FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

[ X ]

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

For the quarterly period ended December September 24, 2023.24, 2017.

OR

[   ]

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

For  the transition period from to .

 

Commission File No. file number 0001-3596201-35962

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

11-3166443

 
 

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

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

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

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

(Address and Zip Code of principal executive offices)

(516) 338-8500

 (Registrant's(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

 

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

NATH

The NASDAQ Global Market

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

Yes X No __

 

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 X 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 or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

 

Large accelerated filer ___

Accelerated filer    X

Non-accelerated filer ___  (do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Emerging growth company     ___

Smaller reporting company ___

Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

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

 

AtFebruary 2, 2018 October 27, 2023 an aggregate of 4,184,5494,079,720 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value of $.01, were outstanding.

 

-1-

 

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEXINDEX

 

Page

Number

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

3

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 (Unaudited) and March 26, 20172023

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) - Thirteen and Thirty-nineTwenty-six Weeks Ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and DecemberSeptember 25, 20162022

4

 

Consolidated StatementStatements of Stockholders’ (Deficit)Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited) – Thirty-nineThirteen Weeks Ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and September 25, 2022

5

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited) – Twenty-six Weeks Ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022

6  

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Thirty-nineTwenty-six Weeks Ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and DecemberSeptember 25, 20162022

6

7  

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

8  

Item 2.

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

1820

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

2830

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

2931

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

32

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

3032

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

3032

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, and Use of Proceeds.

Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

3032

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

3032

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

3032

Item 5.

Other Information.

3032

Item 6.

Exhibits.

3133

SIGNATURES

3234

Exhibit Index

33

 

-2-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 24, 2017 and March 26, 2017

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

 

 

December 24, 2017

  

March 26, 2017

 
  

(Unaudited)

     
ASSETS        
         

CURRENT ASSETS

        

Cash

 $67,288  $56,915 

Accounts and other receivables, net

  11,873   8,948 

Inventories

  406   579 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note G)

  3,352   1,093 

Total current assets

  82,919   67,535 
         

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,525 and $7,522, respectively

  8,276   8,844 

Goodwill

  95   95 

Intangible asset

  1,353   1,353 

Other assets

  293   298 

Total assets

 $92,936  $78,125 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT)

        
         

CURRENT LIABILITIES

        

Accounts payable

 $4,268  $4,809 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note H)

  26,644   5,865 

Deferred franchise fees

  198   98 

Total current liabilities

  31,110   10,772 
         

Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $5,374 and $3,525, respectively (Note N)

  144,626   131,475 

Other liabilities

  1,484   1,555 

Deferred income taxes

  751   814 
         

Total liabilities

  177,971   144,616 
         

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note O)

        
         

STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT)

        

Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 9,311,922 and 9,303,870 shares issued; and 4,184,549 and 4,176,497 shares outstanding at December 24, 2017 and March 26, 2017, respectively

  93   93 

Additional paid-in capital

  60,723   60,582 

(Accumulated deficit)

  (68,548)  (49,863)

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity before treasury stock

  (7,732)  10,812 

Treasury stock, at cost, 5,127,373 shares at December 24, 2017 and March 26, 2017, respectively

  (77,303)  (77,303)

Total stockholders’ (deficit)

  (85,035)  (66,491)
         

Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit)

 $92,936  $78,125 

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

  

September 24, 2023

  

March 26, 2023

 
  

(Unaudited)

     
ASSETS        

CURRENT ASSETS

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $36,978  $29,861 

Accounts and other receivables, net (Note G)

  15,762   15,066 

Inventories

  921   539 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note H)

  846   1,895 

Total current assets

  54,507   47,361 
         

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $11,411 and $10,871, respectively

  2,949   3,321 

Operating lease assets (Note Q)

  6,638   6,421 

Goodwill

  95   95 

Intangible asset, net (Note I)

  782   869 

Deferred income taxes

  467   375 

Other assets

  154   168 
         

Total assets

 $65,592  $58,610 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

        
         

CURRENT LIABILITIES

        

Accounts payable

 $5,611  $6,461 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note K)

  6,638   8,130 

Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note Q)

  1,875   1,782 

Deferred franchise fees

  336   336 

Total current liabilities

  14,460   16,709 
         

Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $768 and $952, respectively (Note P)

  79,232   79,048 

Operating lease liabilities (Note Q)

  5,408   5,406 

Other liabilities

  783   737 

Deferred franchise fees

  1,080   1,272 
         

Total liabilities

  100,963   103,172 
         

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note R)

      
         

STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

        

Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 9,369,235 shares issued; and 4,079,720 shares outstanding at September 24, 2023 and March 26, 2023

  94   94 

Additional paid-in capital

  62,924   62,565 

Accumulated deficit

  (11,727)  (20,559)

Stockholders’ equity before treasury stock

  51,291   42,100 
         

Treasury stock, at cost, 5,289,515 shares at September 24, 2023 and March 26, 2023

  (86,662)  (86,662)

Total stockholders’ deficit

  (35,371)  (44,562)
         

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

 $65,592  $58,610 

 

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

 

-3-

 

Nathan’ss Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 Thirteen weeks ended  Thirty-nine weeks ended  

Thirteen weeks ended

  

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
 

December 24, 2017

  

December 25, 2016

  

December 24, 2017

  

December 25, 2016

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

REVENUES

                 

Sales

 $16,767  $14,859  $63,639  $58,012  $28,545  $27,301  $57,373  $54,195 

License royalties

  4,228   3,990   17,393   15,602   8,339  8,413   19,997  19,727 

Franchise fees and royalties

  1,088   1,088   3,575   3,752   1,291  1,199   2,366  2,292 

Advertising fund revenue

  569   584   993   1,003 

Total revenues

  22,083   19,937   84,607   77,366   38,744   37,497   80,729   77,217 
                 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

                 

Cost of sales

  12,599   10,785   48,165   41,732   24,187  21,898   48,871  44,565 

Restaurant operating expenses

  760   695   2,769   2,711   1,340  1,253   2,383  2,285 

Depreciation and amortization

  320   309   1,055   1,005   315  301   628  534 

General and administrative expenses

  3,034   3,394   10,064   10,309   3,229  3,372   7,287  6,961 

Advertising fund expense

  569   759   993   1,178 

Total costs and expenses

  16,713   15,183   62,053   55,757   29,640   27,583   60,162   55,523 
                 

Income from operations

  5,370   4,754   22,554   21,609   9,104  9,914   20,567  21,694 
                 

Loss on debt extinguishment

  (8,872)  -   (8,872)  - 

Interest expense

  (3,650)  (3,663)  (10,976)  (11,002)  (1,413) (1,943)  (2,827) (3,887)

Interest income

  44   35   114   71   150  80   212  102 

Other income, net

  22   21   64   64   23   34   44   56 
                 

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes

  (7,086)  1,147   2,884   10,742 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

  (3,307)  448   621   3,986 

Net (loss) income

 $(3,779) $699  $2,263  $6,756 

Income before provision for income taxes

  7,864  8,085   17,996  17,965 

Provision for income taxes

  2,153   2,127   4,897   4,870 

Net income

 $5,711  $5,958  $13,099  $13,095 
                 

PER SHARE INFORMATION

                 

(Loss) income per share:

                

Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:

 

Basic

 $( 0.90) $. 17  $.54  $1.62   4,080   4,083   4,080   4,098 

Diluted

 $(0.90) $. 17  $.54  $1.61   4,092   4,083   4,090   4,098 
                 

Weighted average shares used in computing (loss) income per share:

                

Income per share:

 

Basic

  4,185,000   4,175,000   4,180,000   4,171,000  $1.40  $1.46  $3.21  $3.20 

Diluted

  4,185,000   4,209,000   4,219,000   4,202,000  $1.40  $1.46  $3.20  $3.20 
 

Dividends declared per share

 $0.50  $0.45  $1.00  $0.90 

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

-4-

 

Nathan’ss Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSTATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS(DEFICIT)

Thirty-nineThirteen weeks ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and September 25, 2022

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

          

Additional

              

Total

 
  

Common

  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

(Accumulated

  

Treasury Stock, at Cost

  

Stockholders

 
  

Shares

  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Deficit)

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

(Deficit)

 
                             

Balance, March 26, 2017

  9,303,870  $93  $60,582  $(49,863)  5,127,373  $(77,303) $(66,491)
                             

Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans

  8,052   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                             

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

  -   -   (157)  -   -   -   (157)
                             

Share-based compensation

  -   -   298   -   -   -   298 
                             

Cash dividends declared on common stock and restricted stock

  -   -   -   (20,948)  -   -   (20,948)
                             

Net income

  -   -   -   2,263   -   -   2,263 
                             

Balance, December 24, 2017

  9,311,922  $93  $60,723  $(68,548)  5,127,373  $(77,303) $(85,035)
          

Additional

              

Total

 
  

Common

  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Accumulated

  

Treasury Stock, at Cost

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Shares

  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Deficit

 
                             

Balance, June 25, 2023

  9,369,235  $94  $62,742  $(15,398)  5,289,515  $(86,662) $(39,224)
                             

Dividends on common stock

  -   -   -   (2,040)  -   -   (2,040)

Share-based compensation

  -   -   182   -   -   -   182 

Net income

  -   -   -   5,711   -   -   5,711 

Balance, September 24, 2023

  9,369,235  $94  $62,924  $(11,727)  5,289,515  $(86,662) $(35,371)

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

 

-5-

          

Additional

              

Total

 
  

Common

  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Accumulated

  

Treasury Stock, at Cost

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Shares

  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Deficit

 
                             

Balance, June 26, 2022

  9,369,235  $94  $62,315  $(27,334)  5,274,451  $(85,840) $(50,765)
                             

Repurchase of common stock

                  15,064   (822)  (822)

Dividends on common stock

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

Share-based compensation

  -   -   8   -   -   -   8 

Net income

  -   -   -   5,958   -   -   5,958 

Balance, September 25, 2022

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

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Thirty-nine weeks ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

  

December 24,

2017

  

December 25,

2016

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income

 $2,263  $6,756 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

        
Loss on debt extinguishment  8,872   - 

Depreciation and amortization

  1,055   1,005 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

  932   910 

Share-based compensation expense

  298   482 

Income tax benefit on stock option exercises

  194   659 

Provision for doubtful accounts

  42   34 

Deferred income taxes

  (63)  92 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts and other receivables, net

  (2,967)  (1,523)

Inventories

  173   293 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  (2,259)  643 

Other assets

  5   15 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  (779)  545 

Deferred franchise fees

  100   4 

Other liabilities

  (71)  (142)
         

Net cash provided by operating activities

  7,795   9,773 
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Purchase of property and equipment

  (488)  (1,001)
         

Net cash (used in) investing activities

  (488)  (1,001)
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

  150,000   - 

Cash payments for extinguishment of debt

  (135,000)  - 

Premium paid on extinguishment of debt

  (6,750)  - 

Debt issuance costs

  (4,902)  - 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  -   44 

Dividends paid upon vesting of restricted stock

  (125)  (375)

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

  (157)  (994)

Repurchase of treasury stock

  -   (1,272)
         

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  3,066   (2,597)
         

Net increase in cash

  10,373   6,175 
         

Cash, beginning of period

  56,915   50,228 
         

Cash, end of period

 $67,288  $56,403 
         

Cash paid during the period for:

        

Interest

 $9,038  $6,750 

Income taxes paid

 $3,447  $2,976 
         

Noncash financing activity:

        

Dividends declared

 $20,948  $- 

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

 

-5-

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT

Twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

          

Additional

              

Total

 
  

Common

  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Accumulated

  

Treasury Stock, at Cost

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Shares

  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Deficit

 
                             

Balance, March 26, 2023

  9,369,235  $94  $62,565  $(20,559)  5,289,515  $(86,662) $(44,562)
                             

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13 (Note B)

  -   -   -   (187)  -   -   (187)

Dividends on common stock

  -   -   -   (4,080)  -   -   (4,080)

Share-based compensation

  -   -   359   -   -   -   359 

Net income

  -   -   -   13,099   -   -   13,099 

Balance, September 24, 2023

  9,369,235  $94  $62,924  $(11,727)  5,289,515  $(86,662) $(35,371)

          

Additional

              

Total

 
  

Common

  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Accumulated

  

Treasury Stock, at Cost

  Stockholders’ 
  

Shares

  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Deficit

 
                             

Balance, March 27, 2022

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

Repurchase of common stock

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

Dividends on common stock

  -   -   -   (3,688)  -   -   (3,688)

Share-based compensation

  -   -   16   -   -   -   16 

Net income

  -   -   -   13,095   -   -   13,095 

Balance, September 25, 2022

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

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

-6-

Nathans Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

  

September 24,

2023

  

September 25,

2022

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income

 $13,099  $13,095 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

        

Depreciation and amortization

  628   534 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

  -   (14)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

  184   254 

Share-based compensation expense

  359   16 

Provision for doubtful accounts

  55   80 

Deferred income taxes

  (27)  15 

Other non-cash items

  (122)  (123)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts and other receivables, net

  (1,003)  (2,877)

Inventories

  (382)  (201)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  1,049   573 

Other assets

  14   13 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  (2,342)  (1,384)

Deferred franchise fees

  (192)  (259)

Other liabilities

  46   50 
         

Net cash provided by operating activities

  11,366   9,772 
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Insurance proceeds for property and equipment

  -   42 

Purchase of property and equipment

  (169)  (440)
         

Net cash used in investing activities

  (169)  (398)
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Dividends paid to stockholders

  (4,080)  (3,688)

Repurchase of treasury stock

  -   (1,892)
         

Net cash used in financing activities

  (4,080)  (5,580)
         

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  7,117   3,794 
         

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  29,861   50,063 
         

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 $36,978  $53,857 
         

Cash paid during the period for:

        

Interest

 $2,650  $3,644 

Income taxes

 $4,265  $3,576 
         

Non-cash financing activity:

        

Dividends declared per share

 $1.00  $0.90 

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

-7-

 

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023

(Unaudited)

NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Nathan's Famous, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively “Nathan’s,“Nathan’s,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) as of and for the thirteen and thirty-ninetwenty-six week periods ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and DecemberSeptember 25, 20162022 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.America (“GAAP”). The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. However, our results of operations are seasonal in nature, and the results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.

