kona20121026_10q.htm


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from              to             


Commission File Number 001-34082


 

Kona Grill, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


Delaware

20-0216690

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

7150 East Camelback Road, Suite 220
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 922-8100
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of principal executive offices)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒      No ☐


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


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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company ☒

  

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

Yes ☐      No ☒

 

As of October 31, 2012 there were 8,615,635 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

 



 

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


   

Page

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements

 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011

2

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

3

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

4

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Item 2.

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

10

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

19

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

19

     
     

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

20

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

20

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

20

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

21

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

21

Item 5.

Other Information

21

Item 6.

Exhibits

21

 

 
1

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

September 30,

2012

December 31,

2011

 

(Unaudited)

(Note 1)

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 6,367   $ 6,327

Investments

    177     176

Receivables

    517     3

Other current assets

    1,093     1,203

Total current assets

    8,154     7,709

Other assets

    822     694

Property and equipment, net

    29,504     32,944

Total assets

  $ 38,480   $ 41,347
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 1,614   $ 1,912

Accrued expenses

    5,731     8,045

Current portion of notes payable

    163     132

Total current liabilities

    7,508     10,089

Notes payable

    247    

Deferred rent

    12,201     13,574

Total liabilities

    19,956     23,663

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

               
                 

Stockholders' equity:

               

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

       

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 8,731,835 shares issued and 8,615,635 shares outstanding at September 30, 2012; 9,071,923 shares issued and 8,955,723 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011

    87     91

Additional paid-in capital

    53,812     56,903

Accumulated deficit

    (34,375 )     (38,310 )

Treasury stock, at cost, 116,200 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

    (1,000 )     (1,000 )

Total stockholders' equity

    18,524     17,684

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 38,480   $ 41,347
 


See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 
2

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)


 

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

2012

2011

                                 

Restaurant sales

  $ 23,887   $ 23,838   $ 73,035   $ 70,591

Costs and expenses:

                               

Cost of sales

    6,540     6,404     19,849     19,336

Labor

    8,040     7,815     24,199     23,365

Occupancy

    1,569     1,742     4,650     5,125

Restaurant operating expenses

    3,310     3,506     10,248     10,542

General and administrative

    1,761     2,117     5,365     6,147

Gain on insurance recoveries

    (101 )         (101 )    

Depreciation and amortization

    1,392     1,474     4,311     4,419

Total costs and expenses

    22,511     23,058     68,521     68,934

Income from operations

    1,376     780     4,514     1,657

Nonoperating income (expense):

                               

Interest income and other, net

                2

Interest expense

    (6 )     (26 )     (26 )     (47 )

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

    1,370     754     4,488     1,612

Provision for income taxes

        19     120     44

Income from continuing operations

    1,370     735     4,368     1,568

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (386 )     (146 )     (433 )     (288 )

Net income

  $ 984   $ 589   $ 3,935   $ 1,280
                                 

Net income per share – Basic:

                               

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.16   $ 0.08   $ 0.50   $ 0.17

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.05 )     (0.02 )     (0.05 )     (0.03 )

Net income

  $ 0.11   $ 0.06   $ 0.45   $ 0.14
                                 

Net income per share –Diluted:

                               

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.16   $ 0.08   $ 0.49   $ 0.17

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.05 )     (0.02 )     (0.05 )     (0.03 )

Net income

  $ 0.11   $ 0.06   $ 0.44   $ 0.14
                                 

Weighted average shares used in computation:

                               

Basic

    8,710     9,256     8,776     9,224

Diluted

    8,808     9,454     8,956     9,398

Comprehensive income

  $ 984   $ 589   $ 3,935   $ 1,280

  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 
3

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

Operating activities

               

Net income

  $ 3,935   $ 1,280

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    4,299     4,454

Stock-based compensation expense

    298     357

Loss on disposal of assets

    13     108

Gain on insurance recoveries

    (101

)

   

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Receivables

    (413

)

    5

Other current assets

    110     (27

)

Accounts payable

    (99

)

    (354

)

Accrued expenses

    (2,314

)

    502

Deferred rent

    (1,373

)

    (1,950 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    4,355     4,375
                 

Investing activities

               

Purchase of property and equipment

    (1,071

)

    (1,153

)

Decrease (increase) in other assets

    24     (59 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (1,047

)

    (1,212

)

                 

Financing activities

               

Borrowings on term loan

    500    

Debt repayments

    (223

)

    (417

)

Fees paid for credit facility

    (152

)

   

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and exercise of stock options and warrants

    1,502     542

Purchase and retirement of common stock

    (4,895

)

   

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (3,268

)

    125
                 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    40     3,288

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

    6,327     2,555

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

  $ 6,367   $ 5,843
                 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

               

Cash paid for interest, net of capitalization

  $ 26   $ 27
                 

Noncash investing activities

               

Decrease in accounts payable related to property and equipment

  $ (199

)

  $ (250

)

  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 
4

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.     Basis of Presentation

 

Kona Grill, Inc. (referred to herein as the “Company” or “we,” “us,” and “our”) develops, owns and operates upscale casual dining restaurants under the name “Kona Grill.” Our restaurants feature a diverse selection of American favorites and award-winning sushi that are prepared fresh daily. We own and operate 23 restaurants in 16 states throughout the United States.


The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.


