J. Alexander's Corporation
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934 |
For quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
OR
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o |
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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 1-8766
J. ALEXANDERS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Tennessee
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62-0854056 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
3401 West End Avenue, Suite 260, P.O. Box 24300, Nashville, Tennessee 37202
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(615)269-1900
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large
accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
Common Stock Outstanding 6,647,825 shares at November 13, 2007.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
J. Alexanders Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
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September 30 |
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December 31 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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ASSETS |
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CURRENT ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
10,504 |
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$ |
14,688 |
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Accounts and notes receivable |
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1,905 |
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2,252 |
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Inventories |
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1,167 |
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1,319 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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1,079 |
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1,079 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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1,076 |
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1,192 |
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TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS |
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15,731 |
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20,530 |
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OTHER ASSETS |
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1,298 |
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1,249 |
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PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost, less accumulated
depreciation and amortization of $44,515
and $41,911 at September 30, 2007 and
December 31, 2006, respectively |
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78,177 |
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71,815 |
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DEFERRED INCOME TAXES |
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5,055 |
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5,055 |
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DEFERRED CHARGES, less accumulated amortization |
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705 |
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701 |
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$ |
100,966 |
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$ |
99,350 |
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2
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September 30 |
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December 31 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
5,365 |
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$ |
4,962 |
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Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
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3,755 |
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5,464 |
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Unearned revenue |
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1,446 |
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2,348 |
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Current portion of long-term debt and obligations under
capital leases |
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937 |
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889 |
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TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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11,503 |
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13,663 |
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LONG-TERM DEBT AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL
LEASES, net of portion classified as current |
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21,597 |
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22,304 |
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OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES |
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5,995 |
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5,553 |
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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Common Stock, par value $.05 per share: Authorized 10,000,000
shares; issued and outstanding 6,639,315 and 6,569,305 shares at
September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively |
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332 |
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329 |
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Preferred Stock, no par value: Authorized 1,000,000 shares; none
issued |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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35,575 |
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34,905 |
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Retained earnings |
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25,964 |
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22,596 |
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TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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61,871 |
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57,830 |
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$ |
100,966 |
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$ |
99,350 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
J. Alexanders Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited in thousands, except per share amounts)
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Quarter Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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Sept. 30 |
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Oct. 1 |
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Sept. 30 |
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Oct. 1 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
33,356 |
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$ |
32,891 |
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$ |
104,623 |
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$ |
101,470 |
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Costs and expenses: |
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Cost of sales |
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10,945 |
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10,918 |
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33,938 |
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33,221 |
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Restaurant labor and related costs |
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11,068 |
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10,764 |
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33,430 |
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32,573 |
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Depreciation and amortization of restaurant
property and equipment |
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1,304 |
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1,308 |
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3,881 |
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3,913 |
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Other operating expenses |
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6,736 |
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6,620 |
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20,571 |
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20,084 |
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Total restaurant operating expenses |
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30,053 |
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29,610 |
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91,820 |
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89,791 |
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General and administrative expenses |
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2,264 |
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2,343 |
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7,074 |
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7,222 |
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Pre-opening expense |
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537 |
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593 |
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Operating income |
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502 |
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938 |
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5,136 |
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4,457 |
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Other income (expense): |
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Interest expense, net |
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(279 |
) |
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(391 |
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(871 |
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(1,216 |
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Other, net |
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17 |
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16 |
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55 |
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67 |
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Total other expense |
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(262 |
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(375 |
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(816 |
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(1,149 |
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Income before income taxes |
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240 |
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563 |
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4,320 |
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3,308 |
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Income tax benefit (provision) |
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150 |
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(127 |
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(952 |
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(724 |
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Net income |
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$ |
390 |
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$ |
436 |
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$ |
3,368 |
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$ |
2,584 |
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Basic earnings per share |
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$ |
.06 |
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$ |
.07 |
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$ |
.51 |
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$ |
.39 |
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Diluted earnings per share |
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$ |
.06 |
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$ |
.06 |
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$ |
.48 |
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$ |
.38 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
J. Alexanders Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited in thousands)
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Nine Months Ended |
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Sept. 30 |
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Oct. 1 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Net income |
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$ |
3,368 |
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$ |
2,584 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment |
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3,939 |
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3,979 |
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Changes in working capital accounts |
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(1,985 |
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(692 |
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Other operating activities |
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786 |
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660 |
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6,108 |
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6,531 |
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Net cash used in investing activities: |
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Purchase of property and equipment |
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(8,342 |
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(2,520 |
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Other investing activities |
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(46 |
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(70 |
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(8,388 |
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(2,590 |
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Net cash used in financing activities: |
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Payments on debt and obligations under capital leases |
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(659 |
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(610 |
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Decrease in bank overdraft |
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(1,113 |
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(1,354 |
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Payment of cash dividend |
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(657 |
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(653 |
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Exercise of stock options |
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379 |
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140 |
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Payment of required withholding taxes on behalf of an
employee in connection with the net share settlement
of an employee stock option exercised |
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(101 |
) |
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Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation |
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247 |
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Other |
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2 |
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(1,904 |
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(2,475 |
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(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
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(4,184 |
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1,466 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
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14,688 |
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8,200 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
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$ |
10,504 |
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$ |
9,666 |
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Supplemental disclosures of non-cash items: |
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Property and equipment obligations accrued at beginning of period |
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$ |
123 |
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$ |
550 |
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Property and equipment obligations accrued at end of period |
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$ |
2,285 |
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$ |
348 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
J. Alexanders Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
NOTE A BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and
with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not
include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior
years condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2007 presentation. In the
opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine
months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2007. For further information, refer to the consolidated
financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the J. Alexanders Corporation (the
Companys) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Net income and comprehensive income are the same for all periods presented.
