In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, effective date of FASB Statement No. 157,which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 on December 27, 2008 and elected the deferral option for non-financial assets and liabilities. The effect of adopting this standard was not significant.
The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 28, 2009 by SFAS No. 157 valuation hierarchy: (in thousands)
The Company’s available-for-sales securities, which primarily consist of United States Treasury Bills and Notes, are actively traded and the valuation of such securities is based upon quoted market prices.
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, investments, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of notes payable is determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date and approximates the carrying value of such debt.
principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS No. 162 was effective November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 162 did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”), which requires additional disclosures for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 161 was effective for the Company beginning December 28, 2008. The Company does not have any derivative instruments nor has it engaged in any hedging activities. SFAS 161 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements.
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS — In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised),“Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS 141R will become effective for our fiscal year beginning October 4, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB” No. 51, (“SFAS 160”), which amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” (“ARB No. 51”), to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard defines a noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest, as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. SFAS 160 requires, among other items, that a noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated balance sheet within equity separate from the parent’s equity; consolidated net income to be reported at amounts inclusive of both the parent’s and noncontrolling interest’s shares and, separately, the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interest all on the consolidated statement of income; and if a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be measured at fair value and a gain or loss be recognized in net income based on such fair value. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning October 4, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting SFAS 160 on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”(“FSP FAS 142-3”), which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The new guidance applies to (1) intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets and (2) intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Under FSP FAS 142-3, entities estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset must consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, must consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning October 4, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On April 9, 2009 the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 107-1 and APB 28-1 “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has not elected to early adopt this pronouncement and is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.
On April 9, 2009 the FASB issued Staff Position No. 115-2 and FAS 124-2 “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairments”. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has not elected to early adopt this pronouncement and is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.
On April 9, 2009 the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4 “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly”. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has not elected to early adopt this pronouncement and is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.
2. RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION
In 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to lease space for a Mexican restaurant,Yolos, at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (formerly known as the Aladdin Resort and Casino) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The obligation to pay rent forYolos commenced when the restaurant opened for business in January 2008.
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In June 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to design and lease a food court at the MGM Grand Casino at the Foxwoods Resort Casino which commenced operations during the third fiscal quarter of 2008. A limited liability company has been established to develop, construct, operate and manage the food court. The Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, is the managing member of this limited liability company and has an aggregate ownership interest in the food court operations of 67% and accordingly such operations have been consolidated.
In June 2008, the Company signed two successive one-year agreements to use certain deck space adjacent to theSequoialocation in New York City as a Café.
In June 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to design and lease a restaurant at The Museum of Arts & Design at Columbus Circle in New York City. The initial term of the lease for this facility will expire on December 31 sixteen years after the date the Museum first opens for business to the public following its current refurbishment and will have two five-year renewals. The Company anticipates the restaurant will open during the third quarter of the 2009 fiscal year.
3. RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS
During the first fiscal quarter of 2008, we discontinued the operation of our Columbus Bakery retail and wholesale bakery located in New York City. Columbus Bakery was originally intended to serve as the bakery that would provide all of our New York restaurants with baked goods as well as being a retail bakery operation. As a result of the sale and closure of several of our restaurants in New York City during the last several years, this bakery operation was no longer profitable.
During the second fiscal quarter of 2008 we opened, along with certain third party investors, a new concept at this location called “Pinch & S’Mac” which features pizza and macaroni and cheese. We contributed Columbus Bakery’s net fixed assets and cash into this venture and received an ownership interest of 37.5% . These operations are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.
Effective June 30, 2008, the lease for ourStage Deli facility at the Forum Shops in Las Vegas, Nevada expired. The landlord for this facility offered to renew the lease at this location prior to its expiration at a significantly increased rent. The Company determined that it would not be able to operate this facility profitably at this location at the rent offered in the landlord’s renewal proposal. As a result, the Company discontinued these operations during the third fiscal quarter of 2008 and took a charge for the impairment of goodwill of $294,000 and a loss on disposal of $19,000. The impairment charge and disposal loss are included in discontinued operations. Operations for the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 29, 2008 have been reclassified as discontinued operations.