The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

For comparative purposes, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Recent Accounting Literature

 

Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04)

 

ASU No. 2011-04 amends existing guidance to provide common fair value measurements and related disclosure requirements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Additional disclosure requirements in the amendment include: (1) for Level 3 fair value measurements, a description of the valuation processes used by the entity and a discussion of the sensitivity of the fair value measurements to changes in unobservable inputs; (2) discussion of the use of a nonfinancial asset that differs from the asset's highest and best use; and (3) the level of the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments for items that are not measured at fair value but disclosure of fair value is required. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption not permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 in the first quarter of 2012 did not have any material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU No. 2011-05)

 

ASU No. 2011-05 amends existing guidance to allow only two options for presenting the components of net income and other comprehensive income: (1) in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) in two separate but consecutive financial statements consisting of an income statement followed by a statement of other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2011-05 requires retrospective application, and it is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU No. 2011-05 in the first quarter of 2012, using the single continuous statement of comprehensive income approach. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-05 in the first quarter of 2012 did not have any material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

2.     Discontinued Operations

 

During 2011, we closed our West Palm Beach, Florida and Sugar Land, Texas restaurants. The decision to close these restaurants was based on these restaurants' past operating performance. We entered into an amendment with the landlord of the West Palm Beach restaurant that provided for the early termination of the lease on July 31, 2011. Under the lease amendment, we paid an early termination fee and agreed not to remove certain restaurant equipment from the premises. We closed the Sugar Land location on September 21, 2011. 

 

 
5

 

 

During the third quarter of 2011, we recognized $1,261,000 related to estimated lease termination costs, severance, relocation, and other exit costs for the two restaurants closed. The lease termination and exit cost accrual was included in accrued expenses on the December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet. These costs were partially offset by deferred rent write-offs of $1,260,000. We also recognized $53,000 in non-cash asset impairment charges related to the write-off of equipment and furniture left at the closed restaurants. We previously recognized non-cash asset impairment charges of $5,204,000 associated with these restaurants during 2009 to write down the long-lived assets to their fair value.

 

We had accrued $618,000 for Sugar Land lease termination costs at December 31, 2011. In the second quarter of 2012, the landlord, Sugar Land Mall, LLC, commenced an action against us, seeking outstanding rent and charges for the remaining term of the lease, attorney fees, clean-up and other expenses associated with the re-letting of the premise, as well as unspecified damages. In September 2012, we entered into a mediated settlement agreement with Sugar Land Mall, LLC, pursuant to which we agreed to pay $950,000 and recognized the incremental lease termination costs and related attorney fees in the third quarter of 2012. These charges were included in loss from discontinued operations.

 

We determined that the aforementioned closures met the criteria for classification as discontinued operations. As a result, all historical operating results as well as lease termination and exit costs attributable to these restaurants are reflected within discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for all periods presented. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax is comprised of the following for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):


Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

Restaurant sales

  $   $ 3,317
                 

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

  $ 436   $ 297

Income tax benefit

    (3 )     (9 )

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

  $ 433   $ 288
 

Activities associated with the lease termination and exit cost accrual are summarized below (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

  $ 618

Additions

    430

Cash payments

    (1,028 )

Balance at September 30, 2012

  $ 20

 

3.     Fair Value Measurements

 

Our short-term investments in certificates of deposit represent available-for-sale securities that are valued using market observable inputs.   

 

The following tables present information about our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2012

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Certificates of deposit

  $   $ 177   $   $ 177

December 31, 2011

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Certificates of deposit

  $   $ 176   $   $ 176
 

 
6

 

 

4.     Net Income Per Share

 

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share includes the dilutive effect of potential stock option and warrant exercises, calculated using the treasury stock method.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

2012

2011

2012

2011

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

Numerator:

                               

Income from continuing operations

  $ 1,370   $ 735   $ 4,368   $ 1,568

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (386

)

    (146

)

    (433

)

    (288

)

Net income

  $ 984   $ 589   $ 3,935   $ 1,280

Denominator:

                               

Weighted average shares — Basic

    8,710     9,256     8,776     9,224

Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants

    98     198     180     174

Weighted average shares — Diluted

    8,808     9,454     8,956     9,398

Basic net income per share:

                               

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.16   $ 0.08   $ 0.50   $ 0.17

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.05

)

    (0.02

)

    (0.05

)

    (0.03

)

Net income

  $ 0.11   $ 0.06   $ 0.45   $ 0.14

Diluted net income per share:

                               

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.16   $ 0.08   $ 0.49   $ 0.17

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.05

)

    (0.02

)

    (0.05

)

    (0.03

)

Net income

  $ 0.11   $ 0.06   $ 0.44   $ 0.14
 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, there were 336,000 and 499,000, respectively, and 365,000 and 551,000, respectively, stock options and warrants outstanding, that were not included in the dilutive earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

5. Accrued Expenses

 

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

September 30,

2012

December 31,

2011

Accrued payroll

  $ 2,480   $ 3,121

Gift cards

    868     1,243

Sales taxes

    869     959

Lease termination accrual

    20     618

Business and income taxes

    445     548

Accrued occupancy

    318     471

Other

    731     1,085
    $ 5,731   $ 8,045
 

6.     Credit Facility

 

On February 8, 2012, we entered into loan agreements with Stearns Bank National Association (“Stearns”) for a term loan and a line of credit (collectively, the “Loans”). The Loans are secured by commercial security agreements executed by us and each of our subsidiaries granting the lender a security interest in all of the consolidated assets of the Company.

 

 
7

 

 

We obtained a term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $0.5 million (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan matures on February 7, 2015 and requires monthly principal and interest payments of $15,000. Interest on the Term Loan is calculated at the greater of 1% over the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate (the “Index”) or 5.75% per year. Proceeds of the Term Loan were used to pay off the remaining balance of our equipment loans and to pay expenses associated with the Loans. The outstanding balance on the Term Loan at September 30, 2012 was $410,000.