NOTE B EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
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Quarter Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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Sept. 30 |
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Oct. 1 |
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Sept. 30 |
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Oct. 1 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Numerator: |
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Net income (numerator for basic and diluted
earnings per share) |
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$ |
390,000 |
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$ |
436,000 |
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$ |
3,368,000 |
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$ |
2,584,000 |
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Denominator: |
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Weighted average shares (denominator for basic
earnings per share) |
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6,639,000 |
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6,559,000 |
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6,607,000 |
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6,545,000 |
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Effect of dilutive securities |
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380,000 |
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285,000 |
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369,000 |
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289,000 |
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Adjusted weighted average shares (denominator
for diluted earnings per share) |
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7,019,000 |
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6,844,000 |
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6,976,000 |
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6,834,000 |
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Basic earnings per share |
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$ |
.06 |
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$ |
.07 |
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$ |
.51 |
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$ |
.39 |
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Diluted earnings per share |
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$ |
.06 |
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$ |
.06 |
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$ |
.48 |
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$ |
.38 |
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6
The calculations of diluted earnings per share exclude stock options for the purchase of
305,000 shares and 110,000 shares of the Companys common stock for the quarters ended September
30, 2007 and October 1, 2006, respectively, because the effect of their inclusion would be
anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive options to purchase 202,000 and 208,000 shares of common stock were
excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the nine months ended September 30,
2007 and October 1, 2006, respectively.
NOTE C INCOME TAXES
In 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainties in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN
48), which clarified the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in income tax positions, as
defined. FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the
recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. The Company was subject to the
provisions of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, and has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal
and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax
years in these jurisdictions.
Periods subject to examination for the Companys federal return are the 2004 through 2006 tax
years. The periods subject to examination for the Companys state returns are the tax years 2003
through 2006.
The Company believes that its income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on
audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to its
financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded
pursuant to FIN 48. In addition, the Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related
to the adoption of FIN 48.
The Companys accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties arising from income tax
settlements is to recognize them as part of the provision for income taxes. There were no interest
or penalty amounts accrued as of January 1, 2007.
The Companys income tax provision for the first nine months of 2007 is based on an estimated
effective tax rate of 23.3% for the fiscal year and also includes a favorable adjustment of $55,000
which represents a discrete item recorded in connection with the finalization of tax matters upon
filing of the Companys income tax returns for 2006. The income tax provision for the first nine
months of 2006 was based on an estimated effective tax rate of 24.0% for fiscal 2006, adjusted for
a favorable discrete item of $67,000 related to correction of a prior years federal income tax
return. These rates are lower than the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% due primarily to
the effect of FICA tip tax credits, with the effect of those credits being partially offset by the
effect of state income taxes. Because the current estimated effective rate for 2007 is lower than
the estimated rate applied to the first two quarters of the year, an income tax benefit was
recorded in the third quarter to adjust the year-to-date amount. The third quarter income tax
benefit also includes a favorable adjustment of $43,000 related to the discrete item noted above.
7
NOTE D STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
Stock-based compensation expense totaled $85,000 and $17,000 for the quarters ended September
30, 2007 and October 1, 2006, respectively, and $148,000 and $73,000 for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2007 and October 1, 2006, respectively. At September 30, 2007, the Company had
$1,150,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based payments which is expected to
be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of approximately 3.6 years.
Stock option activity during the first nine months of 2007 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Avg. Remaining |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Subject to |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Contractual Term |
|
Intrinsic |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
(In Years) |
|
Value |
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
900,960 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
305,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(77,600 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.89 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired or cancelled |
|
|
(38,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at September 30, 2007 |
|
|
1,090,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.08 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
$ |
5,818,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at September 30, 2007 |
|
|
709,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.44 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
$ |
5,443,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $9,000 and $646,000 for the quarter and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 compared to $111,000 and $183,000, respectively, for
the quarter and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2006. At September 30, 2007, a total of 146,169
shares were available for future grant.
The weighted-average estimated fair values of options granted, and the related assumptions
used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine those values, were as set forth below
for the indicated periods:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2007 |
|
Oct. 1, 2006 |
|
Sept. 30, 2007 |
|
Oct. 1, 2006 |
Dividend yield |
|
|
0.75 |
% |
|
|
1.15 |
% |
|
|
0.76 |
% |
|
|
1.22 |
% |
Volatility factor |
|
|
.3388 |
|
|
|
.3945 |
|
|
|
.3128 |
|
|
|
.4001 |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
4.62 |
% |
|
|
5.07 |
% |
|
|
4.55 |
% |
|
|
4.56 |
% |
Expected life of options
(in years) |
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
Weighted-average grant
date fair value |
|
$ |
4.91 |
|
|
$ |
4.39 |
|
|
$ |
3.86 |
|
|
$ |
3.43 |
|
8
NOTE E COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As a result of the disposition of its Wendys restaurant operations in 1996, the Company
remains secondarily liable for certain real property leases with remaining terms of one to eight
years. The total estimated amount of lease payments remaining on these 17 leases at September 30
30, 2007 was approximately $2.6 million. In connection with the sale of its Mrs. Winners Chicken
& Biscuit restaurant operations in 1989 and certain previous dispositions, the Company also remains
secondarily liable for certain real property leases with remaining terms of one to five years. The
total estimated amount of lease payments remaining on these 23 leases at September 30, 2007, was
approximately $900,000. Additionally, in connection with the previous disposition of certain other
Wendys restaurant operations, primarily the southern California restaurants in 1982, the Company
remains secondarily liable for certain real property leases with remaining terms of one to five
years. The total estimated amount of lease payments remaining on these 11 leases as of September
30, 2007, was approximately $800,000.
