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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10‑Q

(Mark One)

☒

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended October 30, 2015

OR

☐

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number: 001‑25225

 

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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (615) 444-5533

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☑    No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☑    No ☐

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes ☐    No ☑

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

23,938,223 Shares of Common Stock

Outstanding as of November 17, 2015

 

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CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended October 30, 2015

INDEX

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

See Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

* This Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet has been derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015.

 

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

See Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited and in thousands)

See Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited and in thousands)

See Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except percentages, share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the “Company”) are principally engaged in the operation and development in the United States of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® (“Cracker Barrel”) concept.

The condensed consolidated balance sheets at October 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the quarters ended October 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively, have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) without audit.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of such condensed consolidated financial statements have been made.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2015 (the “2015 Form 10-K”).  The accounting policies used in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as described in the 2015 Form 10-K.  References to a year in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are to the Company’s fiscal year unless otherwise noted.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted and Not Adopted

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance which changes the criteria for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations and requires new disclosures about disposals of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the new definition.  This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis.  The adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2016 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and provides a comprehensive model for revenue recognition.  Revenue recognition should depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.  The guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts.  This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those years.  Early application is not permitted.  A company may apply this accounting guidance either retrospectively or using the cumulative effect transition method.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018.

Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related debt liability rather than as an asset.  This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years on a retrospective basis.  Early application is permitted.  Since this accounting guidance does not provide guidance on debt issuance costs related to revolving debt agreements, this accounting guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Inventory

In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires companies to measure certain inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  This accounting guidance does not apply to inventories measured by using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method.   This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis.  Early application is permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018.

2.	Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 30, 2015 were as follows:

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2015 were as follows:

*Consists of money market fund investments.

**Represents plan assets invested in mutual funds established under a rabbi trust for the Company’s non-qualified savings plan and is included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as other assets.

The Company’s money market fund investments and deferred compensation plan assets are measured at fair value using quoted market prices.  The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap assets and liabilities are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows.  Since the values of the Company’s interest rate swaps are based on the LIBOR forward curve, which is observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the swaps, it is considered a Level 2 input.  Non-performance risk is reflected in determining the fair value of the interest rate swaps by using the Company’s credit spread less the risk-free interest rate, both of which are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the terms of the swaps.  Thus, the adjustment for non-performance risk is also considered a Level 2 input.

The fair values of the Company’s accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts because of their short duration.  The fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt, based on quoted market prices, which are considered Level 1 inputs, approximates its carrying amount at October 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015.

 

3.	Inventories

Inventories were comprised of the following at:

4.

Debt

On January 8, 2015, the Company entered into a five-year $750,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).  At both October 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015, the Company had $400,000 of outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.  At October 30, 2015, the Company had $11,195 of standby letters of credit, which reduce the Company’s borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 11 for more information on the Company’s standby letters of credit).  At October 30, 2015, the Company had $338,805 in borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.

In accordance with the Revolving Credit Facility, outstanding borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s election, either at LIBOR or prime plus a percentage point spread based on certain specified financial ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility.  As of October 30, 2015, the Company’s outstanding borrowings were swapped at a weighted average interest rate of 2.96% (see Note 5 for information on the Company’s interest rate swaps).

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants, which include maintenance of a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio.  At October 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Revolving Credit Facility also imposes restrictions on the amount of dividends the Company is permitted to pay and the amount of shares the Company is permitted to repurchase.  Under the Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of the Company’s availability under the Revolving Credit Facility plus the Company’s cash and cash equivalents on hand is at least $100,000 (the “cash availability”), the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock and repurchase shares of its common stock (1) in an unlimited amount if at the time such dividend or repurchase is made the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is 3.00 to 1.00 or less and (2) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year if the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 at the time the dividend or repurchase is made; notwithstanding (1) and (2), so long as immediately after giving effect to the payment of any such dividends, cash availability is at least $100,000, the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed in any fiscal year the product of the aggregate amount of dividends declared in the fourth quarter of the immediately preceding fiscal year multiplied by four.