We also obtained a credit line to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million (the “Credit Line”). The final maturity date for all installments under the Credit Line is February 7, 2021. Interest on the loans will initially be 6.25% per year and will be adjusted each time the Index changes and on each such date, the interest rate will equal the greater of the Index plus 1% or 6.25% per year. There is no non-usage fee associated with the Credit Line. Borrowings under the Credit Line can be used for capital expenditures for existing and new restaurant units, provided that we match each disbursement dollar for dollar and the amount of any such disbursement could not exceed $1.5 million per location.

 

On July 24, 2012, we amended certain terms of the Credit Line with Stearns. The amendment allows us to increase the aggregate principal amount under the Credit Line to $6.5 million from $5.0 million, under which we can borrow up to $2.5 million at the greater of 1% over the Index or 5.75% per year for our stock repurchase program. The amendment also allows us to reduce the interest floor on the Credit Line from 6.25% to 4.95% per year on borrowings for restaurant remodeling and new construction projects. We have not drawn any amounts to date under the Credit Line, and the entire $6.5 million balance was available at September 30, 2012.

 

Fees incurred for the Loans totaled $152,000. These fees are included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2012 and such fees are being amortized over the life of the Loans. The unamortized fees totaled $141,000 as of September 30, 2012.

 

The Loans also require us to comply with certain covenants, including (a) a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1.25%, (b) a maximum Interest Bearing Debt/EBITDA ratio of 3:1 and (c) a debt to tangible net worth of equal or less than 3:1. We were in compliance with such covenants at September 30, 2012.

 

7.     Stock-Based Compensation

 

We maintain stock award plans under which we may issue incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, and other types of awards to employees, directors, and consultants. We typically grant non-qualified stock options with an exercise price at the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and such options expire five years from the date of grant. Employee stock options generally vest 25% each year over a four-year period, while annual recurring awards for non-employee director options vest 25% each quarter over a one-year period.

 

We previously granted stock options under our 2005 Stock Award Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and adopted the 2012 Stock Award Plan (the “2012 Plan”) in March 2012. Any award granted earlier under the 2005 Plan will continue to be governed by the terms of that plan. The 2012 Plan was approved by our shareholders in May 2012. Upon effectiveness of the 2012 Plan, no further awards will be granted under the 2005 Plan, and the available share reserve under the 2005 Plan has been added to the share reserve under the 2012 Plan. The total shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan totaled 2,200,000, of which 752,196 shares were available for grant as of September 30, 2012.

 

The fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

Expected volatility

    58.5

%

    60.0

%

Risk-free interest rate

    0.6

%

    1.5

%

Expected option life (in years)

    3.6     3.6

Dividend yield

    0.0

%

    0.0

%

Weighted average fair value per option granted

  $ 2.87   $ 2.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The following table summarizes activity under our stock award plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

 

Options

Weighted

Average Exercise Price

Weighted Average

Remaining Contractual Term (years)

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Outstanding options at December 31, 2011

    900,981   $ 6.13                

Granted

    402,800     6.66                

Forfeited

    (334,075

)

    8.17                

Exercised

    (273,214

)

    4.56                

Outstanding options at September 30, 2012

    696,492   $ 6.07     3.5   $ 2,132,420

Exercisable at September 30, 2012

    206,267   $ 5.96     2.4   $ 756,648
 

We recognized stock-based compensation expense of $101,000 and $177,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $298,000 and $357,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, there was $1,004,052 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock-based compensation awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.

 

8.     Stock Purchase and Retirement Program

 

In November 2011, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase and retirement program under which we are authorized to purchase up to $5,000,000 of common stock. We purchased and retired 858,663 shares at an average cost of $5.82 per share. The 2011 stock repurchase plan was completed in February 2012.

 

In May 2012, our Board of Directors authorized another stock repurchase and retirement program of up to $5,000,000 of our outstanding common stock. As of September 30, 2012, we have purchased and retired 287,072 shares at an average cost of $8.06 per share under the 2012 authorization.

 

9.      Commitments and Contingencies

 

We are engaged in various legal actions, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate disposition of these matters, it is the opinion of our management, based upon the information available at this time, that the expected outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of our company.

 

Sugar Land Lease Termination Costs

During the third quarter of 2011, we closed our Sugar Land restaurant and recognized $616,000 associated with estimated lease termination costs. These costs were included in Accrued Expenses on our December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet. On April 18, 2012, the landlord, Sugar Land Mall, LLC, commenced an action against us in the District Court for Fort Bend County, Texas, seeking outstanding rent and charges for the remaining term of the lease, attorney fees, clean-up and other expenses associated with the re-letting of the premise, as well as unspecified damages. In September 2012, we entered into a mediated settlement agreement with Sugar Land Mall, LLC, pursuant to which we agreed to pay $950,000 and recognized the incremental lease termination costs and related attorney fees in the third quarter of 2012. These charges were included in loss from discontinued operations.

 

 
9

 

 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 contained in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Certain information included in this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as statements relating to our future economic performance, plans and objectives for future operations, expectations, intentions and other financial items that are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements may include the matters under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this report, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and other reports filed from time to time with the SEC.

 

Overview

 

We own and operate 23 restaurants located in 16 states. We offer freshly prepared food, attentive service, and a contemporary ambiance that create a satisfying yet affordable dining experience that we believe exceeds many traditional casual dining restaurants with which we compete. Our high-volume upscale casual restaurants feature a diverse selection of mainstream American favorites as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees with an international influence, including an extensive selection of sushi items. Our menu items are freshly prepared and incorporate over 40 signature sauces and dressings that we make from scratch, creating broad-based appeal for the lifestyle and taste trends of a diverse group of guests. We believe that our diverse menu and generous portions, combined with an average check of approximately $25 per guest, offers our guests an attractive price-value proposition.