The Company is from time to time subject to routine litigation incidental to its business.
The Company believes that the results of such legal proceedings will not have a materially adverse
effect on the Companys financial condition, operating results or liquidity.
NOTE F RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value
Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and
liabilities. The standard expands required disclosures about the extent to which companies measure
assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of
fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on its 2008
Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February of 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159), which gives
entities the option to measure eligible financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on
an instrument by instrument basis which are otherwise not permitted to be accounted for at fair
value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available when
an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability. Subsequent changes in fair
value must be recorded in earnings. This statement is effective as of the beginning of a companys
first fiscal year after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 159 on its 2008 Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax
positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize the impact of a tax position in the
Companys financial statements if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on
audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 became effective as
of the beginning of the Companys 2007 fiscal year and had no impact on the Companys Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption. See Note C Income Taxes for further discussion
of the Companys adoption of FIN 48.
9
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
J. Alexanders Corporation (the Company) operates upscale casual dining restaurants. At
September 30, 2007, the Company operated 28 J. Alexanders restaurants in 12 states. The Companys
net sales are derived primarily from the sale of food and alcoholic beverages in its restaurants,
including sales recorded upon redemption of gift cards sold by the Company.
The Companys strategy is for J. Alexanders restaurants to compete in the restaurant industry
by providing guests with outstanding professional service, high-quality food, and an attractive
environment with an upscale, high-energy ambiance. Quality is emphasized throughout J. Alexanders
operations and substantially all menu items are prepared on the restaurant premises using fresh,
high-quality ingredients. The Companys goal is for each J. Alexanders restaurant to be perceived
by guests in its market as a market leader in each of the categories above. J. Alexanders
restaurants offer a contemporary American menu designed to appeal to a wide range of consumer
tastes. The Company believes, however, that its restaurants are most popular with more
discriminating guests with higher discretionary incomes. J. Alexanders typically does not
advertise in the media and relies on each restaurant to increase sales by building its reputation
as an outstanding dining establishment. The Company has generally been successful in achieving
sales increases in its restaurants over time using this strategy.
The restaurant industry is highly competitive and is often affected by changes in consumer
tastes and discretionary spending patterns; changes in general economic conditions; public safety
conditions or concerns; demographic trends; weather conditions; the cost of food products, labor
and energy; and governmental regulations. Because of these factors, the Companys management
believes it is of critical importance to the Companys success to effectively execute the Companys
operating strategy and to constantly evolve and refine the critical conceptual elements of J.
Alexanders restaurants in order to distinguish them from other casual dining competitors and
maintain the Companys competitive position.
The restaurant industry is also characterized by high capital investment for new restaurants
and relatively high fixed or semi-variable restaurant operating expenses. Because a significant
portion of restaurant operating expenses are fixed or semi-variable in nature, incremental sales in
existing restaurants are generally expected to make a significant contribution to restaurant
profitability because many restaurant costs and expenses are not expected to increase at the same
rate as sales. Improvements in profitability resulting from incremental sales growth can be
negatively affected, however, by inflationary increases in operating costs and other factors.
Management believes that excellence in restaurant operations, and particularly providing
exceptional guest service, will increase net sales in the Companys existing restaurants over time
and will support menu pricing levels which allow the Company to achieve reasonable operating
margins while absorbing the higher costs of providing high-quality dining experiences and operating
cost increases.
10
Incremental sales for existing restaurants are generally measured in the restaurant industry
by computing the same store sales increase, which represents the increase in sales for the same
group of restaurants for comparable reporting periods. Same store sales increases can be generated
by increases in guest counts, which the Company estimates based on a count of entrée items sold,
and increases in the average check per guest. The average check per guest can be affected by menu
price changes and the mix of menu items sold. Management regularly analyzes guest count, average
check and product mix trends for each restaurant in order to improve menu pricing and product
offering strategies. Management believes it is important to maintain or increase guest counts and
average guest checks over time in order to improve the Companys profitability.
Other key indicators which can be used to evaluate and understand the Companys restaurant
operations include cost of sales, restaurant labor and related costs and other operating expenses,
with a focus on these expenses as a percentage of net sales. Since the Company uses primarily fresh
ingredients for food preparation, the cost of food commodities can vary significantly from time to
time due to a number of factors. The Company generally expects to increase menu prices in order to
offset the increase in the cost of food products as well as increases which the Company experiences
in labor and related costs and other operating expenses, but attempts to balance these increases
with the goals of providing reasonable value to the Companys guests and maintaining same store
sales growth. Management believes that restaurant operating margin, which represents net sales
less total restaurant operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net sales, is an important
indicator of the Companys success in managing its restaurant operations because it is affected by
same store sales growth, menu pricing strategy, and the management and control of restaurant
operating expenses in relation to net sales.
The opening of new restaurants by the Company can have a significant impact on the Companys
financial performance. Because pre-opening costs for new restaurants are significant and most new
restaurants incur operating losses during their early months of operation, the number of
restaurants opened or under development in a particular year can have a significant impact on the
Companys operating results.
