company’s By-laws to establish the office of Executive Chairman of the Board and to separate the offices of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
Item 6: Exhibits
(a) Exhibits |
31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Operating Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
31.3 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
32.1 | Certification by Howard M. Lorber, CEO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
32.2 | Certification by Ronald G. DeVos, CFO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
NATHAN’S FAMOUS, INC. | ||
| | |
Date: November 6, 2006 | By: | /s/ Wayne Norbitz |
Wayne Norbitz President and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Date: November 6, 2006 | By: | /s/ Ronald G. DeVos |
Ronald G. DeVos Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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