 

The restaurant industry is significantly affected by changes in economic conditions, discretionary spending patterns, consumer confidence, and other factors. Customer traffic and sales patterns have shown improvement since 2010 to date as evidenced by our positive comparable restaurant sales for the previous eight quarters and eleven consecutive quarters of positive guest traffic. For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, our comparable restaurant sales grew 0.2% from the prior year period, improving on same store sales that had shown 10.6% growth from the 2010 period. For the first nine months of 2012, our same store sales grew 3.6% from the prior year period, improving on same store sales that had shown 9.2% growth from the 2010 period. We believe continued improvement in consumer confidence and spending in general, will be important and necessary catalysts to drive guest traffic and higher guest check averages in casual dining restaurants in general and our restaurants in particular.

 

We closed our West Palm Beach, Florida and Sugar Land, Texas restaurants during the third quarter of 2011. We settled all lease termination costs for the West Palm Beach and Sugar Land locations in the third quarter of 2011 and 2012, respectively. The decision to close these restaurants was based on these restaurants' past operating performance. The closures enable us to focus on our existing restaurant portfolio while also allowing us to concentrate on developing new restaurants. As a result of the restaurant closures, all historical operating results as well as lease termination and exit costs attributable to these restaurants are reflected within discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for all periods presented.

 

We target our restaurants to achieve an average annual unit volume of $4.5 million following 24 months of operations. Our typical new restaurants experience gradually increasing unit volumes as guests discover our concept and we generate market awareness.

 

We experience various patterns in our operating cost structure. Cost of sales, labor, and other operating expenses for our restaurants open at least 12 months generally trend consistent with restaurant sales, and we analyze those costs as a percentage of restaurant sales. We anticipate that our new restaurants will take approximately six months to achieve operating efficiencies as a result of challenges typically associated with opening new restaurants, including lack of market recognition and the need to hire and sufficiently train employees, as well as other factors. We expect cost of sales and labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales to be higher when we open a new restaurant, but to decrease as a percentage of restaurant sales as the restaurant matures and as the restaurant management and employees become more efficient in operating that unit. Occupancy and a portion of restaurant operating expenses are fixed. As a result, the volume and timing of newly opened restaurants has had, and is expected to continue to have, an impact on cost of sales, labor, occupancy, and restaurant operating expenses measured as a percentage of restaurant sales. The majority of our general and administrative costs are fixed costs. We expect our general and administrative spending to decrease as a percentage of restaurant sales as we leverage these investments and realize the benefits of higher sales volumes.

 

 
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Key Measures We Use to Evaluate Our Company 


Key measures we use to evaluate and assess our business include the following:

 

Number of Restaurant Openings. Number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular reporting period.


Same-Store Sales Percentage Change. Same-store sales percentage change reflects the periodic change in restaurant sales for the comparable restaurant base. In calculating the percentage change in same-store sales, we include a restaurant in the comparable restaurant base after it has been in operation for more than 18 months. Same-store sales growth can be generated by an increase in guest traffic counts or by increases in the per person average check amount. Menu price changes and the mix of menu items sold can affect the per person average check amount.


Average Weekly Sales. Average weekly sales represents the average of restaurant sales measured over consecutive Monday through Sunday time periods.


Average Unit Volume. Average unit volume represents the average restaurant sales for the comparable restaurant base.


Sales Per Square Foot. Sales per square foot represent the restaurant sales for our comparable restaurant base, divided by the total leasable square feet for such restaurants.


Restaurant Operating Profit. Restaurant operating profit is defined as restaurant sales minus cost of sales, labor, occupancy, and restaurant operating expenses. Restaurant operating profit does not include general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, or preopening expenses. We believe restaurant operating profit is an important component of financial results because it is a widely used metric within the restaurant industry to evaluate restaurant-level productivity, efficiency, and performance prior to application of corporate overhead. We use restaurant operating profit as a percentage of restaurant sales as a key metric to evaluate our restaurants' financial performance compared with our competitors. This measure provides useful information regarding our financial condition and results of operations and allows investors to more easily determine future financial results driven by growth and allows investors to more easily compare restaurant level profitability.


Key Financial Definitions


Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales include gross food and beverage sales, net of promotions and discounts.


Cost of Sales. Cost of sales consists of food and beverage costs.


Labor. Labor includes all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in operations.


Occupancy. Occupancy includes all rent payments associated with the leasing of real estate, including base, percentage and straight-line rent, property taxes, and common area maintenance expense. We record tenant improvement allowances as a reduction of occupancy expense over the initial term of the lease.


Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses consist of all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, credit card fees, advertising, supplies, marketing, repair and maintenance, and other expenses. Other operating expenses contain both variable and fixed components.


General and Administrative. General and administrative includes all corporate and administrative functions that support operations and provide infrastructure to facilitate our future growth. Components of this category include management and staff salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and related employee benefits, travel, information systems, human resources, training, corporate rent, professional and consulting fees, and corporate insurance costs.

 

 
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Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of property and equipment.


Interest Income and Other, Net. Interest income and other, net consists of interest earned on our cash and investments and any gains or losses on our investments.


Interest Expense. Interest expense includes the cost of servicing our debt obligations, net of capitalized interest.


Discontinued Operations. Discontinued operations include the historical operating results as well as lease termination and exit costs attributable to closed restaurants.