Because large capital investments are required for J. Alexanders restaurants and because a
significant portion of labor costs and other operating expenses are fixed or semi-variable in
nature, management believes the sales required for a J. Alexanders restaurant to break even are
relatively high compared to many other casual dining concepts and that it is necessary for the
Company to achieve relatively high sales volumes in its restaurants in order to achieve desired
financial returns. The Companys criteria for new restaurant development target locations with
high population densities and high household incomes which management believes provide the best
prospects for achieving attractive financial returns on the Companys investments in new
restaurants. The Company opened a new restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia on October 1, 2007, will open
in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in November of 2007 and expects to open three new restaurants in
2008.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (i) the items in the Companys
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income expressed as a percentage of net sales, and (ii) other
selected operating data:
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
Sept. 30 |
|
|
Oct. 1 |
|
|
Sept. 30 |
|
|
Oct. 1 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net sales |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
32.8 |
|
|
|
33.2 |
|
|
|
32.4 |
|
|
|
32.7 |
|
Restaurant labor and related costs |
|
|
33.2 |
|
|
|
32.7 |
|
|
|
32.0 |
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
Depreciation and amortization of restaurant
property and equipment |
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
Other operating expenses |
|
|
20.2 |
|
|
|
20.1 |
|
|
|
19.7 |
|
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total restaurant operating expenses |
|
|
90.1 |
|
|
|
90.0 |
|
|
|
87.8 |
|
|
|
88.5 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
Pre-opening expense |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.2 |
) |
Other, net |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
Income tax benefit (provision) |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
3.2 |
% |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: Certain percentage totals do not sum due to rounding. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restaurants open at end of period |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average weekly sales per restaurant (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All restaurants |
|
$ |
91,500 |
|
|
$ |
90,300 |
|
|
$ |
95,700 |
|
|
$ |
92,800 |
|
Percent increase |
|
|
+1.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
+3.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Same store restaurants (2) |
|
$ |
91,500 |
|
|
$ |
90,300 |
|
|
$ |
95,500 |
|
|
$ |
92,500 |
|
Percent increase |
|
|
+1.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
+3.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company computes weighted average weekly sales per restaurant by dividing total
restaurant sales for the period by the total number of days all restaurants were open for the
period to obtain a daily sales average, with the daily sales average then multiplied by seven
to arrive at weekly average sales per restaurant. Days on which restaurants are closed for
business for any reason other than the scheduled closing of all J. Alexanders restaurants on
Thanksgiving day and Christmas day are excluded from this calculation. Weighted average
weekly same store sales per restaurant are computed in the same manner as described above
except that sales and sales days used in the calculation include only those for restaurants
open for more than 18 months. Revenue associated with reductions in liabilities for gift
cards which are considered to be only remotely likely to be redeemed is not included in the
calculation of weighted average weekly sales per restaurant or weighted average weekly same
store sales per restaurant. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes the twenty-eight restaurants open for more than eighteen months. |
12
Net Sales
Net sales increased by $465,000, or 1.4%, and $3,153,000, or 3.1%, for the third quarter and
first nine months of 2007, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2006. These increases
were due to increases in the average check per guest which were partially offset by decreases in
guest counts.
Management estimates the average check per guest, including alcoholic beverage sales,
increased by 6.5% to $24.10 in the third quarter of 2007 from $22.63 in the third quarter of 2006
and by 7.5% to $24.21 for the first nine months of 2007 compared to $22.53 for the same period of
2006. Management believes these increases were the result of a combination of factors including
higher menu prices, increased wine sales, which management believes are due to additional emphasis
placed on the Companys wine feature program, and emphasis on the Companys special menu features
which generally are priced higher than many of the Companys other menu offerings.
Management estimates that menu prices increased by approximately 3.7% and 3.8% in the third
quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively, over the corresponding periods of 2006. These
estimates reflect the effect of menu price increases without considering any change in product mix
because of price increases and may not reflect amounts effectively paid by the customer.
Management estimates that weekly average guest counts decreased on a same store basis by
approximately 4.7% and 4.1% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively,
compared to the same periods of 2006. Management believes these decreases were due to higher menu
prices, economic concerns and pressures on consumer spending affecting guest traffic in restaurants
generally, weak economic conditions affecting certain restaurants in Ohio, and in a small number of
locations, to competitive factors.
The Companys same store sales have decreased each week since mid-September. Management
believes these decreases are due to a worsening of the effects of economic concerns and pressures
on casual dining spending by consumers. Because, as previously discussed, a significant portion of
the Companys labor costs and other restaurant operating expenses are fixed or semi-variable in
nature, management expects that continued decreases in same store sales combined with continued
high input costs in the fourth quarter of 2007 will result in lower restaurant operating margins
for the quarter compared to the comparable period of the previous year. Further, management expects
that the effect of lower restaurant operating margins and pre-opening expense which will be
incurred in connection with a new restaurant opening in the quarter will result in a reduction in
earnings for the quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2006.
Restaurant Costs and Expenses
Total restaurant operating expenses increased to 90.1% of net sales in the third quarter of
2007 from 90.0% in the same quarter of 2006, primarily due to an increase in restaurant labor and
related costs which was largely offset by a decrease in cost of sales. Restaurant operating
margins decreased to 9.9% in the third quarter of 2007 from 10.0% in the third quarter of the
previous year. Total restaurant operating expenses decreased to 87.8% of net sales in the first
nine months of 2007 from 88.5% in the corresponding period of 2006, with all restaurant operating
expense categories contributing to the decrease. Restaurant operating margins increased to 12.2%
in the first nine months of 2007 from 11.5% in the first nine months of the previous year.