The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to March 31. The 2024 fiscal year will end on March 31, 2024 and will contain 53 weeks.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of AmericaGAAP have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Commission (“SEC”).

Management believes that the disclosures included in the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading, but should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and notesNotes thereto included in Nathan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2017.2023 as filed with the SEC on June 8, 2023.

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

 

A summary of the Company’sCompany’s significant accounting policies is identified in Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2017. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies subsequent to March 26, 2017.2023.

 

NOTE B–B – ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTSSTANDARD

 

In July 2015,June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) updated U.S. accounting guidance to simplify the ways businesses measure inventory. Companies that use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or the average cost method will measure inventory at the lowerissued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of its cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal courseCredit Losses on Financial Instruments,” (“CECL”) which requires measurement and recognition of business, minus the cost of completion, disposal, and transportation. Companies will no longer consider replacement cost or net realizable value less a normal profit margin when measuring inventory. The guidance was effectiveexpected versus incurred losses for the Company beginning in the quarter ended June 25, 2017 and did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)”. This update addresses eight specific cash flow topics with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice for certain aspects under Topic 230. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017.assets held. The Company elected to early adoptadopted ASU 2016-15 during the quarter ending December 24, 2017. The adoption2016-13 as of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE C – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that attempts to establish a uniform basis for recording revenue to virtually all industries’ financial statements, under U.S. GAAP as further amended during 2016. The FASB issued certain updates to the standard, including clarifying reporting revenue between Principle versus Agent and clarification in determining performance obligations and licenses guidance. The revenue standard’s core principle is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled.In order to accomplish this objective, companies must evaluate the following five basic steps: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

There are two basic transition methods that are available – full retrospective, or modified retrospective transition methods. Early adoption is prohibited. Public companies were originally expected to apply the new standard for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein, which for Nathan’s would have been itsMarch 27, 2023 (the first quarterday of fiscal 2018, beginning on March 27, 2017. On July 9, 2015, the FASB agreed to delay the standard’s effective date to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 which will now be our first quarter (June 2018) of our fiscal year ending March 31, 2019.

The Company has assigned internal resources to evaluate and implement the new standard, and will continue to provide updates during fiscal year 2018. The Company is continuing its evaluation of the impact of the new standard, but currently does not believe that the standard will materially impact its recognition of revenue for its Company-operated restaurants or its recognition of royalties from its franchised restaurants or retail licenses, which are based on a percentage of sales. The Company is still assessing the impact of the new standard on revenues from its Branded Product Program as well as decisions reached by the FASB Transition Resource Group in November 2016 on the treatment of minimum guarantees in licensing arrangements, which may affect the timing of the Company’s recognition of royalty revenues. Currently, franchise and international development fees are recognized when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the agreements, which is generally when the franchisee begins operations. Under the new guidance, these fees may be recognized over the term of the agreements. The Company also expects that the adoption of this new guidance may change the reporting of contributions to the advertising fund from franchisees and other third parties and the related advertising fund expenditures, which are currently reported on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects the new guidance will require these advertising fund contributions and expenditures to be reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. For the fiscal year ended March 26, 2017, advertising fund contributions from franchisees and other third parties were $2,572,000, and therefore we expect this change may impact our total revenues and expenses. The Company plans to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, beginning March 26, 2018, using2024) under the modified retrospective method.

-7-

In February 2016, Accordingly, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on leases. The new standard, among other changes, will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases. The lease liability will be measured at the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The right-of-use asset will be measured at the lease liability amount, adjusted for lease prepayments, lease incentives received and the lessee’s initial direct costs (e.g. commissions). The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. This standard is required to take effect in Nathan’s first quarter (June 2019) of our fiscal year ending March 29, 2020. The adoption will require a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the standard to determine the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements but expects thathave not been adjusted prior to the standard will result in a significantdate of adoption.

Upon adoption, the Company recorded an increase to its other assetsthe allowance for credit losses of $252 and other liabilities.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an updatea cumulative effect adjustment to the accounting guidance to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment. The update removes the requirement to determine the implied fair valueretained earnings of goodwill to measure the amount$187, net of impairment loss, if any, under the second step$65 of the current goodwill impairment test. A company will perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The guidance is effective prospectively for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard is required to take effect in Nathan’s first quarter (June 2020) of our fiscal year ending March 28, 2021. Nathan’s does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.income taxes.

 

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

 

-8-

NOTE

NOTE C – REVENUES

The Company’s disaggregated revenues for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

  

Thirteen weeks ended

  

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

Branded Products

 $23,352  $22,030  $48,522  $45,201 

Company-owned restaurants

  5,193   5,271   8,851   8,994 

Total sales

  28,545   27,301   57,373   54,195 
                 

License royalties

  8,339   8,413   19,997   19,727 
                 

Franchise royalties

  1,148   1,055   2,128   1,956 

Franchise fees

  143   144   238   336 

Total franchise fees and royalties

  1,291   1,199   2,366   2,292 
                 

Advertising fund revenue

  569   584   993   1,003 
                 

Total revenues

 $38,744  $37,497  $80,729  $77,217 

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

  

Thirteen weeks ended

  

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

United States

 $37,444  $36,095  $77,326  $74,012 

International

  1,300   1,402   3,403   3,205 

Total revenues

 $38,744  $37,497  $80,729  $77,217 

Contract balances

The following table provides information about contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):

  

September 24, 2023

  

March 26, 2023

 

Deferred franchise fees (a)

 $1,416  $1,608 

Deferred revenues, which are included in

        

“Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” (b)

 $742  $1,406 

(a)

Deferred franchise fees of $336 and $1,080 as of September 24, 2023 and $336 and $1,272 as of March 26, 2023 are included in Deferred franchise fees – current and long term, respectively.

(b)

Includes $242 of deferred license royalties and $500 of deferred advertising fund revenue as of September 24, 2023 and $906 of deferred license royalties and $500 of deferred advertising fund revenue as of March 26, 2023.

-9-

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

  

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 

Deferred franchise fees at beginning of period

 $1,608  $2,097 

New deferrals due to cash received and other

  46   77 

Revenue recognized during the period

  (238)  (336)

Deferred franchise fees at end of period

 $1,416  $1,838 

Significant changes in deferred revenues are as follows (in thousands):

  

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 

Deferred revenues at beginning of period

 $1,406  $876 

New deferrals due to cash received and other

  500   - 

Revenue recognized during the period

  (1,164)  (676)

Deferred revenues at end of period

 $742  $200 

Anticipated future recognition of deferred franchise fees

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

  

Estimate for fiscal year

 

2024 (a)

 $170 

2025

  330 

2026

  298 

2027

  185 

2028

  93 

Thereafter

  340 

Total

 $1,416 

(a)

Represents franchise fees expected to be recognized for the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year, which includes international development fees expected to be recognized over the duration of one year or less. Amount does not include $238 of franchise fee revenue recognized for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023.

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

NOTE D – INCOME PER SHARE                  

 

Basic income per common share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-averageweighted average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of stock options.share-based awards. Diluted income per common share gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares used in the computation of diluted income per common share result from the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, as determined using the treasury stock method.

-10-

 

The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the per-share amounts for the thirteen and thirty-ninetwenty-six week periods ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and DecemberSeptember 25, 2016,2022, respectively.

 

Thirteen weeks

                                                
                 

Net (Loss) Income

          

Net Income

 
 

Net (Loss) Income

  

Number of Shares

  

Per Share

  

Net Income

  

Number of Shares

  

Per Share

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
 

(in thousands)

  

(in thousands)

          

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

     

Basic EPS

                                     

Basic calculation

 $(3,779) $699   4,185   4,175  $(0.90) $0.17  $5,711  $5,958   4,080  4,083  $1.40  $1.46 

Effect of dilutive employee stock options

  -   -   -   34   -   - 

Effect of dilutive share-based awards

  -   -   12   -   -   - 

Diluted EPS

                                     

Diluted calculation

 $(3,779) $699   4,185   4,209  $(0.90) $0.17  $5,711  $5,958   4,092   4,083  $1.40  $1.46 

 

-8-

Thirty-nine weeks

                        

Twenty-six weeks

                        
                 

Net Income

          

Net Income

 
 

Net Income

  

Number of Shares

  

Per Share

  

Net Income

  

Number of Shares

  

Per Share

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
 

(in thousands)

  

(in thousands)

          

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

     

Basic EPS

                                     

Basic calculation

 $2,263  $6,756   4,180   4,171  $0.54  $1.62  $13,099  $13,095   4,080  4,098  $3.21  $3.20 

Effect of dilutive employee stock options

  -   -   39   31   -   (0.01)

Effect of dilutive share-based awards

  -   -   10   -   (.01)  - 

Diluted EPS

                                     

Diluted calculation

 $2,263  $6,756   4,219   4,202  $0.54  $1.61  $13,099  $13,095   4,090   4,098  $3.20  $3.20 

 

No optionsOptions to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock forin the thirty-ninethirteen and twenty-six week periods ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 or for the thirteen week period ended December 25, 2016September 24, 2023 were excluded fromin the computation of diluted earnings per share. Forshare because the exercise price exceeded the average market price of common shares during these periods.

Options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock in the thirteen and twenty-six week periodperiods ended December 24, 2017, 47,000 options to purchase common stockSeptember 25, 2022 were excluded fromin the computation of dilutivediluted earnings per share asbecause the effect would be anti-dilutive.exercise price exceeded the average market price of common shares during these periods.

NOTE E – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents at September 24, 2023 were $15,075. The Company did not have any cash equivalents at March 26, 2023. The Company’s cash balances principally consist of cash in bank and money market accounts.

At September 24, 2023 and March 26, 2023, substantially all of the Company’s cash balances are in excess of Federal government insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

NOTE E–F – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Nathan’sNathan’s follows a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of “observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.” The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

   Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market

 

   Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability

 

   Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability

-11-

 

The Company’s long-term debt had a face value of $150,000,000 as of December 24, 2017 and a fair value of $155,625,000long-term debt as of DecemberSeptember 24, 2017. 2023 and March 26, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

  

September 24, 2023

  

March 26, 2023

 
  

Face value

  

Fair value

  

Face value

  

Fair value

 
                 

Long-term debt

 $80,000  $79,048  $80,000  $80,080 

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

 

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

 

Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when evidence of impairment exists. At December 24, 2017,September 24, 2023, no fair value adjustment or material fair value measurements were required for non-financial assets or liabilities.

 

NOTE FG – ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES, NET                  

 

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

 

 

December 24,

  

March 26,

  

September 24,

 

March 26,

 
 

2017

  

2017

  

2023

  

2023

 
         

Branded product sales

 $8,726  $6,037  $11,634  $11,106 

Franchise and license royalties

  2,534   2,746   3,238  3,817 

Other

  1,093   622   1,223   623 
  12,353   9,405   16,095  15,546 
         

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts

  480   457 

Less: allowance for credit losses

  (333)  (480)

Accounts and other receivables, net

 $11,873  $8,948  $15,762  $15,066 

 

AccountsThe recently adopted CECL guidance requires companies to use a current expected credit loss model that immediately recognizes an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the life of the consolidated financial instruments, including trade receivables. The Company is exposed to credit losses through its trade accounts receivable. Trade accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days and are statedstated at amounts due from franchisees, including virtual kitchens, retail licensees and Branded Product Program customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are generally considered past due. The Company does not recognize franchise and license royalties that are not deemed to be realizable.

 

Under the CECL guidance, the Company applies the credit loss methodology by pooling financial assets based on similar risk characteristics and delinquency status under an aging method at the measurement date. The risk characteristics the Company individuallygenerally reviews each past due accountwhen analyzing its trade accounts receivable pools include the type of receivable (for example, franchise receivable versus license receivable), payment terms, the Company’s previous loss history, current and determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, includingfuture economic conditions and the length of time accounts receivablereceivables are past due,due. For those trade accounts receivable that no longer share similar risk characteristics with its pool and potential loss is evident, a specific reserve is recorded.

For pooled trade account receivables, the Company develops its allowance for credit losses by applying a historical loss rate to each pool based on historical account write-off trends. The Company believes that the past five years provide a reasonable representation of the Company’s previous loss history,operations and performance through various business cycles, both favorable and unfavorable. The allowance for credit losses is then adjusted for current macroeconomic factors, including the customer’s currenteffects of inflation and expectedreasonable and supportable forecasts of future ability to pay its obligation to the Company, the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Based on management’s assessment, theeconomic conditions. The Company provides for estimated uncollectible amountsexpected credit losses through a charge to earnings. After the Company has used reasonable collection efforts, it writes off accounts receivable through a charge to the allowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses.

 

-9--12-

 

 

Changes in the Company’sCompany’s allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses for the thirty-ninetwenty-six week period ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and the fiscal year ended March 26, 20172023 are as follows (in thousands):          

  

September 24,

2023

  

March 26,

2023

 
         

Beginning balance

 $480  $258 

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13

  252   - 

Bad debt expense

  55   457 

Write offs and other

  (454)  (235)

Ending balance

 $333  $480 

 

  

December 24,

2017

  

March 26,

2017

 
         

Beginning balance

 $457  $471 

Bad debt expense

  42   53 

Accounts written off

  (19)  (67)

Ending balance

 $480  $457 

NOTE GH – PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

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

 

 

December 24,

  

March 26,

  

September 24,

 

March 26,

 
 

2017

  

2017

  

2023

  

2023

 
         

Income taxes

 $2,751  $-  $-  $146 

Real estate taxes

  92  78 

Insurance

  247   319   110  389 

Marketing

  266  814 

Other

  354   774   378   468 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 $3,352  $1,093  $846  $1,895 

NOTE I - INTANGIBLE ASSET

 

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

There have been no significant events or changes in circumstances during the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 24, 2023 that would indicate that the carrying amount of the Company’s intangible asset may be impaired as of September 24, 2023.

NOTE J - LONG LIVED ASSETS

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

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

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

There have been no significant events or changes in circumstances during the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 24, 2023 that would indicate that the carrying amount of the Company’s long-lived assets may be impaired as of September 24, 2023.