Financial Performance Overview

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our financial performance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

2012

2011

2012 2011

Restaurant sales growth

    0.2

%

    15.9

%

    3.5

%

    14.6

%

Same-store sales percentage change (1)

    0.2

%

    10.6

%

    3.6

%

    9.2

%

Average weekly sales – comparable restaurant base (2)

  $ 79,179   $ 79,022   $ 80,998   $ 78,181

Average unit volume (in thousands) (2)

  $ 1,041   $ 1,039   $ 3,171   $ 3,060

Sales per square foot (2)

  $ 147   $ 147   $ 440   $ 424

Restaurant operating profit (in thousands) (3)

  $ 4,428   $ 4,371   $ 14,089   $ 12,223

Restaurant operating profit as a percentage of sales (3)

    18.5

%

    18.3

%

    19.3

%

    17.3

%

 

 

(1)

Same-store sales percentage change reflects the periodic change in restaurant sales for the comparable restaurant base compared to the prior year. In calculating the percentage change for same-store sales, we include a restaurant in the comparable restaurant base after it has been in operation for more than 18 months.

(2)

Includes only those restaurants in the comparable restaurant base.

(3)

Restaurant operating profit is not a financial measurement determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to loss from operations. Restaurant operating profit may not be comparable to the same or similarly titled measures computed by other companies. We believe restaurant operating profit is an important component of financial results because it is a widely used metric within the restaurant industry to evaluate restaurant-level productivity, efficiency, and performance. We use restaurant operating profit as a percentage of restaurant sales as a key metric to evaluate our restaurants' financial performance compared with our competitors.

 

 
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The following tables set forth our calculation of restaurant operating profit and reconciliation to income from operations, the most comparable GAAP measure.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

2012

2011

 
 

(In thousands)

Restaurant sales

  $ 23,887   $ 23,838   $ 73,035   $ 70,591  

Costs and expenses:

                                 

Cost of sales

    6,540     6,404     19,849     19,336  

Labor

    8,040     7,815     24,199     23,365  

Occupancy

    1,569     1,742     4,650     5,125  

Restaurant operating expenses

    3,310     3,506     10,248     10,542  

Restaurant operating profit

    4,428     4,371     14,089     12,223  

Deduct – other costs and expenses

                                 

General and administrative

    1,761     2,117     5,365     6,147  

Gain on insurance recoveries

    (101 )         (101 )      

Depreciation and amortization

    1,392     1,474     4,311     4,419  

Income from operations

  $ 1,376   $ 780   $ 4,514   $ 1,657  

 


 

Percentage of Restaurant Sales

Percentage of Restaurant Sales

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

2012

2011

 

Restaurant sales

    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %  

Costs and expenses:

                                 

Cost of sales

    27.4     26.9     27.2     27.4  

Labor

    33.7     32.8     33.1     33.1  

Occupancy

    6.6     7.3     6.4     7.3  

Restaurant operating expenses

    13.8     14.7     14.0     14.9  

Restaurant operating profit

    18.5     18.3     19.3     17.3  

Deduct – other costs and expenses

                                 

General and administrative

    7.4     8.9     7.3     8.7  

Gain on insurance recoveries

    (0.4 )     0.0     (0.1 )     0.0  

Depreciation and amortization

    5.8     6.2     5.9     6.3  

Income from operations

    5.7 %     3.3 %     6.1 %     2.3 %  


Certain percentage amounts may not sum to total due to rounding.


 


The following table sets forth changes in the number of restaurants opened for the periods indicated:


 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Year Ended

December 31, 2011

                 

Beginning of period

    23     25

Openings

       

Closings

        (2 )

End of period

    23     23

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of restaurant sales of certain items in our financial statements:


 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

2012

2011

2012

2011

                                 

Restaurant sales

    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

Costs and expenses:

                               

Cost of sales

    27.4     26.9     27.2     27.4

Labor

    33.7     32.8     33.1     33.1

Occupancy

    6.6     7.3     6.4     7.3

Restaurant operating expenses

    13.8     14.7     14.0     14.9

General and administrative

    7.4     8.9     7.3     8.7

Gain on insurance recoveries

    (0.4 )     0.0     (0.1 )     0.0

Depreciation and amortization

    5.8     6.2     5.9     6.3

Total costs and expenses

    94.3     96.7     93.9     97.7

Income from operations

    5.7     3.3     6.1     2.3

Nonoperating income (expense):

                               

Interest income and other, net

    0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0

Interest expense

    0.0     (0.1 )     0.0     (0.1 )

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

    5.7     3.2     6.1     2.2

Provision for income taxes

    0.0     0.1     0.2     0.0
                                 

Income from continuing operations

    5.7     3.1     5.9     2.2

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (1.6 )     (0.6 )     (0.6 )     (0.4 )

Net income

    4.1 %     2.5 %     5.4 %     1.8 %

 


Certain percentage amounts may not sum to total due to rounding.


Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2011


Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased slightly to $23.9 million during the third quarter of 2012 from $23.8 million in the third quarter of 2011. Comparable restaurant sales growth year over year was 0.2%, with higher guest traffic partially offset by a lower average guest check.


Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased $0.1 million, or 2.1% to $6.5 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to $6.4 million during the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to higher beer and wine costs associated with our happy hour promotions and the company-wide rollout of the Wine Down Wednesday program. The increase was partially offset by lower seafood and produce costs year over year. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales was 27.4% and grew 0.5% year over year, reflecting mainly the impact of the aforementioned programs.