13
Cost of sales, which includes the cost of food and beverages, decreased to 32.8% of net sales
in the third quarter of 2007 from 33.2% in the third quarter of 2006 and to 32.4% of net sales in
the first nine months of 2007 from 32.7% in the corresponding period of 2006. These decreases were
due primarily to lower alcoholic beverage costs as menu price increases for these periods generally
offset higher input costs incurred for beef, poultry, dairy products, salmon and other food
products. Cost of sales for the third quarter of 2007 increased by 0.3% of net sales compared to
the second quarter of 2007 due primarily to increases in the cost of dairy products and is expected
to increase further in the fourth quarter of the year. However, the Company is hesitant at this
time to pass these and other input cost increases on to guests through menu price increases because
the Company is experiencing negative guest counts and continues to have concerns about weaker
spending by consumers.
Beef purchases represent the largest component of the Companys cost of sales and typically
comprise approximately 28% to 30% of this expense category. The Company has entered into a beef
purchase agreement for all of its beef needs through March 5, 2008 under a pricing agreement which
replaced the 12-month agreement which expired in March of 2007. Under the new agreement, the
Companys beef costs for existing restaurants are expected to increase by approximately 8.7%, or
$1,100,000, in 2007 compared to 2006, with most of the increase occurring in the last three
quarters of the year. In response to the higher beef input costs, the Company increased menu
prices by approximately 1% in March of 2007.
Restaurant labor and related costs increased to 33.2% of net sales in the third quarter of
2007 from 32.7% in the same period of 2006 due primarily to higher wage rates, including those
resulting from increases in the required cash wages paid to tipped employees in certain states, and
management salaries which were offset in part by more efficient labor management and the effects of
higher menu prices. Labor and related costs decreased by 0.1% of net sales for the first nine
months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 primarily because the effect of menu price
increases and improved labor efficiency, particularly at the same store sales growth rate achieved
in the first half of 2007, offset higher wage rates and management salaries. The Company estimates
that the impact of increases in the minimum cash rate paid to tipped employees will be
approximately $560,000 for 2007. The increase in the federal minimum wage rate in 2007 has not had
a significant impact on the Company because the required federal minimum cash wage paid to tipped
employees was not increased.
Amounts recorded for depreciation and amortization of restaurant property and equipment did
not change significantly in the third quarter or first nine months of 2007 compared to the same
periods of 2006, but decreased as percentages of net sales in the 2007 periods due to the increase
in the net sales base.
Other operating expenses, which include restaurant level expenses such as china and supplies,
laundry and linen costs, repairs and maintenance, utilities, credit card fees, rent, property taxes
and insurance, increased to 20.2% of net sales in the third quarter of 2007 from 20.1% in the same
period of 2006 while decreasing to 19.7% of net sales for the first nine months of 2007 from 19.8%
for the first nine months of 2006. The increase for the third quarter was primarily due to higher
repair and maintenance expenses, utility costs and credit card fees which were partially offset by
a favorable adjustment to insurance costs. For the first nine months of 2007, the effect of sales
increases, lower supplies cost and the favorable insurance
14
adjustment offset the effects of higher credit card fees, utilities and contracted maintenance
and service costs.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses, which include all supervisory costs and expenses,
management training and relocation costs, and other costs incurred above the restaurant level,
decreased for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods of
2006. Significant factors contributing to the decreases were the elimination of bonus accruals
made during the first half of 2007 for the corporate management staff, as Company performance bonus
targets are not expected to be attained, and lower management training expenses. The absence in
2007 of marketing research costs which were incurred in 2006 also contributed to the decrease for
the nine month period. These factors were partially offset by increases in certain expenses
including accounting and auditing fees, travel expenses, corporate staff salary expense and
stock-based compensation expense. General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of
net sales in the 2007 periods compared to the 2006 periods due to the reductions in expense and the
higher sales base in 2007.
General and administrative expenses are expected to increase in the last quarter of 2007
compared to the same period of the previous year due to several factors including expected
increases in management training, relocation and travel costs, stock-based compensation expenses
associated with stock options granted in May of 2007, and higher accounting and audit costs
including costs related to compliance with requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. A portion of
these increases is expected to be offset, however, by the absence of bonus accruals for the
corporate management staff in 2007.
Pre-Opening Expense
Pre-opening expense of $537,000 included in the third quarter of 2007 was primarily related to
the Companys newest restaurant opened in Atlanta, Georgia on October 1, 2007, and also included
amounts related to a J. Alexanders restaurant to be opened in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in
November of 2007. The Company estimates that it will incur additional pre-opening costs of
approximately $400,000 in the fourth quarter of 2007 related primarily to the Palm Beach Gardens
restaurant. Pre-opening expense includes rent expense incurred during the construction period for
a restaurant after the Company takes possession of the leased premises. No pre-opening expense was
incurred in 2006 because no new restaurants were under development during that time.
Other Income (Expense)
Net interest expense decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 compared to
the same periods of 2006 due to lower interest expense which was due primarily to reductions in
outstanding debt, capitalization of interest costs in connection with new restaurant development
and higher investment income, which is netted against interest expense for income statement
presentation, resulting primarily from higher balances of invested funds.
15
Income Taxes
The Companys income tax provision for the first nine months of 2007 is based on an estimated
effective tax rate of 23.3% for the fiscal year and also includes a favorable adjustment of $55,000
which represents a discrete item recorded in connection with the finalization of tax matters upon
filing of the Companys income tax returns for 2006. The income tax provision for the first nine
months of 2006 was based on an estimated effective tax rate of 24.0% for fiscal 2006, adjusted for
a favorable discrete item of $67,000 related to correction of a prior years federal income tax
return. These rates are lower than the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% due primarily to
the effect of FICA tip tax credits, with the effect of those credits being partially offset by the
effect of state income taxes. Because the current estimated effective rate for 2007 is lower than
the estimated rate applied to the first two quarters of the year, an income tax benefit was
recorded in the third quarter to adjust the year-to-date amount. The third quarter income tax
benefit also includes a favorable adjustment of $43,000 related to the discrete item noted above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Companys capital needs are primarily for the development and construction of new J.