5.	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company has interest rate risk relative to its outstanding borrowings (see Note 4 for information on the Company’s outstanding borrowings).  The Company’s policy has been to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt.  To manage this risk in a cost efficient manner, the Company uses derivative instruments, specifically interest rate swaps.

For each of the Company’s interest rate swaps, the Company has agreed to exchange with a counterparty the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount.  The interest rates on the portion of the Company’s outstanding debt covered by its interest rate swaps are fixed at the rates in the table below plus the Company’s credit spread.  The Company’s credit spread at October 30, 2015 was 1.25%.  All of the Company’s interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

 

A summary of the Company’s interest rate swaps at October 30, 2015 is as follows:

The notional amount for the interest rate swap entered into on June 18, 2014 increases by $40,000 each May over the four-year term of the interest rate swap beginning in May 2016 until the notional amount reaches $160,000 in May 2018.  The notional amounts for the interest rate swaps entered into on June 24, 2014 and July 1, 2014 increase by $30,000 each May over the four-year terms of the interest rate swaps beginning in May 2016 until the notional amounts each reach $120,000 in May 2018.

The Company does not hold or use derivative instruments for trading purposes.  The Company also does not have any derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and has not designated any non-derivatives as hedging instruments.

Companies may elect to offset related assets and liabilities and report the net amount on their financial statements if the right of setoff exists.  Under a master netting agreement, the Company has the legal right to offset the amounts owed to the Company against amounts owed by the Company under a derivative instrument that exists between the Company and a counterparty.  When the Company is engaged in more than one outstanding derivative transaction with the same counterparty and also has a legally enforceable master netting agreement with that counterparty, its credit risk exposure is based on the net exposure under the master netting agreement.  If, on a net basis, the Company owes the counterparty, the Company regards its credit exposure to the counterparty as being zero.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of October 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015 were as follows:

The following table summarizes the offsetting of the Company’s derivative assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015:

 

The following table summarizes the offsetting of the Company’s derivative liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015:

 

The estimated fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap assets and liabilities incorporates the Company’s non-performance risk (see Note 2).  The adjustment related to the Company’s non-performance risk at October 30, 2015 and July 31, 2015 resulted in reductions of $475 and $62, respectively, in the fair value of the interest rate swap assets and liabilities.  The offset to the interest rate swap assets and liabilities is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), net of the deferred tax asset, and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the underlying debt.  As of October 30, 2015, the estimated pre-tax portion of AOCL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months is $3,955.  Cash flows related to the interest rate swap are included in interest expense and in operating activities.

The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on AOCL for the three months ended October 30, 2015 and the year ended July 31, 2015:

The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on income for the quarters ended October 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014:

Any portion of the fair value of the swaps determined to be ineffective will be recognized currently in earnings.  No ineffectiveness has been recorded in the quarters ended October 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014.

6.	Shareholders’ Equity

During the quarter ended October 30, 2015, the Company issued 53,854 shares of its common stock resulting from the vesting of share-based compensation awards.  Related tax withholding payments on these share-based compensation awards resulted in a net reduction to shareholders’ equity of $5,243.

During the quarter ended October 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares of its common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of $14,653.

During the quarter ended October 30, 2015, total share-based compensation expense was $1,952.  The excess tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards was $1,920.

During the quarter ended October 30, 2015, the Company paid a regular dividend of $1.10 per share of its common stock and a special dividend of $3.00 per share of its common stock and declared a regular dividend of $1.10 per share of its common stock that was paid on November 5, 2015 to shareholders of record on October 16, 2015.

 

The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the quarter ended October 30, 2015 (see Notes 2 and 5):

The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCL related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the quarter ended October 30, 2015:

7.	Seasonality

Historically, the net income of the Company has been lower in the first and third quarters and higher in the second and fourth quarters.  Management attributes these variations to the Christmas holiday shopping season and the summer vacation and travel season.  The Company's retail sales, which are made substantially to the Company’s restaurant customers, historically have been highest in the Company's second quarter, which includes the Christmas holiday shopping season.  Historically, interstate tourist traffic and the propensity to dine out have been higher during the summer months, thereby contributing to higher profits in the Company’s fourth quarter.  The Company generally opens additional new locations throughout the year.  Therefore, the results of operations for any interim period cannot be considered indicative of the operating results for an entire year.

8.	Segment Information

Cracker Barrel stores represent a single, integrated operation with two related and substantially integrated product lines.  The operating expenses of the restaurant and retail product lines of a Cracker Barrel store are shared and are indistinguishable in many respects.  Accordingly, the Company currently manages its business on the basis of one reportable operating segment.  All of the Company’s operations are located within the United States.  Total revenue was comprised of the following for the specified periods:

9.	Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  Total share-based compensation was comprised of the following for the specified periods:

 

10.	Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares

Basic consolidated net income per share is computed by dividing consolidated net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period.  Diluted consolidated net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities, options or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were exercised or converted into shares of common stock and is based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding during the reporting period. Common equivalent shares related to stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants issued by the Company are calculated using the treasury stock method.  The outstanding stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants issued by the Company represent the only dilutive effects on diluted consolidated net income per share.

The following table reconciles the components of diluted earnings per share computations:

11.	Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries are party to various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims incidental to their business in the ordinary course.  In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Related to its workers’ compensation insurance coverage, the Company is contingently liable pursuant to standby letters of credit as credit guarantees to certain insurers.  As of October 30, 2015, the Company had $11,195 of standby letters of credit related to securing reserved claims under workers’ compensation insurance.  All standby letters of credit are renewable annually and reduce the Company’s borrowing availability under its Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 4).

At October 30, 2015, the Company is secondarily liable for lease payments associated with one property.  The Company is not aware of any non-performance under this lease arrangement that would result in the Company having to perform in accordance with the terms of this guarantee; and therefore, no provision has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts to be paid in case of non-performance by the primary obligor under such lease arrangement.

The Company enters into certain indemnification agreements in favor of third parties in the ordinary course of business.  The Company believes that the probability of incurring an actual liability under such indemnification agreements is sufficiently remote so that no liability has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 30, 2015.

 

ITEM 2.

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

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “our” or “we”) are principally engaged in the operation and development in the United States of the Cracker Barrel Old Country StoreÒ (“Cracker Barrel”) concept.  At October 30, 2015, we operated 635 Cracker Barrel stores in 42 states.  All dollar amounts reported or discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) are shown in thousands, except per share amounts and certain statistical information (e.g., number of stores).  References to years in MD&A are to our fiscal year unless otherwise noted.

MD&A provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.  MD&A should be read in conjunction with the (i) condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and (ii) financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015 (the “2015 Form 10-K”).  Except for specific historical information, many of the matters discussed in this report may express or imply projections of items such as revenues or expenditures, estimated capital expenditures, compliance with debt covenants, plans and objectives for future operations, inventory shrinkage, growth or initiatives, expected future economic performance or the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation. These and similar statements regarding events or results which we expect will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements that, by their nature, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.  All forward-looking information is provided pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “trends,” “assumptions,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “opportunity,” “future,” “plans,” “goals,” “objectives,” “expectations,” “near-term,” “long-term,” “projection,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “potential,” “should,” “projects,” “forecasts” or “continue”  (or the negative or other derivatives of each of these terms) or similar terminology.  We believe the assumptions underlying any forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, actual results may differ materially from those projected in or implied by the forward-looking statements.  In addition to the risks of ordinary business operations, and those discussed or described in this report or in information incorporated by reference into this report, factors and risks that may result in actual results differing from this forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, those contained in Part I, Item 1A of the 2015 Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by this reference, as well as the factors described under “Critical Accounting Estimates” on pages 20-24 of this report or, from time to time, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), press releases and other communications.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made in this report because the statements speak only as of the report’s date.  Except as may be required by law, we have no obligation or intention to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  Readers are advised, however, to consult any future public disclosures that we may make on related subjects in reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC or in our other public disclosures.

 

Overview

 

Management believes that the Cracker Barrel brand remains one of the strongest and most differentiated brands in the restaurant industry, and we plan to continue to leverage that strength in 2016 to grow guest sales and profits.  Our long-term strategy includes the following:

·

Enhancing the core business by increasing our brand’s relevance to customers in order to drive guest traffic and sales in both restaurant and retail, implementing geographic pricing tiers to optimize average check and re-engineering store processes to increase operating margin;

·

Expanding the footprint through continued use of our proven site selection tools, introducing a new and more efficient building and equipment prototype and continuing our selective entry into new markets; and

·

Extending the brand by building on the initial success of our licensing business, leveraging our brand strengths into a new fast casual concept and growing our retail business into an omni-channel business.

Our four priorities for 2016 are to:

·

Drive traffic and sales through advertising, menu strategies and targeted marketing programs;

·

Apply technology and process improvements to enhance the overall guest experience;

·

Implement cost savings initiatives to further drive store operating margins; and

·

Invest in long-term growth through new unit expansion and the development of a fast casual concept.

We continue to be focused on the delivery of our three-year strategic priorities.   In the first quarter of 2016, we completed the implementation of our dining room management system in order to optimize our wait list and seating while reducing labor costs.  We also introduced new initiatives tied to our 2016 priorities at our bi-annual manager conference and training event.

Results of Operations

The following table highlights our operating results by percentage relationships to total revenue for the quarter ended October 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior year:

 

The following table sets forth the number of stores in operation at the beginning and end of the quarters ended October 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014, respectively:

Total Revenue

Total revenue for the first quarter of 2016 increased 2.8% compared to the same period in the prior year.

The following table highlights the key components of revenue for the quarter ended October 30, 2015 as compared to the quarter ended October 31, 2014:

 ⁽¹⁾Average unit volumes include sales of all stores.

For the first quarter of 2016, our comparable store restaurant sales increase consisted of a 3.2% average check increase for the quarter (including a 2.8% average menu price increase) partially offset by a 0.7% guest traffic decrease.  For the first quarter of 2016, our comparable store retail sales increase resulted primarily from strong performance in apparel and accessories merchandise categories.

Restaurant and retail sales from newly opened stores accounted for the balance of the total revenue increases in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Cost of Goods Sold (Exclusive of Depreciation and Rent)

The following table highlights the components of cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and rent) in dollar amounts and as percentages of revenues for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior year:

The decrease in restaurant cost of goods sold as a percentage of restaurant revenue in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior year was due to our menu price increase referenced above partially offset by commodity inflation and higher cost menu items.  Higher cost menu items accounted for an increase of 0.1% in restaurant cost of goods sold as a percentage of restaurant revenue for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior year.  Commodity inflation was 0.4% in the first quarter of 2016.

 

We presently expect the rate of commodity inflation to be approximately 2.5% to 3.0% for 2016.

The decrease in retail cost of goods sold as a percentage of retail revenue in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the prior year quarter resulted primarily from lower markdowns, lower damages and higher credits.

Labor and Related Expenses

Labor and related expenses include all direct and indirect labor and related costs incurred in store operations.  Labor and related expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 34.8% in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to 35.5% in the first quarter of 2015.   This percentage change resulted primarily from the following:

The decrease in store hourly labor costs as a percentage of total revenue for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior year resulted from menu price increases being higher than wage inflation and improved productivity.

The decrease in our employee health care expenses as a percentage of total revenue for the first quarter as compared to the same period in the prior year resulted primarily from lower claims and lower levels of enrollment partially offset by the impact of a claims adjustment in the prior year.

The decrease in payroll tax expense as a percentage of total revenue for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior year resulted primarily from a reduction in state unemployment tax rates.

 

Other Store Operating Expenses

Other store operating expenses include all store-level operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, operating supplies, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and amortization, advertising, rent, credit card fees, real and personal property taxes, general insurance and costs associated with our bi-annual manager conference and training event.

Other store operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue increased to 19.3% in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to 19.0% in the first quarter of 2015.  This percentage change resulted primarily from the following:

In the first quarter of 2016, we held a bi-annual manager conference and training event which was attended by our store operations management team.  We did not hold a manager’s conference and training event in the first quarter of 2015 and we expect to hold our next conference and training event in the first quarter of 2018.

The decrease in utilities expense as a percentage of total revenue for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in the prior year resulted primarily from lower electricity costs and lower natural gas prices.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue remained flat at 4.9% in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the first quarter of 2015.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2016 was $3,544 as compared to $4,424 in the first quarter of 2015.  The decrease in interest expense for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the first quarter of 2015 resulted primarily from lower weighted average interest rates due to the expiration of certain interest rate swaps and the effectiveness of lower-cost swaps that had been entered previously.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes (the “effective tax rate”) was 33.8% and 33.3% in the first quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The increase in the effective tax rate from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016 resulted primarily from an increase in pretax income and lower employer tax credits as a percentage of income before taxes.

We presently expect our effective tax rate for 2016 to be between 31% and 32%.  This estimate assumes that the expired Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”) is not renewed.  If renewed, we estimate that the retroactive renewal of the WOTC could reduce our provision for income taxes by $3,500 to $6,500 in 2016.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from our operations and our borrowing capacity under our $750,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).  Our internally generated cash, along with cash on hand at July 31, 2015, was sufficient to finance all of our growth, dividend payments, share repurchases, working capital needs and other cash payment obligations in the first quarter of 2016.

We believe that cash on hand at October 30, 2015, along with cash generated from our operating activities and the borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to finance our continuing operations, expected dividend payments and our continuing expansion plans for at least the next twelve months.

 

Cash (Used in) Generated From Operations

Our operating activities used net cash of $4,355 for the first quarter of 2016, which represented a decrease from the $36,729 net cash provided during the first quarter of 2015.  This decrease primarily reflected higher retail inventory, the timing of payments for accounts payable and the non-recurrence of reimbursements of certain health care premiums related to our calendar 2014 fully insured health insurance plans.  Higher retail inventory resulted primarily from the timing of receipts.

Borrowing Capacity and Debt Covenants

At October 30, 2015, we had $400,000 of outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and we had $11,195 of standby letters of credit related to securing reserved claims under our workers’ compensation insurance which reduce our borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. At October 30, 2015, we had $338,805 in borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility.  See Note 4 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our long-term debt.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants, which include maintenance of a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio.  We presently are in compliance with all financial covenants.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures (purchase of property and equipment) net of proceeds from insurance recoveries were $17,016 for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to $18,419 for the same period in the prior year.  Our capital expenditures consisted primarily of capital expenditures for maintenance programs and costs of new store locations.  We estimate that our capital expenditures during 2016 will be approximately $110,000.  This estimate includes the acquisition of sites and construction costs of seven new stores that are expected to open during 2016, as well as for acquisition and construction costs for store locations to be opened in 2017, capital expenditures for maintenance programs and technology and operations improvements.  We intend to fund our capital expenditures with cash flows from operations and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, as necessary.

Dividends, Share Repurchases and Share-Based Compensation Awards

The Revolving Credit Facility imposes restrictions on the amount of dividends we are permitted to pay and the amount of shares we are permitted to repurchase.  Under the Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of our availability under the Revolving Credit Facility plus our cash and cash equivalents on hand is at least $100,000 (the “cash availability”), we may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of our common stock and repurchase shares of our common stock (1) in an unlimited amount if at the time of the dividend or the repurchase is made our consolidated total leverage ratio is 3.00 to 1.00 or less and (2) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year if our consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 at the time the dividend or repurchase is made; notwithstanding (1) and (2), so long as immediately after giving effect to the payment of any such dividends, cash availability is at least $100,000, we may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed in any fiscal year the product of the aggregate amount of dividends declared in the fourth quarter of the immediately preceding fiscal year multiplied by four.

During the first quarter of 2016, we paid a regular dividend of $1.10 per share and a special dividend of $3.00 per share, or an aggregate of $98,613.  During the first quarter of 2016, we declared a dividend of $1.10 per share that was paid on November 5, 2015 to shareholders of record on October 16, 2015.

We have been authorized by our Board of Directors to repurchase shares at management’s discretion up to $25,000 during 2016.  During the first quarter of 2016, we repurchased 100,000 shares of our common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of $14,653.

During the first quarter of 2016, we issued 53,854 shares of our common stock resulting from the vesting of share-based compensation awards.  Related tax withholding payments on these share-based compensation awards resulted in a net use of cash of $5,243.

 

Working Capital

In the restaurant industry, virtually all sales are either for cash or first-party credit or debit card.   Restaurant inventories purchased through our principal food distributor are on terms of net zero days, while restaurant inventories purchased locally are generally financed from normal trade credit.  Because of our retail gift shops, which have a lower product turnover than the restaurant business, we carry larger inventories than many other companies in the restaurant industry.  Retail inventories purchased domestically are generally financed from normal trade credit, while imported retail inventories are generally purchased through wire transfers.  These various trade terms are aided by the rapid turnover of the restaurant inventory.  Employees generally are paid on weekly or semi-monthly schedules in arrears for hours worked except for bonuses that are paid either quarterly or annually in arrears.  Many other operating expenses have normal trade terms and certain expenses, such as certain taxes and some benefits, are deferred for longer periods of time.

We had positive working capital of $12,186 at October 30, 2015 versus positive working capital of $11,213 at July 31, 2015.  Working capital increased from July 31, 2015 primarily because of the payment of the special dividend of $3.00 per share of our common stock, the payment of annual and long-term incentive bonuses, the timing of payments for accounts payable and the use of cash to build retail inventories partially offset by the decrease in cash.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than various operating leases, we have no other material off-balance sheet arrangements.  Refer to the sub-section entitled “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” under the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources” presented in the MD&A of our 2015 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our operating leases.

Material Commitments

There have been no material changes in our material commitments other than in the ordinary course of business since the end of 2015.  Refer to the sub-section entitled “Material Commitments” under the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources” presented in the MD&A of our 2015 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our material commitments.

See Note 1 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting guidance adopted and not yet adopted.  The adopted accounting guidance discussed in Note 1 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  Regarding the accounting guidance not yet adopted, the accounting guidance is either expected not to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations or we are still evaluating the impact of adopting the accounting guidance.

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures.  We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends, outside advice from parties believed to be experts in such matters and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from those assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2015 Form 10-K.  Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.

 

Critical accounting estimates are those that:

·

management believes are most important to the accurate portrayal of both our financial condition and operating results, and

·

require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

We consider the following accounting estimates to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements:

·

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Provision for Asset Dispositions

·

Insurance Reserves

·

Retail Inventory Valuation

·

Tax Provision

·

Share-Based Compensation

·

Legal Proceedings

Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Provision for Asset Dispositions

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the total expected future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying value is written down, for an asset to be held and used, to the estimated fair value or, for an asset to be disposed of, to the fair value, net of estimated costs of disposal.  Any loss resulting from impairment is recognized by a charge to income.  Judgments and estimates that we make related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and future cash flows are affected by factors such as changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance.  The accuracy of such provisions can vary materially from original estimates and management regularly monitors the adequacy of the provisions until final disposition occurs.

We have not made any material changes in our methodology for assessing impairments during the first quarter of 2016, and we do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used by us in the future to assess impairment of long-lived assets.  However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and fair values of long-lived assets, we may be exposed to losses that could be material.

Insurance Reserves

We self-insure a significant portion of our expected workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs.  We purchase insurance for individual workers’ compensation claims that exceed $250, $750 or $1,000 depending on the state in which the claim originates.  We purchase insurance for individual general liability claims that exceed $500.  We record a reserve for workers’ compensation and general liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims.  These reserves and estimates of IBNR claims are based upon a full scope actuarial study which is performed annually at the end of our third quarter and is adjusted by the actuarially determined losses and actual claims payments for the fourth quarter.  Additionally, we perform limited scope actuarial studies on a quarterly basis to verify and/or modify our reserves.  The reserves and losses in the actuarial study represent a range of possible outcomes within which no given estimate is more likely than any other estimate.  As such, we record the losses in the lower end of that range and discount them to present value using a risk-free interest rate based on projected timing of payments.  We also monitor actual claims development, including incidence or settlement of individual large claims during the interim periods between actuarial studies as another means of estimating the adequacy of our reserves.