4. RECEIVABLES FROM EMPLOYEES IN RESPECT OF STOCK OPTION EXERCISES
Receivables from employees in respect of stock option exercises includes amounts due from officers and directors totaling $76,000 and $124,000 at March 28, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively. Such amounts, which are due from the exercise of stock options in accordance with the Company’s Stock Option Plan, are payable on demand with interest at ½% above prime (3.25% at March 28, 2009).
5. INCOME TAX
The income tax provisions on continuing operations for the 26-week periods ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 reflect effective tax rates of 53.6% (including the tax benefit disclosed below) and 35.6%, respectively. The Company expects its annual tax rate for its current fiscal year to be approximately 34.0% to 36.0%. The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates.
During the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $97,000 principally as a result of reducing its long term income tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits due to the resolution of a tax audit.
6. INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
Net income per share is computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,Earnings Per Share, and is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period plus, for diluted earnings per share, the additional dilutive effect of potential common stock. Potential common stock using the treasury stock method consists of dilutive stock options and warrants.
For the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 28, 2009, options to purchase 152,500 shares of common stock at a price of $29.60 and options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at a price of $32.15 were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact was antidilutive.
For the 13-week period ended March 29, 2008, options to purchase 166,500 shares of common stock at a price of $29.60 were included in diluted earnings per share. Options to purchase 105,000 shares of common stock at a price of $32.15
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were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact was antidilutive for the 13-week period ended March 29, 2008. For the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008, options to purchase 271,500 shares of common stock at a price range of $29.60 -$32.15 were included in earning per share.
During the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 28, 2009, no options were exercised.
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has options outstanding under its 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Plan”). Options granted under the 2004 Plan are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted. The options expire ten years after the date of grant. During fiscal 2005, options to purchase 194,000 shares of common stock were granted and are exercisable as to 50% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to an additional 50% commencing on the second anniversary of the date of grant. During fiscal 2007, options to purchase 105,000 shares of common stock were granted and are exercisable as to 25% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to an additional 25% commencing on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.
A summary of stock option activity is presented below:
| | | | | Weighted | | | Weighted | | Weighted | | | |
| | | | | Average | | | Average | | Average | | | Aggregate |
| | | | | Excersie | | | Fair | | Contractual | | | Intrinsic |
Options | Shares | | | | Price | | | Value | | Term (Yrs.) | | | Value |
|
Outstanding as September 27, 2008 | 271,500 | | | $ | 30.59 | | $ | 9.22 | | 7.01 | | | |
Granted | - | | | | - | | | - | | - | | | |
Exercised | - | | | | - | | | - | | - | | | |
Forfeited/Cancelled | (19,000 | ) | | $ | 31.48 | | $ | 10.20 | | 7.21 | | | |
|
Outstanding at March 28, 2009 | 252,500 | | | $ | 30.61 | | $ | 9.24 | | 6.46 | | $ | - |
|
Exercisable at March 28, 2009 | 252,500 | | | $ | 30.61 | | $ | 9.24 | | 6.46 | | $ | - |
Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services. The Company has applied a forfeitures assumption of 5% per year in the calculation of such expense. As of March 28, 2009 there was approximately $379,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 2 years.
8. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available for sale debt and fixed income securities by major type and class at March 28, 2009 are as follows (Dollar amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | Gross Unrealized | | | Gross Unrealized | | | | |
| | | Amortized Cost | | | Holding Gains | | | Holding Losses | | | | Fair Value |
At March 28, 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Available-for-sale short-term: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Government debt securities | | $ | 5,658 | | $ | - | | $ | (34 | ) | | $ | 5,624 |
9. DIVIDENDS
A quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.35 per share was declared on October 12, 2004. Subsequent to October 12, 2004, quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.35 per share were declared October 10 and December 20, 2006 and on April 12, 2007. We declared an increase in our quarterly cash dividend to $0.44 per share on May 23, 2007 and subsequent quarterly cash dividends reflecting this increased amount were declared on October 12, 2007 and January 11, April 11, July 11 and October 10, 2008. In addition, we declared a special cash dividend in the amount of $3.00 per share on December 20, 2006. Prior to this, we had not paid any cash dividends since our inception. On December 18, 2008, our Board of Directors
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determined to suspend the dividend which would have customarily been declared in January 2009. For the foreseeable future, our dividend policy will be determined by our Board of Directors on a quarter by quarter basis. No dividends were declared during the quarter ended March 28, 2009.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Receivables due from officers and employees, excluding stock option receivables, totaled $327,000at March 28, 2009 and $284,000at September 27, 2008. Such loans bear interest at the minimum statutory rate (0.72% at March 28, 2009).
11. COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
On March 25, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program under which up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock may be acquired in the open market over the two years following such authorization at the Company’s discretion.
The Company did not purchase any shares pursuant to our stock repurchase program during the quarter ended March 28, 2009.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain reclassifications of prior years balances have been made to conform to the current year discontinued operations presentation. In connection with the planned or actual sale or closure of various restaurants, the operations of these businesses have been presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the Company has reclassified its statements of operations and cash flow data for the prior periods presented, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). These dispositions are discussed below in “Recent Restaurant Dispositions.”
Revenues
During the Company’s second fiscal quarter of 2009, total revenues of $23,756,000 decreased 2.5% compared to total revenues of $24,369,000 in the second fiscal quarter of 2008. The Company had a net loss of $712,000 in the second fiscal quarter of 2009 compared to net income of $346,000 in the second fiscal quarter of 2008. Net income was negatively affected during the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009 as a result of $309,000 in legal expenses resulting from litigation related to one restaurant in New York City and a $220,000 expense resulting from a real estate tax adjustment related to one restaurant in Washington D.C..
On a company wide basis same store sales decreased 10.0% during the second fiscal quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year. Same store sales in Las Vegas decreased by $1,554,000 or 10.6% in the second fiscal quarter of 2009 compared to the second fiscal quarter of 2008. Same store sales in Las Vegas were negatively affected by the unwillingness of the public to engage in gaming activities and a decrease in tourism and convention business, all related to the current economic conditions. Same store sales in New York decreased $641,000 or 14.3% during the second quarter. Same store sales in New York were particularly negatively affected by large amounts of layoffs in the financial sector, a decrease in corporate parties as well as a decrease in tourism and convention business related to the current economic conditions. Same store sales in Washington D.C. increased by $209,000 or 7.3% during the second quarter as the current economic conditions do not seem to have effected the region as much as other regions. Same store sales in Atlantic City decreased by $270,000, or 31.4%, in the second quarter. Same store sales in Atlantic City were negatively affected by the unwillingness of the public to engage in gaming activities and a decrease in tourism and convention business related to the current economic conditions as well as the introduction of slot machine parlors in nearby Pennsylvania. Same store sales in Connecticut decreased by $58,000, or 13.4%, in the second quarter. Same store sales in Connecticut were negatively affected by the unwillingness of the public to engage in gaming activities related to the current economic conditions. Same store sales in Boston decreased $104,000 or 14.0% during the second quarter. Same store sales in Boston were negatively affected by the current economic conditions.
During the Company’s 26-week period ended March 28, 2009, total revenues of $50,549,000 decreased 7.6% compared to total revenues of $54,687,000 in the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008. The Company had net income of $136,000 in the 26-week period ended March 28, 2009 compared to net income of $1,830,000 in the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008. Net income was negatively affected during the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009 as a result of approximately $300,000 in legal expenses resulting from litigation related to one restaurant in New York City and a $220,000 expense resulting from a real estate tax adjustment related to one restaurant in Washington D.C..