Alexanders restaurants, for maintenance of and improvements to its existing restaurants, and for
meeting debt service requirements and operating lease obligations. Additionally, the Company paid
cash dividends to all shareholders aggregating $657,000 in January of 2007 and $653,000 in January
of 2006 which met the requirements to extend certain contractual standstill restrictions under an
agreement with its largest shareholder, and may consider paying additional dividends in that regard
in the future. The Company has met its needs and maintained liquidity in recent years primarily by
cash flow from operations, availability of a bank line of credit, and through proceeds received
from a mortgage loan in 2002.
The Companys net cash provided by operating activities totaled $6,108,000 and $6,531,000 for
the first nine months of 2007 and 2006, respectively. Management expects that future cash flows
from operating activities will vary primarily as a result of future operating results. Cash and
cash equivalents on hand at September 30, 2007 were approximately $10.5 million.
The Company estimates that cash expenditures for capital assets for 2007 will be approximately
$12 million, funded from cash on hand and cash flow from
operations. This amount includes the cost of developing two new restaurants to be opened in 2007,
capital expenditures for existing restaurants and an estimated $700,000 in costs related to new
restaurants scheduled to open during 2008.
Management believes cash and cash equivalents on hand at September 30, 2007 combined with cash
flow from operations will be adequate to meet the Companys capital needs for the next 12 months.
Management plans to open three restaurants in 2008 and to maintain an annual unit growth rate of
approximately 10% after that time. While management does not believe its longer-term growth plans
will be constrained due to lack of capital resources, capital requirements for this level of growth
could exceed funds generated by the Companys operations. Management believes that, if needed,
additional financing would be available for future growth through bank borrowing, additional
mortgage or equipment financing, or the sale and leaseback of some or all of the Companys
unencumbered restaurant properties. There can be no assurance, however, that such financing, if
needed, could be obtained or that it would be on terms satisfactory to the Company.
16
A mortgage loan obtained in 2002 represents the most significant portion of the Companys
outstanding long-term debt. The loan, which was originally for $25 million, had an outstanding
balance of $22.1 million at September 30, 2007. It has an effective annual interest rate,
including the effect of the amortization of deferred issue costs, of 8.6% and is payable in equal
monthly installments of principal and interest of approximately $212,000 through November 2022.
Provisions of the mortgage loan and related agreements require that a minimum fixed charge coverage
ratio of 1.25 to 1 be maintained for the businesses operated at the properties included under the
mortgage and that a funded debt to EBITDA (as defined in the loan agreement) ratio of 6 to 1 be
maintained for the Company and its subsidiaries. The loan became pre-payable without penalty on
October 30, 2007. The mortgage loan is secured by the real estate, equipment and other personal
property of nine of the Companys restaurant locations with an aggregate book value of $23.9
million at September 30, 2007. The real property at these locations is owned by JAX Real Estate,
LLC, the borrower under the loan agreement, which leases them to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company as lessee. The Company has guaranteed the obligations of the lessee subsidiary to pay
rents under the lease. JAX Real Estate, LLC, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company
which is included in the Companys Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. However, JAX Real
Estate, LLC was established as a special purpose, bankruptcy remote entity and maintains its own
legal existence, ownership of its assets and responsibility for its liabilities separate from the
Company and its other affiliates.
The Company maintains a secured bank line of credit agreement which provides up to $10 million
of credit availability for financing capital expenditures related to the development of new
restaurants and for general operating purposes. The line of credit is secured by mortgages on the
real estate of two of the Companys restaurant locations with an aggregate book value of $7.3
million at September 30, 2007, and the Company has also agreed not to encumber, sell or transfer
four other fee-owned properties. Provisions of the loan agreement require that the Company
maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.5 to 1 and a maximum adjusted debt to EBITDAR
(as defined in the loan agreement) ratio of 3.5 to 1. The loan agreement also provides that
defaults which permit acceleration of debt under other loan agreements constitute a default under
the bank agreement and restricts the Companys ability to incur additional debt outside of the
agreement. Any amounts outstanding under the line of credit bear interest at the LIBOR rate as
defined in the loan agreement plus a spread of 1.75% to 2.25%, depending on the Companys leverage
ratio within a permitted range. The maturity date of this credit facility is July 1, 2009 unless
it is converted to a term loan under the provisions of the agreement prior to May 1, 2009. There
were no borrowings outstanding under the line as of September 30, 2007.
The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of its debt agreements as of
September 30, 2007. Should the Company fail to comply with these covenants, management would
likely request waivers of the covenants, attempt to renegotiate them or seek other sources of
financing. However, if these efforts were not successful, amounts outstanding under the Companys
debt agreements could become immediately due and payable, and there could be a material adverse
effect on the Companys financial condition and operations.
17
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As of November 13, 2007, the Company had no financing transactions, arrangements or other
business relationships with any unconsolidated affiliated entities. Additionally, the Company is
not a party to any financing arrangements involving synthetic leases or trading activities
involving commodity contracts. Contingent lease commitments are discussed in Note E, Commitments
and Contingencies to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
In the ordinary course of business, the Company routinely executes contractual agreements for
cleaning services, linen usage, trash removal and similar type services. Whenever possible, these
agreements are limited to a term of one year or less and often contain a provision allowing the
Company to terminate the agreement upon providing a 30 day written notice. Subsequent to December
31, 2006, there have been a number of agreements of the nature described above executed by the
Company. None of them, individually or collectively, would be considered material to the Companys
financial position or results of operations in the event of termination prior to the scheduled
term.