 

Labor. Labor costs for our restaurants increased $0.2 million, or 2.9% to $8.0 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to $7.8 million in the prior year quarter. Labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased 0.9% to 33.7% during the third quarter of 2012 from 32.8% during the prior year period as a result of deleveraging of hourly labor costs due to softer than anticipated sales volumes.


Occupancy. Occupancy expenses decreased $0.2 million, or 9.9% to $1.6 million during the third quarter of 2012 from $1.7 million during the same quarter in 2011. The lower occupancy expenses are primarily associated with an amendment in our lease agreement for one restaurant that was entered into during the fourth quarter of 2011. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased 0.7% to 6.6% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 7.3% during the prior year period. The decrease in occupancy costs as a percentage of sales reflects the impact of the aforementioned changes in lease provisions.

 

 
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Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses decreased $0.2 million to $3.3 million year over year. Restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 13.8% during the period compared to 14.7% during the third quarter of 2011, driven by lower marketing expenses, reduced credit card fees and a reduction in utilities from lower negotiated rates.


General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 16.8% from $2.1 million year over year. General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales by 1.5% to 7.4% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 8.9% in the prior year period. The year over year decrease in general and administrative expenses in absolute dollars and as a percentage of sales is driven by lower executive compensation and benefits partially offset by higher legal and professional fees associated with corporate activities.


Gain on Insurance Recoveries. We recognized $0.1 million gain from insurance recoveries associated with a restaurant fire in the previous quarter. The gain represents the excess of fair value over net book value of replacement furniture as a result of smoke damage from the fire.


Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.1 million to $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $1.5 million in the prior year period. Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased 0.4% to 5.8% from 6.2% year over year.

 

Discontinued Operations. Loss from discontinued operations of $386,000 and $146,000 in the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, represents the historical operating results as well as lease termination and exit costs attributable to the two restaurants closed during the third quarter of 2011. In the third quarter of 2012, we settled with the landlord of the Sugar Land location for $950,000 and recognized the incremental lease termination costs and related attorney fees. See Note 2 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.


Provision for Income Taxes. We did not record any income tax provision in the third quarter of 2012 due to a revised estimate of current year taxable income resulting from the timing of certain tax deductions, including the Sugar Land settlement noted above. Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2011 was minimal due to the utilization of our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards in prior year.


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011


Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased $2.4 million, or 3.5% to $73.0 million during the first nine months of 2012 from $70.6 million in the same prior year period. The sales increase is attributable to a 3.6% increase in comparable restaurant sales, driven by higher guest traffic volume of 3.5%.


Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased $0.5 million, or 2.7% to $19.8 million during the first nine months of 2012 compared to $19.3 million during the same period in prior year. The increase was primarily attributable to incremental food and liquor costs associated with higher sales volumes and promotional offerings partially offsetting the benefits of stabilizing produce costs in the current year. As a percentage of restaurant sales, cost of sales decreased 0.2% to 27.2% year over year, reflecting the leverage of higher sales volume as well as the lower produce costs year over year.

 

Labor. Labor costs in the first nine months of 2012 grew by $0.8 million, or 3.6% to $24.2 million compared to $23.4 million in the comparable prior year period. The increase was attributable to increased staffing to support the year over year sales growth during 2012. Labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales, however, remained flat at 33.1% in both 2012 and 2011, due to our ability to leverage fixed management wages and hourly labor expenses to support the comparable restaurant sales growth year over year.

 

Occupancy. Occupancy expenses decreased $0.5 million, or 9.3% to $4.6 million in 2012 year to date from $5.1 million during the first nine months of 2011. The lower occupancy expenses are primarily associated with an amendment in our lease agreement for one restaurant. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased 0.9% to 6.4% in 2012 compared to 7.3% in prior year, reflecting the benefits of the aforementioned changes in lease provisions as well as the increased leverage of the fixed portion of these costs from higher average weekly sales.

 

 
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Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses decreased $0.3 million to $10.2 million during the first nine months of 2012 on higher sales volume compared to $10.5 million in the same period in 2011. Lower marketing, credit card fees and utilities more than offset higher repair and maintenance costs and increased training, travel and recruiting expenses. Restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales also decreased 0.9% to 14.0% during the first nine months of 2012 compared to 14.9% for the same period in 2011.


General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.8 million, or 12.7% from $6.1 million year over year. General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales year over year by 1.4% to 7.3%. The decrease in general and administrative expenses in absolute dollars and as a percentage of sales is mainly attributable to lower executive compensation and benefits during 2012 partially attributable to severance and related costs for former executives in the prior year.


Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.1 million or 2.5% to $4.3 million in 2012 year to date. Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased 0.4% to 5.9% from 6.3% year over year reflecting leverage of these fixed costs from higher average weekly sales.

 

Discontinued Operations. Loss from discontinued operations of $433,000 and $288,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, represents the historical operating results as well as lease termination and exit costs attributable to the two restaurants closed during the third quarter of 2011. In the third quarter of 2012, we settled with the landlord of the Sugar Land location for $950,000 and recognized the incremental lease termination costs and related attorney fees. See Note 2 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.


Provision for Income Taxes. We recorded a provision for income taxes of $120,000 and $44,000, respectively, during 2012 and 2011 year to date. The year over year increase in the provision is attributable to federal and state taxes on higher projected taxable income for the year partially offset by the utilization of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards.


Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Results and Seasonality

 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the following:

 

timing of new restaurant openings and related expenses;

fluctuations in commodity and food protein prices;

restaurant operating costs and preopening costs for our newly-opened restaurants, which are often materially greater during the first several months of operation than thereafter;

labor availability and costs for hourly and management personnel;

profitability of our restaurants, especially in new markets;

increases and decreases in comparable restaurant sales;

impairment of long-lived assets and any loss on restaurant closures;

changes in borrowings and interest rates;

general economic conditions;

weather conditions or natural disasters;

timing of certain holidays;

changes in government regulations;

settlements, damages and legal costs associated with litigation;

new or revised regulatory requirements and accounting pronouncements; and

changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions.

 

Our business is also subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been higher during the spring and summer months and winter holiday season. Consequently, our quarterly and annual operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate significantly as a result of seasonality and the factors discussed above. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular future period may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of our investors. In that event, the price of our common stock would likely decrease.

 

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Currently, our primary capital requirements are for new restaurant development and remodeling of existing restaurants. Similar to many restaurant companies, we utilize operating lease arrangements for all of our restaurant locations. We believe that our operating lease arrangements provide appropriate leverage for our capital structure in a financially efficient manner. We are typically required to expend cash to perform site-related work and to construct and equip each restaurant. The average investment cost for our restaurants depends upon the type of lease entered into, the amount of tenant improvement allowance we receive from landlords, and whether we assume responsibility for the construction of the building. We expect the cash investment cost of our typical restaurant to be approximately $2.5 million, net of landlord tenant improvement allowances of between $0.7 million and $1.2 million, and excluding cash preopening expenses of approximately $0.4 million. We expect these costs will vary from one market to another based on real estate values, zoning regulations, permitting requirements, labor markets and other variables. Restaurants that are subject to ground leases and do not receive landlord tenant improvement allowances typically require a significantly higher cash investment. We also require capital resources to maintain our existing base of restaurants and to further expand and strengthen the capabilities of our corporate and information technology infrastructures.

 

The following tables set forth, as of the dates and for the periods indicated, a summary of our key liquidity measurements (amounts in thousands):

 

September 30,

2012

December 31,

2011

Cash and short-term investments

  $ 6,544   $ 6,503

Net working capital (deficit)(1)

    646     (2,380 )

 

 

(1)

The working capital deficit at December 31, 2011 is primarily attributable to accruals for payroll, lease termination and exit costs related to our two closed restaurants and professional fees.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

Cash provided by operating activities

  $ 4,355   $ 4,375

Capital expenditures

    1,071     1,153

 

Future Capital Requirements

 

Our capital requirements, including development costs related to the opening of new restaurants, have historically been significant. Over the last several years, we funded development of new restaurants primarily from the proceeds of equity financing and cash flows from operations. Our future cash requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including the operating performance of our current restaurants, the pace of expansion, real estate markets, site locations, the nature of the arrangements negotiated with landlords and the credit market environment.

 

Our current operations generate sufficient cash flow to fund operations and general and administrative costs. We believe existing cash and short-term investments of $6.5 million, the ability to draw on our recently amended $6.5 million credit facility and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund development of new restaurants and planned remodels of existing restaurants. Any reduction of our cash flow from operations may cause a delay or cancellation of future restaurant development or remodels of existing restaurants. As of September 30, 2012, we had working capital of $0.6 million, a $3.0 million improvement from December 31, 2011 primarily as a result of higher earnings during the first nine months of 2012. Our ability to generate higher cash flow from operations and cost containment efforts over the previous quarters have been instrumental in reducing the working capital deficit experienced in prior years. Financing to construct new restaurants for amounts in excess of the line of credit availability may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could impact our growth plans, financial condition, and results of operations. Additional equity financing may result in dilution to current stockholders and debt financing, if available, may involve significant cash payment obligations or financial covenants and ratios that may restrict our ability to operate our business.

 

 
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Credit Facility


On February 8, 2012, we entered into loan agreements with Stearns Bank National Association (“Stearns”) for a term loan and a line of credit (collectively, the “Loans”). The Loans are secured by commercial security agreements executed by us and each of our subsidiaries granting the lender a security interest in all of the consolidated assets of the Company.

 

We obtained a term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $0.5 million (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan matures on February 7, 2015 and requires monthly principal and interest payments of $15,000. Interest on the Term Loan is calculated at the greater of 1% over the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate (the “Index”) or 5.75% per year. Proceeds of the Term Loan were used to pay off the remaining balance of our equipment loans and to pay expenses associated with the Loans. The outstanding balance on the Term Loan at September 30, 2012 was $410,000.


We also obtained a credit line to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million (the “Credit Line”). The final maturity date for all installments under the Credit Line is February 7, 2021. Interest on the loans will initially be 6.25% per year and will be adjusted each time the Index changes and on each such date, the interest rate will equal the greater of the Index plus 1% or 6.25% per year. There is no non-usage fee associated with the Credit Line. Borrowings under the Credit Line can be used for capital expenditures for existing and new restaurant units, provided that we match each disbursement dollar for dollar and the amount of any such disbursement could not exceed $1.5 million per location.

 

On July 24, 2012, we amended certain terms of the Credit Line with Stearns. The amendment allows us to increase the aggregate principal amount under the Credit Line to $6.5 million from $5.0 million, under which we can borrow up to $2.5 million at the greater of 1% over the Index or 5.75% per year for our stock repurchase program. The amendment also allows us to reduce the interest floor on the Credit Line from 6.25% to 4.95% per year on borrowings for restaurant remodeling and new construction projects. We have not drawn any amounts to date under the Credit Line, and the entire $6.5 million balance was available at September 30, 2012.

 

Fees incurred for the Loans totaled $152,000. These fees are included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2012 and such fees are being amortized over the life of the Loans. The unamortized fees totaled $141,000 as of September 30, 2012.

 

The Loans also require us to comply with certain covenants, including (a) a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1.25%, (b) a maximum Interest Bearing Debt/EBITDA ratio of 3:1 and (c) a debt to tangible net worth of equal or less than 3:1. We were in compliance with such covenants at September 30, 2012.

 

Cash Flows

 

      The following table summarizes our primary sources and uses of cash during the periods presented (in thousands).

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2012

2011

Net cash provided by (used in):

               

Operating activities

  $ 4,355   $ 4,375

Investing activities

    (1,047

)

    (1,212

)

Financing activities

    (3,268

)

    125

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 40   $ 3,288

 

Operating Activities. Our cash flows from operating activities, as detailed in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, provided $4.4 million of net cash during the first nine months of 2012. Cash generated from operating activities remained constant year over year and is primarily the result of higher net income partially offset by greater use of cash for accrued expenses, specifically, the settlement of our Sugar Land lease in the third quarter of 2012.

 

 
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Investing Activities. Capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2012 were $1.1 million, primarily attributable to remodeling costs for existing restaurants and infrastructure investments at the Corporate office. Investing activities for first nine months of 2011 of $1.2 million included contractor payments for our Baltimore, Maryland restaurant that opened during October 2010 and remodeling costs for existing restaurants.

 

Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities during the first nine months of 2012 totaled $3.3 million, consisting of $4.9 million for the purchase and retirement of our common stock and $0.2 million debt repayment for our equipment loans and term loan. We also paid $0.2 million in fees in conjunction with the credit facility. Cash receipts from financing activities during the first nine months of 2012 consisted of $0.5 million from term loan borrowings and $1.5 million in proceeds from stock option and warrant exercises and employee stock plan purchases. Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.1 million during the first nine months of 2011, reflecting $0.4 million in equipment loan principal payments offsetting the $0.5 million in proceeds from stock issued as part of our stock option and employee stock purchase plans.

 

Critical Accounting Policies


Critical accounting policies are those that we believe are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and also require our most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments. Judgments or uncertainties regarding the application of these policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under various conditions or using different assumptions. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

 

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The following discussion of market risks contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the following discussion based on general conditions in the commodity markets.


Primary Market Risk Exposures


Our primary market risk exposure is commodity costs. Many of the food products purchased by us can be subject to volatility due to changes in weather, production, availability, seasonality, international demand, and other factors outside our control. Substantially all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which help to diversify our overall commodity cost risk. We also believe that we have the ability to increase certain menu prices in response to food commodity price increases.


Item 4.     Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that 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 in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

 
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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


During the quarterly period covered by this report, there have not been any changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


 


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

 

We are engaged in various legal actions, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate disposition of these matters, it is the opinion of our management, based upon the information available at this time, that the expected outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of our company.

 

Sugar Land Lease Termination Costs

During the third quarter of 2011, we closed our Sugar Land restaurant and recognized $616,000 associated with estimated lease termination costs. These costs were included in Accrued Expenses on our consolidated balance sheets. On April 18, 2012, the landlord, Sugar Land Mall, LLC, commenced an action against us in the District Court for Fort Bend County, Texas, seeking outstanding rent and charges for the remaining term of the lease, attorney fees, clean-up and other expenses associated with the re-letting of the premise, as well as unspecified damages. In September 2012, we entered into a mediated settlement agreement with Sugar Land Mall, LLC, pursuant to which we agreed to pay $950,000 and recognized the incremental lease termination costs and related attorney fees in the third quarter of 2012. These charges were included in loss from discontinued operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

A description of the risk factors associated with our business is contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. These cautionary statements are to be used as a reference in connection with any forward-looking statements. The factors, risks, and uncertainties identified in these cautionary statements are in addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or otherwise addressed in connection with a forward-looking statement or contained in any of our subsequent filings with the SEC.

 

Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

 

In May 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase and retirement program under which we are authorized to repurchase up to $5.0 million of common stock in the open market, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans or in private transactions at prevailing market prices. Previously, in February 2012 we had completed a stock repurchase and retirement program under which we purchased and retired 858,663 shares at an average cost of $5.82 per share. During the second quarter of 2012, we purchased and retired 95,500 shares at an average cost of $7.93 per share under the 2012 authorization. In the third quarter of 2012, we made the following purchases at a total cost of $1,562,000:

 

Period

Total Number of Shares Purchased

Average Price Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan

July 2012

    94,700   $ 8.10     94,700   $ 3,473,107

August 2012

    67,072     8.10     67,072     2,928,667

September 2012

    29,800     8.30     29,800     2,680,794

Total

    191,572   $ 8.13     191,572        

 

 
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Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.     Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.     Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit

10.34 

Amended Loan Documents dated July 24, 2012, between Kona Grill, Inc. as borrower and Stearns Bank National Association as lender (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 30, 2012).

10.35

Mediated Settlement Agreement by and between Sugar Land Mall, LLC f/k/a GGP-Sugar Land Mall, LP and KDGE Kona Grill, Inc., Kona Grill, Inc. and Kona Texas Restaurant, Inc. f/k/a Texas Kona Grill, Inc. dated September 14, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 20, 2012).

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

101

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, (iii) the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and (iv) the notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.



 

 
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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

Kona Grill, Inc.

 

/s/ Berke Bakay

 
 

Berke Bakay

 
 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 
  (Principal Executive Officer)  

 


/s/ Christi Hing

 
 

Christi Hing

 
 

Chief Financial Officer

 
 

(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 

 

Date:  November 5, 2012

 

 

 

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