 

Our group health plans combine the use of self-insured and fully-insured programs.  Benefits for any individual (employee or dependents) in the self-insured group health program are limited.  We record a liability for the self-insured portion of our group health program for all unpaid claims based upon a loss development analysis derived from actual group health claims payment experience.  Additionally, we record a liability for unpaid prescription drug claims based on historical experience.  The majority of our fully-insured health insurance plans for calendar 2014 contained a retrospective feature which decreased premiums based on actual claims experience.

Our accounting policies regarding workers’ compensation, general insurance and health insurance reserves include certain actuarial assumptions and management judgments regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim development history and settlement practices.  We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to establish our insurance reserves during the first quarter of 2016 and do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to calculate the insurance reserves.  However, changes in these actuarial assumptions, management judgments or claims experience in the future may produce materially different amounts of expense that would be reported under these insurance programs.

Retail Inventory Valuation

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of retail merchandise sold at our stores utilizing the retail inventory method (“RIM”).  Under RIM, the valuation of our retail inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of our inventories.  Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates, including initial markons, markups, markdowns and shrinkage, which may significantly impact the gross margin calculation as well as the ending inventory valuation.

Inventory valuation provisions are included for retail inventory obsolescence and retail inventory shrinkage.  Retail inventory is reviewed on a quarterly basis for obsolescence and adjusted as appropriate based on assumptions made by management and judgments regarding inventory aging and future promotional activities.  Cost of goods sold includes an estimate of shrinkage that is adjusted upon physical inventory counts.  Annual physical inventory counts are conducted throughout the third and fourth quarters based upon a cyclical inventory schedule.  An estimate of shrinkage is recorded for the time period between physical inventory counts by using a three-year average of the physical inventories’ results on a store-by-store basis.

We have not made any material changes in the methodologies, estimates or assumptions related to our merchandise inventories during the first quarter of 2016 and do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions in the future.  However, actual obsolescence or shrinkage recorded may produce materially different amounts than we have estimated.

Tax Provision

We must make estimates of certain items that comprise our income tax provision.  These estimates include effective state and local income tax rates, employer tax credits for items such as FICA taxes paid on employee tip income, Work Opportunity credit, as well as estimates related to certain depreciation and capitalization policies.  Our estimates are made based on current tax laws, the best available information at the time of the provision and historical experience.

We recognize (or derecognize) a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained (or not sustained) upon examination by tax authorities.  A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

We file our income tax returns many months after our year end.  These returns are subject to audit by various federal and state governments years after the returns are filed and could be subject to differing interpretations of the tax laws.  We then must assess the likelihood of successful legal proceedings or reach a settlement with the relevant taxing authority.  Although we believe that the judgments and estimates used in establishing our tax provision are reasonable, an unsuccessful legal proceeding or a settlement could result in material adjustments to our Consolidated Financial Statements and our consolidated financial position (see Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2015 Form 10-K for additional information).

 

Share-Based Compensation

Our share-based compensation consists of nonvested stock awards and performance-based market stock units (“MSU Grants”).  Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant date fair value and the achievement of performance conditions for certain awards.  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the award’s vesting period, or the date on which retirement is achieved, if shorter.

Compensation expense is recognized for only the portion of our share-based compensation awards that are expected to vest.  Therefore, an estimated forfeiture rate is derived from historical employee termination behavior and is updated annually.  The forfeiture rate is applied on a straight-line basis over the service (vesting) period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award were, in substance, multiple awards.

Our share-based compensation awards accrue dividends.  Dividends will be forfeited for any share-based compensation awards that do not vest.

Our nonvested stock awards are time vested except for awards under our long-term incentive plans, which also contain performance conditions.   At each reporting period, we reassess the probability of achieving the performance conditions under our long-term incentive plans.  Determining whether the performance conditions will be achieved involves judgment, and the estimate of expense for nonvested stock awards may be revised periodically based on changes in our determination of the probability of achieving the performance conditions.  Revisions are reflected in the period in which the estimate is changed.  If any performance conditions are not met, no shares will be granted, no compensation will ultimately be recognized and, to the extent previously recognized, compensation expense will be reversed.

Generally, the fair value of each nonvested stock award that does not accrue dividends is equal to the market price of our common stock at the date of grant reduced by the present value of expected dividends to be paid prior to the vesting period, discounted using an appropriate risk-free interest rate.  Other nonvested stock awards accrue dividends and their fair value is equal to the market price of our stock at the date of grant.

In addition to providing the requisite service, MSU Grants contain both a market condition based on total shareholder return and a performance condition based on operating income.  Total shareholder return is defined as increases in our stock price plus dividends paid during the performance period.  The number of shares awarded at the end of the performance period for each MSU Grant may increase up to 150% of target in direct proportion to any percentage increase in shareholder value during the performance period.  The probability of the actual shares expected to be awarded is considered in the grant date valuation; therefore, the expense will not be adjusted to reflect the actual units awarded.  However, if the performance condition is not met, no shares will be granted, no compensation will ultimately be recognized and, to the extent previously recognized, compensation expense will be reversed.

The fair value of our MSU Grants was determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model, which simulates a range of possible future stock prices and estimates the probabilities of the potential payouts.  The Monte-Carlo simulation model uses the average prices for the 60-consecutive calendar days beginning 30 days prior to and ending 30 days after the first business day of the performance period.  This model also incorporates the following ranges of assumptions:

·

The expected volatility is a blend of implied volatility based on market-traded options on our stock and historical volatility of our stock over the period commensurate with the three-year performance period.

·

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate assumption commensurate with the three-year performance period.

·

The expected dividend yield is based on our current dividend yield as the best estimate of projected dividend yield for periods within the three-year performance period.

We update the historical and implied components of the expected volatility assumption when new grants are made.

 

We have not made any material changes in our estimates or assumptions used to determine share-based compensation during the first quarter of 2016 and do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions used to determine share-based compensation expense.  However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to changes in share-based compensation expense that could be material.

Legal Proceedings

We are parties to various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims incidental to our business from time to time.  We review outstanding claims and proceedings internally and with external counsel, as necessary and appropriate, to assess probability of loss and for the ability to estimate loss.  These assessments are re-evaluated each quarter or as new information becomes available to determine whether a reserve should be established or if any existing reserve should be adjusted.  The actual cost of resolving a claim or proceeding ultimately may be substantially different than the amount of the recorded reserve.  Although we believe that the judgments and estimates used in establishing our legal reserves are reasonable, an unsuccessful legal proceeding or a settlement could result in material adjustments to our Consolidated Financial Statements and our consolidated financial position.

 

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    Part II, Item 7A of the 2015 Form 10-K is incorporated in this item of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q by this reference. There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative market risks since July 31, 2015.

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

    Our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each concluded that as of October 30, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purposes set forth in the definition thereof in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

    There have been no changes (including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses) during the quarter ended October 30, 2015 in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

    There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2015 Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   There were no equity securities sold by the Company during the period covered by this Form 10-Q that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

   The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock made during the quarter ended October 30, 2015 by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act:

(1)	Average price paid per share is calculated on a settlement basis and includes commissions and fees.

(2)

On October 3, 2014, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $25,000 of our common stock, with such authorization to expire on October 3, 2015.  On September 28, 2015, we announced our Board of Directors had authorized new share repurchases for up to $25,000 of our common stock, with such authorization to expire on October 7, 2016.  The share repurchase authorization was effective immediately and replaced the prior share repurchase authorization.

(3)	Shares repurchased in the table above were purchased in the open market pursuant to the authorization from our Board of Directors.

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

    See Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page hereto.

 

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.

 

^†Denotes management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

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