The only contractual obligation entered into during the first nine months of 2007 considered
significant to the Company was the execution of a beef pricing agreement in the ordinary course of
business effective March 6, 2007. The agreement as originally executed was for all of the
Companys beef needs for 12 months with the exception of one product which was covered only through
mid-June of 2007. The agreement was amended during May of 2007 to include this product for the
entire 12-month period. Under the terms of the agreement, if the Companys supplier has contracted
to purchase specific products, the Company is obligated to purchase those products. The Companys
supplier has indicated it is under contract to purchase approximately $6.0 million of beef related
to the Companys annual pricing agreement for the period October 1, 2007 through March 5, 2008.
This amount compares to approximately $2.2 million of purchase obligations for beef at December 31,
2006 (under the agreement which expired March 5, 2007).
From 1975 through 1996, the Company operated restaurants in the quick-service restaurant
industry. The discontinuation of these quick-service restaurant operations included disposals of
restaurants that were subject to lease agreements which typically contained initial lease terms of
20 years plus two additional option periods of five years each. In connection with certain of
these dispositions, the Company remains secondarily liable for ensuring financial performance as
set forth in the original lease agreements. The Company can only estimate its contingent liability
relative to these leases, as any changes to the contractual arrangements between the current tenant
and the landlord subsequent to the assignment are not required to be disclosed to the Company. A
summary of the Companys estimated contingent liability as of September 30, 2007, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Wendys restaurants (28 leases) |
|
$ |
3,400,000 |
|
Mrs. Winners Chicken & Biscuits restaurants (23 leases) |
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total contingent liability related to assigned leases |
|
$ |
4,300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
There have been no payments by the Company of such contingent liabilities in the history of
the Company.
18
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 provides guidance
for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard expands required disclosures
about the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information
used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS 157 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating
the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on its 2008 Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February of 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159), which gives
entities the option to measure eligible financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on
an instrument by instrument basis which are otherwise not permitted to be accounted for at fair
value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available when
an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability. Subsequent changes in fair
value must be recorded in earnings. This statement is effective as of the beginning of a companys
first fiscal year after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 159 on its 2008 Consolidated Financial Statements.
In 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainties in Income
Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for
uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize the impact of a tax
position in the Companys financial statements if that position is more likely than not of being
sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 became
effective as of the beginning of the Companys 2007 fiscal year and had no impact on the Companys
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption. See Note C, Income Taxes, included in
the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements elsewhere herein for further
discussion of the Companys adoption of FIN 48.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Companys Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis,
management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to its accounting for
gift card revenue, property and equipment, leases, impairment of long-lived assets, income taxes,
contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience
and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the
results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
19
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments
and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different
assumptions and conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting policies are
those which involve the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the
Companys Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition for Gift Cards: The Company records a liability for gift cards at the
time they are sold by the Companys gift card subsidiary. Upon redemption, net sales are
recorded and the liability is reduced by the amount of card values redeemed. Reductions in
liabilities for gift cards which, although they do not expire, are considered to be only
remotely likely to be redeemed and for which there is no legal obligation to remit balances
under unclaimed property laws of the relevant jurisdictions, have been recorded as revenue
by the Company and are included in net sales in the Companys Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Income. Based on the Companys historical experience, management considers
the probability of redemption of a gift card to be remote when it has been outstanding for
24 months.
Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the lesser of the assets estimated useful life or the
expected lease term, generally including renewal options. Improvements are capitalized
while repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Because significant judgments
are required in estimating useful lives, which are not ultimately known until the passage of
time and may be dependent on proper asset maintenance, and in the determination of what
constitutes a capitalized cost versus a repair or maintenance expense, changes in
circumstances or use of different assumptions could result in materially different results
from those determined based on the Companys estimates.
Lease Accounting: The Company is obligated under various lease agreements for certain
restaurant facilities. For operating leases, the Company recognizes rent expense on a
straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Capital leases are recorded as an asset
and an obligation at an amount equal to the lesser of the present value of the minimum lease
payments during the lease term or the fair market value of the leased asset.
Certain of the Companys leases include rent holidays and/or escalations in payments over
the base lease term, as well as the renewal periods. The effects of the rent holidays and
escalations have been reflected in capitalized costs or rent expense on a straight-line
basis over the expected lease term, which includes cancelable option periods when it is
deemed to be reasonably assured that the Company will exercise its options for such periods
due to the fact that the Company would incur an economic penalty for not doing so. The
lease term begins when the Company takes possession of or is given control of the leased
property. Beginning in 2007, rent expense incurred during the construction period for a
leased restaurant is included in pre-opening expense. No construction period rent expense
was incurred in 2006. The leasehold improvements and property held under capital leases for
each leased restaurant facility are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter
of the estimated life of the asset or the expected lease term used for lease accounting
purposes. Percentage rent expense is generally based upon sales levels and is typically
accrued when it is deemed probable that it will be payable. Allowances for
20
tenant improvements received from lessors are recorded as adjustments to rent expense over
the term of the lease.
Judgments made by the Company related to the probable term for each restaurant facility
lease affect the payments that are taken into consideration when calculating straight-line
rent and the term over which leasehold improvements for each restaurant facility are
amortized. These judgments may produce materially different amounts of depreciation,
amortization and rent expense than would be reported if different assumed lease terms were
used.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: When events and circumstances indicate that long-lived
assets most typically assets associated with a specific restaurant might be impaired,
management compares the carrying value of such assets to the undiscounted cash flows it
expects that restaurant to generate over its remaining useful life. In calculating its
estimate of such undiscounted cash flows, management is required to make assumptions, which
are subject to a high degree of judgment, relative to the restaurants future period of
operation, sales performance, cost of sales, labor and operating expenses. The resulting
forecast of undiscounted cash flows represents managements estimate based on both
historical results and managements expectation of future operations for that particular
restaurant. To date, all of the Companys long-lived assets have been determined to be
recoverable based on managements estimates of future cash flows.