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Costs and Expenses
Food and beverage costs for the second quarter of 2009 as a percentage of total revenues were 25.6% compared to 26.4% in the second quarter of 2008. These costs for the 26-weeks ended March 28, 2009 as a percentage of total revenues were 25.3% compared to 25.9% in the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008.
Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 34.2% for the second quarter of 2009 as compared to 34.3% in the second quarter of 2008. Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 33.7% for the 26-week period ended March 28, 2009 as compared to 32.7% for the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008. The increase in payroll expenses as a percentage of revenue, for the 26-week period ended March 28, 2009, was primarily due to a decrease in sales. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 15.7% during the second fiscal quarter of 2009 compared to 14.5% in the second quarter of 2008. During the second fiscal quarter of 2009 the Company incurred a $220,000 expense for a real estate tax adjustment related to a restaurant in Washington D.C. which negatively affected occupancy expenses. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 14.9% during the 26-week period ended March 28, 2009 compared 13.8% for the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008.Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 16.2% during the second fiscal quarter of 2009 compared to 12.6% in the second quarter of 2008. The increase in other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of revenue was due to decreased sales and $309,000 of legal costs associated with litigation incurred related to a New York City restaurant during the second fiscal quarter of 2009. Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 15.5% for the 26-week period ended March 28, 2009 compared to 13.1% for the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 10.7% during the second fiscal quarter of 2009 compared to 9.0% in the second quarter of 2008. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 9.2% for the 26-week period ended March 28, 2009 compared to 7.9% for the 26-week period ended March 29, 2008. The increase in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to decreased sales.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes reflects Federal income taxes calculated on a consolidated basis and state and local income taxes calculated by each New York subsidiary on a non-consolidated basis. Most of the restaurants owned or managed by the Company are owned or managed by separate subsidiaries.
For state and local income tax purposes, the losses incurred by a subsidiary may only be used to offset that subsidiary’s income, with the exception of the restaurants operating in the District of Columbia. Accordingly, the Company’s overall effective tax rate has varied depending on the results of operations at individual subsidiaries.
The Company’s overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the level of losses incurred at the Company’s New York facilities, which cannot be consolidated for state and local tax purposes, pre-tax income earned outside of New York City, the utilization of state and local net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of FICA tax credits. Nevada has no state income tax and other states in which the Company operates have income tax rates substantially lower in comparison to New York. In order to utilize more effectively tax loss carryforwards at restaurants that were unprofitable, the Company has merged certain profitable subsidiaries with certain loss subsidiaries.
The income tax provisions on continuing operations for the 26-week periods ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 reflect effective tax rates of 53.6% and 35.6%, respectively. The Company expects its annual tax rate for its current fiscal year to be approximately 34.0% to 36.0% . The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates.
During the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2009, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $97,000 principally as a result of reducing its long term income tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits due to the resolution of a tax audit.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s primary source of capital has been cash provided by operations. The Company has, from time to time, utilized equipment financing in connection with the construction of a restaurant and seller financing in connection with the acquisition of a restaurant. The Company utilizes cash from operations primarily to fund the cost of developing and opening new restaurants, acquiring existing restaurants owned by others and remodeling existing restaurants owned by the Company.
The Company had a working capital surplus of $7,659,000at March 28, 2009 as compared to a working capital surplus of $9,144,000at September 27, 2008.
The Company’s Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility matured on March 12, 2005. The Company does not currently plan to enter into another credit facility and expects required cash to be provided by operations.
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Restaurant Expansion
In 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to lease space for a Mexican restaurant,Yolos, at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (formerly known as the Aladdin Resort and Casino) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The obligation to pay rent forYolos commenced when the restaurant opened for business in January 2008.
In June 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to design and lease a food court at the MGM Grand Casino at the Foxwoods Resort Casino which commenced operations during the third fiscal quarter of 2008. A limited liability company has been established to develop, construct, operate and manage the food court. The Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, is the managing member of this limited liability company and has an aggregate ownership interest in the food court operations of 67% and accordingly such operations have been consolidated.
In June 2008, the Company signed two successive one-year agreements to use certain deck space adjacent to theSequoialocation in New York City as a Café.
In June 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to design and lease a restaurant at The Museum of Arts & Design at Columbus Circle in New York City. The initial term of the lease for this facility will expire on December 31 sixteen years after the date the Museum first opens for business to the public following its current refurbishment and will have two five-year renewals. The Company anticipates the restaurant will open during the third quarter of the 2009 fiscal year.
Recent Restaurant Dispositions
During the first fiscal quarter of 2008, we discontinued the operation of our Columbus Bakery retail and wholesale bakery located in New York City. Columbus Bakery was originally intended to serve as the bakery that would provide all of our New York restaurants with baked goods as well as being a retail bakery operation. As a result of the sale and closure of several of our restaurants in New York City during the last several years, this bakery operation was no longer profitable.
During the second fiscal quarter of 2008 we opened, along with certain third party investors, a new concept at this location called “Pinch & S’Mac” which features pizza and macaroni and cheese. We contributed Columbus Bakery’s net fixed assets and cash into this venture and received an ownership interest of 37.5%. These operations are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.
Effective June 30, 2008, the lease for ourStage Deli facility at the Forum Shops in Las Vegas, Nevada expired. The landlord for this facility offered to renew the lease at this location prior to its expiration at a significantly increased rent. The Company determined that it would not be able to operate this facility profitably at this location at the rent offered in the landlord’s renewal proposal. As a result, the Company discontinued these operations during the third fiscal quarter of 2008 and took a charge for the impairment of goodwill of $294,000 and a loss on disposal of $19,000. The impairment charge and disposal loss are included in discontinued operations. Operations for the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 29, 2008 have been reclassified as discontinued operations.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements requires the application of certain accounting policies, which may require the Company to make estimates and assumptions of future events. In the process of preparing its consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities, which are not readily apparent from other sources. The primary estimates underlying the Company’s financial statements include allowances for potential bad debts on accounts and notes receivable, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments, the realizable value of its tax assets and other matters. Management bases its estimates on certain assumptions, which they believe are reasonable in the circumstances, and actual results, could differ from those estimates. Although management does not believe that any change in those assumptions in the near term would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operation, differences in actual results could be material to the financial statements.
The Company’s critical accounting policies are described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 27, 2008. There have been no significant changes to such policies during fiscal 2009, other than the implementation of FASB Interpretation No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.”
Recent Accounting Developments
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has recently issued the following accounting pronouncements:
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate
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the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS 141R will become effective for our fiscal year beginning October 4, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB” No. 51, (“SFAS 160”), which amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” (“ARB No. 51”), to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard defines a noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest, as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. SFAS 160 requires, among other items, that a noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated balance sheet within equity separate from the parent’s equity; consolidated net income to be reported at amounts inclusive of both the parent’s and noncontrolling interest’s shares and, separately, the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interest all on the consolidated statement of income; and if a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be measured at fair value and a gain or loss be recognized in net income based on such fair value. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning October 4, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting SFAS 160 on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”(“FSP FAS 142-3”), which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The new guidance applies to (1) intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets and (2) intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Under FSP FAS 142-3, entities estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset must consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, must consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the Company’s fiscal year beginning October 4, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On April 9, 2009 the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 107-1 and APB 28-1 “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has not elected to early adopt this pronouncement and is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.
On April 9, 2009 the FASB issued Staff Position No. 115-2 and FAS 124-2 “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairments”. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has not elected to early adopt this pronouncement and is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.
On April 9, 2009 the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4 “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly”. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has not elected to early adopt this pronouncement and is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company purchases commodities such as chicken, beef, lobster and shrimp for the Company’s restaurants. The prices of these commodities may be volatile depending upon market conditions. The Company does not purchase forward commodity contracts because the changes in prices for them have historically been short-term in nature and, in the Company’s view, the cost of the contracts is in excess of the benefits.
The Company’s business is also highly seasonal and dependent on the weather. Outdoor seating capacity, such as terraces and sidewalk cafes, are available for dining only in the warm seasons and then only in clement weather.
Item 4T. Controls and Procedures
Based on their evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective as of March 28, 2009 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not subject to any other pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine claims incidental to its business, which the Company does not believe will materially impact results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The most significant risk factors applicable to the Company are described in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2008 Form 10-K. The risks described in the 2008 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or operating results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets forth information regarding purchases of our common stock by us and any affiliated purchasers during the three months ended March 28, 2009. Stock repurchases may be made in the open market or in private transactions at times and in amounts that we deem appropriate. However, there is no guarantee as to the exact number of additional shares that may be repurchased, and we may terminate or limit the stock repurchase program at any time prior to its expiration. We will cancel the repurchased shares.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
| | | | | | | (c) Total Number | | (d) Maximum Number |
| | | (a) Total | | (b) | | of Shares (or Units) | | (or Approximate Dollar |
| | | Number of | | Average | | Purchased as Part | | Value) of Shares (or |
| | | Shares (or | | Price Paid | | of Publicly | | Units) that May Yet Be |
| | | Units) | | per Share | | Announced Plans | | Purchased Under the |
Period | | | Purchased | | (or Unit) | | or Programs | | Plans or Programs(1) |
Month #1 | | | | | | | | | |
December 29, | | | | | | | | | |
2008 | | | 0 | | Not Applicable | | 0 | | 393,043 |
through | | | | | | | | | |
January 27, 2009 | | | | | | | |
Month #2 | | | | | | | | | |
January 28, 2009 | 0 | | Not Applicable | | 0 | | 393,043 |
through | | | | | | | | | |
February 26, 2009 | | | | | | | |
Month #3 | | | | | | | | | |
February 27, 2009 | 0 | | Not Applicable | | 0 | | 393,043 |
through | | | | | | | | | |
March 28, 2009 | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 0 | | Not Applicable | | 0 | | 393,043 |
(1) On March 25, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program under which up to 500,000 shares of our common stock may be acquired in the open market over the two years following such authorization at our discretion. In periods prior to the second fiscal quarter of 2009 we purchased an aggregate 106,957 shares of our common stock.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on March 24, 2009. The proposals submitted to the stockholders for a vote were as follows:
| (1) | To elect a board of nine directors; |
|
| (2) | To ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as independent auditors for the 2009 fiscal year |
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The following sets forth the number of votes for, the number of votes against, the number of abstentions (or votes withheld in the case of the election of directors) and broker non-votes with respect to each of the forgoing proposals.
Proposal
| | Votes For | | Votes Against | | | Withheld | | Broker Non-Votes |
| | | | | | (Abstentions) | | |
Proposal 1 | | | | | | | | | |
|
Michael Weinstein | | 3,245,250 | | -- | | | 29,941 | | -- |
Robert Towers | | 3,253,991 | | -- | | | 21,200 | | |
Vincent Pascal | | 3,253,983 | | -- | | | 21,208 | | -- |
Paul Gordon | | 3,237,692 | | -- | | | 37,499 | | -- |
Marcia Allen | | 3,258,658 | | -- | | | 16,533 | | -- |
Bruce R. Lewin | | 3,258,858 | | -- | | | 16,333 | | -- |
Steven Shulman | | 3,267,589 | | -- | | | 7,602 | | -- |
Arthur Stainman | | 3,258,850 | | -- | | | 16,341 | | -- |
Stephen Novick | | 3,251,292 | | -- | | | 23,899 | | -- |
|
Proposal 2 | | 3,244,713 | | 29,083 | | | 1,395 | | -- |
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
32 | Certificate of Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers 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.
Date: | May 12, 2009 |
|
| ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. |
|
By: | /s/ Michael Weinstein |
| Michael Weinstein |
| Chairman & Chief Executive Officer |
|
By: | /s/ Robert J. Stewart |
| Robert Stewart |
| Chief Financial Officer |
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