-13-

NOTE K – ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

 

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

 

  

December 24,

  

March 26,

 
  

2017

  

2017

 

Payroll and other benefits

 $2,087  $2,708 

Accrued rebates

  1,245   1,050 

Rent and occupancy costs

  207   215 

Deferred revenue

  17   723 

Construction costs

  70   160 

Interest

  1,470   463 

Professional fees

  168   109 

Income taxes

  33   143 

Dividend payable

  21,073   125 

Other

  274   169 

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 $26,644  $5,865 

Other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

  

December 24,

  

March 26,

 
  

2017

  

2017

 

Deferred development fees

 $154  $67 

Reserve for uncertain tax positions

  419   366 

Deferred rental liability

  700   786 

Dividend payable

  -   125 

Other

  211   211 

Total other liabilities

 $1,484  $1,555 
  

September 24,

  

March 26,

 
  

2023

  

2023

 

Payroll and other benefits

 $1,768  $3,410 

Accrued rebates

  739   698 

Rent and occupancy costs

  169   70 

Deferred revenue

  742   1,406 

Interest

  2,135   2,143 

Professional fees

  167   99 

Sales, use and other taxes

  194   76 

Corporate income taxes

  467   - 

Other

  257   228 

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 $6,638  $8,130 

 

-10-

NOTE I – SALES

The Company’s sales for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):

  Thirteen weeks ended  Thirty-nine weeks ended 
  

December 24,

2017

  

December 25,

2016

  

December 24,

2017

  

December 25,

2016

 
                 

Branded Products

 $14,674  $12,868  $50,741  $44,349 

Company-operated restaurants

  2,093   1,991   12,898   13,449 

Other

  -   -   -   214 

Total sales

 $16,767  $14,859  $63,639  $58,012 

NOTE JL – INCOME TAXES

 

The income tax provisions for the thirty-nine week periodsthirteen weeks ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and DecemberSeptember 25, 20162022 reflect effective tax rates of27.4% and 26.3%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023 reflected $2,153 of income tax expense recorded on $7,864 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2022 reflected $2,127 of income tax expense recorded on $8,085 of pre-tax income.

The income tax provisions for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 reflect effective tax rates of 21.5%27.2% and 37.1%27.1%, respectively. Nathan’sThe effective income tax rate for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023 reflected $4,897 of income tax expense recorded on $17,996 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2022 reflected $4,870 of income tax expense recorded on $17,965 of pre-tax income.

The effective income tax rates for the thirty-ninethirteen and twenty-six week periods ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and DecemberSeptember 25, 20162022 were reduced by 670 BPShigher than the United States statutory income tax rate primarily due to state and 610 BPS, respectively, aslocal taxes. The effective tax rate for the thirteen week period ended September 24, 2023 includes a resultdiscrete adjustment of 0.8%. There were no discrete adjustments for the tax benefits associated with stock compensation. For the thirty-ninethirteen week periodsperiod ended December 24, 2017 and DecemberSeptember 25, 2016, excess tax benefits of $194,000 and $659,000, respectively, were reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a reduction to the provision for income taxes.2022.

 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in Other liabilities at DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and March 26, 2023 was $207,000,$459 and $432, respectively, all of which would impact Nathan’sthe Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. As of DecemberSeptember 24, 2017, Nathan’s2023 and March 26, 2023, the Company had $212,000approximately $335 and $305, respectively, accrued for the payment of accrued interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.

NOTE M – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

During the fiscal year ending March 25, 2018, Nathan’s will seek to settle additional uncertain tax positions with the tax authorities. As a result, it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the related accrued interest and penalties, could be reduced by up to $5,000, which would favorably impact Nathan’s effective tax rate, although no assurances can be given in this regard.

On December 22, 2017, the Enactment Date, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Act”) into law which among other provisions, permanently reduces the top corporate tax rate from 35 percent to a flat 21 percent beginning January 1, 2018 and eliminates the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax. The new law limits the deduction of business interest, net of interest income, to 30 percent of the adjusted taxable income of the taxpayer in any taxable year. Any amount disallowed under the limitation is treated as business interest paid or accrued in the following year. Disallowed interest will have an indefinite carryforward. The new law also repeals the performance-based exception to the $1.0 million deduction limitation on executive compensation and modifies the definition of “covered employees”. The new law allows businesses to immediately write of the full cost of new equipment.

Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin #118, Nathan’s has determined reasonable estimates to its deferred assets and liabilities and pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company has recognized the effect(s) of the Act on current and deferred income taxes in its financial statements during the quarter ended December 24, 2017. Nathan’s has recorded the following discrete adjustment to its deferred tax liability and unrecognized tax benefits which reduced the provision for income taxes by $436,000 or 1510 BPS during the thirty-nine weeks ended December 24, 2017.

Nathan’s estimates that its blended federal tax rate will be 31% for its fiscal year ending March 25, 2018 and that its annual tax rate for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2018 will be in the range of approximately 40.8% to 43.1%, excluding the impact of the discrete items recorded and excess tax benefit associated with stock compensation. The final annual tax rate is subject to many variables, including the ultimate determination of revenue and income tax by state, among other factors, and therefore cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates. In addition, the ultimate benefit of the Act on Nathan’s is unclear as the lower annual tax rate could be outweighed by the limitation of the deduction of interest expense and other provisions.

NOTE K – SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

 

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

 

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

 

-11--14-

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Operating segment information is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 Twenty-six weeks ended 
 

Thirteen weeks ended

  

Thirty-nine weeks ended

          
 

Dec. 24,

2017

  

Dec. 25,

2016

  

Dec. 24,

2017

  

Dec. 25,

2016

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

Revenues

                        

Branded Product Program

 $14,674  $12,868  $50,741  $44,563  $23,352  $22,030  $48,522  $45,201 

Product licensing

  4,228   3,990   17,393   15,602   8,339  8,413   19,997  19,727 

Restaurant operations

  3,181   3,079   16,473   17,201   6,484  6,470   11,217  11,286 

Corporate

  -   -   -   - 

Corporate (1)

  569   584   993   1,003 

Total revenues

 $22,083  $19,937  $84,607  $77,366  $38,744  $37,497  $80,729  $77,217 
                 

Income from operations

                        

Branded Product Program

 $2,924  $2,886  $7,888  $8,336  $1,387  $2,485  $3,348  $4,552 

Product licensing

  4,182   3,944   17,257   15,465   8,293  8,367   19,906  19,636 

Restaurant operations

  (21)  48   3,209   4,083   1,639  1,476   2,308  2,117 

Corporate

  (1,715)  (2,124)  (5,800)  (6,275)  (2,215)  (2,414)  (4,995)  (4,611)

Income from operations

 $5,370  $4,754  $22,554  $21,609  $9,104  $9,914  $20,567  $21,694 
                 

Loss on debt extinguishment

  (8,872)  -   (8,872)  - 

Interest expense

  (3,650)  (3,663)  (10,976)  (11,002)  (1,413) (1,943)  (2,827) (3,887)

Interest income

  44   35   114   71   150  80   212  102 

Other income, net

  22   21   64   64   23   34   44   56 

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes

 $(7,086) $1,147  $2,884  $10,742 

Income before provision for income taxes

 $7,864  $8,085  $17,996  $17,965 

 

(1)

Represents advertising fund revenue

NOTE LN – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Total share-based compensation during the thirteen-week periods ended December 24, 2017thirteen and December 25, 2016 was $99,000 and $136,000, respectively. Total share-based compensation during the thirty-ninetwenty-six week periods ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 and DecemberSeptember 25, 20162022 was $298,000$182 and $482,000,$8, and $359 and $16, respectively. Total share-based compensation is included in general and administrative expenseexpenses in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of DecemberSeptember 24, 2017,2023, there was $200,000$3,035 ofunamortized compensation expense related to share-based incentive awards. We expect to recognize this expense over approximately sevenforty-six months,, which represents the weighted average remaining requisite service periods for such awards.

 

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

 

 Thirteen weeks ended  Thirty-nine weeks ended  Thirteen weeks ended Twenty-six weeks ended 
 

December 24, 2017

  

December 25, 2016

  

December 24, 2017

  

December 25, 2016

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

Stock options

 $38  $38  $114  $114  $13  $8  $21  $16 

Restricted stock

  61   98   184   368 

Restricted stock units

  169   -   338   - 

Total compensation cost

 $99  $136  $298  $482  $182  $8  $359  $16 

-12--15-

 

 

Stock options outstanding:

 

There were no new share-based awards granted duringDuring the thirty-ninetwenty-six week period ended DecemberSeptember 24, 2017.

In connection with the Company’s special cash dividend, paid on January 4, 2018, to stockholders of record as of December 22, 2017,2023, the Company performed an analysis, pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2010 Plan (the “2010 Plan”), and issued replacementgranted options to purchase 68,49810,000 shares at an exercise price of $33.438 for the unvested stock options outstanding as of the record date of December 22, 2017, cancelling 64,384 shares at an exercise price of $35.58 per share. Nathan’s performed its evaluation based on the closing price of its common stock on December 20, 2017, the day before the stock went ex-dividend, of $83.20 per share, or $78.20 per share excluding the dividend of $5.00 per share. No other terms or conditions of the outstanding options were modified. The anti-dilution provisions of the original award were structured to equalize the award’s fair value before and after the modification.

During the fiscal year ended March 29, 2015, the Company granted options to purchase 50,000 shares at an exercise price of $53.89$78.00 per share, all of which expire five years from the date of grant. All such stock options vest ratably over a four-year period commencing August 6, 2015.11, 2023.

 

In connection withThe weighted average option fair value, as determined using the Company’s special cashBlack-Scholes option valuation model, and the assumptions used to estimate these values for stock options granted during the twenty-six week period ended September 24, 2023 are as follows:

Weighted average option fair values

 $16.23 

Expected life (years)

  4.4 

Interest rate

  4.31%

Volatility

  24.29%

Dividend yield

  2.56%

The expected dividend paidyield is based on March 27, 2015, to stockholdershistorical and projected dividend yields. The Company estimates volatility based primarily on historical monthly price changes of record as of March 20, 2015, the Company performed an analysis, pursuantCompany’s stock equal to the anti-dilution provisionsexpected life of the 2010 Plan, and issued replacement options to purchase 75,745 shares at an exercise price of $35.58 for the unvested stock options outstanding as of March 29, 2015, canceling 50,000 shares at an exercise price of $53.89. Nathan’s performed its evaluationoption. The risk-free interest rate is based on the closing priceU.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of its common stockgrant. The expected option term is the number of years the Company estimates the options will be outstanding prior to exercise based on March 27, 2015 of $73.56 per share, or $48.56 per share excluding the dividend of $25.00 per share. No other terms or conditions of the outstanding options were modified. The anti-dilution provisions of the original award were structured to equalize the award’s fair value beforeexpected historical exercise patterns and after the modification.employment termination behavior.

 

Transactions with respect to stock options for the thirty-ninetwenty-six weeks ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 are as follows:follows:

                                                                                          

      

Weighted-

  

Weighted-

  

Aggregate

 
      

Average

  

Average

  

Intrinsic

 
      

Exercise

  

Remaining

  

Value

 
  

Shares

  

Price

  

Contractual Life

  

(in thousands)

 
                 

Options outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year

  75,745  $35.58   2.36  $1,899 
                 

Granted

  -   -   -   - 
                 

Replacement options issued (A)

  68,498  $33.438   1.61  $3,093 
                 

Expired

  -   -   -   - 
                 

Cancellation of outstanding options (A)

  (64,384) $35.58   1.61  $3,093 
                 

Exercised

  (11,361) $35.58   -   379 
                 

Options Outstanding at December 24, 2017 (A)

  68,498  $33.438   1.61  $3,093 
                 

Options exercisable at December 24, 2017 (A)

  48,348  $33.438   1.61  $2,183 

A-

Represents the effects on outstanding options after giving effect to the replacement options issued in connection with the Company’s special dividend to shareholders of record on December 22, 2017.

-13-

      

Weighted

  

Weighted

  

Aggregate

 
      

Average

  

Average

  

Intrinsic

 
      

Exercise

  

Remaining

  

Value

 
  

Shares

  

Price

  

Contractual Life

  

(in thousands)

 
                 

Options outstanding at March 26, 2023

  20,000  $79.20   1.92  $40 

Granted

  10,000  $78.00   4.88   - 

Expired

  (10,000) $89.90   -   - 

Options outstanding at September 24, 2023

  20,000  $73.25   3.88  $27 
                 

Options exercisable at September 24, 2023

  5,000  $68.50   2.88  $14 

 

Restricted stock:stock units

 

Transactions with respect to restricted stock units for the thirty-ninetwenty-six weeks ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 are as follows:

 

 

Shares

  

Weighted-

Average

Grant-date

Fair value

Per share

  

Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Grant-date

Fair value

Per share

 

Unvested restricted stock at March 26, 2017

  10,000  $49.80 
         

Unvested restricted stock units at March 26, 2023

 50,000  $67.59 

Granted

  -   -   -  $- 

Vested

  (5,000) $49.80   -  $- 
        

Unvested restricted stock at December 24, 2017

  5,000  $49.80 

Unvested restricted stock units at September 24, 2023

  50,000  $67.59 

 

-16-

NOTE MO – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

1. DividendDividendss

 

On November 1, 2017,Effective June 8, 2023, the Company’sCompany’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared a specialits first quarterly cash dividend of $5.00$0.50 per share payablefor fiscal 2024, which was paid on June 28, 2023 to stockholders of record as of December 22, 2017the close of business on June 20, 2023.

Effective August 3, 2023, the Board declared its second quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share for fiscal 2024, which approximately $20,923,000 was paid on January 4, 2018 to the stockholders. The Company also accrued $25,000 for the expected dividends payable on unvested restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the restricted stock agreement. As unvested restricted stock vests, the declared dividend is paid. We estimate that $25,000 (see Note H) will be paid during our fiscal year ending March 31, 2019.

On March 10, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $25.00 per share payableSeptember 1, 2023 to stockholders of record as of March 20, 2015the close of which approximately $115,100,000 was paidbusiness on March 27, 2015 toAugust 21, 2023.

Effective November 2, 2023, the stockholders. The Company accrued $1,000,000Board declared its third quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share for the expected dividendsfiscal 2024 payable on unvested restricted shares pursuantDecember 1, 2023 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 20, 2023.

Our ability to pay future dividends is limited by the terms of the Indenture with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral trustee. In addition to the terms of the restricted stock agreements. As unvested restricted stock vests,Indenture, the declared dividenddeclaration and payment of any cash dividends in the future is paid. We have paid $875,000subject to final determination of the accrued dividendBoard and estimate that the remaining $125,000(see Note H) will be paid duringdependent upon our fiscal year ending March 31, 2019.earnings and financial requirements.

 

22. Common. Stock Purchase RightsRepurchase Programs

 

On June 5, 2013, Nathan’s adopted a new stockholder rights plan (the “2013 Rights Plan”) under which all stockholders of record as of June 17, 2013 received rights to purchase shares of common stock (the “2013 Rights”) andIn 2016, the previously existing “New Rights Plan” was terminated.

The 2013 Rights were distributed as a dividend. Initially, the 2013 Rights will attach to, and trade with, the Company’s common stock. SubjectBoard authorized increases to the terms, conditions and limitations of the 2013 Rights Plan, the 2013 Rights will become exercisable if (among other things) a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock. Upon such an event and payment ofsixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase price of $100.00 (the “2013 Right Purchase Price”), each 2013 Right (except those held by the acquiring person or group) will entitle the holderup to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock (or the economic equivalent thereof) or, if the then-current market price is less than the then current 2013 Right Purchase Price, a number of shares of the Company’s common stock which at the time of the transaction has a market value equal to the then current 2013 Right Purchase Price at a purchase price per share equal to the then current market price of the Company’s Common Stock.

The Company’s Board of Directors may redeem the 2013 Rights prior to the time they are triggered. Upon adoption of the 2013 Rights Plan, the Company initially reserved 10,188,600 shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of the 2013 Rights. The 2013 Rights will expire on June 17, 2018 unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company.

At December 24, 2017, the Company has reserved 5,696,732 shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of the Common Stock Purchase Rights approved by the Board of Directors on June 5, 2013.

3. Stock Repurchase Programs

During the period from October 2001 through December 24, 2017, Nathan’s purchased 5,127,3731,200,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company. As of September 24, 2023, Nathan’s had repurchased 1,101,884 shares at a cost of approximately $77,303,000$39,000under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At September 24, 2023 there were 98,116 shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to variousthe sixth stock repurchase plans previously authorized byplan. The plan does not have a set expiration date. Purchases under the Board of Directors. During the thirty-nine week period ended December 24, 2017, we did notCompany’s stock repurchase anyshares of common stock.

As of December 24, 2017, an aggregate of 260,258 shares can still be purchased under Nathan’s existing stock buy-back program.

Purchasesprogram may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiatedprivately negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases to be made under these stock-repurchase plans.repurchases.

 

-14-

NOTE NP – LONG-TERM DEBT

 

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

 

  

December 24,

  

March 26,

 
  

2017

  

2017

 
         

6.625% Senior secured notes due 2025

 $150,000   - 

10.000% Senior secured notes due 2020

  -  $135,000 

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

  (5,374)  (3,525)

Total long-term debt

 $144,626  $131,475 
  

September 24,

  

March 26,

 
  

2023

  

2023

 
         

6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025

 $80,000  $80,000 

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

  (768)  (952)

Long-term debt, net

 $79,232  $79,048 

 

On November 1, 2017, the Company completed the issuance of $150,000,000 of 6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") in a private offering in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated November 1, 2017, (the “Indenture”) by and among the Company, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral trustee. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes offering to satisfy and discharge the Indenture relating to the 2020 Notes (as hereinafter defined) and redeem the 2020 Notes (the "Redemption"), paid a portion of a special $5.00 per share cash dividend to Nathan's stockholders of record (see Note M.1), with the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital. The Company also funded the majority of the special dividend through its existing cash. The Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017. The Company performed the required evaluation of the refinancing and determined that a portion of the Redemption of the 2020 Notes is accounted for as a modification of the debt and a portion as an extinguishment of the debt. In connection with the Redemption, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8,872,000 that primarily reflects a portion of the premium paid to redeem the 2020 Notes and the write-off of certain debt issuance costs.

On March 10, 2015, the Company completed the issuance of $135,000,000 of 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (“the 2020 Notes”) in a Rule 144A transaction. The 2020 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated March 10, 2015 by and among the Company, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as trustee and collateral trustee. The Company used the proceeds to pay a special cash dividend of approximately $116,100,000 (see Note M.1) with the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital. Debt issuance costs of approximately $5,985,000 were incurred, which were being amortized into interest expense over the remaining 5-year term of the 2020 Notes, or until redeemed.

The 2020 Notes bore interest at 10.000% per annum, payable semi-annually on March 15th and September 15th. An interest payment of $6,750,000 was paid on September 14, 2017.The 2020 Notes had no scheduled principal amortization payments prior to its final maturity on March 10, 2020.

The 2025 Notes will have no scheduled principal amortization payments prior to its final maturity on November 1, 2025.NOTE Q – LEASES

 

The Company paid a 5% call premium of $6,750,000 associated with the Redemptionis party as lessee to various leases for its Company-owned restaurants and incurred debt issuance costs of $4,902,000 in connection with the issuance of the 2025 Notes. The lessee/sublessor to one franchised location property, including land and buildings, as well as leases for its corporate office and certain office equipment.

Company also incurred additional interest expense of approximately $562,500 from the closing of the 2025 Notes on November 1, 2017 until the Redemption on November 16, 2017.as lessee

 

The 2025 Notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 1stcomponents of the net lease cost for the thirteen and November 1st of each year, beginning on May 1, 2018. Semi-annual interest payments are expected to be $4,968,750. The Company expects to reduce its annual cash interest expense by approximately $3,562,500 per annum.twenty-six week periods ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

 

The terms and conditions of the 2025 Notes are as follows:

There are no financial maintenance covenants associated with the 2025 Notes. As of December 24, 2017, Nathan’s was in compliance with all covenants associated with the 2025 Notes.

The Indenture contains certain covenants limiting the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions on, redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make investments or other restricted payments; (iv) create or incur certain liens; (v) incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from its restricted subsidiaries; (vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) sell assets; or (viii) effect a consolidation or merger. Certain Restricted Payments which may be made or indebtedness incurred by Nathan’s or its Restricted Subsidiaries may require compliance with the following financial ratios:

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow to the Fixed Charges for the relevant period, currently set at 2.0 to 1.0 in the Indenture.The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio applies to determining whether additional Restricted Payments may be made, certain additional debt may be incurred and acquisitions may be made.

  

Thirteen weeks ended

  

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

Operating lease cost

 $423  $408  $849  $836 

Variable lease cost

  499   482   887   850 

Less: Sublease income, net

  (23)  (20)  (44)  (42)
                 

Total net lease cost

 $899  $870  $1,692  $1,644 

 

-15--17-

 

 

Priority Secured Leverage Ratio:The following table presents the ratiocomponents of (a)the net lease cost on the Consolidated Net Debt outstanding asStatements of such date that is secured by a Priority Lien to (b) Consolidated Cash Flow of Nathan’sEarnings for the Test Period then most recentlythirteen and twenty-six week periods ended in each case with such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate; currently set at 0.40 to 1.00September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 (in thousands):

  

Thirteen weeks ended

  Twenty-six weeks ended 
             
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

Restaurant operating expenses

 $732  $712  $1,347  $1,319 

General and administrative expenses

  190   178   389   367 

Less: Other income, net

  (23)  (20)  (44)  (42)
                 

Total net lease cost

 $899  $870  $1,692  $1,644 

Cash paid for amounts included in the Indenture.measurement of lease liabilities for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

 

Secured Leverage Ratio: the ratio of (a) Consolidated Net Debt outstanding as of such date that is secured by a Lien on any property of Nathan’s or any Guarantor to (b) Consolidated Cash Flow of Nathan’s for the Test Period then most recently ended, in each case with such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate. The Secured Leverage Ratio under the Indenture is 3.75 to 1.00 and applies if Nathan’s wants to incur additional debt on the same terms as the 2025 Notes.

  

Thirteen weeks ended

  Twenty-six weeks ended 
             
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 $392  $370  $785  $734 

 

The Indenture also contains customary eventsweighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of default, including, among other things, failure to pay interest, failure to comply with agreements related to the Indenture, failure to pay at maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness, failure to pay certain judgments, and certain events of insolvency or bankruptcy. Generally, if any event of default occurs, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the 2025 Notes may declare the 2025 Notes due and payable by providing notice to the Company. In case of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the 2025 Notes, will become immediately due and payable.

The 2025 Notes are general senior secured obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is not subordinated, are senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, are structurally subordinated to any existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes, and are effectively junior to all existing and future indebtedness that is secured by assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes.

Pursuant to the terms of a collateral trust agreement, the liens securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees will be contractually subordinated to the liens securing any future credit facility.

The 2025 Notes and the guarantees will be the Company and the guarantors’ senior secured obligations and will rank:September 24, 2023 were as follows:

 

Weighted average remaining lease term (years):

 

senior in right of payment to all of the Company and the guarantors’ future subordinated indebtedness;

4.9
   

effectively senior to all unsecured senior indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees;

  

pari passu with all of the Company and the guarantors’ other senior indebtedness;

effectively junior to any future credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing any future credit facility and the 2025 Notes and the guarantees and certain other assets;

effectively junior to any of the Company and the guarantors’ existing and future indebtedness that is secured by assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees to the extent of the value of any such assets; and

structurally subordinated to the indebtedness of any of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes.

The Company may redeem the 2025 Notes in whole or in part prior to November 1, 2020, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, plus accrued and unpaid interest. An Applicable Premium is the greater of 1% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes; or the excess of the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the 2025 Notes at November 1, 2020 plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the 2025 Notes through November 1, 2020 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over the then outstanding principal amount of the 2025 Notes.

Prior to November 1, 2020, if using the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, the Company has the option to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 106.625% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and any additional interest.

On or after November 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes at a decreasing premium over time, plus accrued and unpaid interest as follows:

YEAR

PERCENTAGE

On or after November 1, 2020 and prior to November 1, 2021Weighted average discount rate:

  103.3138.498%

Future lease commitments to be paid and received by the Company as of September 24, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

  

Payments

  

Receipts

     
  

Operating Leases

  

Subleases

  

Net Leases

 
             

Fiscal year:

            

2024 (a)

 $773  $84  $689 

2025

  1,884   274   1,610 

2026

  1,919   278   1,641 

2027

  1,928   281   1,647 

2028

  1,778   129   1,649 

Thereafter

  602   495   107 

Total lease commitments

 $8,884  $1,541  $7,343 

Less: Amount representing interest

  (1,601)        

Present value of lease liabilities (b)

 $7,283         

On or after November 1, 2021 and prior to November 1, 2022

 

(a)

101.656%

Represents future lease commitments to be paid and received by the Company for the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year. Amount does not include $895of lease commitments paid and received by the Company for the twenty-six week period ended September 24, 2023.

On or after November 1, 2022

 

(b)

100.000%

The present value of minimum operating lease payments of $1,875 and $5,408are included in “Current portion of operating lease liabilities” and “Long-term operating lease liabilities,” respectively on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

-16--18-

 

 

In certain circumstances involving a change of control, the Company will be required to make an offer to repurchase all or, at the holder’s option, any part, of each holder’s 2025 Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”). In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will be required to offer payment in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, to the date of purchase.

If the Company sells certain assets and does not use the net proceeds as required, the Company will be required to use such net proceeds to repurchase the 2025 Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest penalty, if any, to the date of repurchase.lessor

 

The 2025 Notes may be traded between qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144Acomponents of net lease income for the Securities Act. We have recorded the 2025 Notes at cost.thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Thirteen weeks ended

  

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

Operating lease income, net

 $23  $20  $44  $42 

NOTE OR – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

1. Commitments 

On February 27, 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company executed a Guaranty of Lease (the “Brooklyn Guaranty”) in connection with its re-franchising of a restaurant located in Brooklyn, New York. The Company is obligated to make payments under the Brooklyn Guaranty in the event of a default by the tenant/franchisee. The Brooklyn Guaranty has an initial term of 10 years and one 5-year option and is limited to 24 months of rent for the first three years of the term. Nathan’s has recorded a liability of $204,000 in connection with the Brooklyn Guaranty which does not include potential percentage rent, real estate tax increases, attorney’s fees and other costs as these amounts are not reasonably determinable at this time. Nathan’s has received a personal guaranty from the franchisee for all obligations under the Brooklyn Guaranty. For the remainder of the term, the Brooklyn Guaranty is limited to 12 months of rent plus reasonable costs of collection and attorney’s fees.

On December 6, 2017, the Company amended its employment agreement with Howard M. Lorber. Under the amendment, the term of the employment agreement was extended from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2022 and the base compensation of Mr. Lorber will be $1,000,000 per annum. All other terms and conditions remained the same.

2. Contingencies

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation. Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’sCompany’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.

 

NOTE S – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 30, 2023, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved a discretionary cash bonus payment of $500 to Howard M. Lorber, Executive Chairman of the Board, which will be paid on or before November 17, 2023.

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

-17-

-19-

 

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

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

 

Statements in this Form 10-Q quarterly report may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are not within our control, include but are not limited to: the impact of disease epidemics such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic; increases in the cost of food and paper products; the impact of price increases on customer visits; the status of our licensing and supply agreements, including our licensing revenue and overall profitability being substantially dependent on our agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc.; the impact of our debt service and repayment obligations under the 2025 Notes (as defined below), including the effect on our ability to fund working capital, operations and make investments; economic (including inflationary pressures like those currently being experienced); weather (including the affects on the supply of cattle and the impact of weather on sales at our restaurants particularly during Summerthe summer months), and change; changes in the price of beef and beef trimmings; our ability to pass on the cost of any price increases in beef and beef trimmings, or labor costs;trimmings; legislative and business conditions; the collectibilitycollectability of receivables; changes in consumer tastes; the status of our licensing and supply agreements, including the impact of our supply agreement for hot dogs with John Morrell & Co., the impact of our debt service and repayment obligations under the 2025 Notes; the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act); the continued viability of Coney Island as a destination location for visitors; the ability to continue to attract franchisees; the impact of the new minimum wage legislation on labor costs in New York State or other changes in labor laws, including court decisionsregulations which could render a franchisor as a “joint employee” or the impact of our new union contracts; our ability to attract competent restaurant and managerial personnel; the enforceability of international franchising agreements andagreements; the future effects of any food borne illness;illness such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE or e-coli; as well as those risks discussed from time to time in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-K annual report for the year ended March 26, 2017,2023, and in other documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements with the words “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

Introduction

 

As used in this Report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nathan’s”“Nathan’s” or the “Company” mean Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries (unless the context indicates a different meaning).

 

We are engaged primarily in the marketing of the “Nathan’s“Nathan’s Famous” brand and the sale of products bearing the “Nathan’s Famous” trademarks through several different channels of distribution. Historically, our business has been the operation and franchising of quick-service restaurants featuring Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French-fried potatoes,French fries, and a variety of other menu offerings. Our Company-owned and franchised unitsrestaurants operate under the name “Nathan’s Famous,” the name first used at our original Coney Island restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s product licensing program sells packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through supermarkets or grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. Our Branded Product Program enables foodservice retailers and others to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of a traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction with this program, purchasers of Nathan’s products are granted a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark with respect to the sale of the purchased products, including Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, certain other proprietary food items and paper goods. Our Branded Menu Program is a limited franchise program, under which foodservice operators may sell a greater variety of Nathan’s Famous menu items than under the Branded Product Program.

-20-

 

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

 

At DecemberSeptember 24, 2017,2023, our restaurant system, excluding virtual kitchens, consisted of 285 units comprised of 280 Nathan’s franchised units,235locations, including 124117 Branded Menu units,Program locations, and fivefour Company-owned unitsrestaurants (including one seasonal unit), located in 19 17states, and 1213 foreign countries (including 2 Branded Menu Program locations in Ukraine which are temporarily closed as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.) Our virtual kitchens in operation consisted of 262 locations located in 20 states and six foreign countries.

At DecemberSeptember 25, 2016,2022, our restaurant system, excluding virtual kitchens, consisted of 287 units comprised of 282 Nathan’s franchised units,234 locations, including 114119 Branded Menu units,Program locations, and fivefour Company-owned unitsrestaurants (including one seasonal unit), located in 20 17states, and 1012 foreign countries.

In addition to plans for expansion through our Branded Product Program, licensing and franchising, Nathan’s continues to seek to co-brand within its restaurant system. Nathan’s is also the owner of the Arthur Treacher’s brand. Currently there are seven locations operating under our Arthur Treacher’scountries (including 2 Branded Menu Program agreement.locations in Ukraine which are temporarily closed as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.) Our virtual kitchens in operation consisted of 229 locations located in 18 states and four foreign countries.

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

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

 

As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 26, 2017,2023, our future results could be materially impacted by many developments including our dependence on John Morrell & Co.Smithfield Foods, Inc. as our principal supplier and the dependence of our licensing revenue and overall profitability on our agreement with John Morrell & Co.Smithfield Foods, Inc. In addition, our future operating results could be impacted by supply constraints on beef or by increased costs of beef, beef trimmings and other commodities due to inflationary pressures compared to earlier periods.

-18-

 

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

On January 26, 2022, the Company redeemed $40,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Notes. Subsequently, on March 21, 2023, the Company redeemed an additional $30,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Notes. $80,000,000 of the 2025 Notes were outstanding as of September 24, 2023. On May 1, 2023 and November 1, 2023, the Company paid its semi-annual interest payments for fiscal 2024.

Our future results could alsomay be impacted by our interest obligations under the 2025 Notes. As a result of the issuanceoutstanding balance of the 2025 Notes, Nathan’s expects to incur interest expense of $9,937,500 per annum, reducing its cash interest expense by $3,562,500 per annum. Nathan’sthe Company expects to incur annual amortizationinterest expense of debt issuance$5,300,000 and annual amortization costs of approximately $685,000. Please refer to Note N – Long Term Debt, for the effects of the Company’s refinancing from the preceding consolidated financial statements. The impact of interest expense on net income has been reflected in our results for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016.$369,000.

 

On March 10, 2015, we consummated a $135,000,000 offering of 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) and paid a dividend of $25.00 per share (or approximately $116,100,000 in the aggregate). As a result of the issuance of the 2020 Notes, Nathan’s incurred interest expense of $13,500,000 per annum and annual amortization of debt issuance costs of approximately $1,200,000.

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

 

On November 1, 2017,Recent events

Inflationary Factors

The Company continues to experience rising labor costs, as well as higher commodity prices, including beef and beef trimmings. This trend may continue throughout the Boardremainder of Directors declaredfiscal year 2024. In general, we have been able to offset cost increases resulting from inflation by increasing prices and adjusting product mix. We continue to monitor these inflationary pressures and will continue to implement mitigation plans as needed. Inherent volatility in commodity markets, including beef and beef trimmings, could have a special cash dividendsignificant impact on our results of $5.00 per share, or $20,923,000operations. Delays in implementing price increases, competitive pressures, consumer spending levels and other factors may limit our ability to stockholders of record atimplement further price increases in the close of business on December 22, 2017, which was paid on January 4, 2018.future.

-21-

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

As discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2017,2023, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.America (“US GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those consolidated financial statements. These judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to revenue recognition; leases; impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets; impairment of long-lived assets; share-based compensation and income taxes (including uncertain tax positions). Except for the adoptionAs discussed in Note B, – simplifying the measurementCompany adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of inventory and simplifying the elements of cash flow classification; thereCredit Losses on Financial Instruments,effective March 27, 2023. There have been no other significant changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies subsequent to March 26, 2017.2023.

 

Adoption of New Accounting StandardPronouncements

 

Please refer to Note B of the preceding consolidated financial statements for our discussion of the Adoption of the New Accounting Pronouncements.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

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

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

 

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

 

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures

 

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

 

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

 

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

-19-

 

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

                  

 Thirteen weeks ended  Thirty-nine weeks ended  

Thirteen weeks ended

 

Twenty-six weeks ended

 
 

December 24, 2017

  

December 25, 2016

  

December 24, 2017

  

December 25, 2016

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

  

September 24, 2023

  

September 25, 2022

 
                 

(unaudited)

  

(unaudited)

 

Net (loss) income

 $(3,779) $699  $2,263  $6,756 
 

Net income

 $5,711  $5,958  $13,099  $13,095 

Interest expense

  3,650   3,663   10,976   11,002   1,413  1,943   2,827  3,887 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

  (3,307)  448   621   3,986 

Provision for income taxes

  2,153  2,127   4,897  4,870 

Depreciation and amortization

  320   309   1,055   1,005   315   301   628   534 

EBITDA

  (3,116)  5,119   14,915   22,749   9,592   10,329   21,451   22,386 
                 

Loss on debt extinguishment

  8,872   -   8,872   - 

Stock-based compensation

  99   136   298   482 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

  -  (14)  -  (14)

Share-based compensation

  182   8   359   16 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $5,855  $5,255  $24,085  $23,231  $9,774  $10,323  $21,810  $22,388 

-22-

Seasonality

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

Due to the above seasonal factors, as well as inflationary pressures, our results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of those for a full fiscal year.

 

Results of Operations

                  

Thirteen weeks ended December 24, 2017September 24, 2023 compared to thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2016September 25, 2022

 

Revenues

 

Total sales revenues increased by 12.8%approximately 3% to $16,767,000$38,744,000 for the thirteen weeks ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 (“thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018”2024”) as compared to $14,859,000$37,497,000 for the thirteen weeks ended DecemberSeptember 25, 20162022 (“thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017”2023”). Foodservice

Total sales increased by approximately 5% to $28,545,000 for the second quarter fiscal 2024 as compared to $27,301,000 for the second quarter fiscal 2023 which included foodservice sales from the Branded Product Program increasedincreasing by 14.0%6% to $14,674,000$23,352,000 for the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to sales of $12,868,000 in$22,030,000 for the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. During the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018,2024, the volume of business increased hot dogs sold decreasedby approximately 10.4%.2% as compared to the second quarter fiscal 2023. Our average selling prices increased by approximately 3.0%9% as compared to the second quarter fiscal 2023. Total Company-owned restaurant sales decreased by approximately 1% to $5,193,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2024 as compared to $5,271,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2023. Sales were impacted by reduced traffic at our Coney Island locations as a result of our pricing strategy, which is more closely correlated to the cost of beef which increased by approximately 8.0%,unfavorable weather conditions during the third quarter fiscal 2018 as compared to the third quarter fiscal 2017. Total Company-owned restaurant sales increased by 5.1% to $2,093,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2018 as compared to $1,991,000 during the third quarter fiscal 2017 due primarily to higher sales at our Coney Island and Yonkers locations attributable to a higher check average of 3.8% and higher customer counts.summer season.

 

License royalties increased 6.0%decreased by approximately 1% to $4,228,000$8,339,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $3,990,000$8,413,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our license agreement with John Morrell & Co.Smithfield Foods, Inc. at retail and foodservice, substantially from sales of hot dogsdecreased 2% to Sam’s Club, increased $180,000 to $3,680,000$7,507,000 for the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $3,500,000$7,655,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. The increasedecrease is due to an increasea 7% decrease in retail volume, during the third quarter fiscal 2018which was partially offset by a 5% increase in average net selling price as compared to the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017, partly offset by lower average selling prices, on which our2023. The foodservice business earned higher royalties are calculated.of $56,000 as compared to the second quarter fiscal 2023. Royalties earned from all other licensing agreements for the manufacture and sale of Nathan’s products increasedby $58,000$74,000 during the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023 primarily due to higher royalties earned on sales of french fries, onion rings and pickles.

 

Franchise fees and royalties were $1,088,000$1,291,000 in both the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018 and2024 as compared to $1,199,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. Total royalties were $963,000$1,148,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $984,000$1,055,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu programProgram were $259,000$272,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $214,000$178,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program are not based upon a percentage of restaurant sales but are based upon product purchases. Virtual kitchen royalties were $18,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2024 as compared to $37,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2023. Traditional franchise royalties decreased to $704,000were $858,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $770,000$840,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. Franchise restaurant sales decreasedincreased to $15,596,000$19,171,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $17,184,000$18,595,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20172023 primarily due to the decline in comparable domestichigher sales at airport locations; highway travel plazas; shopping malls and the impact of units closed in the previous fiscal year.movie theaters. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 92 63Nathan’s outlets, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $12,251,000$15,627,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $12,863,000$15,353,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023.         

 

At December 24, 2017, 280 September 24, 2023, 235franchised outlets,locations, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program outletsunits were operating as compared to 282234 franchised outlets,locations, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program outletsunits at DecemberSeptember 25, 2016.2022. Total franchise fee income was $125,000$143,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $104,000$144,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. Domestic franchise fee income was $33,000$28,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018 as compared to $90,000 in2024 and the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017, due primarily to the difference in the types of locations opened, and associated fees earned, between the two periods.2023. International franchise fee income was $92,000$60,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $6,000$61,000 during the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017, primarily due to the timing of new international development fees. 2023.

-23-

We also recognized $8,000$55,000 in forfeited fees in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017. 2024 and the second quarter fiscal 2023.During the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018, 8 new franchised outlets2024, seven franchise locations opened including three units in Australia, one unit in the Philippines and two new Branded Menu Program outlets.seven franchise locations closed. Additionally, seven virtual kitchens opened. During the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017, 22 new franchised outlets2023, one franchise location opened including nine new Branded Menu Program outlets.and five franchise locations closed. Additionally, forty-threevirtual kitchens opened.

 

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Advertising fund revenue, after eliminating Company contributions, was $569,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2024 as compared to $584,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2023.

Costs and Expenses

Overall, our cost of sales increasedby 16.8% or $1,814,000approximately 10% to $12,599,000$24,187,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018,2024 as compared to $10,785,000$21,898,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $4,168,000decreased to $4,358,000 or 24.9%15% of sales during the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $4,074,000$5,403,000 or 27.4%20% of sales during the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017. The margin reduction was primarily due to the higher cost of beef in the Branded Product Program and in the Company-operated restaurants in addition to the higher labor costs at the Company-owned restaurants.2023.

 

Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately $1,736,000 during13% to $21,442,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $18,975,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017,2023, primarily due to the 10.4% increase in the volume of product sold and the 8.0%a 17% increase in the average cost per pound of our hot dogs.dogs, which was partially offset by the 2% decline in the volume of hot dogs sold as discussed above. We continue to experience pricing pressures on commodities, including beef and beef trimmings. We did not make any purchasespurchase commitments of beef during the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 or thirdthe second quarter fiscal 2017 pursuant to any purchase commitments.2023. If the cost of beef and beef trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases or otherwise reduce any increase in our costs through the use of purchase commitments, our margins will be adversely impacted.

With respect to Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 was $1,434,000$2,745,000 or 68.5%53% of restaurant sales as compared to $1,355,000$2,923,000 or 68.1%55% of restaurant sales during the second quarter fiscal 2023. The decrease in cost of sales during the fiscal 2024 period was primarily due to the 1% decrease in sales discussed above. Food and paper costs as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 27.6%, down from 28.3% in the third quarter fiscal 2017 due primarily to the impact of higher food costs on higher revenues and higher labor costs principally associated with the effectscomparable period of the New York State minimum wage increase. We expect that our labor costs going forward will continueprior year. Labor and related expenses as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 25.3%, down from 27.2% in the comparable period of the prior year due to be impacted by the multi-year new increase in minimum wage requirements in New York Statetighter management and any increase in food costs from higher commodity costs.staffing stabilization.

 

Restaurant operating expenses were $760,000$1,340,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $695,000$1,253,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017. The increase in restaurant operating costs results primarily from2023. We incurred higher occupancy expenses of $17,000, higher contract maintenance costs insuranceof $12,000 and utilities.higher credit card and bank fees of $40,000.

 

Depreciation and amortization, which primarily consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment, was $320,000$315,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $309,000$301,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023.

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by $360,000$143,000 or 10.6%4% to $3,034,000$3,229,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 20182024 as compared to $3,394,000$3,372,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to lowera reduction in incentive compensation expenses the timing of expenses in connection with our fiscal 2018 audit$233,000 and lower bad debts.marketing and trade show expenses of $57,000, which were partially offset by higher share-based compensation expense of $174,000.

 

Advertising fund expense, after eliminating Company contributions, was $569,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2024 as compared to $759,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2023.

Other Items

On November 1, 2017, the Company completed the issuance of $150,000,000 of the 2025 Notes in a private offering in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture by and among the Company, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral trustee. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes offering to satisfy and discharge the Indenture relating to the 2020 Notes and redeem the 2020 Notes, paid a portion of a special $5.00 per share cash dividend to Nathan's stockholders of record (see Note M.1), with the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital. The Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017. The Company performed the required evaluation of the refinancing and determined that a portion of the Redemption of the 2020 Notes is accounted for as a modification of the debt and a portion as an extinguishment of the debt. In connection with the Redemption, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8,872,000 that primarily reflects a portion of the premium paid to redeem the 2020 Notes and the write-off of certain debt issuance costs.

 

Interest expense of $3,650,000$1,413,000 in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018 represents2024 represented interest expense of $1,847,000 on the 2020 Notes, $1,470,000 accrued interest$1,321,000 on the 2025 Notes and total amortization of debt issuance costs of $333,000. On November 1, 2017,$92,000.

Interest expense of $1,943,000 in the Company issuedsecond quarter fiscal 2023 represented interest expense of $1,816,000 on the 2025 Notes and the Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017. amortization of debt issuance costs of $127,000.

The Company incurred additionalreduction in interest expense of approximately $562,500 from$530,000 is due to the timereduction in the outstanding balance of the Company’s 2025 Notes closed until the Redemption. Asas a result of the issuance$30,000,000 partial redemption completed in March 2023.

Interest income of $150,000 in the 2025 Notes and the Redemption,second quarter fiscal 2024 represented amounts earned by the Company expects to reduceon its annualcertificates of deposit, as well as its interest expense by approximately $3,562,500 per annum.

Interest income was $44,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2018bearing bank and money market accounts, as compared to $35,000$80,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2017 due principally to rising interest rates earned on our money market account.2023 period.

 

Other income, net was $23,000 and $34,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2024 and the second quarter fiscal 2023, respectively, which primarily relates to a sublease ofincome from a franchised restaurant, was $22,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2018 and $21,000 in the third quarter fiscal 2017.restaurant.

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Provision for Income Taxes

InThe effective income tax rate for the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2018,2024 was 27.4% compared to 26.3% in the second quarter fiscal 2023. The effective income tax benefit was $(3,307,000) or 46.7% of loss before income taxes as compared torate for the second quarter fiscal 2024 reflected income tax provisionexpense of $448,000 or 39.1%$2,153,000 recorded on $7,864,000 of earnings beforepre-tax income. The effective income taxes intax rate for the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017.2023 reflected income tax expense of $2,127,000 recorded on $8,085,000 of pre-tax income. The effective tax rates are higher than the U.S. Federal statutory rates primarily due to state and local taxes.

 

Nathan’sThe effective tax rate for the thirteen week period ended December 25, 2016 was reduced by 330 BPS, assecond quarter fiscal 2024 includes a result of the tax benefits associated with stock compensation. For the thirteen week period ended December 25, 2016, excess tax benefits of $39,000, were reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a reduction to the provision for income taxes. Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin #118, Nathan’s has determined reasonable estimates to its deferred assets and liabilities and pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company has recognized the effect(s) of the Act on current and deferred income taxes in its financial statements during the quarter ended December 24, 2017. Nathan’s has recorded the following discrete adjustment to its deferred tax liability andof 0.8%. There were no discrete adjustments for the second quarter fiscal 2023.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at September 24, 2023 was $459,000 all of which reducedwould impact the provision for income taxes by $436,000 during the thirteen weeks ended December 24, 2017. As described in Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Nathan’s estimates that its blended federalCompany’s effective tax rate, will be 31% for its fiscal year ending March 25, 2018 and that its annual tax rateif recognized. As of September 24, 2023, the Company had approximately $335,000 accrued for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2018 will be in the rangepayment of approximately 40.8% to 43.1%, excluding the impact of the discrete items recorded and excess tax benefit associated with stock compensation. The final annual tax rate is subject to many variables, including the ultimate determination of revenue and income tax by state, among other factors, and therefore cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates. As of December 24, 2017, Nathan’s had $212,000 of accrued interest and penalties in connectionconjunction with unrecognized tax benefits.

Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefits, including the relatedbenefit excluding accrued interest and penalties could be further reduced by up to $5,000$19,000 during the remainderfiscal year ending March 31, 2024 due primarily to the lapse of fiscal 2018.statutes of limitations which would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate, although no assurances can be given in this regard.

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Results of Operations

 

Thirty-nineTwenty-six weeks ended December 24, 2017September 24, 2023 compared to thirty-ninetwenty-six weeks ended December 25, 2016September 25, 2022

Revenues

Total revenues increased by approximately 5% to $80,729,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended September 24, 2023 (“fiscal 2024 period”) as compared to $77,217,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended September 25, 2022 (“fiscal 2023 period”).

 

Total sales increasedby 9.7%approximately 6% to $63,639,000$57,373,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 24, 2017 (“fiscal 2018 period”)2024 period as compared to $58,012,000$54,195,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended December 25, 2016 (“fiscal 2017 period”). Foodservice2023 period which included foodservice sales from the Branded Product Program increasedincreasing by 14.4%7% to $50,741,000$48,522,000 for the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to sales of $44,349,000$45,201,000 for the fiscal 20172023 period. During the fiscal 20182024 period, the volume of businesshot dogs sold in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately 10.9%. Our average selling prices increased by approximately 3.2% in the fiscal 2018 period as a result of our pricing strategy, which is more closely correlated to the cost of beef which increased by approximately 8.6%, during the fiscal 2018 period0.4% as compared to the fiscal 20172023 period. Our average selling prices, which are partially correlated to the beef markets, increased by approximately 7% as compared to the fiscal 2023 period. Total Company-owned restaurant sales were $12,898,000decreased by 2% to $8,851,000 during the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $13,449,000$8,994,000 during the fiscal 2017 period due primarily to lower sales2023 period. Sales were impacted by reduced traffic at bothour Coney Island locations. Sales at our Company-owned restaurants were unfavorably affectedlocations as a result of unfavorable weather conditions during the fiscal 2018 period due primarilysummer season.

License royalties increased by approximately 1% to unfavorable weather conditions. Direct retail sales also decreased by $214,000 during$19,997,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to the fiscal 2017 period as we began to transition this business into our Branded Product Program during fiscal 2017.

License royalties were $17,393,000$19,727,000 in the fiscal 2018 period as compared to $15,602,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our license agreement with John Morrell & Co.Smithfield Foods, Inc. at retail and foodservice, substantially from sales of hot dogsincreased 1% to Sam’s Club, increased 11.5% to $15,853,000$18,303,000 for the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $14,214,000 for$18,105,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. The increase is due to an 8.5%a 2% increase in volume during the fiscal 2018 periodaverage net selling price as compared to the fiscal 20172023 period, which was partially offset by a 1% decline in additionretail volume. The foodservice business earned higher royalties of $111,000 as compared to a 4.1% increase in average selling prices, on which our royalties are calculated.the fiscal 2023 period. Royalties earned from all other licensing agreements for the manufacture and sale of Nathan’s products increased by $152,000$72,000 during the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to the fiscal 2017 period.2023 period primarily due to higher royalties earned on sales of french fries, onion rings, cocktail franks and mozzarella sticks.

Franchise fees and royalties were $3,575,000$2,366,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $3,752,000$2,292,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. Total royalties were $3,293,000$2,128,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $3,386,000$1,956,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu programProgram were $873,000$453,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $779,000$317,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program are not based upon a percentage of restaurant sales but are based upon product purchases. Virtual kitchen royalties were $50,000 in the fiscal 2024 period as compared to $82,000 in the fiscal 2023 period. Traditional franchise royalties were $2,420,000$1,625,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $2,607,000$1,557,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. Franchise restaurant sales decreasedincreased to $54,737,000$36,433,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $58,118,000$34,541,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period primarily due to the decline in comparable domestichigher sales at airport locations; highway travel plazas; shopping malls and the impact of units closed in the previous fiscal year.movie theaters. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 8964 Nathan’s outlets, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $40,490,000$30,166,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $41,709,000$28,431,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period.

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At December 24, 2017, 280 September 24, 2023, 235franchised outlets,locations, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program outletsunits were operating as compared to 282 234 franchised outlets,locations, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program outletsunits at DecemberSeptember 25, 2016.2022. Total franchise fee income was $282,000$238,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $366,000$336,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. Domestic franchise fee income was $140,000$55,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $177,000$57,000 in the fiscal 2017 period due primarily to the difference in the types of locations opened, and associated fees earned, between the two periods.2023 period. International franchise fee income was $132,000$120,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $156,000 in$130,000 during the fiscal 2017 period due to the timing of new international development fees. 2023 period.

We also recognized $10,000 $63,000and $33,000$149,000 in forfeited fees in the fiscal 20182024 period and fiscal 2017 periods,2023 period, respectively.During the fiscal 20182024 period, 35 new franchised outletsfourteen franchise locations opened including 13 internationaland elevenfranchise locations and 17 Branded Menu Program outlets.closed. Additionally, eleven virtual kitchens opened. During the fiscal 20172023 period, 42 new franchised outletsfour franchise locations opened including 16 internationaland ninefranchise locations and 20 Branded Menu Program outlets.closed. Additionally, fifty-eight virtual kitchens opened.

Advertising fund revenue, after eliminating Company contributions, was $993,000 during the fiscal 2024 period as compared to $1,003,000 during the fiscal 2023 period.

Costs and Expenses

Overall, our cost of sales increased by $6,433,000approximately 10% to $48,165,000$48,871,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $41,732,000$44,565,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $15,474,000decreased to $8,502,000 or 24.3%15% of sales during the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $16,280,000$9,630,000 or 28.1%18% of sales during the fiscal 20172023 period. The margin decline was primarily due to the higher cost of beef in the Branded Products Program and in the Company-operated restaurants, in addition to the higher labor costs at the Company-owned restaurants.

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Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately $6,677,00012% to $44,010,000 during the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $39,375,000 during the fiscal 20172023 period, primarily due to the 10.9% increase in volume of product sold and the 8.6%a 12% increase in the average cost per pound of our hot dogs. During the fiscal 2017 period, we completed our purchase of approximately 662,000 lbs. of hot dogs pursuantWe continue to the open purchase commitment, representing approximately 4.1% of volume, which reduced our overall cost of hot dogs by approximately 36 BPS.experience pricing pressures on commodities, including beef and beef trimmings. We did not make any purchasespurchase commitments of beef during the fiscal 2018 period pursuant to any purchase commitments.2024 and 2023 periods. If the cost of beef and beef trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases or otherwise reduce any increase in our costs through the use of purchase commitments, our margins will be adversely impacted.

With respect to Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the fiscal 20182024 period was $7,199,000$4,861,000 or 55.8%55% of restaurant sales, as compared to $7,247,000$5,190,000 or 53.9%58% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 20172023 period. The decrease in cost of sales during the fiscal 2024 period was primarily due primarily to the impact2%decrease in sales discussed above. Food and paper costs as a percentage of lower revenues and higher labor costs principally associated withCompany-owned restaurant sales were 27.8%, down from 28.4% in the effectscomparable period of the New York State minimum wage increase. We expect that our future labor costs will continueprior year. Labor and related expenses as a percentage of Company-owned restaurant sales were 27.1%, down from 29.3% in the comparable period of the prior year due to be impacted by the multi-year new increase in minimum wage requirements in New York Statetighter management and any increase in food costs from higher commodity costs.staffing stabilization.

 

Restaurant operating expenses were $2,769,000$2,383,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $2,711,000$2,285,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. The increase in restaurant operating costs results primarily fromWe incurred higher occupancy expenses of $25,000, higher contract maintenance costs of $18,000 and insurance costs.higher credit card and bank fees of $64,000.

 

Depreciation and amortization, which primarily consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment, was $1,055,000$628,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $1,005,000$534,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period.

General and administrative expenses decreased $245,000increased by $326,000 or 2.4%5% to $10,064,000$7,287,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to $10,309,000$6,961,000 in the fiscal 20172023 period. The decreaseincrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to reduced marketinghigher share-based compensation expense of $343,000 and promotional activitieshigher professional fees of $102,000, offset, in connection with the commemorationpart, by a reduction in incentive compensation expenses of our 100th anniversary$104,000.

Advertising fund expense, after eliminating Company contributions, was $993,000 during the fiscal 20172024 period partly offset by higher compensation expenses duringas compared to $1,178,000 in the fiscal 20182023 period.

Other Items

On November 1, 2017, the Company completed the issuance of $150,000,000 of the 2025 Notes in a private offering in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture by and among the Company, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral trustee. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes offering to satisfy and discharge the Indenture relating to the 2020 Notes and redeem the 2020 Notes, paid a portion of a special $5.00 per share cash dividend to Nathan's stockholders of record (see Note M.1), with the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital. The Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017. The Company performed the required evaluation of the refinancing and determined that a portion of the Redemption of the 2020 Notes is accounted for as a modification of the debt and a portion as an extinguishment of the debt. In connection with the Redemption, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8,872,000 that primarily reflects a portion of the premium paid to redeem the 2020 Notes and the write-off of certain debt issuance costs.

 

Interest expense of $10,976,000$2,827,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period representsrepresented interest expense of $8,574,000 on the 2020 Notes, $1,470,000 accrued interest$2,643,000 on the 2025 Notes and total amortization of debt issuance costs of $932,000. On November 1, 2017,$184,000.

Interest expense of $3,887,000 in the Company issuedfiscal 2023 period represented interest expense of $3,633,000 on the 2025 Notes and the Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017. amortization of debt issuance costs of $254,000.

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The Company incurred additionalreduction in interest expense of approximately $562,500 from$1,060,000 is due to the timereduction in the 2025 Notes closed until the Redemption. As a resultoutstanding balance of the issuance of theCompany’s 2025 Notes and the Redemption, the Company expects to reduce its annual interest expense by approximately $3,562,500 per annum.

Interest income was $114,000 in the fiscal 2018 period as compared to $71,000 in the fiscal 2017 period. Nathan’s established its interest bearing money market account during the fiscal 2017 period.

Other income, which primarily relates to a sublease of a franchised restaurant, was $64,000 in the fiscal 2018 period, as compared to $64,000 in the fiscal 2017 period.

Provision for Income Taxes

The income tax provisions for the thirty-nine week periods ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 reflect effective tax rates of 21.5% and 37.1%, respectively. Nathan’s effective tax rates for the thirty-nine week periods ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 were reduced by 670 BPS and 610 BPS, respectively, as a result of the tax benefits associated with stock compensation. For the thirty-nine week periods December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016, excess tax benefits$30,000,000 partial redemption completed in March 2023.

Interest income of $194,000 and $659,000, respectively, were reflected$212,000 in the Consolidated Statementsfiscal 2024 period represented amounts earned by the Company on its certificates of Earningsdeposit, as well as interest bearing bank and money market accounts, as compared to $102,000 in the fiscal 2023 period.

Other income, net was $44,000 and $56,000 in the fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 periods, respectively, which primarily relates to sublease income from a reductionfranchised restaurant.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2024 period was 27.2% compared to 27.1% in the provisionfiscal 2023 period. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2024 period reflected income tax expense of $4,897,000 recorded on $17,996,000 of pre-tax income. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2023 period reflected income tax expense of $4,870,000 recorded on $17,965,000 of pre-tax income. The effective tax rates are higher than the U.S. Federal statutory rates primarily due to state and local taxes.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 was $207,000,$459,000 all of which would impact Nathan’sthe Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin #118, Nathan’s has determined reasonable estimates to its deferred assets and liabilities and pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes,As of September 24, 2023, the Company has recognized the effect(s) of the Act on current and deferred income taxes in its financial statements during the quarter ended December 24, 2017. Nathan’s has recorded the following discrete adjustments to its deferred tax liability and unrecognized tax benefits which reduced the provision for income taxes by $436,000 or 1510 BPS during the thirty-nine weeks ended December 24, 2017. As described in Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Nathan’s estimates that its blended federal tax rate will be 31% for its fiscal year ending March 25, 2018 and that its annual tax ratehad approximately $335,000 accrued for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2018 will be in the rangepayment of approximately 40.8% to 43.1%, excluding the impact of the discrete items recorded and excess tax benefit associated with stock compensation. The final annual tax rate is subject to many variables, including the ultimate determination of revenue and income tax by state, among other factors, and therefore cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates. As of December 24, 2017, Nathan’s had $212,000 of accrued interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.

 

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Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefit excluding accrued interest and penalties could be further reduced by up to $19,000 during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 due primarily to the lapse of statutes of limitations which would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate, although no assurances can be given in this regard.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Nathan’sAt September 24, 2023 and September 25, 2022, Nathan’s did not have any open purchase commitments for hot dogs outstanding as of December 24, 2017.dogs. Nathan’s may enter into purchase commitments in the future as favorable market conditions become available.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash and cash equivalents at DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 aggregated $67,288,000,$36,978,000, a $10,373,000$7,117,000 increase during the fiscal 20182024 period as compared to cash of $56,915,000$29,861,000 at March 26, 2017.2023. Net working capital decreasedincreased to $51,809,000$40,047,000 from $56,763,000$30,652,000 at March 26, 2017, which primarily relates2023. We paid our semi-annual interest payments for fiscal 2024 of $2,650,000 on May 1, 2023 and November 1, 2023, respectively. We paid our first and second quarter fiscal 2024 dividend payments of $2,040,000 each on June 28, 2023 and September 1, 2023. We expect to the specialpay our third quarter dividend of approximately $20,923,000 payable to the shareholders of record on December 22, 2017 that was paid on January 4, 2018.

On November 1, 2017, the Company issued the 2025 Notes and used the majority of the proceeds for the Redemption, paid a portion of the special $5.00 cash dividend and will use any remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital. Our future results could also be impacted by our obligations under the 2025 Notes, as well as the new limitation on the deduction of interest expense under the Act. As a result of the issuance of the 2025 Notes, Nathan’s expects to incur interest expense of $9,937,500 per annum, reducing its cash interest expense by $3,562,500 per annum. Nathan’s expects to incur annual amortization of debt issuance costs of approximately $685,000. Please refer to Note N – Long Term Debt, for the effects of the Company’s refinancing from the preceding consolidated financial statements. The impact of interest expense on net income has been reflected in our results for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended December 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016.

On March 10, 2015, we issued the 2020 Notes and paid a dividend of $25.00 per share (or approximately $116,100,000 in the aggregate). In connection with the 2020 Notes, Nathan’s incurred interest expense of $13,500,000 per annum and annual amortization of debt issuance costs of approximately $1,200,000.

Nathan's used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes offering to satisfy and discharge the Indenture relating to the 2020 Notes and the Redemption, paid a portion of a special $5.00 per share cash dividend to Nathan's stockholders of record (see Note M.1) with the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital. The payment in connection with the Redemption was approximately $144,000,000. Nathan's also funded the majority of the special dividend through its existing cash. The Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017.

The Company paid a 5% call premium of $6,750,000 associated with the Redemption and incurred debt issuance costs of $4,902,000 in connection with the issuance of the 2025 Notes. The Company also incurred additional interest expense of approximately $562,500 from the closing of the 2025 Notes on November 1, 2017 until the Redemption.2023.

 

The 2025 Notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 1st and November 1st of each year, beginning on May 1, 2018. Semi-annual interest payments are expected to be $4,968,750.year. The 2025 Notes have no scheduled principal amortization payments prior to its final maturity on November 1, 2025. As a result of the issuance of the 2025 Notes and the Redemption, the Company expects to reduce its annual interest expense by approximately $3,562,500 per annum.

The Indenture for the 2025 Notes contains certain covenants limiting the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions on, redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make investments or other restricted payments; (iv) create or incur certain liens; (v) incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from its restricted subsidiaries; (vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) sell assets; or (viii) effect a consolidation or merger.

The Indenture for the 2025 Notes also contains customary events of default, including, among other things, failure to pay interest, failure to comply with agreements related to the Indenture, failure to pay at maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness, failure to pay certain judgments, and certain events of insolvency or bankruptcy. Generally, if any event of default occurs, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the 2025 Notes may declare the 2025 Notes due and payable by providing notice to the Company. In case of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the 2025 Notes will become immediately due and payable.

The 2025 Notes are general senior secured obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is not subordinated, are senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, are structurally subordinated to any existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes, and are effectively junior to all existing and future indebtedness that is secured by assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes. Pursuant to the terms of a collateral trust agreement, the liens securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees will be contractually subordinated to the liens securing any future credit facility.

-24-

The 2025 Notes and the guarantees will be the Company and the guarantors’ senior secured obligations and will rank:

senior in right of payment to all of the Company and the guarantors’ future subordinated indebtedness;

effectively senior to all unsecured senior indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees;

pari passu with all of the Company and the guarantors’ other senior indebtedness;

effectively junior to any future credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing any future credit facility and the 2025 Notes and the guarantees and certain other assets;

effectively junior to any of the Company and the guarantors’ existing and future indebtedness that is secured by assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees to the extent of the value of any such assets; and

structurally subordinated to the indebtedness of any of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes.

 

Cash provided by operations of $7,795,000$11,366,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period is primarily attributable to net income of $2,263,000$13,099,000 in addition to other non-cash operating items of $11,330,000,$1,077,000, offset by increases in changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $5,798,000.$2,810,000. Non-cash operating items include $194,000expenses consist principally of excess income tax benefits from stock-baseddepreciation and amortization of $628,000, amortization of debt issuance costs of $184,000, share-based compensation arrangements asexpense of $359,000, and a resultprovision for uncollectible accounts of the accounting for certain aspects of its share-based payments to employees.$55,000. In the fiscal 20182024 period, accounts and other receivables increased by $2,967,000 compared to the fiscal 2017 period$1,003,000 due primarily to higher receivables from Branded Product Program salesreceivables of $2,489,000$528,000, and increased seasonal advanceshigher receivables due to the Advertising Fund of $593,000, partly$1,032,000 which were offset, in part, by lower seasonalfranchise and license royalties receivable of $358,000. In the fiscal 2018 period, prepaid$579,000. Prepaid expenses and other current assets increaseddecreased by $2,259,000$1,049,000 due principally to a decrease in prepaid income taxes of $2,751,000 which were deposited prior to the successful debt refinancing. The$146,000, a decrease in accountsprepaid insurance of $279,000 and a decrease in prepaid marketing and other expenses of $638,000. Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $779,000 is primarilydecreased by $2,342,000 due to reductionsa decline in deferred revenue of $706,000 that was recognized into income during the fiscal 2018 period, accrued payroll and other benefits of $621,000 due$1,642,000 resulting primarily tofrom the payment of prior yearyear-end fiscal 2023 incentive compensation, lowercompensation; earned deferred revenue of $664,000 and a decline in accounts payable of $541,000 arising primarily from seasonally lower$850,000 due to the timing of seasonal product purchases for theour Branded Product Program which were partly offset by higher accrued interest of $1,007,000 and accrued rebates of $195,000. The decrease in other liabilities of $71,000 is primarily due to dividend payments of $125,000 on vested restricted stock, offset byCompany-owned restaurants. Additionally, there was an increase in the accrual for uncertain tax positionsaccrued corporate taxes of $53,000. The Company also declared a $5.00 per share special cash dividend$467,000 due to the shareholderstiming of record as of the close of business on December 22, 2017 which was paid on January 4, 2018 in the amount of $20,923,000 which has been presented as a noncash financing activity on the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows.estimated tax payments.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $488,000$169,000 in the fiscal 20182024 period primarily in connection with capital expenditures incurred for our Branded Product Program and select restaurant improvements.our Coney Island restaurants.

 

Cash provided by financing activities of $3,066,000 in the fiscal 2018 period relates to the Company’s refinancing of the 2020 Notes. The Company received gross proceeds of $150,000,000 from the sale of 2025 Notes, repaid the 2020 Notes, paid a call premium of $6,750,000 in addition to $4,902,000 of debt issuance costs. The Company also paid $157,000 for withholding taxes on the net share vesting of employee restricted stock and dividends of $125,000 relating to the previously declared special cash dividend in connection with the vesting of 5,000 shares of the Company’s restricted stock.

During the period from October 2001 through December 24, 2017, Nathan’s purchased 5,127,373 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $77,303,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of Directors. Since March 26, 2007, we have repurchased 3,236,273 shares at a total cost of approximately $70,145,000, reducing the number of shares then-outstanding by 53.8%.

-27-

 

On February 1, 2016 and March 11,In 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 1,200,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company. As of DecemberSeptember 24, 2017,2023, Nathan’s has repurchased 939,7421,101,884 shares at a cost of $29,641,000 $39,000,000under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At DecemberSeptember 24, 2017,2023, there were 260,25898,116 shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to the sixth stock repurchase plan. The plan does not have a set expiration date. Purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiatedprivately negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.

-25-

Management believes that available cash, marketable securities and cash generated from operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations, and satisfy our debt service requirements, for at least There were no stock repurchases during the next 12 months.fiscal 2024 period.

 

As discussed above, we had cash and cash equivalents at December 24, 2017September 24, 2023 aggregating $67,288,000. $36,978,000.Our Board routinely monitors and assesses its cash position and our current and potential capital requirements. InThe Company paid its first quarter fiscal 2024 dividend of $2,040,000 on June 28, 2023 and its second quarter fiscal 2024 dividend of $2,040,000 on September 1, 2023.

Effective November 2017, we successfully refinanced $135.0 million 10.000% Notes due 2020 with $150.0 million 6.625% Notes due 2025 and, our Board2, 2023, the Company declared its third quarter dividend of Directors announced the payment of a $5.00$0.50 per common share special dividend to the shareholdersstockholders of record as of the close of business on November 20, 2023, which is payable on December 22, 2017.1, 2023.

If the Company pays regular quarterly cash dividends for the remainder of fiscal 2024 at the same rate as declared in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2024, the Company’s total cash requirement for dividends for all of fiscal 2024 would be approximately $8,160,000based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding at October 27, 2023. The Company intends to declare and pay quarterly cash dividends; however, there can be no assurance that any additional quarterly dividends will be declared or paid or of the amount or timing of such dividends, if any.

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

We may from time to time seek to redeem additional portions of our 2025 Notes, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on market conditions, our liquidity requirements, and other factors.

 

We expect that in the future we will make investments in certain existing restaurants, support the growth of the Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs, service the outstanding debt, fund our dividend program and may continue our stock repurchase programs, funding those investments from our operating cash flow. We may also incur capital and other expenditures or engage in investing activities in connection with opportunistic situations that may arise on a case-by-case basis. We are not required to make interest payments during the remainder ofpaid our fiscal year ending March 25, 2018. Pursuant to the Indenture, we will be required to make semi-annual interest payments for fiscal 2024 of $4,968,750$2,650,000 on May 1, 20182023 and November 1, 2018.2023, respectively.

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

 

At DecemberSeptember 24, 2017,2023, we sublet one property to a franchisee that we lease from a third party. We remain contingently liable for all costs associated with this property including: rent, property taxes and insurance. We may incur future cash payments with respect to such property, consisting primarily of future lease payments, including costs and expenses associated with terminating any of such leases.lease.

 

The following schedule represents Nathan’s cashOur contractual obligations primarily consist of the 2025 Notes and commitments by maturity as of December 24, 2017 (in thousands):   the related interest payments, operating leases, and employment agreement with certain executive officers. These contractual obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since March 26, 2023.

  

Payments Due by Period

 

Cash Contractual Obligations

 

Total

  

Less than
1 Year

  

1-3 Years

  

3-5 Years

  

More than
5 Years

 

Long term debt (a)

 $150,000  $-  $-  $-  $150,000 

Employment Agreements

  6,700   1,100   2,000   2,000   1,600 

Dividends Payable

  21,073   21,073   -   -   - 

Operating Leases

  11,540   1,652   2,717   2,137   5,034 

Gross Cash Contractual Obligations

  189,313   23,825   4,717   4,137   156,634 

Sublease Income

  2,175   329   640   474   732 

Net Cash Contractual Obligations

 $187,138  $23,496  $4,077  $3,663  $155,902 

a)

Represents the Notes due 2025.

b)

At December 24, 2017, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $207,000. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $5,000 within the next year. A reasonable estimate of the timing of the remaining liabilities is not practicable.

 

On February 27, 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiaryInflationary Impact

Inflationary pressures on labor and rising commodity prices, most notably for beef and beef trimmings, have impacted our consolidated results of operations during the Company executed a Guaranty of Lease (the “Brooklyn Guaranty”) in connection with its re-franchising of a restaurant located in Brooklyn, New York. The Company is obligated to make payments under the Brooklyn Guaranty in the event of a default by the tenant/franchisee. The Brooklyn Guaranty has an initial term of 10 yearsfiscal 2024 period, and one 5-year option and is limited to 24 months of rent for the first three years of the term. Nathan’s has recorded a liability of $204,015 in connection with the Brooklyn Guaranty which does not include potential percentage rent, real estate tax increases, attorney’s fees and other costs as these amounts are not reasonably determinable at this time. Nathan’s has received a personal guaranty from the franchisee for all obligations under the Brooklyn Guaranty. Fortrend may continue through the remainder of the term, the Brooklyn Guaranty is limited to 12 months of rent plus reasonable costs of collection and attorney’s fees.

-26-

Inflationary Impact           fiscal year 2024.                  

 

We do not believe that general inflation has materially impacted earnings since 2006. However, we have experienced significant volatility in our costs for our hot dogs and certain food products, distribution costs and utilities. From 2011 through 2014, we experienced unprecedented increases in theOur average cost of beef. Beginning March 2015, the beef markets stabilized through June 2015 before subsequently declining by approximately 30%. As a result of the decline through March 2016, the market price of hot dogs during the fiscal year ended March 27, 20162024 period was approximately 7.1% lower than the fiscal year ended March 29, 2015. During the fiscal 2017 period, beef prices remained favorable, and as such, our market price for hot dogs was 17.1% lower12% higher than during the period ended September 25, 2016. Despitefiscal 2023 period. Inherent volatility experienced in certain commodity markets, such as those for beef and beef trimmings due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions, industry demand, inflationary pressures and other macroeconomic factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. This impact will depend on our ability to manage such volatility through price increases and product mix.

-28-

We have experienced competitive pressure on labor rates as a result of the favorable pricing ofincrease in the minimum hourly wage for fast food workers which increased to $15.00 in New York state during fiscal 2017, prices began escalating2022 where our Company-owned restaurants are located. Additionally, there has been an increased demand for labor at all levels which has resulted in greater challenges retaining adequate staffing levels at our Company-owned restaurants; our franchised restaurants and Branded Menu Program locations; as well as for certain vendors in our supply chain that we depend on for our commodities. We remain in contact with our major suppliers and to date we have not experienced significant disruptions in our supply chain.

New York State recently passed legislation which will increase the minimum wage on January 20171, 2024 to $16.00 in New York City, Long Island and continued through June 2017 beforeWestchester followed by $0.50 annual increases in 2025 and 2026. Further, beginning in 2027, the minimum wage across New York State will increase annually according to slightly decline until July which is when the costs stabilized for the balance of 2017 at approximately 10% higher than the last six months of 2016. As such, our market price for hot dogs during our fiscal 2018 period was approximately 8.2% higher than the fiscal 2017 period. Consumer Price Index.

We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products during the remainder of fiscal 2018.2024. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of operations. In the past, we entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of increasing market prices. Most recently, we concluded a purchase commitment for approximately 2,600,000 pounds of hot dogs at approximately $2.01 per pound which we purchased between February and May 2016. We may attempt to enter into similar purchase arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future. Additionally, we expect to continue experiencing volatility in oil and gas prices on our distribution costs for our food products and utility costs in the Company-owned restaurants and volatile insurance costs resulting from the uncertainty of the insurance markets.

 

In March 2010, the Federal government passed new legislation to reform the U.S. health care system. As part of the plan, employers will be expected to provide their employees that work more than 30 hours per week with minimum levels of healthcare coverage or incur certain financial penalties. As Nathan’s workforce includes numerous part-time workers that typically are not offered healthcare coverage, we may be forced to expand healthcare coverage or potentially incur new penalties which may increase our health care costs.

New York State recently passed legislation increasing the minimum hourly wage for fast food workers of restaurant chains with 30 or more locations nationwide. The increase will be phased in differently between New York City and the rest of New York State. Effective December 31, 2017, the minimum wage increased to $13.50 and $11.75 in New York City and outside of New York City, respectively.

In New York City, the hourly rate of pay will increase to $15.00 on Dec. 31, 2018.

The minimum hourly rate of pay for the remainder of New York State will increase to:

$12.75 on Dec. 31, 2018; $13.75 on Dec. 31, 2019; $14.50 on Dec. 31, 2020; and $15.00 on July 1, 2021.

All of Nathan’s Company-operated restaurants are within New York State, three of which operate within New York City that have been affected by this new legislation.

The Company is further studying the impact on the Company’s operations and is developing strategies and tactics, including pricing and potential operating efficiencies, to minimize the effects of these increases and future increases. We have recently increased certain selling prices to pass on recent cost of sales increases. However, if we are unable to fully offset these and future increases through pricing and operating efficiencies, our margins and profits will be negatively affected. We believe that these increases in the minimum wage couldand other changes in employment laws have had a significant financial impact on our financial results and the results of our franchisees that operate in New York State. Our business could be negatively impacted if the decrease in margins for our franchisees results in the potential loss of new franchisees or the closing of a significant number of franchised restaurants.

Effective April 1, 2014, the City of New York, passed legislation requiring employers to offer paid sick leave to all employees, including part-time employees, who work more than 80 hours for the employer. Nathan’s operates three restaurants that have been affected by this legislation.

Effective December 1, 2016, changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act were to take effect until nationwide implementation was enjoined by a Federal District Court. The legislation would have increased the minimum salary threshold for overtime exemption from $23,660 to $47,476 per annum. Nathan’s performed its evaluation of its workforce and determined that the proposed legislation is not expected to have a significant impact on our results of operations.

On May 30, 2017, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law the Fair Work Week Legislation package of bills that the city estimates will cover some 65,000 fast food workers by giving them more predictable work schedules effective November 27, 2017. A key component of the package is a requirement that fast food restaurants schedule their workers at least two weeks in advance or pay employees between $10 to $75 per scheduling change depending on the situation. Due to Nathan’s dependency on weather conditions at our two beach locations during the summer, we are unable to determine the potential impact on our results of operations, which could be material. We have estimated that the daily penalty could amount to as much as $10,000 per day during the height of the summer season for these two restaurants.

 

Continued increases in labor foodcosts, commodity prices and other operating expenses, including health care, could adversely affect our operationsoperations. We attempt to manage inflationary pressure, and those of the restaurant industryrising commodity costs, at least in part, through raising prices. Delays in implementing price increases, competitive pressures, consumer spending levels and we might have to further reconsiderother factors may limit our pricing strategy as a meansability to offset reduced operating margins.these rising costs. Volatility in commodity prices, including beef and beef trimmings could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

The Company’sCompany’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to those set forth above in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” any one of which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. For a discussion identifying additional risk factors and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, also see the discussions in “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q and “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 26, 2017.2023.

 

-27--29-

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.          

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

We have historically invested our cash in money market funds or short-term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments which are generally reinvested when they mature. Although these existing investments are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on short-term investments could be affected at the time of reinvestment as a result of intervening events. As of DecemberSeptember 24, 2017,2023, Nathan’s cash and cash equivalents balance aggregated $67,288,000. $36,978,000.Earnings on this cash would increase or decrease by approximately $168,000$92,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates.

 

Borrowings

 

At DecemberSeptember 24, 2017,2023, we had $150.0 Million$80,000,000 of 6.625% 2025 Notes outstanding which are due in November 2025. Interest expense on these borrowings would increase or decrease by approximately $375,000$200,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates. We currently do not anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our borrowings.

 

Commodity Costs

 

We do not believe that general inflation has materiallyInflationary pressures on labor and rising commodity prices have directly impacted earnings since 2006. However, we have experienced significant volatility in our costs forconsolidated results of operations during the fiscal 2024 period, most notably within our hot dogs and certain food products, distribution costs and utilities.Branded Product Program segment. This trend may continue throughout the remainder of fiscal 2024. Our commodity costs for beef have been especially volatile since fiscal 2004. From 2011 through 2014, we experienced unprecedented increases in theaverage cost of beef. Beginning March 2015, the beef markets stabilized through June 2015 before subsequently declining by approximately 30%. As a result of the decline through March 2016, the market price of hot dogs during the fiscal 20162024 period was approximately 7.1% lower than the fiscal 2015 period. During the fiscal 2017 period, beef prices remained favorable, and as such, our market price for hot dogs was 17.1% lower12% higher than during the fiscal 20162023 period. Despite the favorable pricing of fiscal 2017, prices began escalating in January 2017 and continued through June 2017 before beginning to slightly decline until July which is when the costs stabilized for the balance of 2017 at approximately 10% higher than the last six months of 2016. As such, our market price for hot dogs during our fiscal 2018 period was approximately 8.2% higher than the fiscal 2017 period.

We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products during the remainder of fiscal 2018.2024.Factors that affect beef prices are outside of our control and include foreign and domestic supply and demand, inflation, weather and seasonality. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of operations. In the past, we have entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of increasing market prices. During fiscal 2017, we concluded a purchase commitment for approximately 2,600,000 pounds of hot dogs at approximately $2.01 per pound which we purchased between February and May 2016. We may attempt to enter into similar purchase arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future. Additionally, we expect to continue experiencing volatility in oil and gas prices on our distribution costs for our food products and utility costs in the Company-owned restaurants and volatile insurance costs resulting from the uncertainty of the insurance markets.rising rates.

 

With the exception of purchase commitments, weWe have not attempted to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the commodities we purchase using future, forward, option or other instruments. As a result, we expect that the majority of our future commodity purchases will be subject to market changes in the prices of such commodities. We have attempted to enter sales agreements with our customers that are correlated to our cost of beef, thus reducing our market volatility, or have passed through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our customers that are not on formula pricing, thereby reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial results. A short-term increase or decrease of 10.0%10% in the cost of our food and paper products for the thirty-nine weeksperiod ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by approximately $4,303,000.$4,537,000.

 

Foreign Currencies

 

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

 

-28--30-

 

Item 4.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.13a-15(e) and Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(e).  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 24, 2017September 24, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

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

 

-29--31-

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

NoneNone.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2017,26, 2023, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Nathan's. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, and Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

None.

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

None.

 

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None

-30-

Item 6. Exhibits.

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33- 56976.)

3.2

Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

3.3

By-Laws, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 6, 2006.)

4.1

Specimen Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

4.2

Rights Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2013, between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit A and the Summary of Rights to Purchase as Exhibit B. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2013.)

4.3

Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2017, by and among Nathan’s Famous, Inc., certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, as trustee and collateral trustee (including the form of Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2017.))

10.1**Amendment, dated as of December 6, 2017 to the Employment Agreement dated as of December 15, 2016, as amended November 1, 2012 between Howard M. Lorber and Nathan’s Famous, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated December 12, 2017.)
10.2*Parity Lien Security Agreement, dated November 1, 2017, by and among Nathan's Famous, Inc. and The Other Assignors Identified Herein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Trustee.

31.1

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

31.2

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

32.1

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

32.2

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

101.1

*The following materials from the Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 24, 2017 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes.

On October 30, 2023, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved a discretionary cash bonus payment of $500,000 to Howard M. Lorber, Executive Chairman of the Board, which will be paid on or before November 17, 2023.

 

*Filed herewith.

** Indicates a management plan or amendment.

-31-

SIGNATURES

        PursuantEffective November 2, 2023, the Board declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share which is payable on December 1, 2023 to the requirementsshareholders of record as of the Securities Exchange Actclose of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signedbusiness on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.November 20, 2023.

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.
Date: February 2, 2018 By:/s/ Eric Gatoff

Eric Gatoff

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 2, 2018By:/s/ Ronald G. DeVos

Ronald G. DeVos

Vice President - Finance

and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)     

 

-32-

 

 

Exhibit Index.Item 6.  Exhibits.

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33- 56976.)

3.2

Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

3.3

By-Laws, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 6, 2006.)

4.1

Specimen Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

4.2

Rights Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2013, between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit A and the Summary of Rights to Purchase as Exhibit B. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2013.)

4.3

Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2017, by and among Nathan’s Famous, Inc., certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, as trustee and collateral trustee (including the form of Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2017.))

10.1**Amendment, dated as of December 6, 2017 to the Employment Agreement dated as of December 15, 2016, as amended November 1, 2012 between Howard M. Lorber and Nathan’s Famous, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated December 12, 2017.)
10.2*Parity Lien Security Agreement, dated November 1, 2013, by and among Nathan's Famous, Inc. and The Other Assignors Identified Herein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Trustee.
 

31.1

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

 

 

31.2

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

 

 

32.1

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

 

 

32.2

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

 

 

101.1101.1

*The following materials from the Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended DecemberSeptember 24, 20172023 formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)(iXBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated StatementStatements of Stockholders’ Equity,Deficit, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes.

104

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

 

 

*Filed herewith.

** Indicates a management plan or amendment.

-33-

SIGNATURES

 

-33-Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.

Date: November 2, 2023 

By:

/s/ Eric Gatoff

Eric Gatoff

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 2, 2023

By:

/s/ Robert Steinberg

Robert Steinberg

Vice President - Finance

and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

-34-