Income Taxes: The Company had gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2006 of $7,902,000,
which amount included $4,688,000 of tax credit carryforwards. U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles require that the Company record a valuation allowance against its
deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will ultimately be
realized.
Management assesses the likelihood of realization of the Companys deferred tax assets and
the need for a valuation allowance with respect to those assets based on its forecasts of
the Companys future taxable income adjusted by varying probability factors. Based on its
analysis, management concluded that for 2006 a valuation allowance was needed for federal
alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit carryforwards of $1,657,000 and for tax assets related
to certain state net operating loss carryforwards, the use of which involves considerable
uncertainty. The valuation allowance provided for these items at December 31, 2006 was
$1,723,000. Even though the AMT credit carryforwards do not expire, their use is not
presently considered more likely than not because significant increases in earnings levels
are expected to be necessary to utilize them since they must be used only after certain
other carryforwards currently available, as well as additional tax credits which are
expected to be generated in future years, are realized.
Failure to achieve projected taxable income could affect the ultimate realization of the
Companys net deferred tax assets. Because of the uncertainties associated with projecting
future operating results, there can be no assurance that managements estimates of future
taxable income will be achieved and that there could not be an increase in the valuation
allowance in the future. It is also possible that the Company could generate taxable income
levels in the future which would cause management to conclude that it is more likely than
not that the Company will realize all, or an additional portion of, its deferred tax assets.
21
The Company will continue to evaluate the likelihood of realization of its deferred tax
assets and upon reaching any different conclusion as to the appropriate carrying value of
these assets, management will adjust them to their estimated net realizable value. Any such
revisions to the estimated realizable value of the deferred tax assets could cause the
Companys provision for income taxes to vary significantly from period to period, although
its cash tax payments would remain unaffected until the benefits of the various
carryforwards were fully utilized. However, because the remaining valuation allowance is
related to the specific deferred tax assets noted above, management does not anticipate any
further significant adjustments to the valuation allowance until the Companys projections
of future taxable income increase significantly.
In addition, certain other components of the Companys provision for income taxes must be
estimated. These include, but are not limited to, effective state tax rates, allowable tax
credits for items such as FICA taxes paid on reported tip income, and estimates related to
depreciation expense allowable for tax purposes. These estimates are made based on the best
available information at the time the tax provision is prepared. Income tax returns are
generally not filed, however, until several months after year-end. All tax returns are
subject to audit by federal and state governments, usually years after the returns are
filed, and could be subject to differing interpretations of the tax laws.
The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all of the Companys
accounting policies and estimates. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular
transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, with no need
for managements judgment in their application. There are also areas in which managements judgment
in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. For further
information, refer to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere in this filing and the Companys audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes
thereto included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006
which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In connection with the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995, the Company cautions investors that certain information contained in this Form 10-Q,
particularly information regarding future economic performance and finances, development plans, and
objectives of management is forward-looking information that involves risks, uncertainties and
other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these
forward-looking statements. The Companys ability to pay a dividend will depend on its financial
condition and results of operations at any time a dividend is considered or paid. Other risks,
uncertainties and factors which could affect actual results include the Companys ability to
maintain satisfactory guest counts and increase sales and operating margins in its restaurants;
changes in business or economic conditions, including rising food costs and product shortages; the
effect of higher minimum hourly wage requirements; the effect of higher gasoline prices and other
economic factors on consumer demand; availability of qualified employees; increased cost of
utilities, insurance and other restaurant operating expenses; potential fluctuations in quarterly
operating results due to seasonality and other
22
factors; the effect of hurricanes and other weather disturbances which are beyond the control
of the Company; the number and timing of new restaurant openings and its ability to operate them
profitably; competition within the casual dining industry, which is very intense; competition by
the Companys new restaurants with its existing restaurants in the same vicinity; changes in
consumer spending, consumer tastes, and consumer attitudes toward nutrition and health; expenses
incurred if the Company is the subject of claims or litigation or increased governmental
regulation; changes in accounting standards, which may affect the Companys reported results of
operations; and expenses the Company may incur in order to comply with changing corporate
governance and public disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
American Stock Exchange. See Risk Factors included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2006 for a description of a number of risks and uncertainties which
could affect actual results.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in the disclosures set forth in Item 7a of the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
|
(a) |
|
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Companys principal
executive officer and principal financial officer have conducted an evaluation of the
effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this
quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Companys principal executive officer
and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by
this quarterly report, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures effectively and
timely provide them with material information relating to the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files or
submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in the Companys internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report
that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Companys
internal control over financial reporting. |
23
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits
|
|
|
Exhibit 3.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of
the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 30, 2007). |
|
|
|
Exhibit 31.1
|
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
Exhibit 31.2
|
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
Exhibit 32.1
|
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
24
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. ALEXANDERS CORPORATION
|
|
Date: November 14, 2007 |
/s/ Lonnie J. Stout II
|
|
|
Lonnie J. Stout II |
|
|
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: November 14, 2007 |
/s/ R. Gregory Lewis
|
|
|
R. Gregory Lewis |
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) |
|
|
25
J. ALEXANDERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
|
|
|
Exhibit 3.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of
the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 30, 2007). |
|
|
|
Exhibit 31.1
|
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
Exhibit 31.2
|
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
Exhibit 32.1
|
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |