lub20140827_10k.htm

 UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended August 27, 2014

 

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 001-08308

 

Luby’s, Inc.

 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

74-1335253

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

13111 Northwest Freeway, Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77040

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(713) 329-6800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on which registered 

Common Stock ($0.32 par value per share)

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes       No  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes      No  

 

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  

 

 
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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 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

 

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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

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  

 

The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock of the registrant held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of February 12, 2014, was approximately $120,457,167 (based upon the assumption that directors and executive officers are the only affiliates).

 

As of November 4, 2014, there were 28,466,641 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the following document are incorporated by reference into the designated parts of this Form 10-K:

 

Definitive Proxy Statement relating to 2015 annual meeting of shareholders (in Part III)

 

 
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Luby’s, Inc.

Form 10-K

Year ended August 27, 2014

Table of Contents

  

 

Page

Part I

  

  

  

Item 1

Business

6

  

  

  

Item 1A

Risk Factors

10

  

  

  

Item 1B

Unresolved Staff Comments

15

  

  

  

Item 2

Properties

15

  

  

  

Item 3

Legal Proceedings

16

  

  

  

Item 4

Mine Safety Disclosure

16

  

  

Part II

  

  

  

Item 5

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

17

  

  

  

Item 6

Selected Financial Data

19

  

  

  

Item 7

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

20

  

  

  

Item 7A

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

40

  

  

  

Item 8

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

41

  

  

  

Item 9

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

81

  

  

  

Item 9A

Controls and Procedures

81

  

  

  

Item 9B

Other Information

81

  

  

Part III

  

  

  

Item 10

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

82

  

  

  

Item 11

Executive Compensation

82

  

  

  

Item 12

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

82

  

  

  

Item 13

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

82

  

  

 

Item 14

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

82

  

  

Part IV

  

  

  

Item 15

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

83

  

  

Signatures

87

 

 
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Additional Information 

 

We file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We are an electronic filer, and the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements, and other information that we file electronically. Our website address is www.lubysinc.com. Please note that our website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. We make available free of charge through our website the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information provided on our website is not part of this report, and is therefore not incorporated by reference unless such information is specifically referenced elsewhere in this report.

 

Compliance with New York Stock Exchange Requirements

 

We submitted to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) the CEO certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual with respect to our fiscal year ended August 28, 2013. We expect to submit the CEO certification with respect to our fiscal year ended August 27, 2014 to the NYSE within 30 days after our annual meeting of shareholders. We are filing as an exhibit to this Form 10-K the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

 
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on “Form 10-K” contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this Form 10-K, other than statements of historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of these provisions, including any statements regarding:

 

 

future operating results;

 

future capital expenditures, including expected reductions in capital expenditures;

 

future debt, including liquidity and the sources and availability of funds related to debt;

 

plans for our new prototype restaurants;

 

plans for expansion of our business;

 

scheduled openings of new units;

 

closing existing units;

 

effectiveness of management’s disposal plans;

 

future sales of assets and the gains or losses that may be recognized as a result of any such sales; and

 

continued compliance with the terms of our 2013 Credit Facility, as amended.

 

In some cases, investors can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “outlook,” “may” “should,” “will,” and “would” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are relevant. Although management believes that our assumptions are reasonable based on information currently available, those assumptions are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. The following factors, as well as the factors set forth in Item 1A of this Form 10-K and any other cautionary language in this Form 10-K, provide examples of risks, uncertainties, and events that may cause our financial and operational results to differ materially from the expectations described in our forward-looking statements:

 

 

general business and economic conditions;

 

the impact of competition;

 

our operating initiatives, changes in promotional, couponing and advertising strategies and the success of management’s business plans;

 

fluctuations in the costs of commodities, including beef, poultry, seafood, dairy, cheese, oils and produce;

 

ability to raise menu prices and customers acceptance of changes in menu items;

 

increases in utility costs, including the costs of natural gas and other energy supplies;

 

changes in the availability and cost of labor, including the ability to attract qualified managers and team members;

 

the seasonality of the business;

 

collectability of accounts receivable;

 

changes in governmental regulations, including changes in minimum wages and health care benefit regulation;

 

the effects of inflation and changes in our customers’ disposable income, spending trends and habits;

 

the ability to realize property values;

 

the availability and cost of credit;

 

weather conditions in the regions in which our restaurants operate;

 

costs relating to legal proceedings;

 

impact of adoption of new accounting standards;

 

effects of actual or threatened future terrorist attacks in the United States;

 

unfavorable publicity relating to operations, including publicity concerning food quality, illness or other health concerns or labor relations; and

 

the continued service of key management personnel.

  

Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this Form 10-K, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors should be aware that the occurrence of the events described above and elsewhere in this Form 10-K could have material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

 
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PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Overview

 

Luby’s, Inc. is a multi-branded company operating in the restaurant industry and in the contract food services industry. Our primary brands include Luby’s Cafeteria, Fuddruckers - World’s Greatest Hamburgers ®, Luby’s Culinary Contract Services, Cheeseburger in Paradise. Our other brands include are Bob Luby’s Seafood, Luby’s, Etc. and Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro.

 

Our Company’s vision is that our guests, employees and shareholders are extremely loyal to our restaurant brands and value them as a significant part of their lives. We want our company’s performance to make it a leader wherever it operates and in its sector of our industry.

 

We are headquartered in Houston, Texas. Our corporate headquarters is located at 13111 Northwest Freeway, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77040, and our telephone number at that address is (713) 329-6800. Our website is www.lubysinc.com. The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this annual report on Form 10-K or incorporated into any of our other filings with the SEC.

 

As of August 27, 2014, we operated 174 restaurants located throughout the United States, as set forth in the table below. These establishments are located in close proximity to retail centers, business developments and residential areas. Of the 174 restaurants, 92 are located on property that we own and 82 are located on property that we lease. Five locations consist of a side-by-side Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers restaurant, which we refer herein to as a “Combo location”.

 

   

Total

 

Texas:

       

Houston Metro

    54  

San Antonio Metro

    18  

Rio Grande Valley

    13  

Dallas/Fort Worth Metro

    14  

Austin

    11  

Other Texas Markets

    17  

California

    9  

Illinois

    6  

Arizona

    5  

Maryland

    5  

Virginia

    3  

Georgia

    3  

Oklahoma

    3  

Other States

    13  

Total

    174  

 

As of November 4, 2014, we operated culinary contract services at 25 locations; 18 in the Houston, Texas area, 3 in Louisiana, 2 in Austin, 1 in Oklahoma and 1 in Florida. Luby’s Culinary Contract Services provides food service management to healthcare, educational and corporate dining facilities.

 

 
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As of November 4, 2014, we had 51 franchisees operating 110 Fuddruckers restaurants in locations as set forth in the table below. Our largest six franchisees own five to twelve restaurants each. Twelve franchise owners each own two to four restaurants. The thirty-three remaining franchise owners each own one restaurant.

 

   

Fuddruckers
Franchises

 

Texas:

       

Houston Metro

    1  

Dallas/Fort Worth Metro

    10  

Other Texas Markets

    13  

California

    8  

Florida

    7  

Georgia

    3  

Idaho

    1  

Louisiana

    3  

Maryland

    2  

Massachusetts

    5  

Michigan

    5  

Missouri

    3  

Montana

    5  

Nebraska

    1  

Nevada

    2  

New Jersey

    2  

New Mexico

    3  

North Carolina

    2  

North Dakota

    2  

Oregon

    1  

Pennsylvania

    4  

South Carolina

    7  

South Dakota

    2  

Tennessee

    3  

Virginia

    3  

Wisconsin

    2  

Other States

    2  
         

International:

       

Canada

    1  

Chile

    1  

Dominican Republie

    1  

Mexico

    1  

Italy

    2  

Panama

    1  

Puerto Rico

    1  

Total

    110  

 

In November 19, 1997, a prior owner of the Fuddruckers - World’s Greatest Hamburgers ® brand granted to a licensee the exclusive right to use the Fuddruckers proprietary marks, trade dress, and system to develop Fuddruckers restaurants in a territory consisting of certain countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. In addition to the above table, this licensee operates 31 restaurants that are licensed to use the Fuddruckers Proprietary Marks in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordon, Bahrain and Kuwait. The Company does not receive revenue or royalties from these restaurants.

For additional information regarding our restaurant locations, please read “Properties” in Item 2 of Part I of this report.

 

In this Form 10-K, unless otherwise specified, “Luby’s,” “we,” “our,” “us” and “Company” refer to Luby’s, Inc., LFR and the consolidated subsidiaries of Luby’s, Inc. References to “Luby’s Cafeteria” refer specifically to the Luby’s Cafeteria brand restaurant.

 

Luby’s, Inc. (formerly, Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc.) was founded in 1947 in San Antonio, Texas. The Company was originally incorporated in Texas in 1959, with nine cafeterias in various locations, under the name Cafeterias, Inc. It became a publicly held corporation in 1973, and became listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1982.

 

 
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Luby’s, Inc. was reincorporated in Delaware on December 31, 1991 and was restructured into a holding company on February 1, 1997, at which time all of the operating assets were transferred to Luby’s Restaurants Limited Partnership, a Texas limited partnership composed of two wholly owned, indirect subsidiaries. On July 9, 2010, Luby’s Restaurants Limited Partnership was converted into Luby’s Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“LFR”). All restaurant operations are conducted by LFR.

 

On July 26, 2010, we, through our subsidiary, LFR, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Fuddruckers, Inc., Magic Brands, LLC and certain of their affiliates (collectively, “Fuddruckers”) for approximately $63.1 million in cash. LFR also assumed certain of Fuddruckers’ obligations, real estate leases and contracts. Upon the completion of the acquisition, LFR became the owner and operator of 56 Fuddruckers locations and three Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro (“Koo Koo Roo”) locations with franchisees operating an additional 130 Fuddruckers locations.

 

On December 6, 2012, we completed the acquisition of all of the Membership Units of Paradise Restaurant Group, LLC and certain of their affiliates, collectively known as Cheeseburger in Paradise, for approximately $10.3 million in cash plus customary working capital adjustments. We assumed certain of Cheeseburger in Paradise obligations, real estate leases and contracts and became the owners of 23 full service Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants located in 14 states.

 

On August 27, 2014, the Company completed an internal restructuring of certain affiliates of the Luby’s Cafeteria business, whereby these companies were merged with and into LFR, as the successor. The principal purpose of these events was to simplify the Luby’s corporate structure. Following these events, the Company’s restaurants operations continue to be conducted by LFR and Paradise Cheeseburger, LLC. Our operating restaurant locations remain unchanged by these events.

 

Luby’s Cafeteria Operations

 

At Luby’s Cafeterias, our mission is to serve our guests convenient, great tasting meals in a friendly environment that makes everyone feel welcome and at home. We do things The Luby’s Way, which means we cook to order from scratch using real food, real ingredients prepared fresh daily, and our employees and our company get involved and support the fabric of our local communities. We buy local produce as much as possible. We promise to breathe life into the experience of dining out and make every meal meaningful. We were founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1947.

 

Our cafeteria food delivery model allows customers to select freshly-prepared items from our serving line including entrées, vegetables, salads, desserts, breads and beverages before transporting their selected items on serving trays to a table or booth of their choice in the dining area. Each restaurant offers 15 to 22 entrées, 12 to 14 vegetable dishes, 8 to 10 salads, and 10 to 12 varieties of desserts daily.

 

Luby’s Cafeteria’s product offerings are Americana-themed home-style classic made-from-scratch favorites priced to appeal to a broad range of customers, including those customers that focus on fast wholesome choices, quality, variety and affordability. We have had particular success among families with children, shoppers, travelers, seniors, and business people looking for a quick, freshly prepared meal at a fair price. All of our restaurants sell food-to-go orders.

 

Menus are reviewed periodically and new offerings and seasonal food preferences are regularly incorporated. Each restaurant is operated as a separate unit under the control of a general manager who has responsibility for day-to-day operations, including food production and personnel employment and supervision. Restaurants generally have a staff of one general manager, one associate manager and one to two assistant managers including wait staff. We grant authority to our restaurant managers to direct the daily operations of their stores and, in turn, we compensate them on the basis of their performance. We believe this strategy is a significant factor contributing to the profitability of our restaurants. Each general manager is supervised by an area leader. Each area leader is responsible for approximately 7 to 10 units, depending on location.

  

The number of Luby’s Cafeterias was 96 at fiscal year-end 2014.

 

New Luby’s Restaurants

 

In 2007 we developed and opened an updated prototype ground-up new construction Luby's Cafeteria. Since then we have rebuilt three locations and newly developed four locations according to this prototype.

 

In 2012 we opened a prototype ground-up new construction Combination Luby’s and Fuddruckers Restaurant unit featuring a Luby’s Cafeteria and a Fuddruckers Restaurant on the same property with a common wall but separate kitchens and dining areas (“Combo Unit”). Since 2012, we have built four more Combo Units.

 

 
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In 2014 we opened one prototype ground-up new construction Fuddruckers Restaurant in Houston, Texas.

 

We anticipate using and further modifying both of these prototype designs as we execute our strategy to build new restaurants in markets where we believe we can achieve superior restaurant cash flows.

 

Fuddruckers

 

At Fuddruckers, our mission is to serve the world’s greatest hamburger, using only 100% fresh, never frozen, all American premium beef, buns baked daily in our kitchens, and the freshest, highest quality ingredients on our “you top it” produce bar. With a focus on excellent food, attentive guest service and an inviting atmosphere, we are committed to making every guest happy, one burger at a time! Fuddruckers restaurants feature casual, welcoming dining areas where Americana-themed décor is featured. We were founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1980.

 

While Fuddruckers’ signature burger and fries accounts for the majority of its restaurant sales, its menu also includes exotic burgers, such as buffalo and elk, steak sandwiches, various grilled and breaded chicken breast sandwiches, hot dogs, a variety of salads, chicken tenders, fish sandwiches, hand breaded onion rings, soft drinks, handmade milkshakes, and bakery items. Beer and wine are served and, generally, account for less than 2% of restaurant sales.

 

Restaurants generally have a total staff of one general manager, two or three assistant managers and 25 to 45 other associates, including full-time and part-time associates working in overlapping shifts. Since Fuddruckers generally utilizes a self-service concept, similar to fast casual, it typically does not employ waiters or waitresses. Fuddruckers restaurant operations are currently divided into three geographic regions, each supervised by an area vice president. The three regions are divided into a total of eight areas, each supervised by an area leader. On average, each area leader supervises 5-10 restaurants.

 

In fiscal year 2014, we opened four new Fuddruckers and new Luby’s Cafeteria on the same property with a common wall but separate kitchens and dining areas and converted three Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants to Fuddruckers restaurants, resulting in a fiscal 2014 year-end count of 71 Fuddruckers restaurants.

 

Franchising

 

Fuddruckers offers franchises in markets where it deems expansion to be advantageous to the development of the Fuddruckers concept and system of restaurants. A standard franchise agreement generally has an initial term of 20 years. Franchise agreements typically grant franchisees an exclusive territorial license to operate a single restaurant within a specified area, usually a four-mile radius surrounding the franchised restaurant. Luby’s management will continue developing its relationships with our franchisees over the coming years and beyond.

 

Franchisees bear all direct costs involved in the development, construction and operation of their restaurants. In exchange for a franchise fee, we provide franchise assistance in the following areas: site selection, prototypical architectural plans, interior and exterior design and layout, training, marketing and sales techniques, assistance by a Fuddruckers “opening team” at the time a franchised restaurant opens, and operations and accounting guidelines set forth in various policies and procedures manuals.

 

All franchisees are required to operate their restaurants in accordance with Fuddruckers standards and specifications, including controls over menu items, food quality and preparation. We require the successful completion of our training program by a minimum of three managers for each franchised restaurant. In addition, franchised restaurants are evaluated regularly by us for compliance with franchise agreements, including standards and specifications through the use of periodic, unannounced, on-site inspections and standards evaluation reports.

 

The number of franchised restaurants was 110 at fiscal year-end 2014 and 116 at fiscal year-end 2013.

 

For additional information regarding our business segments, please read Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

 
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Cheeseburger in Paradise

 

We operate 8 Cheeseburger in Paradise Full Service restaurants. Cheeseburger in Paradise is known for its inviting beach-party atmosphere, its big, juicy burgers, salads, coastal fare and other tasty and unique items. Cheeseburger in Paradise is a full-service island-themed restaurant and bar developed ten years ago in collaboration with legendary entertainer Jimmy Buffet based on one of his most popular songs. The restaurants also feature a unique tropical-themed island bar with many televisions and tasty “boat drinks.”

 

Intellectual Property

 

Luby’s, Inc. owns or is licensed to use valuable intellectual property including trademarks, service marks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other proprietary information, including the Luby’s and Fuddruckers logos, trade names and trademarks, which are of material importance to our business. Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks and service marks generally are valid as long as they are used and/or registered. Patents, copyrights and licenses are of varying durations. The success of our business depends on the continued ability to use existing trademarks, service marks and other components of our brands in order to increase brand awareness and further develop branded products. We take prudent actions to protect our intellectual property.

 

Culinary Contract Services

 

Our Culinary Contract Services (“CCS”) segment consists of a business line servicing healthcare, higher education and corporate dining clients. The healthcare accounts are full service and typically include in-room delivery, catering, vending, coffee service and retail dining. Our mission is to re-define the contract food industry by providing tasty and healthy menus with customized solutions for health care, senior living, business and industry and higher education facilities.  We seek to provide the quality of a restaurant dining experience in an institutional setting. As of November 4, 2014, we had contracts with 13 long-term acute care hospitals, one acute care medical center, one ambulatory surgical center, one behavioral hospital, two business and industry clients,  three higher education institutions, one Children’s Hospital, two Medical office building and one freestanding coffee venue located inside an office building. We have the unique ability to deliver quality services that include facility design and procurement as well as nutrition and branded food services to our clients. We anticipate allocating capital expenditures as needed to further develop our CCS business in fiscal year 2015.

 

Employees

 

As of November 4, 2014, we had an active workforce of 8,490 employees consisting of restaurant management employees, non-management restaurants employees, CCS management employees, CCS non-management employees, and office and facility service employees. Employee relations are considered to be good. We have never had a strike or work stoppage, and we are not subject to collective bargaining agreements.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Investors should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, and all other information included in this Form 10-K, before deciding whether to invest in our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also become important factors that may harm our business, financial condition or results of operations. The occurrence of any of the following risks could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks and uncertainties, and investors may lose part or all of their investment.

 

General economic factors may adversely affect our results of operations.

 

The impact of inflation on food, labor and other aspects of our business can adversely affect our results of operations. Commodity inflation in food, beverages and utilities can also impact our financial performance. Although we attempt to offset the effects of inflation through periodic menu price increases, cost controls and incremental improvement in operating margins, we may not be able to completely such effects, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

 
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Our ability to service our debt obligations is primarily dependent upon our future financial performance.

 

As of August 27, 2014, we had shareholders’ equity of approximately $175.0 million compared to approximately:

 

 

$42.0 million of long-term debt;

 

$71.1 million of minimum operating and capital lease commitments; and

 

$1.1 million of standby letters of credit.

 

Our ability to meet our debt service obligations depends on our ability to generate positive cash flows from operations and proceeds for assets held for sale.

  

If we are unable to service our debt obligations, we may have to:

 

 

delay spending on maintenance projects and other capital projects, including new restaurant development;

 

sell assets;

 

restructure or refinance our debt; or

 

sell equity securities.

 

Our debt, and the covenants contained in the instruments governing our debt, could:

 

 

result in a reduction of our credit rating, which would make it more difficult for us to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms;

 

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operating activities to the repayment of our debt and the interest associated with our debt;

 

limit our operating flexibility due to financial and other restrictive covenants, including restrictions on incurring additional debt and creating liens on our properties;

 

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with our competitors that have relatively less debt;

 

expose us to interest rate risk because certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest; and

 

make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business.

 

If we are unable to service our debt obligations, we may not be able to sell equity securities, sell additional assets or restructure or refinance our debt. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities to pay the principal of and interest on our indebtedness is subject to market conditions and other factors which are beyond our control.

 

We face the risk of adverse publicity and litigation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

 

We may from time to time be the subject of complaints or litigation from customers alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns. Unfavorable publicity relating to one or more of our restaurants or to the restaurant industry in general may taint public perception of the Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers brands. Multi-unit restaurant businesses can be adversely affected by publicity resulting from poor food quality, illness or other health concerns or operating issues stemming from one or a limited number of restaurants. Publicity resulting from these allegations may materially adversely affect our business and financial performance, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are liable. In addition, we are subject to employee claims alleging injuries, wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination. In recent years, a number of restaurant companies have been subject to lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, alleging violations of federal and state law regarding workplace, employment and similar matters. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in the payment of substantial damages by the defendants. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are ultimately determined to be liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations and hurt our financial performance. A judgment significantly in excess of our insurance coverage, if any, for any claims could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

 

We are subject to risks related to the provision of employee health care benefits.

 

Health insurance coverage is provided through fully-insured contracts with insurance carriers.  Insurance premiums are a shared cost between the Company and covered employees.  The liability for covered health claims is borne by the insurance carriers per the terms of each policy contract.

 

 
11

 

 

Workers’ Compensation coverage is provided through “self-insurance” by Luby’s Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC.  We record expenses under the plan based on estimates of the costs of expected claims, administrative costs, stop-loss insurance premiums and expected trends. These estimates are then adjusted each year to reflect actual costs incurred.  Actual costs under these plans are subject to variability that is dependent upon demographics and the actual costs of claims made.  In the event our cost estimates differ from actual costs, we could incur additional unplanned costs, which could adversely impact our financial condition.

 

In March 2010, comprehensive health care reform legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act was passed and signed into law. Among other things, the health care reform legislation includes mandated coverage requirements, eliminates pre-existing condition exclusions and annual and lifetime maximum limits, restricts the extent to which policies can be rescinded, and imposes new and significant taxes on health insurers and health care benefits. Although requirements will be phased in over a period of time, many of the most impactful provisions are presently anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2015.

  

Due to the breadth and complexity of the health care reform legislation, the lack of implementing regulations in some cases, and interpretive guidance, and the phased-in nature of the implementation, it is difficult to predict the overall impact of the health care reform legislation on our business and the businesses of our franchisees over the coming years. Possible adverse effects of the health care reform legislation include reduced revenues, increased costs, exposure to expanded liability and requirements for us to revise the ways in which we conduct business or risk of loss of business. In addition, our results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. Our franchisees face the potential of similar adverse effects, and many of them are small business owners who may have significant difficulty absorbing the increased costs.

 

We face intense competition, and if we are unable to compete effectively or if customer preferences change, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

The restaurant industry is intensely competitive and is affected by changes in customer tastes and dietary habits and by national, regional and local economic conditions and demographic trends. New menu items, concepts, and trends are constantly emerging. Our Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers brands offer a large variety of entrées, side dishes and desserts and our continued success depends, in part, on the popularity of our cuisine and cafeteria-style dining. A change away from this cuisine or dining style could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Changing customer preferences, tastes and dietary habits can adversely affect our business and financial performance. We compete on quality, variety, value, service, concept, price, and location with well-established national and regional chains, as well as with locally owned and operated restaurants. We face significant competition from family-style restaurants, fast-casual restaurants, and buffets as well as fast food restaurants. In addition, we also face growing competition as a result of the trend toward convergence in grocery, deli, and restaurant services, particularly in the supermarket industry, which offers “convenient meals” in the form of improved entrées and side dishes from the deli section. Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial resources than we do. We also compete with other restaurants and retail establishments for restaurant sites and personnel. We anticipate that intense competition will continue. If we are unable to compete effectively, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

Our growth plan may not be successful.

 

Depending on future economic conditions, we may not be able to open new restaurants in current or future fiscal years. Our ability to open and profitably operate new restaurants is subject to various risks such as the identification and availability of suitable and economically viable locations, the negotiation of acceptable terms for the purchase or lease of new locations, the need to obtain all required governmental permits (including zoning approvals) on a timely basis, the need to comply with other regulatory requirements, the availability of necessary contractors and subcontractors, the availability of construction materials and labor, the ability to meet construction schedules and budgets, the ability to manage union activities such as picketing or hand billing which could delay construction, increases in labor and building materials costs, the availability of financing at acceptable rates and terms, changes in weather or other acts of God that could result in construction delays and adversely affect the results of one or more restaurants for an indeterminate amount of time, our ability to hire and train qualified management personnel and general economic and business conditions. At each potential location, we compete with other restaurants and retail businesses for desirable development sites, construction contractors, management personnel, hourly employees and other resources.

 

If we are unable to successfully manage these risks, we could face increased costs and lower than anticipated revenues and earnings in future periods. We may be evaluating acquisitions or engaging in acquisition negotiations at any given time. We cannot be sure that we will be able to continue to identify acquisition candidates on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we make additional acquisitions, we also cannot be sure that any benefits anticipated from the acquisition will actually be realized. Likewise, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary financing for acquisitions. Such financing could be restricted by the terms of our debt agreements or it could be more expensive than our current debt. The amount of such debt financing for acquisitions could be significant and the terms of such debt instruments could be more restrictive than our current covenants. In addition, a prolonged economic downturn would adversely affect our ability to open new stores or upgrade existing units and we may not be able to maintain the existing number of restaurants in future fiscal years. We may not be able to renew existing leases and various other risks could cause a decline in the number of restaurants in future fiscal years, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

 
12

 

 

Non-performance under the debt covenants in our revolving credit facility could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our business.

 

As of August 27, 2014 we had outstanding long-term debt of $42.0 million. In August 2013, we amended and restated our revolving credit facility to, among other things, expand the facility size to $70.0 million and to add certain financial covenants. Our debt covenants require certain minimum levels of financial performance as well as certain financial ratios, which can limit our credit availability. To provide for our credit requirements going forward we have amended our credit agreement, in which we discuss in more detail in the footnotes to our financial statements located in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of our loans outstanding and affect our ability to refinance by the termination date of September 1, 2017.

 

Regional events can adversely affect our financial performance.

 

Many of our restaurants and franchises are located in Texas, California and in the northern United States. Our results of operations may be adversely affected by economic conditions in Texas, California or the northern United States or the occurrence of an event of terrorism or natural disaster in any of the communities in which we operate. Also, given our geographic concentration, negative publicity relating to our restaurants could have a pronounced adverse effect on our overall revenues. Although we generally maintain property and casualty insurance to protect against property damage caused by casualties and natural disasters, inclement weather, flooding, hurricanes and other acts of God, these events can adversely impact our sales by discouraging potential customers from going out to eat or by rendering a restaurant or CCS location inoperable for a significant amount of time.

 

An increase in the minimum wage and regulatory mandates could adversely affect our financial performance.

 

From time to time, the U.S. Congress and state legislatures have increased and will consider increases in the minimum wage. The restaurant industry is intensely competitive, and if the minimum wage is increased, we may not be able to transfer all of the resulting increases in operating costs to our customers in the form of price increases. In addition, because our business is labor intensive, shortages in the labor pool or other inflationary pressure could increase labor costs that could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We may be required to recognize additional impairment charges.

 

We assess our long-lived assets as and when recognized by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and determine when they are impaired. Based on market conditions and operating results, we may be required to record additional impairment charges, which would reduce expected earnings for the periods in which they are recorded.

 

We may not be able to realize our deferred tax assets.

 

Our ability to realize our deferred tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate taxable income in the future. If we are unable to generate enough taxable income in the future, we may be required to establish a valuation allowance which would reduce expected earnings for the periods in which they are recorded.

 

Labor shortages or increases in labor costs could adversely affect our business and results of operations and the pass of new restaurant openings.

 

Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including regional managers, restaurant general managers and chefs, in a manner consistent with our standards and expectations. Qualified individuals that we need to fill these positions are in short supply and competition for these employees is intense. If we are unable to recruit and retain sufficient qualified individuals, our operations and reputation could be adversely affected. Additionally, competition for qualified employees could require us to pay higher wages, which could result in higher labor costs. Any increase in labor costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

 
13

 

 

If we are unable to anticipate and react to changes in food, utility and other costs, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

Many of the food and beverage products we purchase are affected by commodity pricing, and as such, are subject to price volatility caused by production problems, shortages, weather or other factors outside of our control. Our profitability depends, in part, on our successfully anticipating and reacting to changes in the prices of commodities. Therefore, we enter into purchase commitments with suppliers when we believe that it is advantageous for us to do so. If commodity prices were to increase, we may be forced to absorb the additional costs rather than transfer these increases to our customers in the form of menu price increases. Our success also depends, in part, on our ability to absorb increases in utility costs. Our operating results are affected by fluctuations in the price of utilities. Our inability to anticipate and respond effectively to an adverse change in any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Our business is subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

 

The restaurant industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations. We are also subject to licensing and regulation by state and local authorities relating to health, health care, employee medical plans, sanitation, safety and fire standards, building codes and liquor licenses, federal and state laws governing our relationships with employees (including the Fair Labor Standards Act and applicable minimum wage requirements, overtime, unemployment tax rates, family leave, tip credits, working conditions, safety standards, healthcare and citizenship requirements), federal and state laws which prohibit discrimination, potential healthcare benefits legislative mandates, and other laws regulating the design and operation of facilities, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

  

As a publicly traded corporation, we are subject to various rules and regulations as mandated by the SEC and the NYSE. Failure to timely comply with these rules and regulations could result in penalties and negative publicity.

 

We are subject to federal regulation and certain state laws which govern the offer and sale of franchises. Many state franchise laws contain provisions that supersede the terms of franchise agreements, including provisions concerning the termination or non-renewal of a franchise. Some state franchise laws require that certain materials be registered before franchises can be offered or sold in that state. The failure to obtain or retain licenses or approvals to sell franchises could adversely affect us and the franchisees.

 

Termination of franchise agreements may disrupt restaurant performance.

 

Our franchise agreements are subject to termination by us in the event of default by the franchisee after applicable cure periods. Upon the expiration of the initial term of a franchise agreement, the franchisee generally has an option to renew the franchise agreement for an additional term. There is no assurance that franchisees will meet the criteria for renewal or will desire or be able to renew their franchise agreements. If not renewed, a franchise agreement, and payments required there under, will terminate. We may be unable to find a new franchisee to replace a non-renewing franchisee. Furthermore, while we will be entitled to terminate franchise agreements following a default that is not cured within the applicable grace period, if any, the disruption to the performance of the restaurants could adversely affect our business and revenues.

 

Franchisees may breach the terms of their franchise agreements in a manner that adversely affects the reputation of our brands.

 

Franchisees are required to conform to specified product quality standards and other requirements pursuant to their franchise agreements in order to protect our brands and to optimize restaurant performance. However, franchisees may receive through the supply chain or produce sub-standard food or beverage products, which may adversely impact the reputation of our brands. Franchisees may also breach the standards set forth in their respective franchise agreements. Any negative actions could have a corresponding material adverse effect on our business and revenues.

 

 
14

 

 

If we do not successfully integrate Cheeseburger in Paradise into our operations, the anticipated benefits from the acquisition may not be fully realized.

 

On December 6, 2012, we completed the acquisition of all the Membership Units of Paradise Restaurants Group, LLC and certain of their affiliates, collectively known as Cheeseburger in Paradise. The integration of the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants into our operations has presented significant difficulties and has not resulted in realization of the full benefits of synergies, cost savings and operational efficiencies that we expected. We closed 15 locations in fiscal 2014. Additionally, we converted three locations to Fuddruckers restaurants and plan to convert six more locations into Fuddruckers restaurants. The diversion of the attention of management to the integration effort and any difficulties encountered in combining our operations could adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, we may not have discovered prior to acquiring Cheeseburger in Paradise, all known and unknown factors regarding these assets that could produce unintended and unexpected consequences for us. Undiscovered factors could result in us incurring financial liabilities, which could be material, and in us not achieving the expected benefits from the acquisition within our desired time frames, if at all.

 

Our planned CCS expansion may not be successful.

 

Successful expansion of our CCS depends on our ability to obtain new clients as well as retain and renew our existing client contracts. Our ability to do so generally depends on a variety of factors, including the quality, price and responsiveness of our services, as well as our ability to market these services effectively and differentiate ourselves from our competitors. We may not be able to renew existing client contracts at the same or higher rates or our current clients may turn to competitors, cease operations, elect to self-operate or terminate contracts with us. The failure to renew a significant number of our existing contracts could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

Failure to collect account receivables could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

A portion of our accounts receivable is concentrated in our CCS operations among several customers. In addition, our franchises generate significant accounts receivables. Failure to collect from several of these accounts receivable could adversely affect our results of operations.

  

If we lose the services of any of our key management personnel, our business could suffer.

 

The success of our business is highly dependent upon our key management personnel, particularly Christopher J. Pappas, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Peter Tropoli, our Chief Operating Officer. The loss of the services of any key management personnel could have a material adverse effect upon our business.

 

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, and, as a result, our results of operations for any given quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

 

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, our highest earnings have occurred in the third quarter of the fiscal year, as our revenues in most of our restaurants have typically been higher during the third quarter of the fiscal year. Similarly, our results of operations for any single quarter will not necessarily be indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

 

Economic factors affecting financial institutions could affect our access to capital.

 

The syndicate of banks may not have the ability to provide us with capital under our existing revolving credit facility. Our existing revolving credit facility matures in September 2017 and we may not be able to amend or renew the facility with terms and conditions consistent with the existing facility.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

As of November 4, 2014, we operated 174 restaurants at 169 property locations. Five of the operating locations are Combo locations and are considered two restaurants. Two operating locations are primarily Luby’s Cafeterias, but also serve Fuddruckers hamburgers. One operating location is a Bob Luby’s Seafood Grill. Luby’s Cafeterias have seating capacity for 250 to 300 customers at each location while Fuddruckers locations generally seat 125 to 200 customers and Cheeseburger in Paradise locations generally seat 180 and 220.

 

 
15

 

 

We own the underlying land and buildings on which 71 of our Luby’s Cafeteria and 22 Fuddruckers restaurants are located. Five of these restaurant properties contain excess building space or an extra building on the property which have ten tenants unaffiliated with Luby’s, Inc.

 

In addition to the owned locations, 25 Luby’s Cafeteria restaurants, 48 Fuddruckers restaurants and 8 Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants are held under leases. The majority of the leases are fixed-dollar rentals, which require us to pay additional amounts related to property taxes, hazard insurance and maintenance of common areas. Of the 81 restaurant leases, the current terms of 23 expire between 2014 and 2016, and 58 expire thereafter. Of the 81 restaurant leases, 64 can be extended beyond their current terms at our option. Two of the leased properties have extra building space and currently have two tenants that offset the lease and expenses of approximately $179,000.

 

As of November 4, 2014, we had three owned properties and seven leased properties we plan to develop for future use.

 

As of November 4, 2014, we had one owned and one leased non-operating properties with a carrying value of approximately $1.0 million in property held for sale. In addition, we had three owned and four leased properties with a carrying value of $3.4 million that are included in assets related to discontinued operations. Ground leases have a carrying value of zero.

 

We currently have four owned other-use properties; one is used as a bake shop that supports the baked products for operating restaurants. One location is currently leased to third party tenants utilizing the entire building and two are leased to Fuddruckers franchisees.

 

In addition to the four owned other-use properties, we have approximately 31,000 square feet of corporate office space, under lease through 2016. The space is located on the Northwest Freeway in Houston, Texas in close proximity to many of our Houston restaurant locations.

 

We also lease approximately 60,000 square feet of warehouse space for in-house repair, fabrication and storage in Houston, Texas. In addition, we lease approximately 3,200 square feet of warehouse and office space in Arlington, Texas.

 

We also lease an executive suite in N. Andover, MA for additional legal personnel.

 

We maintain general liability insurance and property damage insurance on all properties in amounts which management believes provide adequate coverage.

  

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are subject to various private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time. These matters typically involve claims from guests, employees and others related to issues common to the restaurant industry. We currently believe that the final disposition of these types of lawsuits, proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that our future results of operations for a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to lawsuits, proceedings or claims.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

 
16

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Stock Prices

 

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “LUB.” The following table sets forth, for the last two fiscal years, the high and low sales prices on the NYSE as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system.

 

Fiscal Quarter Ended

 

High

   

Low

 

November 21, 2012

    6.89       5.72  

February 13, 2013

    7.89       5.99  

May 8, 2013

    8.63       6.50  

August 28, 2013

    9.19       6.97  

November 20, 2013

    8.23       6.49  

February 12, 2014

    9.15       6.00  

May 7, 2014

    6.91       4.93  

August 27, 2014

    6.01       4.83  

 

As of November 4, 2014, there were 2,241 holders of record of our common stock. No cash dividends have been paid on our common stock since fiscal year 2000, and we currently have no intention to pay a cash dividend on our common stock. On November 4, 2014, the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE was $5.05.

 

Equity Compensation Plans

 

Securities authorized under our equity compensation plans as of August 27, 2014, were as follows:

 

   

(a)

   

(b)

   

(c)

 

Plan Category

 

Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

   

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

   

Number of Securities
Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)

 

Equity compensation plans previously approved by security holders

    665,729     $ 4.83       1,481,927  

Equity compensation plans not previously approved by security holders (1)

    29,627       0       0  

Total

    695,356     $ 4.83       1,481,927  

(1)  Represents the Luby’s, Inc. Non-employee Director Phantom Stock Plan.

 

See Note 14, “Share-Based Compensation,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

 

 
17

 

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock for the five fiscal years ended August 27, 2014, with the cumulative total return on the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and an industry peer group index. The peer group index consists of Bob Evans Farms, Inc., CBRL Group, Inc., Denny’s Corporation, Frisch Restaurant Group, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Ruby Tuesday Inc. These companies are multi-unit family and casual dining restaurant operators in the mid-price range.

 

The cumulative total shareholder return computations set forth in the performance graph assume an investment of $100 on August 26, 2009, and the reinvestment of all dividends. The returns of each company in the peer group index have been weighed according to that company’s stock market capitalization.

 

 

 

 

   

2009

   

2010

   

2011

   

2012

   

2013

   

2014

 

Luby’s, Inc.

    100.00       112.63       104.60       145.06       166.67       124.60  

S&P 500 Index—Total Return

    100.00       104.91       124.32       147.09       174.31       217.70  

S&P 500 Restaurant Index

    100.00       130.48       175.55       191.35       228.77       249.63  

Peer Group Index Only

    100.00       112.07       129.31       162.98       232.61       228.78  

Peer Group Index + Luby’s Inc.

    100.00       111.98       127.97       161.88       229.18       223.59  

 

 
18

 

 

 Item  6. Selected Financial Data

 

Five-Year Summary of Operations

 

   

Fiscal Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

   

August 31,
2011

   

August 25,
2010

 
 

(364 days)

(364 days)

(364 days)

(371 days)

(364 days)

 

(In thousands except per share data)

Sales

                                       

Restaurant sales

  $ 368,267     $ 360,001     $ 324,536     $ 325,383     $ 230,342  

Culinary contract services

    18,555       16,693       17,711       15,619       13,728  

Franchise revenue

    7,027       6,937       7,232       7,092       645  

Vending revenue

    532       565       618       654       44  

Total sales

    394,381       384,196       350,097       348,748       244,759  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    (1,613

)

    4,547       7,398       2,572       (662

)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations (a)

    (1,834

)

    (1,386

)

    (645

)

    301       (2,256

)

Net income (loss)

  $ (3,447

)

  $ 3,161     $ 6,753     $ 2,873     $ (2,918

)

Income (loss) per share from continuing operations:

                                       

Basic

  $ (0.06

)

  $ 0.16     $ 0.26     $ 0.09     $ (0.02

)

Assuming dilution

  $ (0.06

)

  $ 0.16     $ 0.26     $ 0.09     $ (0.02

)

Income (loss) per share from discontinued operation:

                                       

Basic

  $ (0.06

)

  $ (0.05

)

  $ (0.02

)

  $ 0.01     $ (0.08

)

Assuming dilution

  $ (0.06

)

  $ (0.05

)

  $ (0.02

)

  $ 0.01     $ (0.08

)

Net income (loss) per share:

                                       

Basic

  $ (0.12

)

  $ 0.11     $ 0.24     $ 0.10     $ (0.10

)

Assuming dilution

  $ (0.12

)

  $ 0.11     $ 0.24     $ 0.10     $ (0.10

)

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

                                       

Basic

    28,812       28,618       28,351       28,237       28,129  

Assuming dilution

    28,812       28,866       28,429       28,297       28,129  

Total assets

  $ 275,435     $ 250,645     $ 230,889     $ 228,102     $ 242,378  

Total debt

  $ 42,000     $ 19,200     $ 13,000     $ 21,500     $ 41,500  

Number of restaurants at fiscal year end

    174       180       154       156       154  

Number of franchised restaurants at fiscal year end

    110       116       125       122       130  

Number of Culinary Contract Services contracts at fiscal year end

    25       21       18       22       18  

Costs and Expenses

                                       

(As a percentage of restaurant sales)

                                       

Cost of food

    28.9

%

    28.6

%

    27.9

%

    28.9

%

    27.6

%

Payroll and related costs

    34.7

%

    34.4

%

    34.6

%

    35.6

%

    36.7

%

Other operating expenses

    18.7

%

    18.0

%

    16.6

%

    17.3

%

    17.5

%

Occupancy costs

    5.7

%

    5.8

%

    5.6

%

    5.6

%

    4.0

%

(a)

For comparison purposes, fiscal 2013 and 2012 results have been adjusted to reflect the reclassification of certain Cheeseburger in Paradise leasehold locations to discontinued operations. See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 in this Form 10-K for further discussion of discontinued operations.

  

 
19

 

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes for the fiscal years ended August 27, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”), August 28, 2013, (“fiscal 2013”), and August 29, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Overview

 

Description of the business

 

We generate revenues primarily by providing quality food to customers at our 95 Luby’s branded restaurants located mostly in Texas, 71 Fuddruckers restaurants located throughout the United States, 8 Cheeseburger in Paradise Restaurants, and 110 Fuddruckers franchises located primarily in the United States. On July 26, 2010, we became a multi-brand restaurant company with a national footprint through the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Fuddruckers. The Fuddruckers acquisition added 59 Company-operated restaurants and a franchise network of 130 franchisee-operated units. This acquisition further expanded our family-friendly, value-oriented portfolio of restaurants located in close proximity to retail centers, business developments and residential areas. On December 6, 2012, we further expanded our brand family with the addition of the Cheeseburger in Paradise brand. This added full service restaurant and bar locations that complemented our core family-friendly brands and provided an entry point to operate at, or acquire a valuable leasehold interest in, 23 new locations at a cost of less than $0.5 million per location. In addition to our restaurant business model, we also provide culinary contract services for organizations that offer on-site food service, such as health care facilities, colleges and universities, as well as businesses and institutions.

 

In fiscal 2014 and 2013, we continued to operate our two core brands, Luby’s Cafeterias and Fuddruckers, in the competitive fast casual segment of the restaurant industry. Much of our strategic focus centered around constructing, staffing, opening, and operating new restaurants in our cure restaurant brands. Of particular focus was the opening of four Combo locations. Other areas of focus included re-investing in our core restaurant models via remodel activity, supporting our growth initiatives with various marketing techniques, further developing our franchisee pipeline and supporting our franchisees as the Fuddruckers brand expanded again internationally, and seeking out and earning new business in our CCS business segment. Lastly, we developed a revised strategy for maximizing the value from the 23 Cheeseburger in Paradise leasehold locations that we purchased on December 6, 2012.

 

Financial and Operation Highlights for Fiscal 2014

 

Financial Performance

 

 

Total Company sales increased approximately $10.2 million, or 2.7%, in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013, consisting primarily of an $8.3 million increase in restaurant sales and a $1.9 million increase in CCS sales. The other components of total sales are franchise revenue and vending revenue. The $8.3 million increase in restaurant sales consisted of a $5.3 million increase in sales at Combo locations, $4.0 million increase in sales at stand-alone Luby’s Cafeterias, a $1.9 million increase in sales at Cheeseburger in Paradise reflecting a greater number of store operating weeks, a $1.4 million decrease in sales at stand-alone Fuddruckers restaurants, and a $1.6 million decrease in sales at our Koo Koo Roo brand, as we ceased operations at these two locations during fiscal 2014.

 

 

Total segment profit decreased $2.3 million to $54.2 million in fiscal 2014 compared to $56.5 million in fiscal 2013. The $2.3 million decrease in total segment profit resulted from 1) a decrease of $2.9 in Company-owned restaurant segment profit, partially offset by 2) a $0.6 million increase in Culinary Contract Services segment profit and 3) a $0.1 million increase in franchising segment profit. The $2.9 million decrease in Company-owned restaurant segment profit resulted from restaurant sales and vending income increasing $8.2 million and the cost of food, payroll and related, other operating expenses, and occupancy costs increasing $11.1 million.

 

 

Income or loss from Continuing Operations was a loss of $1.6 million in fiscal 2014 compared to income of $4.5 million in fiscal 2013.

 

 
20

 

 

Operational Endeavors and Milestone

 

 

Core restaurant brands. Our core Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers brands continued to develop and evolve. While our core menu remains stable, we introduce and rotate new menu offerings throughout the year to remain relevant to both our existing customer base and attract new customers. We offer a range of price points which include premium items featured on weekend nights as well as more price-sensitive manager specials throughout the week. In fiscal 2014, we also continued to promote our “Eating Smart” line of offerings by highlighting these offerings on our menu boards and on the cafeteria line. At our Luby’s Cafeteria brand we relocated one existing restaurant from its location in a shopping mall to a new building that we constructed on a pad site in front of the mall. This location in south Texas repeated the success in growing sales and profitability that we realized at a similar rebuild at another location in Houston in the prior fiscal year. Luby’s Cafeterias same store sales grew 1.4% through guest traffic increases. At Fuddruckers, we continue to evolve The World’s Greatest Hamburgers®, with new specialty burger combinations and toppings and expanded offerings beyond the core hamburger. In fiscal 2014, we instituted an enhanced guest service program whereby a designated restaurant employee engages guests throughout the dining room and ensures that all elements of the dining experience occur at our high standards. We also installed kitchen display monitors to build our customer orders and ensure that guest orders are delivered accurately and on time. Much of our focus in fiscal 2014 at Fuddruckers was on speed of service and an enhanced ordering experience. We are confident the focus on great food and enhanced service will in the long run lead to increased guest frequency and loyalty. Since the service aspect of the program has been instituted, we have seen increases in overall customer satisfaction scores at Fuddruckers. However, the sales at the Fuddruckers brand remained below our expectations for fiscal 2014 with a same store sales decline of 3.5% as a result of diminished guest traffic. This decline in same store sales in fiscal 2014 followed three consecutive years of same store sales gains.

 

 

Franchise Network. As of August 27, 2014, we supported a franchise network of 110 Fuddruckers franchise locations.  For fiscal 2014, our franchisees opened six new Fuddruckers restaurants.  Three of these locations were in the United States, one was in the Dominican Republic, and two were in Italy.  For fiscal 2014, there were 12 Fuddruckers franchise locations that closed as franchise-operated restaurants.  Our franchise network generated $7.0 million in revenue in fiscal 2014 ended August 27, 2014.

 

 

Luby’s Culinary Contract Services. Our CCS business generated $18.6 million in revenue during fiscal 2014 compared to $16.7 million in revenue during fiscal 2013. We view this area as a growth business that generally requires less capital investment and more favorable percentage returns on invested capital.

 

 

Cheeseburger in Paradise Location Strategy. On December 6, 2012, we acquired 23 Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants and the associated leasehold interest in those locations. We understood that several of the locations achieved financial results below that of our core Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers brand and below acceptable levels. We embarked on a strategy to first attempt to improve the financial performance of the 23 locations and if not successful after one year, we would convert some of these locations into Fuddruckers restaurants. As of our fiscal year-end on August 27, 2014, we operated eight of the original Cheeseburger in Paradise locations, completed three conversions to Fuddruckers restaurants, have selected six additional locations expected to be converted into Fuddruckers, and another six locations which we expect to dispose. One of the locations, located in Newport News, VA was converted to a full service Fuddruckers Deluxe Bar and Grill and the other two converted locations were converted to Fuddruckers fast casual format, but retain some of the bar elements inherent in the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants.

 

 

New Restaurant Development. In the fiscal year 2014 ended on August 27, 2014, we opened 15 restaurants.  Eight of these restaurants were at four Combo locations.  These Combo locations are a key component of our long term growth strategy.  In addition to these Combo locations, we opened one stand-alone Luby’s Cafeteria in a new market in Eagle Pass, Texas, and six Fuddruckers locations.  These six Fuddruckers locations consisted of 1) three locations that were previously operated as Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants and were converted and re-opened as Fuddruckers, one of which re-opened as a full service Deluxe Fuddruckers Bar and Grill and 2) three new Fuddruckers locations, including one location where we built on a property that we own and currently operate a Lubys’ Cafeteria, one in converted retail space, and one that was purchased from a franchise owner.   During fiscal 2014 ended on August 27, 2014, we also closed a total of 21 restaurants.  Fifteen of these 21 closures were Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants whereby we had converted three to Fuddruckers by the end of fiscal 2014 and have selected six additional locations for conversion and re-opening as Fuddruckers.  The remaining six of these 21 closures consisted of three Luby’s Cafeteria locations, two Koo Koo Roo locations, and one Fuddruckers location. 

 

 
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Capital Spending. Purchases of property and equipment were $46.2 million in fiscal 2014 up from $31.3 million in fiscal 2013. These capital investments were funded through a combination of cash from operations, sale of property and utilization of our revolving credit facility. Capital investments in fiscal 2014 included 1) $16.9 million on new restaurant development for the locations described above as well as construction in progress on our next combo location which will open in Jackson, Mississippi in the second half of fiscal 2015; 2) $12.2 million on the purchase of parcels of land for current and future development; 3) $6.5 million on the remodeling of existing restaurants and conversion of Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants to Fuddruckers restaurants; and 4) $10.6 million for recurring capital expenditures and technology infrastructure investments. Our debt balance at the end of fiscal 2014 was $42.0 million with $5.1 million of available credit. We remain committed to maintaining the attractiveness of all of our restaurant locations where we anticipate operating over the long term. In fiscal 2015, we anticipate making capital investments of between $20 and $25 million, primarily for construction of new restaurants with opening dates in fiscal 2015, conversion of Cheeseburger in Paradise locations to Fuddruckers, and recurring maintenance of all of our restaurant properties and for new point-of-sale hardware associated with our technology infrastructure.

  

Our long-term plan continues to focus on expanding each of our brands, including the Fuddruckers franchise network, as well as growing our CCS business. We are also committed to making capital investments with suitable return characteristics. We plan to use cash generated from operations, combined with our borrowing capacity, when necessary, in order to seize these capital investment opportunities. We believe our operational execution has improved through our commitment to higher operating standards, and we believe that we are well-positioned to enhance shareholder value over the long term.

 

Accounting Periods

 

Our fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in August. Accordingly, each fiscal year normally consists of 13 four-week periods, or accounting periods, accounting for 364 days in the aggregate. However, every fifth or sixth year, we have a fiscal year that consists of 53 weeks, accounting for 371 days in the aggregate. Each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year consists of three four-week periods, while the fourth quarter normally consists of four four-week periods. However, the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, as a result of the additional week, consisted of three four-week periods and one five-week period, accounting for 17 weeks, or 119 days, in the aggregate. Fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 contained 52 weeks. Comparability between quarters may be affected by the varying lengths of the quarters, as well as the seasonality associated with the restaurant business.

 

Same-Store Sales

 

The restaurant business is highly competitive with respect to food quality, concept, location, price, and service, all of which may have an effect on same-store sales. Our same-store sales calculation measures the relative performance of a certain group of restaurants. A store is included in this group of restaurants after it has been open for six complete consecutive quarters. The Fuddruckers restaurants that were acquired in July 2010 were included in the same-store grouping beginning with the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The Cheeseburger in Paradise stores that were acquired in December 2012 will be included in the same store metric beginning with the first quarter fiscal 2015. Stores that close on a permanent basis are removed from the group in the fiscal quarter when operations cease at the restaurant, but remain in the same-store group for previously reported fiscal quarters. Although management believes this approach leads to more effective year-over-year comparisons, neither the time frame nor the exact practice may be similar to those used by other restaurant companies. Same-store sales at our restaurant units were unchanged for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, and increased 2.2% for fiscal 2012.

 

 
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The following table shows the same-store sales change for comparative historical quarters:

 

   

Fiscal 2014

   

Fiscal 2013

   

Fiscal 2012

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

Q4

   

Q3

   

Q2

   

Q1

   

Q4

   

Q3

   

Q2

   

Q1

   

Q4

   

Q3

   

Q2

   

Q1

 

Same-store sales

    (1.0 %)     0.3 %     2.5 %     (1.3

)%

    0.5

%

    (0.1

)%

    (0.6

)%

    0.2

%

    2.4

%

    1.1

%

    2.2

%

    3.5

%

 

 

Discontinued Operations

 

On March 24, 2014, the Company announced that it has initiated a plan focused on improving cash flow from the recently acquired Cheeseburger in Paradise leasehold units. This underperforming Cheeseburger in Paradise leasehold disposal plan called for five or more locations to be closed by the end of fiscal 2014. In accordance with the plan, the entire fiscal activity of the applicable locations closed after the inception of the plan has been classified as discontinued operations. Results related to these same locations have also been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

 

Fiscal 2014 (52 weeks) compared to Fiscal 2013 (52 weeks)

 

Sales

 

Total company sales increased approximately $10.2 million, or 2.7%, in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013, consisting primarily of an $8.3 million increase in restaurant sales and a $1.9 million increase in CCS sales. The other components of total sales are franchise revenue and vending revenue.

 

The Company operates with three reportable operating segments: Company-owned restaurants, franchise operations, and Culinary Contract Services.

 

Company-Owned Restaurants

 

Restaurant Sales

 

Restaurant sales increased approximately $8.3 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. The increase in restaurant sales included a $5.3 million increase in sales from Combo locations, a $4.0 million increase in sales at stand-alone Luby’s Cafeteria branded restaurants, a $1.4 million decrease in sales at stand-alone Fuddruckers restaurants. Also included in the increase in restaurant sales is a $1.9 million increase at sales from our Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants which primarily reflects more weeks of operation for this brand in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013; and a $1.6 million decrease in sales at our Koo Koo Roo brand reflecting fewer weeks of operation for this brand in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013.

 

On a same store basis, restaurant sales were unchanged for fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. Same store sales at our Luby’s Cafeteria restaurants increased 1.4% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 while same store sales at our Fuddruckers restaurants decreased 3.5%. The increase in same store sales at our Luby’s Cafeteria restaurants reflects the benefits realized from remodel stores and the relocation of one store into a newly constructed building on a pad site in front of the previous mall location as well as favorable customer responses to our new and existing menu offerings. The decline in same-store sales at our Fuddruckers restaurants partially reflects a continued very competitive burger segment of the restaurant industry despite increased marketing efforts and service improvements. The decrease in same store sales follows three years of increasing same stores for the Fuddruckers brand.

 

Cost of Food

 

Cost of food, which is comprised of the cost associated with sale of food and beverage products that are consumed dining in our restaurants, as take-out, and as catering. Cost of food increased approximately $3.2 million, or 3.1%, in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. Cost of food are variable and generally fluctuate with sales volume. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food costs increased 0.3% to 28.9% in fiscal 2014 compared to 28.6% in fiscal 2013. The Cost of food as percentage of sales increased primarily from higher food commodity costs which impacted each of our restaurant brands. At our Luby’s Cafeteria restaurants we were able to offset a 3% increase in our basket of food commodity purchases with effective food controls on the cafeteria line and managing the mix of menu items offered by us and selected by our guests. The 3% increase in our basket of food commodity purchases at our Luby’s Cafeteria restaurants occurred as a result of commodity price increase in beef, poultry, dairy, butter, and cheese; these increases were partially offset by decrease in seafood and oils and shortenings. At Fuddruckers, our basket of food commodity purchases also increased 3%, driven almost entirely from beef prices increasing approximately 10% for the fiscal year as beef prices spiked in the last several months of fiscal 2014. Cost of food as a percentage of sales increased 60 basis points at our Fuddruckers restaurants and are attributed to this increase in food commodity prices offset by careful control of food product.

 

 
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Payroll and Related Costs

 

Payroll and related costs includes restaurant-level hourly wages, including overtime pay, and pay for initial and continued training, as well as management salaries and incentive payments. Payroll and related costs also include the payroll taxes, workers’ compensation expense, group health insurance costs, and 401-K matching expense for all restaurant-level hourly and management employees. Payroll and related costs increased approximately $3.9 million, or 3.2% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. Hourly labor costs increased approximately $0.9 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 due to 1) the addition of four new restaurants in the side-by-side Luby’s Cafeterias and Fuddruckers configuration, 2) more operating weeks for the Cheeseburger in Paradise brand, and 3) higher group health insurance offset by 4) the closure of four Luby’s Cafeteria restaurants and 5) continued enhanced labor scheduling processes at each of our restaurant brands with Fuddruckers realizing the greatest impact from these improvements. Management labor costs increased approximately $3.0 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 due to the store openings and increased operating weeks for the Cheeseburger in Paradise brand, offset by store closures as enumerated above. Payroll and related costs also included an approximate $0.4 million increase in group health insurance costs. As a percentage of restaurant sales, payroll and related costs increased 0.3% to 34.7% in fiscal 2014 compared to 34.4% in fiscal 2013.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

Other operating expenses primarily include restaurant-related expenses for utilities, repairs and maintenance, advertising, insurance, and services. Other operating expenses increased approximately $3.9 million, or 6.0%, in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. As a percentage of restaurant sales, Other operating expenses increased 0.7% to 18.7% in fiscal 2014 compared to 18.0% in fiscal 2013. The 0.7% increase in Other operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was due to 1) a 0.3% increase in utilities as a percentage of restaurant sales due to higher average utility rates; 2) a 0.2% increase in marketing and advertising expense as a percentage of sales due to further investment in marketing programs including more frequent and regular direct mail campaigns, a full year schedule on a selected radio station, and more cable television spots compared to fiscal 2013; 3) a 0.3% increase in restaurant services and other restaurant expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales due primarily to higher credit card transaction fees from increased credit card usage; increased restaurant network and technology costs; and higher travel costs for our restaurant level employees; all offset by; 4) a 0.1% decrease in restaurant repairs and maintenance costs as a percentage of restaurant sales.

 

Occupancy Costs

 

Occupancy costs increased $48 thousand in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013, in large part due to higher property tax expenses at certain locations offset by lower overall rental expenses. The lower overall rental expenses were due in large part to closing three Koo Koo Roo branded restaurant locations and recording accelerated rental expense in prior fiscal 2013. Permitting and licensing expenses were also reduced in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013.

 

Franchise Operations

 

We offer franchises for the Fuddruckers brand. Franchises are sold in markets where expansion is deemed advantageous to the development of the Fuddruckers concept and system of restaurants. Franchise revenue includes (1) royalties paid to us as the franchisor for the Fuddruckers brand; (2) franchise fees paid to us when franchise development agreements are executed and when franchise units are opened for business or transferred to new owners. Franchise revenue increased $91 thousand in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 which included a $125 thousand increase in franchise fees and a $34 thousand decrease in franchise royalties. During the year, there were 12 franchise units that closed on a permanent basis. We ended fiscal 2014 with 110 Fuddruckers franchise restaurants. Two franchisee-operated locations opened and two franchisee-operated locations closed subsequent to the end of the fiscal year on August 27, 2014. As of November 4, 2013, we had 110 Fuddruckers franchise restaurants.

 

 
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Culinary Contract Services

 

CCS is a business line servicing healthcare, higher education, and corporate dining clients. The healthcare accounts are full service and typically include in-room delivery, catering, vending, coffee service and retail dining. This business line varied between 21 and 26 client locations through fiscal 2014 and between 18 and 21 client locations in fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2014, we continued concentrating on clients able to enter into agreements where all operating costs are reimbursed to us and we charge a generally fixed fee. These agreements typically present lower financial risk to the company.  

 

Culinary Contract Services Revenue

 

Culinary Contract Services revenue increased $1.9 million, or 11.2% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. While the number of locations has varied, we believe we now operate with a stronger mix of clients. The increase in revenue was primarily due to growing the number of locations where we operate and a change in the mix of locations where we operate.

 

Cost of Culinary Contract Services

 

Cost of Culinary Contract Services includes the food, payroll and related, and other direct operating expenses associated with generating culinary contract sales. Cost of Culinary Contract Services increased approximately $1.3 million, or 8.8% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 due to an increase in culinary contract sales volume. Profit margin in our culinary contract services business (defined as Culinary Contract Services revenue less cost of Culinary Contract Services) expanded in dollar terms and as a percent of Culinary Contract Services sales as we have executed on our refined operating model of concentrating on clients able to enter into agreements where all operating costs are reimbursed to us and we charge a generally fixed fee. Our profit margin as percent of Culinary Contract Services revenue expanded to 12.8% in fiscal 2014 from 10.9% in fiscal year 2013.

 

Opening Costs

 

Opening costs include labor, supplies, occupancy, and other costs necessary to support the restaurant through its opening period. Opening costs were approximately $2.2 million in fiscal 2014 compared to approximately $0.8 million in fiscal 2013. Opening costs in fiscal 2014 included the cost associated with opening four Combo locations comprising a total of eight restaurants, six stand-alone Fuddruckers restaurants, and one stand-alone Luby’s Cafeteria. Opening costs in fiscal 2013 included the cost associated with opening one Combo location, comprising two restaurants, and five stand-alone Fuddruckers restaurants. Also included in Opening costs are the carrying costs for property slated for development.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation expense increased $1.7 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 due primarily to the investments made in new locations as well as the capital we have used for remodeling existing locations and to a lesser extent the full year impact of depreciating assets acquired with the Cheeseburger in Paradise brand in prior fiscal 2013 as well as depreciation associated with additional infrastructure and technology assets. The increase in depreciation due to investments made in new locations as well as the capital we have used for remodeling existing locations was mostly offset by certain existing assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives during fiscal 2014.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses include corporate salaries and benefits-related costs, including restaurant area leaders, share-based compensation, professional fees, travel and recruiting expenses and other office expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $2.8 million, or 8.8% in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. The increase was due primarily to an increase in salary and benefits expense, outside professional services costs, technology and infrastructure costs, and corporate travel costs. As a percentage of total sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 8.9% in fiscal 2014 compared to 8.4% in fiscal 2013 primarily due to increases in the expenses enumerated above increasing at a greater rate than our ability to grow total sales in fiscal 2014.

 

 
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Provision for asset impairments, net

 

The asset impairment of approximately $2.5 million in fiscal 2014 reflects the impairment of one owned Fuddruckers location, two leased Fuddruckers locations and six Cheeseburger in Paradise locations including goodwill related to Cheeseburger in Paradise and one favorable lease asset.

 

The asset impairment of approximately $0.6 million in fiscal 2013 is related to one location that is classified as property held for sale and to used equipment at our maintenance facility in Houston.

 

Net Loss (Gain) on Disposition of Property and Equipment

 

The disposition of property and equipment in fiscal 2014 resulted in a net gain of approximately $2.4 million, which included (1) the gain on the disposition of two owned Luby’s Cafeteria locations; offset by (2) normal asset retirement activity in our restaurants.

 

The disposition of property and equipment in fiscal 2013 resulted in a net gain of approximately $1.7 million, which included (1) proceeds from the eminent domain disposition of part of a parking lot at a Luby’s Cafeteria location; (2) the gain on disposal at a Koo Koo Roo leased location, (3) a payment to us for exiting a lease at one cafeteria location prior to the contractual lease expiration date; offset by (4) normal asset retirement activity in our restaurants.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income was $6 thousand in fiscal 2014 compared to $9 thousand in fiscal 2013.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense in fiscal 2014 increased approximately $0.3 million compared to fiscal 2013 on higher average debt balances.

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net, consisted primarily of the following components: net rental property income and expenses relating to property for which we are the landlord; prepaid sales tax discounts earned through our participation in state tax prepayment programs; and oil and gas royalty income.

 

Other income, net, was approximately $1.1 million in fiscal 2014 and $1.0 million in fiscal 2013. The increase was primarily related to an increase in net rental income on property for which we are the landlord.

 

Taxes

 

The income tax benefit related to continuing operations for fiscal 2014 was $1.7 million compared to income tax expense of $1.8 million for fiscal 2013. The benefit for income taxes in fiscal 2014 reflects the tax effect of the pre-tax loss for the year adjusted for state income taxes, general business and foreign tax credits.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

The loss from discontinued operations was $1.8 million in fiscal 2014 compared to a loss of $1.4 million in fiscal 2013. The loss of $1.8 million in fiscal 2014 included (1) $1.6 million in “carrying costs” (typically rent, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance) associated with assets that were related to discontinued operations, (2) impairment charges of $1.2 million for certain assets related to discontinued operations and (3) a $1.0 million income tax benefit related to discontinued operations. The loss of $1.4 million in fiscal 2013 included (1) $1.3 million in “carrying costs” (typically rent, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance) associated with assets that were related to discontinued operations; (2) impairment charges of $0.6 million for certain assets related to discontinued operations; offset by (3) a $0.5 million income tax benefit related to discontinued operations.

 

 
26

 

 

Fiscal 2013 (52 weeks) compared to Fiscal 2012 (52 weeks)

 

Sales

 

Total company sales increased approximately $34.1 million, or 9.7%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, consisting primarily of a $35.5 million increase in restaurant sales, offset by a $1.0 million decrease in CCS sales, a $0.3 million decrease in franchise revenue, and a $0.1 million decrease in vending income.

 

The Company operates with three reportable operating segments: Company owned restaurants, franchise operations, and Culinary Contract Services.

 

Company Owned Restaurants

 

Restaurant Sales

 

Restaurant sales increased approximately $35.5 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. The increase in restaurant sales included a $29.6 million contribution from the 18 Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants, a $1.5 million decrease in sales at Luby’s Cafeteria branded restaurants and a $4.0 million increase in sales from Fuddruckers branded restaurants offset by a $1.9 million decrease in Koo Koo Roo branded restaurants.

 

On a same store basis, restaurant sales were unchanged for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. The unchanged same-store sales level is primarily due to a continued very competitive operating environment and greater levels of economic uncertainty. Maintaining our level of same store sales was achieved by growth in certain areas of our business, such as catering orders, remodeled restaurants, and in certain geographical markets where we have been able to grow sales, as well as through sustained marketing efforts. These areas of sales growth were offset by other markets where sales growth proved more challenging.

 

Cost of Food

 

Food costs increased approximately $12.7 million, or 14.0%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due primarily to the addition of new restaurants, including 18 Cheeseburger in Paradise-branded stores. Food commodity prices for our basket of food commodity purchases were also higher due to a 3% increase for our Luby’s Cafeteria branded restaurants. Food commodity costs at our cafeteria restaurants were higher across all product categories except for oils and shortenings. The basket of food commodity purchases at Fuddruckers branded restaurants was stable in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 as higher commodity prices for poultry, buns, and produce were completely offset by the modest price decreases in our core beef products. In addition, total food rebates were lower by approximately $0.4 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food cost increased 0.8% to 28.6% in fiscal year 2013 compared to 27.9% in fiscal 2012. Removing the impact of Cheeseburger in Paradise, food costs as a percentage of sales increased 0.5% to 28.3% in fiscal 2013 compared to 27.9% in fiscal 2012. Removing the impact of Cheeseburger in Paradise and removing the impact of lower food rebates, our core food cost as a percentage of sales increased by 0.3% to 28.7% in fiscal 2013 compared to 28.4% in fiscal 2012.

 

Payroll and Related Costs

 

Payroll and related costs increased approximately $11.6 million, or 10.3% in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. Hourly labor costs increased approximately $8.4 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due primarily to the addition of new restaurants, including 18 Cheeseburger in Paradise branded stores, as well as the typically higher initial labor costs associated with new restaurant openings. These labor cost increases were offset by improvements in labor costs at existing restaurants where refined scheduling techniques adopted in fiscal 2012 at our cafeteria restaurants were continued in fiscal 2013 and also deployed into our Fuddruckers restaurants. These enhanced labor scheduling processes include the ability to react more quickly to changes in customer traffic. Restaurant management labor costs increased $3.2 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due primarily to the addition of new restaurants, including the 18 Cheeseburger in Paradise branded restaurants. As a percentage of restaurant sales, Payroll and Related costs decreased 0.2% to 34.4% in fiscal 2013 compared to 34.6% in fiscal 2012. Removing the impact of Cheeseburger in Paradise, Payroll and Related costs as a percentage of sales decreased 0.5% to 34.2% from 34.6% in fiscal 2012. The decrease as a percentage of sales was achieved primarily by refined scheduling techniques noted above. 

 

 
27

 

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

Other operating expenses primarily include restaurant-related expenses for utilities, repairs and maintenance, advertising, insurance, and services. Other operating expenses increased approximately $10.9 million, or 20.2%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due in part to an $6.7 million increase from the addition of 18 Cheeseburger in Paradise branded restaurants. Other operating expenses at our Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers branded restaurants increased $4.2 million due to a net increase in restaurant locations and (1) an approximate $1.2 million increase in utility expense as we realized higher electricity and gas rates; (2) an approximate $1.4 million higher marketing and advertising expense due to increased billboard advertising, direct mail programs, local sponsorships, and enhanced point-of-purchase advertising; (3) an approximate $1.2 million increase in restaurant services, including higher credit card fees due to increased use of credit cards, deployment of new hardware and software into the restaurant operating environment, and higher beverage dispensing costs with the rollout of our Coke FreeStyle offering; (4) $0.9 million higher restaurant supplies and other costs, including increases in food to go packaging to support higher catering volumes; offset by (5) approximately $0.5 million lower repairs and maintenance expense. As a percentage of restaurant sales, Other operating expenses increased 1.4%, to 18.0%, in fiscal year 2013 compared to 16.6% in fiscal 2012. Removing the impact of Cheeseburger in Paradise, Other operating expenses as a percent of sales increased 1.0% to 17.6% in fiscal 2013 compared to 16.6% in fiscal 2012.

 

Occupancy Costs

 

Occupancy costs increased approximately $2.9 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, in large part due to the 18 acquired Cheeseburger in Paradise branded restaurants contributing $2.2 million in occupancy costs from the acquisition date of December 6, 2012 through the end of fiscal 2013. New leased Fuddruckers locations contributed another $0.4 million to Occupancy costs. Certain locations also realized higher property tax expenses contributing to higher overall Occupancy cost.

 

Franchise Operations

 

We offer franchises for the Fuddruckers brand. Franchises are sold in markets where expansion is deemed advantageous to the development of the Fuddruckers concept and system of restaurants. Franchise revenue includes (1) royalties paid to us as the franchisor for the Fuddruckers brand; (2) franchise fees paid to us when franchise development agreements are executed and when franchise units are opened for business or transferred to new owners. Franchise revenue decreased $0.3 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 which included a $0.2 million decrease in franchise fees and a $0.1 million decrease in franchise royalties. During the year, there were nine franchise units that closed on a permanent basis. We ended fiscal 2013 with 116 Fuddruckers franchise restaurants. As of November 4, 2013, we were the franchisor to 115 franchisee owned and operated restaurants.

 

Culinary Contract Services

 

CCS is a business line servicing healthcare, higher education, and corporate dining clients. The healthcare accounts are full service and typically include in-room delivery, catering, vending, coffee service and retail dining. This business line varied between 18 and 21 client locations through fiscal 2013 and also between 18 and 21 client locations in 2012. In fiscal 2012, we refined our operating model by concentrating on clients able to enter into agreements where all operating costs are reimbursed to us and we charge a generally fixed fee. These agreements typically present lower financial risk to the company.

 

Culinary Contract Services Revenue

 

Culinary Contract Services revenue decreased $1.0 million, or 5.7% in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. While the number of locations has varied, we believe we now operate with a stronger mix of clients. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to operations ceasing at one high volume location and a change in the mix of locations where we operate.

 

Cost of Culinary Contract Services

 

Cost of Culinary Contract Services includes the food, payroll and related, and other direct operating expenses associated with generating culinary contract sales. Cost of Culinary Contract Services decreased approximately $1.7 million, or 10.1%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due to a decrease in culinary contract sales volume. Profit margin in our culinary contract services business (defined as Culinary Contract Services Revenue less Cost of Culinary Contract Services) expanded in dollar terms and as a percent of Culinary Contract Services sales as we have executed on our refined operating model of concentrating on clients able to enter into agreements where all operating costs are reimbursed to us and we charge a generally fixed fee. Our profit margin as percent of Culinary Contract Services Revenue expanded to 10.9% in fiscal 2013 from 6.6% in fiscal 2012.

 

 
28

 

 

Opening Costs

 

Opening costs include labor, supplies, occupancy, and other costs necessary to support the restaurant through its opening period. Opening costs were approximately $0.8 million in fiscal 2013 compared to approximately $0.4 million in fiscal 2012. Opening costs in fiscal 2013 included the cost associated with opening four Fuddruckers restaurants and one Luby’s Cafeteria restaurant, as well as the carrying costs for property slated for development. Opening costs in fiscal 2012 included the cost associated with opening three Fuddruckers restaurants and one Luby’s Cafeteria restaurant, as well as the carrying costs for property slated for development.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation expense increased $0.5 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due primarily to the addition of Cheeseburger in Paradise assets to the depreciable base. The increase in depreciation due to investments made in new locations as well as the capital we have used for remodeling existing locations was mostly offset by certain existing assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives during fiscal 2013.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses include corporate salaries and benefits-related costs, including restaurant area leaders, share-based compensation, professional fees, travel and recruiting expenses and other office expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1.4 million, or 4.6%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, due primarily to the inclusion of Cheeseburger in Paradise which contributed $1.3 million in general and administrative expenses. Included in these costs is approximately $0.7 million related to the acquisition and integration of Cheeseburger in Paradise. The remaining increase of $0.1 million was primarily due to higher payments to outside legal and professional service providers offset by lower salary, benefits, and incentive expense. Fiscal 2012 also included a non-recurring receipt of approximately $0.3 million for a settlement in our favor from a class action suit related to credit card interchange fees that was recorded in the quarter ended November 23, 2011. As a percentage of total sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 8.4% in fiscal 2013 compared to 8.8% in fiscal 2012 primarily due to our ability to leverage our corporate overhead over the larger sales volume resulting from the acquisition of 23 Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants as well as the sales volume from new Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers restaurants.

 

Provision for asset impairments, net

 

The asset impairment of approximately $0.6 million in fiscal 2013 is related to one location that is classified as property held for sale and to used equipment at our maintenance facility in Houston.

 

The asset impairment of approximately $0.5 million in fiscal 2012 related to one terminated CCS location, and two leased restaurant properties that we continued to operate at the end of fiscal 2013.

 

Net Loss (Gain) on Disposition of Property and Equipment

 

The disposition of property and equipment in fiscal 2013 resulted in a net gain of approximately $1.7 million, which included (1) proceeds from the eminent domain disposition of part of a parking lot at a Luby’s Cafeteria location; (2) the gain on disposal at a Koo Koo Roo leased location, (3) a payment to us for exiting a lease at one cafeteria location prior to the contractual lease expiration date; offset by (4) normal asset retirement activity in our restaurants.

 

The disposition of property and equipment in fiscal 2012 resulted in a net loss of approximately $0.3 million, which included normal asset retirement activity in our restaurant units as well as the loss on disposition of assets at two restaurant locations that closed during fiscal 2012

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income was $9 thousand in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

 

 
29

 

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense in fiscal 2013 decreased approximately $22 thousand compared to fiscal 2012 on similar average debt balances and interest rates

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net, consisted primarily of the following components: net rental property income and expenses relating to property for which we are the landlord; prepaid sales tax discounts earned through our participation in state tax prepayment programs; and oil and gas royalty income.

 

Other income, net, was approximately $1.0 million in fiscal 2013 and $1.1 million fiscal 2012.

 

Taxes

 

The income tax expense related to continuing operations for fiscal 2013 was $1.8 million compared to income tax expense of $1.7 million for fiscal 2012. The expense for income taxes in fiscal 2013 reflects the tax effect of the pre-tax income for the year adjusted for state income taxes, general business and foreign tax credits, and the current year realization of previously unrecognized tax benefit of $0.2 million. Income taxes in fiscal 2012 included a valuation allowance release of $2.6 million offset by an expense for unrecognized tax benefits of $0.9 million The reversal of the valuation allowance amounts in fiscal 2012 were based upon continued improvement in current and projected operational performance, our ability to utilize net operating loss (“NOL”) amounts through carryforward and carryback, as well as recent income from continuing operations. This positive and negative evidence was weighed, and in each year an increasing portion of our deferred tax assets were determined to be realizable, on a more likely than not basis, resulting in reductions of the valuation allowance.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

The loss or income from discontinued operations was a $1.4 million loss in fiscal 2013 compared to a loss of $0.6 million in fiscal 2012. The loss of $1.4 million in fiscal 2013 included (1) $1.3 million in losses associated with five discontinued Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants as well as the “carrying costs” (typically rent, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance) associated with assets that were related to discontinued operations, (2) impairment charges of $0.6 million for certain assets related to discontinued operations and (3) a $0.5 million income tax benefit related to discontinued operations. The loss of $0.6 million in fiscal 2012 included (1) $0.7 million in “carrying costs” (typically rent, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance) associated with assets that were related to discontinued operations; (2) impairment charges of $0.9 million for certain assets related to discontinued operations; offset by (3) $0.5 million in gains on sales of assets related to discontinued assets and (4) a $0.4 million income tax benefit related to discontinued operations.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

General. Our primary sources of short-term and long-term liquidity are cash flows from operations and our revolving credit facility.

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased $1.3 million as of the end of fiscal 2014 compared to the end of fiscal 2013. Cash provided by operating activities of $20.4 million and cash provided by financing activities of $22.9 million was offset by cash used in investing activities of $42.0 million.

 

Cash flow from operations was favorably impacted by increased total revenue in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 but unfavorably impacted by increased cost of food, payroll and related costs, occupancy costs and other operating costs. We increased our net borrowings from our revolving credit facility in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to increases in our capital expenditures. We plan to continue the level of capital expenditures necessary to keep our restaurants attractive and operating efficiently.

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased $0.3 million as of the end of fiscal 2013 compared to the end of fiscal 2012. Cash provided by operating activities of $29.4 million and cash provided by financing activities of $6.3 million was offset by cash used in investing activities of $35.5 million.

 

 
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Cash flow from operations was favorably impacted by increased total revenue in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 but unfavorably impacted by increased cost of food, payroll and related costs, occupancy costs and other operating costs. We increased our net borrowings from our revolving credit facility in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to the purchase of Cheeseburger in Paradise. We also increased our capital expenditures and we plan to continue the level of capital expenditures necessary to keep our restaurants attractive and operating efficiently.

 

Our cash requirements for fiscal 2014 consisted principally of:

 

 

payments to reduce our debt;

 

capital expenditures for construction, restaurant renovations and upgrades, information technology and culinary contract services development; and

 

working capital primarily for our company-owned restaurants and culinary contract services agreements.

 

Based upon our level of past and projected capital requirements, we expect that proceeds from the sale of assets and cash flows from operations, combined with other financing alternatives in place or available, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditures and working capital requirements during the next twelve months.

 

As is common in the restaurant industry, we maintain relatively low levels of accounts receivable and inventories and our vendors grant trade credit for purchases such as food and supplies. However, higher levels of accounts receivable are typical for culinary contract services and franchises. We also continually invest in our business through the addition of new units and refurbishment of existing units, which are reflected as long-term assets.

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:

 

   

Fiscal Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands)

Total cash provided by (used in):

                       

Operating activities

  $ 20,439     $ 29,442     $ 29,262  

Investing activities

    (42,031

)

    (35,467

)

    (20,790

)

Financing activities

    22,852       6,330       (8,501

)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,260     $ 305     $ (29

)

 

Operating Activities. Cash flow from operating activities decreased from $29.4 million in fiscal 2013 to $20.4 million in fiscal 2014. The $9.0 million decrease in cash flow from operating activities was primarily due to a $7.2 million decrease in cash provided by operations before changes in operating assets and liabilities and a $1.8 million decrease in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities.

 

The $7.2 million decrease in cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to a $2.9 million decrease in company-owned restaurant segment level profit, a $1.4 million increase in opening costs, a $2.8 million increase in general and administrative costs, a $0.5 million increase in operating losses from discontinued operations and $0.3 million increase in interest expense offset by a $0.6 million increase in CCS profit and a $0.1 million increase in franchise segment level profit.

 

The $1.8 million decrease in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities was due to a $2.7 million decrease in the change of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other assets offset by a $0.9 million decrease in the change of trade accounts and other receivables and food and supply inventories in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013.

 

Cash flow from operating activities increased from $29.3 million in fiscal 2012 to $29.4 million in fiscal 2013. The $0.1 million increase in cash flow from operating activities was primarily due to a $0.6 million increase in Culinary Contract Services profit offset by an $0.3 million decrease in franchise segment level profit. Total revenue was $40.3 million higher in fiscal 2013 than fiscal 2012, offset by higher cost of food, payroll and related costs, occupancy costs and other operating costs of $40.2 million net of noncash accrued expense of $4.4 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. Other operating costs include repairs and maintenance, utilities, services, occupancy costs and insurance costs.

 

 
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Investing Activities. We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations to develop new restaurants, enhance existing restaurants and to support culinary contract services. Cash used by investing activities was $42.0 million in fiscal 2014 compared to cash used in investing activities of $35.5 million in fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2014, proceeds from disposal of assets, insurance and property held for sale was $4.1 million including $0.4 million related to discontinued operations. In fiscal 2014, purchases of property and equipment were $46.2 million, including $42.5 million in capital expenditures related to company-owned restaurants, $3.6 million in corporate related capital expenditures and $0.1 million in capital expenditures related to CCS. Company-owned restaurant capital expenditures included purchases of new equipment and new restaurant construction. Our capital expenditure program includes, among other things, investments in new restaurants and CCS locations, restaurant remodeling, and information technology enhancements.

 

In fiscal 2013 we purchased Cheeseburger in Paradise for $10.2 million. Cash used by investing activities was $35.5 million in fiscal 2013 compared to cash used in investing activities of $20.8 million in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, proceeds from disposal of assets, insurance and property held for sale was $6.0 million including $1.7 million related to discontinued operations. In fiscal 2013, purchases of property and equipment were $31.3 million, including $30.7 million in capital expenditures related to company-owned restaurants, $0.5 million in corporate related capital expenditures and $0.1 million in capital expenditures related to culinary contract services. Company-owned restaurant capital expenditures included purchases of new equipment and new restaurant construction. Our capital expenditure program includes, among other things, investments in new restaurants and Culinary Contract Services locations, restaurant remodeling, and information technology enhancements.

 

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $23.0 million in fiscal 2014 and in fiscal 2013 cash provided by financing activities was $6.3 million. In fiscal 2014 we increased debt from $19.2 million at August 28, 2013 to $42.0 million at August 27, 2014. In fiscal 2013 we increased debt from $13.0 million at the August 29, 2012 to $19.2 million at August 28, 2013.

 

Status of Long-Term Investments and Liquidity

 

At August 27, 2014, we did not hold any long-term investments.

 

Status of Trade Accounts and Other Receivables, Net

 

We monitor the aging of our receivables, including Fuddruckers franchising related receivables, and record provisions for uncollectability, as appropriate. Credit terms of accounts receivable associated with our CCS business vary from 30 to 45 days based on contract terms.

 

Working Capital

 

Current assets increased $0.3 million including a $1.3 million increase in cash. Food and supply inventories increased $0.5 million. Prepaid expenses and deferred tax assets decreased $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The $0.5 million increase in food and supply inventory was primarily due to equipment and supplies to open new restaurants. The $0.5 million decrease in prepaid expenses was primarily due to prepaid insurance and the $1.0 million decrease in deferred tax assets was primarily due to our realization of deferred tax assets in fiscal year 2014.

 

Current liabilities increased $4.0 million due to a $2.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities of $1.4 million. The $2.6 million increase in accounts payable was due to a $1.5 million increase in checks in transit and a $1.1 million increase in accrued purchases. The increase of $1.4 million in accrued expenses and other liabilities is a result of increases in accruals for expenses in salaries and incentives of $0.9 million, deferred franchise fees of $0.8 million, unredeemed gift cards of $0.2 million, deferred income taxes of $0.1 million, utilities of $0.1 million, and employee related insurance of $0.1 million offset by decreases in taxes other than income taxes of $0.3 million, and income taxes and other of $0.5 million.

 

 
32

 

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures consist of purchases of real estate for future restaurant sites, culinary contract services investments, new unit construction, purchases of new and replacement restaurant furniture and equipment, and ongoing remodeling programs. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2014 were approximately $46.2 million and related to recurring maintenance of our existing units, to improvement of our culinary contract services business and the development of future restaurant sites. We expect to be able to fund all capital expenditures in fiscal 2015 using proceeds from the sale of assets, cash flows from operations and our available credit. We expect to spend approximately $20 to $25 million on capital expenditures in fiscal year 2015.

 

DEBT

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

In August 2013, we entered into a revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent. The following description summarizes the material terms of the revolving credit facility, as subsequently amended on March 21, 2014 and November 7, 2014, (the revolving credit facility is referred to as the “2013 Credit Facility”). The 2013 Credit Facility is governed by the credit agreement dated as of August 14, 2013 (the “2013 Credit Agreement”) among us, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent. The maturity date of the 2013 Credit Facility is September 1, 2017.

 

The aggregate amount of the lenders’ commitments under the 2013 Credit Facility was $70.0 million as of August 28, 2013. The 2013 Credit Facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit in a maximum aggregate amount of $5.0 million outstanding as of August 14, 2013 and $15.0 million outstanding at any one time with prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank. At August 27, 2014, under the 2013 Credit Facility, the total available borrowing capacity was up to $49.3 million after applying the Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio limitation, the available borrowing capacity was $5.1 million.

 

The 2013 Credit Facility is guaranteed by all of our present subsidiaries and will be guaranteed by our future subsidiaries. In addition to the bank’s increased commitment under the 2013 Credit Agreement, it may be increased to a maximum commitment of $90 million.

 

At any time throughout the term of the 2013 Credit Facility, we have the option to elect one of two bases of interest rates. One interest rate option is the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%, or (b) prime, plus, in either case, an applicable spread that ranges from 0.75% to 2.25% per annum. The other interest rate option is the London InterBank Offered Rate plus a spread that ranges from 2.50% to 4.00% per annum. The applicable spread under each option is dependent upon the ratio of our debt to EBITDA at the most recent determination date.

 

We are obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each lender a quarterly commitment fee based on the average daily unused amount of the commitment of such lender, ranging from 0.30% to 0.40% per annum depending on the Total Leverage Ratio at the most recent determination date.

 

The proceeds of the 2013 Credit Facility are available for our general corporate purposes and general working capital purposes and capital expenditures.

 

Borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility are subject to mandatory repayment with the proceeds of sales of certain of our real property, subject to certain exceptions.

 

The 2013 Credit Facility is secured by a perfected first priority lien on certain of our real property and all of the material personal property owned by us or any of our subsidiaries, other than certain excluded assets (as defined in the Credit Agreement). At August 27, 2014, the carrying value of the collateral securing the 2013 Credit Facility was $84.4 million.

 

The 2013 Credit Agreement, as amended, contains the following covenants among others:

 

 

maintenance of a ratio of (a) EBITDA minus $7.5 million (for maintenance capital expenditures) for the four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to (b) the sum of (x) interest expense (as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement) for such four fiscal-quarter-period plus (y) the outstanding principal balance of the loans as of the last day of such fiscal quarter divided by ten (the “Debt Service Coverage Ratio), of not less than 1.10 to 1.00 during the first, second and third fiscal quarters of fiscal 2015; 1.25 to 1.00 during the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2015 and the first and second fiscal quarters of fiscal 2016; and 1.50 to 1.00 at all times thereafter.

 

maintenance of minimum net profit of $1.00 (1) for at least one of any two consecutive fiscal quarters starting with the third fiscal quarter of 2016, and (2) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters starting with the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 (for the fiscal year 2015).

 

 
33 

 

 

 

maintenance of a ratio of (a) the sum of (x) indebtedness as of the last day of any fiscal quarter plus (y) eight times rental expense for the four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to (b) the sum of (x) EBITDA for such four fiscal-quarter-period plus (y) rental expense for such four fiscal-quarter-period (the “Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio”) of  no more than (i) 5.75 to 1.00 during the first, second and third fiscal quarters of fiscal 2015, (ii) 5.50 to 1.00 during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, (iii) 5.25 to 1.00 during the first fiscal quarter of 2016, (iv) 5.00 to 1.00 during the second fiscal quarter of 2016 and, (v) 4.75 to 1.00 at all times thereafter.

  capital expenditures limited to $25.0 million per year,

 

restrictions on incurring indebtedness, including certain guarantees and capital lease obligations,

 

restrictions on incurring liens on certain of our property and the property of our subsidiaries,

 

restrictions on transactions with affiliates and materially changing our business,

 

restrictions on making certain investments, loans, advances and guarantees,

 

restrictions on selling assets outside the ordinary course of business,

 

prohibitions on entering into sale and leaseback transactions,

 

restrictions on certain acquisitions of all or a substantial portion of the assets, property and/or equity interests of any person, including share repurchases and dividends.

 

At February 12, 2014, as the result of losses incurred from our recently acquired leaseholds operating as Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants, we reported our second consecutive quarterly net profit below our required minimum net profit as defined in the credit agreement. As part of the March 21, 2014 amendment we received a waiver of non-compliance related to this minimum consecutive quarterly net profit debt covenant for the second quarter fiscal 2014. The November 2014 amendment revised the net profit, debt service, lease adjusted leverage ratio, borrowing rates, provided for a $25.0 million annual capital expenditure limit, and required liens to be perfected on all real property by January 31, 2015. Although we expect to meet the requirements of the Net Profit – Two Consecutive Quarters covenant in the future, non-compliance could have had a material adverse affect on our financial condition and would have represented an event of default under the 2013 Credit Agreement.

 

We were in compliance with the covenants contained in the 2013 Credit Agreement as of August 27, 2014.

  

The 2013 Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default. If a default occurs and is continuing, the lenders’ commitments under the 2013 Credit Facility may be immediately terminated and/or we may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the 2013 Credit Facility.

 

As of August 27, 2014, we had $42.0 million in outstanding loans and $1.1 million committed under letters of credit, which were issued as security for the payment of insurance obligations and $1.1 million in capital lease commitments.

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements except for operating leases for our corporate office, facility service warehouse and certain restaurant properties.

 

Claims

 

From time to time, we are subject to various other private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time. These matters typically involve claims from guests, employees and others related to issues common to the restaurant industry. We currently believe that the final disposition of these types of lawsuits, proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that our future results of operations for a particular quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to lawsuits, proceedings or claims.

 

Construction Activity

 

From time to time, we enter into non-cancelable contracts for the construction of our new restaurants. This construction activity exposes us to the risks inherent in new construction including but not limited to rising material prices, labor shortages, delays in getting required permits and inspections, adverse weather conditions, and injuries sustained by workers.

 

 
34

 

 

Contractual Obligations

 

At August 27, 2014, we had contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as described below:

 

   

Payments due by Period

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

   

Less than

1 Year

   

1-3 Years

   

3-5 Years

   

After
5 Years

 
 

(In thousands)

Long-term debt (a)

  $ 42,000     $     $ 42,000     $     $  

Capital lease and other obligations(b)

    1,260       481       779              

Operating lease obligations (c)

    69,873       12,219       18,804       12,696       26,154  

Uncertain tax positions liability (d)

    62       62                    

Total

  $ 113,195     $ 12,762     $ 61,583     $ 12,696     $ 26,154  

 

   

Amount of Commitment by Expiration Period

 

Other Commercial Commitments

 

Total

   

Fiscal
2015

   

Fiscal
2016-2017

   

Fiscal
2017-2018

   

Thereafter

 
 

(In thousands)

Letters of credit

  $ 1,102     $ 1,102     $     $     $  
 

(a)

Long-term debt consists of amounts owed on the 2013 credit facility.

(b)

Capital lease obligations contain leases for equipment ranging from one to two years and note relating to Fuddruckers Tulsa purchase plus interest on note.

(c)

Operating lease obligations contain rent escalations and renewal options ranging from one to twenty-five years.

(d)

The timing and amounts of future cash payments related to these liabilities are uncertain.

 

In addition to the commitments described above, we enter into a number of cancelable and noncancelable commitments during each fiscal year. Typically, these commitments expire within one year and are generally focused on food inventory. We do not maintain any long-term or exclusive commitments or arrangements to purchase products from any single supplier. Substantially all of our product purchase commitments are cancelable up to 30 days prior to the vendor’s scheduled shipment date.

 

Long-term liabilities reflected in our consolidated financial statements as of August 27, 2014 included amounts accrued for benefit payments under our supplemental executive retirement plan of $0.1 million, accrued insurance reserves of $0.7 million and deferred rent liabilities of $2.6 million.

 

We are also contractually obligated to our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an employment agreement. See “Affiliations and Related Parties” below for further information.

 

AFFILIATIONS AND RELATED PARTIES 

 

Affiliate Services

 

Our Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Pappas, and one of our directors and our former Chief Operating Officer, Harris J. Pappas, own two restaurant entities (the “Pappas entities”) that may provide services to Luby’s, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as detailed in the Amended and Restated Master Sales Agreement dated November 8, 2013 among us and the Pappas entities (the “Master Sales Agreement”).

 

Under the terms of the Master Sales Agreement, the Pappas entities continue to provide specialized (customized) equipment fabrication primarily for new construction and basic equipment maintenance, including stainless steel stoves, shelving, rolling carts, and chef tables. The total costs under the Master Sales Agreement of custom-fabricated and refurbished equipment were $4,000, zero, and $139,000 in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Services provided under this agreement are subject to review and approval by the Finance and Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

 
35

 

 

Operating Leases

 

In the third quarter of fiscal 2004, Messrs. Pappas became partners in a limited partnership which purchased a retail strip center in Houston, Texas. Messrs. Pappas collectively own a 50% limited partner interest and a 50% general partner interest in the limited partnership. A third party company manages the center. One of our restaurants has rented approximately 7% of the space in that center since 1969. No changes were made to our lease terms as a result of the transfer of ownership of the center to the new partnership. We made payments of approximately $388,000, $426,000 and $332,000 during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, pursuant to the terms of the lease agreement, which currently includes an annual base rate of $14.64 per square foot per year plus maintenance taxes and insurance.

 

On November 22, 2006, we executed a new lease agreement with respect to this property. Effective upon our relocation and occupancy into the new space in July 2008, the new lease agreement provides for a primary term of approximately 12 years with two subsequent five-year options and gives the landlord an option to buy out the tenant on or after the calendar year 2015 by paying the then unamortized cost of improvements to the tenant. We are currently obligated to pay rent of $20.00 per square foot ($22.00 per square foot beginning January 2014) plus maintenance, taxes, and insurance during the primary term of the lease. Thereafter, the lease provides for reasonable increases in rent at set intervals. The new lease agreement was approved by the Finance and Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

Affiliated rents paid for the Houston property lease represented 2.3%, 2.7% and 2.6% of total rents for continuing operations in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

As of March 12, 2014, one location was purchased from a prior landlord by Pappas Restaurants, Inc., a 100% undivided interest. No changes were made to our lease terms as a result of the transfer of ownership.

 

The following table compares current and prior fiscal year-to-date charges incurred under the Master Sales Agreement, affiliated property leases and other related party agreements to our total capital expenditures, as well as relative general and administrative expenses and Other operating expenses included in continuing operations:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(364 days)

(364 days)

(364 days)

 

(In thousands)

AFFILIATED COSTS INCURRED:

                       

General and administrative expenses—professional and other costs

  $     $ 50     $ 50  

Capital expenditures—custom-fabricated and refurbished equipment

    4             139  

Other operating expenses, occupancy costs and opening costs, including property leases

    388       426       332  

Total

  $ 392     $ 476     $ 521  

RELATIVE TOTAL COMPANY COSTS:

                       

General and administrative expenses

  $ 35,038     $ 32,217     $ 30,808  

Capital expenditures

    46,184       31,339       25,845  

Other operating expenses, occupancy costs and opening costs

    92,044       86,713       72,499  

Total

  $ 173,266     $ 150,269     $ 129,152  

AFFILIATED COSTS INCURRED AS A PERCENTAGE OF RELATIVE TOTAL COMPANY COSTS

    0.23

%

    0.32

%

    0.40

%

 

 
36

 

 

On January 24, 2014, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Christopher J. Pappas, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The Employment Agreement was unanimously approved by the Executive Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board as well as by the full Board.

 

The Employment Agreement provides for a term that began on January 24, 2014 and expires on December 31, 2014. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Pappas will devote his primary working time, attention, energies and business efforts to his duties to the Company.  

 

On January 25, 2013, the Board approved the renewal of a consultant agreement with Ernest Pekmezaris, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer. Under the agreement, Mr. Pekmezaris furnished to the Company advisory and consulting services related to finance and accounting matters and other related consulting services. The agreement expired on July 31, 2013. Mr. Pekmezaris is also the Treasurer of Pappas Restaurants, Inc. Compensation for the services provided by Mr. Pekmezaris to Pappas Restaurants, Inc. is paid entirely by that entity.

 

Peter Tropoli, our Chief Operating Officer and formerly our Senior Vice President, Administration, General Counsel and Secretary, is an attorney and stepson of Frank Markantonis, who is a director of Luby’s, Inc.

 

Paulette Gerukos, our Vice President of Human Resources, is the sister-in-law of Harris J. Pappas, who is a director of Luby’s, Inc.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report. The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Preparation of the financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management believes the following are critical accounting policies due to the significant, subjective and complex judgments and estimates used when preparing our consolidated financial statements. Management regularly reviews these assumptions and estimates with the Finance and Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

Income Taxes

 

The estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are recorded. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities (temporary differences) and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We periodically review the recoverability of tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and assess the need for a valuation allowance by considering both positive and negative evidence. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. A three-year cumulative pre-tax loss is an example of negative evidence that raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets. The realization of such net deferred tax asset will generally depend on whether we will have sufficient taxable income of an appropriate character within the carryforward period permitted by the tax law.

 

General business tax credits carryovers are one of our more significant deferred tax asset items. These may be carried over up to twenty years in the future for possible utilization in the future. The carryover of general business tax credits and other credits were also impacted by amended federal returns, and subsequent to these filings, general business tax credit amounts carryover beginning in fiscal year 2002 and will begin to expire at the end of fiscal year 2022 through 2033, if not utilized by then.

 

 Management makes judgments regarding the interpretation of tax laws that might be challenged upon an audit and cause changes to previous estimates of tax liability. We operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions and are subject to examination in these tax jurisdictions, as well as by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all open income tax periods. The potential outcomes of examinations are regularly assessed in determining the adequacy of the provision for income taxes and income tax liabilities. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made for reasonable and foreseeable outcomes related to uncertain tax matters. 

 

 
37

 

 

Tangible Property Regulations

 

In September 2013, the U.S. Treasury issued final regulations addressing the tax consequences associated with the acquisition, production and improvement of tangible property and which are generally effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, which for the Company is its year beginning August 28, 2014. The Company plans to timely adopt these regulations in its fiscal 2015 and, at this time, has not evaluated the impact of these regulations on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We periodically evaluate long-lived assets held for use and held for sale, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. We analyze historical cash flows of operating locations and compare results of poorer performing locations to more profitable locations. We also analyze lease terms, condition of the assets and related need for capital expenditures or repairs, construction activity in the surrounding area as well as the economic and market conditions in the surrounding area.

 

For assets held for use, we estimate future cash flows using assumptions based on possible outcomes of the areas analyzed. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of our location’s assets, we record an impairment based on an estimate of discounted cash flows. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgments. Assumptions and estimates used include operating results, changes in working capital, discount rate, growth rate, anticipated net proceeds from disposition of the property and if applicable, lease terms. The span of time for which future cash flows are estimated is often lengthy, increasing the sensitivity to assumptions made. The time span is longer and could be 20 to 25 years for newer properties, but only 5 to 10 years for older properties. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets can vary within a wide range of outcomes. We consider the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining the best estimate of future cash flows. The measurement for such an impairment loss is then based on the fair value of the asset as determined by discounted cash flows. We operated 174 restaurants as of November 4, 2014 and periodically experience unanticipated changes in our assumptions and estimates. Those changes could have a significant impact on discounted cash flow models with a corresponding significant impact on the measurement of an impairment. Gains are not recognized until the assets are disposed.

 

We evaluate the useful lives of our other intangible assets, primarily the Fuddruckers trademarks and franchise agreements to determine if they are definite or indefinite-lived. Reaching a determination of useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects of obsolescence, contract term, demand, competition, other economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, legislative action that results in an uncertain or changing regulatory environment, and expected changes in distribution channels), the level of required maintenance expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets.

 

We periodically evaluate our intangible assets, primarily the Fuddruckers trademarks and franchise agreements, to determine if events or changes in circumstances such as economic or market conditions indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. We analyze historical cash flows of operating locations to determine trends that would indicate a need for impairment. We also analyze royalties and collectability from our franchisees to determine if there are trends that would indicate a need for impairment.

 

Property Held for Sale

 

We periodically review long-lived assets against our plans to retain or ultimately dispose of properties. If we decide to dispose of a property, it will be moved to property held for sale and actively marketed. Property held for sale is recorded at amounts not in excess of what management currently expects to receive upon sale, less costs of disposal. We analyze market conditions each reporting period and record additional impairments due to declines in market values of like assets. The fair value of the property is determined by observable inputs such as appraisals and prices of comparable properties in active markets for assets like ours. Gains are not recognized until the properties are sold.

 

Insurance and Claims

 

We self-insure a significant portion of risks and associated liabilities under our employee injury, workers’ compensation and general liability programs. We maintain insurance coverage with third party carriers to limit our per-occurrence claim exposure. We have recorded accrued liabilities for self-insurance based upon analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates, and we review these amounts on a quarterly basis to ensure that the liability is appropriate.

 

 
38

 

 

The significant assumptions made by the actuary to estimate self-insurance reserves, including incurred but not reported claims, are as follows: (1) historical patterns of loss development will continue in the future as they have in the past (Loss Development Method), (2) historical trend patterns and loss cost levels will continue in the future as they have in the past (Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method), and (3) historical claim counts and exposures are used to calculate historical frequency rates and average claim costs are analyzed to get a projected severity (Frequency and Severity Method). The results of these methods are blended by the actuary to provide the reserves estimates.

 

Actual workers’ compensation and employee injury claims expense may differ from estimated loss provisions. The ultimate level of claims under the in-house safety program are not known, and declines in incidence of claims as well as claims costs experiences or reductions in reserve requirements under the program may not continue in future periods.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation is recognized as compensation expense in the income statement utilizing the fair value on the date of the grant. The fair value of restricted stock units is valued at the closing market price of our common stock at the date of grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions for volatility, expected option life, risk free interest rate and dividend yield are used in the model.

 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (”FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (Topic 350). This pronouncement was issued to simplify how entities test for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets. Under this pronouncement, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. In conclusion of this assessment, if an entity finds that it is not more likely that not than an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, is an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.” This pronouncement is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which updated guidance amending the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. These amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. However, the guidance requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component, either on the face of the financial statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012, and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405), which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date. Examples of obligations within this guidance are debt arrangements, other contractual obligations and settled litigation and judicial rulings. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-007, Liquidation Basis of Accounting (Topic 205), which requires a company to prepare its financial statements using liquidation basis of accounting (LBA) when liquidation is imminent. The pronouncement is effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which provides that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from disallowance or a tax provision or the tax law does not require the entity to use and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purposes, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 
39

 

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No 2014-08. The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. It also addresses sources of confusion and inconsistent application related to financial reporting of discontinued operations guidance in U.S. GAAP. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, after December 31, 2015. We are evaluating the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early application is not permitted. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We are evaluating the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and have not yet selected a transition method.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No 2014-15. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Under GAAP, financial statements are prepared under the presumption that the reporting organization will continue to operate as a going concern, except in limited circumstances. The going concern basis of accounting is critical to financial reporting because it establishes the fundamental basis for measuring and classifying assets and liabilities. Currently, GAAP lacks guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the organization’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. This ASU provides guidance to an organization’s management, with principles and definitions that are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of disclosures that are commonly provided by organizations today in the financial statement footnotes. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, after December 31, 2016. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

INFLATION

 

It is generally our policy to maintain stable menu prices without regard to seasonal variations in food costs. Certain increases in costs of food, wages, supplies, transportation and services may require us to increase our menu prices from time to time. To the extent prevailing market conditions allow, we intend to adjust menu prices to maintain profit margins.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates affecting our variable-rate debt. As of fiscal year-end 2014, the total amount of debt subject to interest rate fluctuations outstanding under our Amended New Credit Facility was $42.0 million. Assuming an average debt balance of $42.0 million, a 1.0% increase in prevailing interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by $0.4 million.

 

Although we are not currently using interest rate swaps, we have previously used and may in the future use these instruments to manage cash flow risk on a portion of our variable-rate debt.

 

Many ingredients in the products sold in our restaurants are commodities, subject to unpredictable price fluctuations. We attempt to minimize price volatility by negotiating fixed price contracts for the supply of key ingredients and in some cases by passing increased commodity costs through to the customer by adjusting menu prices or menu offerings. Our ingredients are available from multiple suppliers so we are not dependant on a single vendor for our ingredients. 

 

 
40

 

 

Item  8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Luby’s, Inc.

 

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Luby’s, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) (and subsidiaries) (the "Company") as of August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 27, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Luby’s, Inc. and subsidiaries as of August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 27, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of August 27, 2014, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated November 10, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Houston, Texas

November 10, 2014 

 

 
41

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Luby’s, Inc.

 

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Luby’s, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) (and its subsidiaries) (the "Company") as of August 27, 2014, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 27, 2014, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended August 27, 2014, and our report dated November 10, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP 

 

Houston, Texas

November 10, 2014 

 

 
42

 

 

 Luby’s, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

 
 

(In thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

               

Current Assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 2,788     $ 1,528  

Trade accounts and other receivables, net

    4,112       4,083  

Food and supply inventories

    5,556       4,908  

Prepaid expenses

    2,815       3,267  

Assets related to discontinued operations

    52       196  

Deferred income taxes

    587       1,635  

Total current assets

    15,910       15,617  

Property held for sale

    991       449  

Assets related to discontinued operations

    4,204       4,218  

Property and equipment, net

    213,492       190,497  

Intangible assets, net

    24,014       25,517  

Goodwill

    1,681       2,169  

Deferred income taxes

    11,294       7,923  

Other assets

    3,849       4,255  

Total assets

  $ 275,435     $ 250,645  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Current Liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 26,269     $ 23,655  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

    590       527  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    23,107       21,817  

Total current liabilities

    49,966       45,999  

Credit facility debt

    42,000       19,200  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

    278       448  

Other liabilities

    8,167       7,865  

Total liabilities

    100,411       73,512  

Commitments and Contingencies

               

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Common stock, $0.32 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; Shares issued were 28,949,523 and 28,804,344, respectively; Shares outstanding were 28,449,523 and 28,304,344, respectively

    9,264       9,217  

Paid-in capital

    27,356       26,065  

Retained earnings

    143,179       146,626  

Less cost of treasury stock, 500,000 shares

    (4,775

)

    (4,775

)

Total shareholders’ equity

    175,024       177,133  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 275,435     $ 250,645  

 

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

 

 
43

 

 

Luby’s, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands except per share data)

SALES:

                       

Restaurant sales

  $ 368,267     $ 360,001     $ 324,536  

Culinary contract services

    18,555       16,693       17,711  

Franchise revenue

    7,027       6,937       7,232  

Vending revenue

    532       565       618  

TOTAL SALES

    394,381       384,196       350,097  

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

                       

Cost of food

    106,284       103,070       90,416  

Payroll and related costs

    127,792       123,864       112,279  

Other operating expenses

    68,820       64,918       54,007  

Occupancy costs

    21,060       21,012       18,097  

Opening costs

    2,164       783       395  

Cost of culinary contract services

    16,177       14,874       16,545  

Depreciation and amortization

    20,062       18,376       17,894  

General and administrative expenses

    35,038       32,217       30,808  

Provision for asset impairments, net

    2,498       615       451  

Net loss (gain) on disposition of property and equipment

    (2,357

)

    (1,723

)

    278  

Total costs and expenses

    397,538       378,006       341,170  

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

    (3,157

)

    6,190       8,927  

Interest expense

    (1,247

)

    (920

)

    (942

)

Other income, net

    1,131       1,052       1,067  

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

    (3,273

)

    6,322       9,052  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes, net

    (1,660

)

    1,775       1,654  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    (1,613

)

    4,547       7,398  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

    (1,834

)

    (1,386

)

    (645

)

NET INCOME (LOSS)

  $ (3,447

)

  $ 3,161     $ 6,753  

Income (loss) per share from continuing operations:

                       

Basic

  $ (0.06

)

  $ 0.16     $ 0.26  

Assuming dilution

  $ (0.06

)

  $ 0.16     $ 0.26  

Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations:

                       

Basic

  $ (0.06

)

  $ (0.05

)

  $ (0.02

)

Assuming dilution

  $ (0.06

)

  $ (0.05

)

  $ (0.02

)

Net income (loss) per share:

                       

Basic

  $ (0.12

)

  $ 0.11     $ 0.24  

Assuming dilution

  $ (0.12

)

  $ 0.11     $ 0.24  

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

                       

Basic

    28,812       28,618       28,351  

Assuming dilution

    28,812       28,866       28,429  

 

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

 

 
44

 

 

 Luby’s, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

  

   

Common Stock

                         
   

Issued

   

Treasury

                         
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Paid-In
Capital

   

Retained
Earnings

   

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

 

Balance at August 31, 2011

    28,651     $ 9,168       (500

)

  $ (4,775

)

  $ 23,772     $ 136,872     $ 165,037  

Correction of prior years cumulative error

                                  (160

)

    (160 )

Revised Balance at August 31, 2011

    28,651     $ 9,168       (500

)

  $ (4,775

)

  $ 23,772     $ 136,712     $ 164,877  

Net income for the year

                                  6,753       6,753  

Reduction in excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

                            (27

)

          (27

)

Share-based compensation expense

    26       8                   787             795  

Balance at August 29, 2012

    28,677     $ 9,176       (500

)

  $ (4,775

)

  $ 24,532     $ 143,465     $ 172,398  

Net income for the year

                                  3,161       3,161  

Common stock issued under nonemployee director benefit plans

    28       9                   19             28  

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

    80       26                   350             376  

Increase in excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

                            64             64  

Share-based compensation expense

    19       6                   1,100             1,106  

Balance at August 28, 2013

    28,804     $ 9,217       (500

)

  $ (4,775

)

  $ 26,065     $ 146,626     $ 177,133  

Net loss for the year

                                  (3,447

)

    (3,447

)

Common stock issued under nonemployee director benefit plans

    31       10                   17             27  

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

    63       20                   78             98  

Increase in excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

                            50             50  

Share-based compensation expense

    52       17                   1,146             1,163  

Balance at August 27, 2014

    28,950     $ 9,264       (500

)

  $ (4,775

)

  $ 27,356     $ 143,179     $ 175,024  

 

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

 

 
45

 

 

 Luby’s, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                       

Net income

  $ (3,447

)

  $ 3,161     $ 6,753  

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

                       

Provision for asset impairments, net of gains/losses on property sales

    1,347       (451

)

    1,084  

Depreciation and amortization

    20,221       18,571       17,974  

Provision for doubtful accounts

                382  

Amortization of debt issuance cost

    123       112       112  

Non-cash compensation expense

    125       404        

Share-based compensation expense

    1,163       1,106       795  

(Increase) reduction in tax benefits from share-based compensation

    (50

)

    (64

)

    27  

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

    (3,348

)

    522       (394

)

Cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating asset and liabilities

    16,134       23,361       26,733  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                       

Decrease (increase) in trade accounts and other receivables

    (29

)

    10       55  

Decrease (increase) in food and supply inventories

    (530

)

    (903

)

    629  

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets

    917       356       (1,186

)

Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

    3,947       6,618       3,031  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    20,439       29,442       29,262  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                       

Repayment (issuance) of note receivable

    23       80       (177

)

Acquisition of Cheeseburger in Paradise

          (10,169

)

     

Proceeds from disposal of assets, insurance proceeds and property held for sale

    4,130       5,961       5,232  

Purchases of property and equipment

    (46,184

)

    (31,339

)

    (25,845

)

Net cash used in investing activities

    (42,031

)

    (35,467

)

    (20,790

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                       

Credit facility borrowings

    105,900       69,700       43,300  

Credit facility repayments

    (83,100

)

    (63,500

)

    (51,800

)

Debt issuance costs

    (123

)

    (338

)

    (1

)

Tax benefit on stock option expense

    50       64        

Proceeds received on the exercise of employee stock options

    125       404        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    22,852       6,330       (8,501

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    1,260       305       (29

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    1,528       1,223       1,252  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $ 2,788     $ 1,528     $ 1,223  

 

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

 

 
46

 

 

Luby’s, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Fiscal Years 2014, 2013 and 2012

 

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of Operations

 

Luby’s, Inc. is based in Houston, Texas. As of August 27, 2014, the Company owned and operated 174 restaurants, with 127 in Texas and the remainder in other states. In addition, the Company received royalties from 110 franchises as of August 27, 2014 located primarily throughout the United States. The Company’s owned and franchised restaurant locations are convenient to shopping and business developments as well as to residential areas. Accordingly, the restaurants appeal to a variety of customers at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Culinary Contract Services consists of contract arrangements to manage food services for clients operating in primarily three lines of business: health care, higher education and corporate dining.

 

Correction of Immaterial Errors in Previously Issued Financial Statements

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we identified accounting errors in prepaid assets and payroll related liabilities. The Company did not expense amounts related to these accounts properly in the appropriate prior periods. The errors impacted all prior reporting periods beginning in 2007. While these errors were not material to any previously issued annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements, management concluded that correcting the cumulative errors and related tax effects would have been material to consolidated financial statements for the three months and six months ended February 12, 2014 and to the expected results of operations for the fiscal year ending August 27, 2014. Management evaluated the cumulative impact of the errors on prior periods under the guidance in ASC 250-10 relating to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic1.M, Assessing Materiality. The Company also evaluated the impact of correcting the errors through an adjustment to its financial statements and concluded, based on the guidance within ASC 250-10 relating to SAB Topic 1.N, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, to revise its previously issued financial statements to reflect the impact of the correction of these errors when it files subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K. Accordingly, the Company revised its consolidated financial statements for the quarters ended February 12, 2014 and May 7, 2014 and for the years ended August 29, 2012 and August 28, 2013, to correct these errors. The prior period error corrections did not change the net cash flows provided by or used in operating, investing or financing activities previously reported. The cumulative effect on retained earnings as of August 31, 2011, was a reduction of $160,000, as reflected in the Statement of Shareholders Equity as of August 27, 2014. 

 

 
47

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

The following tables presents the impact of the accounting errors on the Company’s previously-reported consolidated balance sheet for the year ended August 28, 2013 and August 29, 2012.

 

   

Balance Sheet August 28, 2013

(In thousands)

 
   

As Reported

   

Reclassifications1

   

Adjustments

   

Revised

 

ASSETS

                               

Current Assets:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,528     -     $ -     $ 1,528  

Trade accounts and other receivables, net

    4,083        -       -       4,083  

Food and supply inventories

    5,026       (118

)

    -       4,908  

Prepaid expenses

    3,183       (57

)

    141       3,267  

Assets related to discontinued operations

    21       175       -       196  

Deferred income taxes

    1,436       -       199       1,635  

Total current assets

    15,277       -       340       15,617  

Property held for sale

    449       -       -       449  

Assets related to discontinued operations

    4,189       29       -       4,218  

Property and equipment, net

    190,519       (22

)

    -       190,497  

Intangible assets, net

    25,517       -       -       25,517  

Goodwill

    2,169       -       -       2,169  

Deferred income taxes

    7,923       -       -       7,923  

Other assets

    4,262       (7

)

    -       4,255  

Total assets

  $ 250,305     $ -     $ 340     $ 250,645  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER EQUITY

                               

Current Liabilities:

                               

Accounts payable

  $ 23,655     $ -     $ -     $ 23,655  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

    440       87       -       527  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    21,178       (87

)

    726       21,817  

Total current liabilities

    45,273       -       726       45,999  

Credit facility debt

    19,200       -       -       19,200  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

    304       144       -       448  

Other liabilities

    8,010       (145

)

    -       7,865  

Total liabilities

    72,787       (1

)

    726       73,512  

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY

                               

Common Stock

    9,217       -       -       9,217  

Paid-in capital

    26,065       -       -       26,065  

Retained earnings

    147,011       1       (386

)

    146,626  

Less cost of treasury stock

    (4,775

)

    -       -       (4,775

)

Total shareholders' equity

    177,518       1       (386

)

    177,133  

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 250,305     $ -     $ 340     $ 250,645  

 

 

(1)

The results of operations, assets and liabilities for all units included in the Company's disposal plans discussed in Note 11 have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the statements of operations and balance sheets for all periods presented. Some table rows may not sum due to rounding.

 

 
48

 

 

   

Balance Sheet August 29, 2012

(In thousands)

 
   

As Reported

   

Reclassifications(1)

   

Adjustments

   

Revised

 

ASSETS

                               

Current Assets:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,223     $  -     $ -     $ 1,223  

Trade accounts and other receivables, net

    4,000        -       -       4,000  

Food and supply inventories

    3,561        -       -       3,561  

Prepaid expenses

    3,010       11       (262

)

    2,759  

Assets related to discontinued operations

    40       (11

)

    -       29  

Deferred income taxes

    1,932       -       135       2,067  

Total current assets

    13,766       -       (127

)

    13,639  

Property held for sale

    602       -       -       602  

Assets related to discontinued operations

    4,824       20       -       4,844  

Property and equipment, net

    173,653       (20

)

    -       173,633  

Intangible assets, net

    26,679       -       -       26,679  

Goodwill

    195       -       -       195  

Deferred income taxes

    9,354       -       -       9,354  

Other assets

    1,944       -       -       1,944  

Total assets

  $ 231,017     $ -     $ (127

)

  $ 230,890  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER EQUITY

                               

Current Liabilities:

                               

Accounts payable

  $ 14,849     $ 1     $ -     $ 14,850  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

    411       2       -       413  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    20,677       (2

)

    135       20,810  

Total current liabilities

    35,937       1       135       36,073  

Credit facility debt

    13,000       -       -       13,000  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

    1,133       (78

)

    -       1,055  

Other liabilities (1)

    8,288       77       -       8,364  

Total liabilities (1)

    58,358     $ -

 

    135       58,492  

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY

                               

Common Stock

    9,176       -       -       9,176  

Paid-in capital

    24,532       -       -       24,532  

Retained earnings (1)

    143,726       -       (262

)

    143,465  

Less cost of treasury stock

    (4,775

)

    -       -       (4,775

)

Total shareholders' equity

    172,659       -       (262

)

    172,398  

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 231,017     $ -

 

  $ (127

)

  $ 230,890  

 

 

(1)

The results of operations, assets and liabilities for all units included in the Company's disposal plans discussed in Note 11 have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the statements of operations and balance sheets for all periods presented. Some table rows may not sum due to rounding.

 

 
49

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

The following table presents the impact of the accounting errors on the Company’s previously-reported consolidated Statement of operations for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2013:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended August 28, 2013

(In thousands)

   

As Reported

   

Reclassifications(1)

   

Adjustments

   

Revised

 
                                 

Restaurant sales

  $ 366,155     $ (6,154

)

  $     $ 360,001  

Cost of food

    104,993       (1,923

)

          103,070  

Payroll and related costs

    126,306       (2,500

)

    58       123,864  

Other operating expenses

    66,382       (1,497

)

    33       64,918  

Occupancy costs

    21,537       (525

)

          21,012  

General and administrative expenses

    32,121       3       93       32,217  

Provision for income taxes

    1,839             (64

)

    1,775  

Income from continuing operations

    4,222       445       (120

)

    4,547  

 

(1)  Certain reclassification of amounts have been made to conform with the current year presentation for comparative purposes. The results of operations, assets and liabilities for all units included in the Company’s disposal plans discussed in Note 11 have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the statements of operations and balance sheets for all periods presented. Occupancy costs have been reclassified from Other operating expenses to a separate line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and group insurance, employer 401(k) matching and employee meal costs have been reclassified from Other operating expenses to Payroll and related costs to provide comparability to financial results reported by our peers in the industry.  

 

The following table presents the impact of the accounting errors on the Company’s previously-reported consolidated Statement of operations for the fiscal year ended August 29, 2012:

 

   

Fiscal Year Ended August 29, 2012

(In thousands)

 
   

As Reported

   

Reclassifications(1)

   

Adjustments

   

Revised

 

Restaurant sales

  $ 324,536     $  -     $ -     $ 324,536  

Cost of foods

    90,416       -       -       90,416  

Payroll and related costs

    110,161       2,095       23

 

    112,279  

Other operating expenses

    74,084       (20,078

)

    1       54,007  

Occupancy costs

    -       18,097       -       18,097  

General and administrative expenses

    30,678       -       130       30,808  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    1,706       -       (52

)

    1,654  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    7,558       (58

)

    (102

)

    7,398  

 

(1)  Certain reclassification of amounts have been made to conform with the current year presentation for comparative purposes. The results of operations, assets and liabilities for all units included in the Company’s disposal plans discussed in Note 11 have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the statements of operations and balance sheets for all periods presented. Occupancy costs have been reclassified from Other operating expenses to a separate line item on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and group insurance, employer 401k matching and employee meal costs have been reclassified from Other operating expenses to Payroll and related costs to provide comparability to financial results reported by our peers in the industry.

 

 
50

 

 

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Luby’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Luby’s, Inc. was restructured into a holding company on February 1, 1997, at which time all of the operating assets were transferred to Luby’s Restaurants Limited Partnership, a Texas limited partnership consisting of two wholly owned, indirect corporate subsidiaries of the Company. On July 9, 2010, Luby’s Restaurants Limited Partnership was converted into Luby’s Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“LFR”). Unless the context indicates otherwise, the word “Company” as used herein includes Luby’s, Inc., LFR and the consolidated subsidiaries of Luby’s, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Reportable Segments

 

Each restaurant is an operating segment because operating results and cash flow can be determined for each restaurant which is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. The Company has three reportable segments: Company-owned restaurants, franchise operations and Culinary Contract Services (“CCS”). Company-owned restaurants are aggregated into one reportable segment because the nature of the products and services, the production processes, the customers, the methods used to distribute the products and services and the nature of the regulatory environment are alike.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments such as money market funds that have a maturity of three months or less. All of the Company’s bank account balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, balances in money market fund accounts are not insured. Amounts in transit from credit card companies are also considered cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature and are typically converted to cash within three days of the sales transaction.

 

Trade Accounts and Other Receivables, net

 

Receivables consist principally of amounts due from franchises, culinary contract service clients, catering customers and restaurant food sales to corporations. Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical loss experience for contract service clients, catering customers and restaurant sales to corporation. The Company determines the allowance for CCS receivables and franchise royalty and marketing and advertising receivables based on the franchisees’ and CCS clients’ unsecured default status. The Company periodically reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

 

 
51

 

 

Inventories

 

Food and supply inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.  

 

Property Held for Sale

 

The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets against its plans to retain or ultimately dispose of properties. If the Company decides to dispose of a property, it will be moved to property held for sale and actively marketed. Property held for sale is recorded at amounts not in excess of what management currently expects to receive upon sale, less costs of disposal. The Company analyzes market conditions each reporting period and record additional impairments due to declines in market values of like assets. The fair value of the property is determined by observable inputs such as appraisals and prices of comparable properties in active markets for assets like the Company’s. Gains are not recognized until the properties are sold.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount. The Company evaluates impairments on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis and uses cash flow results and other market conditions as indicators of impairment.

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

Debt issuance costs include costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of long-term financing agreements. These costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the respective term of the debt to which they specifically relate.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value based on the short-term nature of these accounts. The carrying value of credit facility debt also approximates fair value based on its recent renewal.

 

Self-Insurance Accrued Expenses

 

The Company self-insures a significant portion of expected losses under its workers’ compensation, work injury and general liability programs. Accrued liabilities have been recorded based on estimates of the ultimate costs to settle incurred claims, both reported and not yet reported. These recorded estimated liabilities are based on judgments and independent actuarial estimates, which include the use of claim development factors based on loss history; economic conditions; the frequency or severity of claims and claim development patterns; and claim reserve management settlement practices.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from restaurant sales is recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Unearned revenues are recorded as a liability for dining cards that have been sold but not yet redeemed and are recorded at their expected redemption value. When dining cards are redeemed, revenue is recognized and unearned revenue is reduced.

 

Revenue from culinary contract services is recognized when services are provided and reimbursable costs are incurred within contractual terms.

 

Revenue from franchise royalties is recognized each fiscal period based on contractual royalty rates applied to the franchise’s restaurant sales each fiscal period. Start up fees paid by franchisees prior to the restaurant’s opening are deferred until the obligations to the franchisee have been satisfied, generally when the restaurant opens.

 

Cost of CCS

 

The cost of CCS includes all food, payroll and related costs, and other operating expenses related to culinary contract service sales. All general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, property disposal, asset impairment costs associated with CCS are reported within those respective lines as applicable.

 

 
52

 

 

Advertising Expenses

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense included in Other operating expenses was $4.6 million, $3.9 million and $2.4 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company depreciates the cost of equipment over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the related lease terms. Depreciation of buildings is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives.

 

Opening Costs

 

Opening costs are expenditures related to the opening of new restaurants through its opening periods, other than those for capital assets. Such costs are charged to expense when incurred.

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases restaurant and administrative facilities and administrative equipment under operating leases. Building lease agreements generally include rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions for a percentage of sales in excess of specified levels. Contingent rental expenses are recognized prior to the achievement of a specified target, provided that the achievement of the target is considered probable. Most of the Company’s lease agreements include renewal periods at the Company’s option. The Company recognizes rent holiday periods and scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning with the date the Company takes possession of the leased space.

 

Income Taxes

 

The estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carrybacks and carryforwards are recorded. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities (temporary differences) and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not a portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized.

 

Management makes judgments regarding the interpretation of tax laws that might be challenged upon an audit and cause changes to previous estimates of tax liability. In addition, the Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions as well as by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all open tax years. The potential outcomes of examinations are regularly assessed in determining the adequacy of the provision for income taxes and income tax liabilities. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made for reasonably possible outcomes related to uncertain tax matters.

 

Sales Taxes

 

GAAP provides that a company may adopt a policy of presenting taxes either gross within revenue or on a net basis. The Company presents these taxes on a net basis (excluded from revenue).

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Management evaluates unit closures for presentation in discontinued operations following guidance from ASC 205-20-55. To qualify for presentation as a discontinued operation, management determines if the closure or exit of a business location or activity meets the following conditions: (1) the operations and cash flows of the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity as a result of the disposal transaction and (2) there will not be any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction. To evaluate whether these conditions are met, management considers whether the cash flows lost will not be recovered and generated by the ongoing entity, the level of guess traffic and sales transfer, the significance of the number of locations closed and expectancy of cash flow replacement by sales from new and existing locations, as well as the level of continuing involvement in the disposed operation. Operating and non-operating results of these locations are then classified and reported as discontinued operations of all periods presented.

 

 
53

 

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation expense is estimated for equity awards at fair value at the grant date. The Company determines fair value of restricted stock awards based on the average of the high and low price of its common stock on the date awarded by the Board of Directors. The Company determines the fair value of stock option awards using a Black-Sholes option pricing model. The Black-Sholes option pricing model requires various judgmental assumptions including the expected dividend yield, stock price volatility and the expected life of the award. If any of the assumptions used in the model change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future, from that recorded in the current period. For further discussion, see Note 14, “Share-Based Compensation,” below.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, including restricted stock units, during each period presented. For the calculation of diluted net income per share, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options, determined using the treasury stock method.

 

Accounting Periods

 

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in August. Accordingly, each fiscal year normally consists of 13 four-week periods, or accounting periods, accounting for 364 days in the aggregate. However, every fifth or sixth year, we have a fiscal year that consists of 53 weeks, accounting for 371 days in the aggregate; fiscal year 2011 was such a year. Each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year consists of three four-week periods, while the fourth quarter normally consists of four four-week periods. However, the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, as a result of the additional week, consisted of three four-week periods and one five-week period, accounting for 17 weeks, or 119 days, in the aggregate. Fiscal 2013 and 2012 both contained 52 weeks. Comparability between quarters may be affected by the varying lengths of the quarters, as well as the seasonality associated with the restaurant business.

  

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Subsequent Events

 

Events subsequent to the Company’s fiscal year ended August 27, 2014 through the date of issuance of the financial statements are evaluated to determine if the nature and significance of the event warrants inclusion in the Company’s annual report.

 

Note 2. Acquisitions

 

Cheeseburger in Paradise

 

The Company through a subsidiary, Paradise Cheeseburgers, LLC, purchased 100% of the membership units of Paradise Restaurant Group, LLC and affiliated companies which operate Cheeseburger in Paradise brand restaurants (collectively, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”) on December 6, 2012 for $10.2 million in cash. The Company assumed $2.4 million of Cheeseburger in Paradise obligations, real estate leases and contracts. The Company funded the purchase with existing cash reserves and borrowings from its credit facility.

 

The Company believes the acquisition of Cheeseburger in Paradise will produce significant benefits. Whether we maintain and improve operations under the Cheeseburger in Paradise brand name or convert Cheeseburger in Paradise locations to Fuddruckers restaurants or other concepts or brands, the acquisition is expected to increase the Company’s market presence and opportunities for growth in sales, earnings and shareholder returns. The acquisition provides a complementary growth vehicle in the casual segment of the restaurant industry. The Company believes these factors support the amount of goodwill recorded as a result of the purchase price paid for the Cheeseburger in Paradise intangible and tangible assets, net of liabilities assumed.

 

The Company has accounted for the acquisition of Cheeseburger in Paradise using the acquisition method and, accordingly, the results of operations related to this acquisition have been included in the consolidated results of the Company since the acquisition date. The Company incurred $0.4 million in acquisition costs which were expensed as incurred and classified as general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

 
54

 

 

The allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition requires extensive use of accounting estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on respective fair values. The purchase price for the Company’s acquisition of Cheeseburger in Paradise and the assumption of liabilities is based on estimates of fair values at the acquisition date. The Company’s fair value estimates for the purchase price allocation may change during the allowable period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date to provide sufficient time to develop fair value estimates. The fair values that take longer to estimate and are more likely to change include property and equipment, intangible assets and leases.

 

Such valuations require significant estimates and assumptions. The Company believes the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on reasonable assumptions.

  

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, in thousands:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 58  

Accounts receivable

    93  

Inventories

    561  

Other current assets

    376  

Property and equipment

    6,374  

Liquor licenses and permits

    188  

Favorable leases

    2,646  

License agreement and trade name

    254  

Goodwill

    1,975  

Accrued liabilities

    (2,356

)

Net acquisition cost

  $ 10,169  

 

The license agreement and trade name relates to a perpetual license to use intangible assets including trademarks, service marks and publicity rights related to Cheeseburger in Paradise owned by Jimmy Buffett and affiliated entities. In return, the Company will pay a royalty fee of 2.5% of gross sales, less discounts, at acquired Cheeseburger in Paradise locations to an entity owned or controlled by Jimmy Buffett. The trade name represents a respected brand with positive customer loyalty, and the Company intends to cultivate and protect the use of the trade name.

 

The Company will amortize the fair value allocated to the license agreement and trade name over an expected accounting life of 15 years based on the expected use of its assets and the restaurant environment in which it is being used. The Company recorded approximately $10 thousand of amortization expense for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2014, which is classified as depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Because the value of these assets will be amortized using the straight-line method over 15 years, the annual amortization will be $17 thousand in future years.

 

A portion of the acquired lease portfolio contained favorable leases. Acquired lease terms were compared to current market lease terms to determine if the acquired leases were below or above the current rates tenants would pay for similar leases. The favorable lease assets totaled $2.6 million and are recorded in other assets and, after considering renewal periods, have an estimated weighted average life of approximately 19.1 years at August 27, 2014. There were determined to be no unfavorable leases. The favorable leases are amortized to rent expense on a straight line basis over the lives of the related leases. The Company recorded $126 thousand of amortization expense for the year ended August 27, 2014, which is classified as additional rent expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

The following table shows the prospective amortization of the favorable lease asset:

 

   

Fiscal Year Ended

 
   

August 26,
2015

   

August 31,
2016

   

August 30,
2017

   

August 29,
2018

   

August __
2019

 
   

(In thousands)

 

Favorable

  $ 121     $ 121     $ 121     $ 121     $ 121  

 

Annual depreciation expense will be approximately $0.5 million of the $6.4 million of property and equipment.

 

 
55

 

 

The Company also recorded an intangible asset for goodwill in the amount of $2.0 million. In fiscal, 2014, the Company impaired goodwill $0.5 million. Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite useful life and is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. The total amount of goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the Cheeseburger in Paradise acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal year ended August 29, 2012. The unaudited pro forma data is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the results of future operations of the Company or of the results that would have actually been attained had the acquisition taken place at the beginning of the fiscal year ended August 29, 2012.

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 28,

2013

   

August 29,

2012

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

(Unaudited)

 
   

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Pro forma total sales

  $ 401,960     $ 403,572  

Pro forma income from continuing operations

    3,397       8,494  

Pro forma net income

    2,274       7,734  

Pro forma income from continuing operations per share

               

Basic

    0.12       0.30  

Diluted

    0.12       0.30  

Pro forma net income per share

               

Basic

    0.08       0.27  

Diluted

    0.08       0.27  

 

Included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2013 were actual restaurant sales for Cheeseburger in Paradise of $35.7 million and loss from operations for Cheeseburger in Paradise of $1.8 million. Excluding first year integration costs of $0.7 million after-tax, the loss from operations related to Cheeseburger in Paradise included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended August 28, 2013 was $1.1 million.

  

 

Note 3. Reportable Segments

 

The Company has three reportable segments: Company-owned restaurants, franchise operations and Culinary Contract Services.

 

Company-owned restaurants

 

Company-owned restaurants consists of several brands which are aggregated into one reportable segment because the nature of the products and services, the production processes, the customers, the methods used to distribute the products and services, the nature of the regulatory environment are alike, and store level profit margin is similar. The chief operating decision maker analyzes Company-owned restaurants at store level profit which is revenue less cost of food, payroll and related costs and other operating costs. The primary brands are Luby’s Cafeteria, Fuddruckers and Cheeseburger in Paradise with a couple of non-core restaurant locations under other brand names (i.e., Koo Koo Roo California Bistro). Both Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers are casual dining, counter service restaurants. Each restaurant is an operating segment because operating results and cash flow can be determined for each restaurant.

 

The total number of Company-owned restaurants at the end of fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 174, 180, and 154, respectively.

 

Culinary Contract Services

 

CCS operation, branded as Luby’s Culinary Contract Services, consists of a business line servicing healthcare, higher education and corporate dining clients. The healthcare accounts are full service and typically include in-room delivery, catering, vending, coffee service and retail dining. CCS had contracts with long-term acute care hospitals, acute care medical centers, ambulatory surgical centers, behavioral hospitals, business and industry clients, and higher education institutions. Culinary Contract Services has the unique ability to deliver quality services that include facility design and procurement as well as nutrition and branded food services to our clients. The costs of Culinary Contract Services on the Consolidated Statements of Operations includes all food, payroll and related costs and Other operating expenses related to Culinary Contract Services sales.

 

 
56

 

 

The total number of Culinary Contract Services contracts at the end of fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 25, 21 and 18, respectively.

 

Franchising

 

We offer franchises for only the Fuddruckers brand. Franchises are sold in markets where expansion is deemed advantageous to the development of the Fuddruckers concept and system of restaurants. Initial franchise agreements have a term of 20 years. Franchise agreements typically grant franchisees an exclusive territorial license to operate a single restaurant within a specified area, usually a four-mile radius surrounding the franchised restaurant.

 

Franchisees bear all direct costs involved in the development, construction and operation of their restaurants. In exchange for a franchise fee, the Company provides franchise assistance in the following areas: site selection, prototypical architectural plans, interior and exterior design and layout, training, marketing and sales techniques, assistance by a Fuddruckers “opening team” at the time a franchised restaurant opens, and operations and accounting guidelines set forth in various policies and procedures manuals.

  

All franchisees are required to operate their restaurants in accordance with Fuddruckers standards and specifications, including controls over menu items, food quality and preparation. The Company requires the successful completion of its training program by a minimum of three managers for each franchised restaurant. In addition, franchised restaurants are evaluated regularly by the Company for compliance with franchise agreements, including standards and specifications through the use of periodic, unannounced, on-site inspections and standards evaluation reports.

 

The number of franchised restaurants was 110 at fiscal end 2014, 116 at fiscal end 2013, 125 at fiscal end 2012.

 

 
57

 

 

The table below shows financial information as required by ASC 280 for segment reporting. ASC 280 requires depreciation and amortization be disclosed for each reportable segment, even if not used by the chief operating decision maker. The table also lists total assets for each reportable segment. Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, tax refunds receivable, property and equipment, assets related to discontinued operations, property held for sale, deferred tax assets, prepaid expenses, intangible assets and goodwill.

 

   

Years Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands)

Sales:

                       

Company-owned restaurants

  $ 368,799     $ 360,566     $ 325,154  

Culinary contract services

    18,555       16,693       17,711  

Franchising

    7,027       6,937       7,232  

Total

  $ 394,381     $ 384,196     $ 350,097  

Segment level profit:

                       

Company-owned restaurants

  $ 44,843     $ 47,702     $ 50,355  

Culinary contract services

    2,378       1,819       1,166  

Franchising

    7,027       6,937       7,232  

Total

  $ 54,248     $ 56,458     $ 58,753  

Depreciation and amortization:

                       

Company-owned restaurants

  $ 17,357     $ 16,417     $ 15,990  

Culinary contract services

    409       440       471  

Franchising

    767       767       767  

Corporate

    1,529       752       666  

Total

  $ 20,062     $ 18,376     $ 17,894  

Total assets:

                       

Company-owned restaurants

  $ 220,793     $ 203,850     $ 182,162  

Culinary contract services

    2,724       3,547       3,774  

Franchising

    13,906       14,674       15,352  

Corporate

    38,012       28,574       29,601  

Total

  $ 275,435     $ 250,645     $ 230,889  

Capital expenditures:

                       

Company-owned restaurants

  $ 43,075     $ 30,741     $ 19,077  

Culinary contract services

    64       95       292  

Franchising

                 

Corporate

    3,045       503       6,476  

Total

  $ 46,184     $ 31,339     $ 25,845  

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations:

                       

Segment level profit

  $ 54,248     $ 56,458     $ 58,753  

Opening costs

    (2,164

)

    (783

)

    (395

)

Depreciation and amortization

    (20,062

)

    (18,376

)

    (17,894

)

General and administrative expenses

    (35,038

)

    (32,217

)

    (30,808

)

Provision for asset impairments, net

    (2,498

)

    (615

)

    (451

)

Net gain (loss) on disposition of property and equipment

    2,357       1,723       (278

)

Interest income

    6       9       9  

Interest expense

    (1,247

)

    (920

)

    (942

)

Other income, net

    1,125       1,043       1,058  

Total

  $ (3,273

)

  $ 6,322     $ 9,052  

 

 
58

 

 

Note 4. Fair Value Measurement

 

GAAP establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. Fair value measurements guidance applies whenever other statements require or permit asset or liabilities to be measured at fair value.

 

GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include:

 

 

Level 1: Defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

 

Level 2: Defined as pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.

 

 

Level 3: Defined as pricing inputs that are unobservable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.

 

Non-recurring fair value measurements related to impaired property and equipment consisted of the following:

 

          Fair Value
Measurement Using
       
   

Year Ended

August 27, 2014

   

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

   

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

   

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

   

Total
Impairments

 
   

(In thousands)

         

Continuing Operations

                                       

Property and equipment related to company-owned restaurants

  $ 6,446                 $ 6,446     $ (2,498

)

Property and equipment related to corporate assets

                             
                                    $ (2,498

)

Discontinued Operations

                                       

Property and equipment related to corporate assets

  $ 1,144                 $ 1,144     $ (1,200

)

 

 
59

 

 

           

Fair Value
Measurement Using

         
   

Year Ended

August 28, 2013

   

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

   

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

   

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

   

Total
Impairments

 
           

(In thousands)

                 

Continuing Operations

                                       

Property and equipment related to company-owned restaurants

  $ 722     $     $     $ 722     $ (462

)

Property and equipment related to corporate assets

  $ 447     $     $     $ 447     $ (153

)

                                    $ (615

)

Discontinued Operations

                                       

Property and equipment related to corporate assets

  $ 3,159     $     $     $ 3,159     $ (663

)

 

 

 

           

Fair Value
Measurement Using

         
   

Year Ended

August 29, 2012

   

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

   

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

   

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

   

Total
Impairments

 
           

(In thousands)

                 

Continuing Operations

                                       

Property and equipment related to Culinary Contract Services

  $ 57     $     $     $ 57     $ (175

)

Property and equipment related to company-owned restaurants

                            (276

)

                                      (451

)

Discontinued Operations

                                       

Property and equipment related to corporate assets

  $ 2,683     $     $     $ 2,683     $ (868

)

 

 
60

 

 

 Note 5. Trade Receivables and Other

 

Trade and other receivables, net, consist of the following:

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

 
 

(In thousands)

Trade and other receivables

  $ 2,940     $ 3,011  

Franchise royalties and marketing and advertising receivables

    705       793  

Trade receivables, unbilled

    979       865  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    (512

)

    (586

)

Total, net

  $ 4,112     $ 4,083  

  

The Company does not have a concentration of credit risk in total trade and other receivables, net. CCS receivable balance at August 27, 2014 was $2.9 million, primarily the result of 11 contracts with balances of $0.1 million to $0.7 million per contract entity. Contract payment terms for its CCS customers’ receivables are due within 30 to 45 days.

 

The Company recorded receivables related to Fuddruckers franchise operations royalty and marketing and advertising payments from the franchisees, as required by their franchise agreements. Franchise royalty and marketing and advertising fund receivables balance at August 27, 2014 was $0.7 million. At August 27, 2014, the Company had 110 operating franchise restaurants with no concentration of accounts receivable.

 

The change in allowances for doubtful accounts for each of the years in the three-year periods ended as of the dates below is as follows:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands)

Beginning balance

  $ 586     $ 678     $ 302  

Provisions for doubtful accounts

    61       (1

)

    382  

Write-offs

    (135

)

    (91

)

    (6

)

Ending balance

  $ 512     $ 586     $ 678  

 

 
61

 

 

Note 6. Income Taxes

 

The following table details the categories of total income tax assets and liabilities for both continuing and discontinued operations resulting from the cumulative tax effects of temporary differences:

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

 
 

(In thousands)

Deferred income tax assets:

               

Workers’ compensation, employee injury, and general liability claims

  $ 158     $ 261  

Deferred compensation

    354       196  

Net operating losses

    5       650  

General business and foreign tax credits

    8,911       7,630  

Depreciation, amortization and impairments

    1,379        

Straight-line rent, dining cards, accruals, and other

    3,719       3,786  

Total deferred income tax assets

    14,526       12,523  

Deferred income tax liabilities:

               

Depreciation, amortization and impairments

          1,323  

Property taxes and other

    1,576       1,591  

Total deferred income tax liabilities

    1,576       2,914  

Net deferred income tax asset

  $ 12,950     $ 9,609  

 

The Company had deferred tax assets at August 27, 2014 of approximately $13.0 million, the most significant of which include the Company’s general business tax credits carryovers to future years of approximately $8.6 million of deferred tax assets, combined. This item may be carried forward up to twenty years for possible utilization in the future. The carryover of general business tax credits, beginning in fiscal 2002, will begin to expire at the end of fiscal 2022 through 2034, if not utilized by then.

 

Management has evaluated both positive and negative evidence, including its forecasts of the Company’s future operational performance and taxable income, adjusted by varying probability factors, in making a determination as to whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on its analysis, management concluded that no valuation allowance was necessary as of the end of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012. The reversals of prior year’s valuation allowance amounts in fiscal 2011 and 2012 were based upon continued improvement in current and projected operational performance and the ability to utilize NOL amounts through carryforwards. This positive and negative evidence was weighed, and in each year, an increasing portion of the Company’s NOL and general business tax credits was determined to be realizable, on a more likely than not basis, with corresponding adjustments to the valuation allowance. The reductions of the valuation allowance in fiscal 2011 and 2012 are reported as part of the income tax expense (or benefit) included in income/(loss) from continuing operations for the year.

 

An analysis of the provision for income taxes for continuing operations is as follows:

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands)

Current federal and state income tax expense

  $ 371     $ 614     $ 1,631  

Current foreign income tax expense

    87       89       74  

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

    (2,118

)

    1,072       (51

)

Total income tax expense

  $ (1,660

)

  $ 1,775     $ 1,654  

 

 
62

 

 

Relative only to continuing operations, the reconciliation of the expense (benefit) for income taxes to the expected income tax expense (benefit), computed using the statutory tax rate, was as follows:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
   

Amount

   

%

   

Amount

   

%

   

Amount

   

%

 
 

(In thousands and as a percent of pretax income from continuing operations)

Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations at the federal rate

  $ (1,120

)

    34.0

%

  $ 2,149       34.0

%

  $ 3,078       34.0

%

Permanent and other differences:

                                               

Federal jobs tax credits (wage deductions)

    404       (12.3

)

    355       5.6       217       2.4  

Stock options and restricted stock

    54       (1.7

)

    50       0.8       141       1.6  

Other permanent differences

    185       (5.6

)

    68       1.1       128       1.4  

State income tax, net of federal benefit

    52       (1.6

)

    338       5.3       1,407       15.6  

General Business Tax Credits

    (1,187

)

    36.1       (1,043

)

    (16.5

)

    (639

)

    (7.1

)

Other

    (48

)

    1.5       (142

)

    (2.2

)

    (39

)

    (0.4

)

Change in valuation allowance

                            (2,639

)

    (29.2

)

Income tax expense from continuing operations

  $ (1,660

)

    50.4

%

  $ 1,775       28.1

%

  $ 1,654       18.3

%

 

For the fiscal year ended August 27, 2014, including both continuing and discontinued operations, the Company is estimated to report federal taxable income of approximately $0.6 million. The Company utilized substantially all the remaining federal NOL’s in fiscal year 2014.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 28, 2013, including both continuing and discontinued operations, the Company generated federal taxable income of approximately $4.1 million. The Company utilized NOL carryovers from prior years to reduce the current year federal tax liability to zero.

 

 
63

 

 

For the fiscal year ended August 29, 2012, including both continuing and discontinued operations, the Company generated federal taxable income of approximately $10.3 million. The Company utilized NOL carryovers from prior years to reduce the current year federal tax liability to zero.

 

The IRS has periodically reviewed the Company’s federal income tax returns. The IRS concluded a review of the federal income tax return for fiscal year 2008 on March 12, 2011. The IRS made no changes to the return. The State of Texas examined the franchise tax filings for report years 2008 through 2011 based on accounting years 2007 through 2010 resulting in additional taxes of $33,000. The State of Louisiana is also examining the Company’s tax return filings resulting in additional taxes, interest and penalties of $0.3 million. There are no other examinations of income or franchise tax filings currently scheduled or underway.

 

Prior to fiscal 2010, the Company operated in five states and was subject to state and local income taxes in addition to federal income taxes. With the acquisition of Fuddruckers restaurants at the end of fiscal 2010 and Cheeseburger in Paradise in fiscal 2013, the Company has income tax filing requirements in over 30 states.

 

There were no payments of federal income taxes in fiscal 2011, 2012, 2013 or 2014. State income tax payments were approximately $0.5 million each year during fiscal 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

 

The following table is a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014 (in thousands):

 

Balance at August 31, 2011

  $ 83  

Increase (decrease) based on prior year tax positions

    480  

Interest Expense

    407  

Balance as of August 29, 2012

    970  

Increase (decrease) based on prior year tax positions

    (273

)

Interest Expense

    72  

Balance as of August 28, 2013

  $ 769  

Increase (decrease) based on prior year tax positions

    (707

)

Interest Expense

    -  

Balance as of August 27, 2014

  $ 62  

 

The unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods if they are recognized. There were no interest and penalties associated with unrecognized benefits as of August 27, 2014. The Company has included interest or penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense (or benefit).

 

It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits with respect to our uncertain tax positions could significantly increase or decrease within 12 months. However, based on the current status of examinations, it is not possible to estimate the future impact, if any, to recorded uncertain tax positions as August 27, 2014.

 

Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been reflected in the financial statements and is not aware of any significant exposure items that have not been reflected in the financial statements. Amounts considered probable of settlement within one year have been included in the accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

  

Tangible Property Regulations

 

In September 2013, the U.S. Treasury issued final regulations addressing the tax consequences associated with the acquisition, production and improvement of tangible property and which are generally effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, which for the Company is was year beginning August 28, 2014. The Company plans to timely adopt these regulations and, at this time, has not evaluated the impact of these regulations on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 
64

 

 

Note 7. Property and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

The cost, net of impairment, and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment at August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013, together with the related estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation and amortization, were as follows:

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

Estimated
Useful Lives (years)

 
 

(In thousands)

       

Land

  $ 69,767     $ 62,191    

 

Restaurant equipment and furnishings

    131,932       116,664    

3 to 15

 

Buildings

    181,535       172,342    

20 to 33

 

Leasehold and leasehold improvements

    40,835       39,108    

Lesser of lease term or

estimated useful life

 

Office furniture and equipment

    7,537       7,444    

3 to 10

 

Construction in progress

    10,313       7,814    

 
      441,919       405,563          

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (228,427

)

    (215,066

)

       

Property and equipment, net

  $ 213,492     $ 190,497          

Intangible assets, net

  $ 24,014     $ 25,517    

21

 

Goodwill

  $ 1,681     $ 2,169          

 

Intangible assets, net, consist of the Fuddruckers trade name and franchise agreements and will be amortized. The Company believes the Fuddruckers brand name has an expected accounting life of 21 years from the date of acquisition based on the expected use of its assets and the restaurant environment in which it is being used. The trade name represents a respected brand with customer loyalty and the Company intends to cultivate and protect the use of the trade name. The franchise agreements, after considering renewal periods, have an estimated accounting life of 21 years from the date of acquisition and will be amortized over this period of time.

 

Intangible assets, net, also includes the license agreement and trade name related to Cheeseburger in Paradise and the value of the acquired licenses and permits allowing the sale of beverages with alcohol. These assets have an expected accounting life of 15 years from the date of acquisition December 6, 2012.

 

The Company recorded $6.0 million of accumulated amortization expense as of August 27, 2014 and $4.5 million of accumulated amortization expense as of August 28, 2013.

 

The Company recorded an intangible asset for goodwill in the amount of $0.2 million related to the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Fuddruckers. The Company also recorded an intangible asset for goodwill in the amount of $2.0 million related to the acquisition of the membership units of Paradise Restaurant Group, LLC. Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite useful life and is not amortized. Goodwill was $1.7 million as of August 27, 2014 and $2.2 million as of August 28, 2013.

 

Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States require the Company to perform a goodwill impairment test annually and more frequently when negative conditions or a triggering event arise. In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance that simplified how entities test goodwill for impairment. After an assessment of certain qualitative factors, if it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, entities must perform the quantitative analysis of the goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the quantitative test(s) become optional. The acquired goodwill starting testing for impairment one year from the date of acquisition which was in our second quarter ended February 12, 2014. We do not believe a triggering event occurred during fiscal 2013 which would require us to impair the goodwill acquired on December 6, 2012.

 

 
65

 

 

Note 8. Current Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

 

The following table sets forth current accrued expenses and other liabilities as of August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013:

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

 
 

(In thousands)

Salaries, compensated absences, incentives, and bonuses

  $ 6,504     $ 5,574  

Operating expenses

    1,280       1,180  

Unredeemed gift cards and certificates

    4,144       3,941  

Taxes, other than income

    6,943       6,501  

Accrued claims and insurance

    1,076       936  

Income taxes, legal and other

    3,160       3,685  

Total

  $ 23,107     $ 21,817  

 

Note 9. Other Long-Term Liabilities

 

The following table sets forth other long-term liabilities as of August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013:

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

 
 

(In thousands)

Workers’ compensation and general liability insurance reserve

  $ 729     $ 634  

Term debt

    758       47  

Deferred rent and unfavorable leases

    6,450       7,097  

Deferred compensation

    125       136  

Other

    105       (48

)

Total

  $ 8,167     $ 7,866  

 

Note 10. Debt

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

As of August 27, 2014, the Company had $42.0 million in outstanding loans and $1.1 million committed under letters of credit, which the Company reissued as security for the payment of insurance obligations and $1.1 million in capital lease commitments.

 

In August 2013, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent. The following description summarizes the material terms of the revolving credit facility, as subsequently amended on March 21, 2014 and November 7, 2014, (the revolving credit facility is referred to as the “2013 Credit Facility”). The 2013 Credit Facility is governed by the credit agreement dated as of August 14, 2013 (the “2013 Credit Agreement”) among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent. The maturity date of the 2013 Credit Facility is September 1, 2017.

 

The aggregate amount of the lenders’ commitments under the 2013 Credit Facility was $70.0 million as of August 28, 2013. The 2013 Credit Facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit in a maximum aggregate amount of $5.0 million outstanding as of August 14, 2013 and $15.0 million outstanding at any one time with prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank. At August 27, 2014, under the 2013 Credit Facility, the total available borrowing capacity was up to $49.3 million after applying the Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio Limitation, the available borrowing capacity was $5.1 million.

 

The 2013 Credit Facility is guaranteed by all of the Company’s present subsidiaries and will be guaranteed by our future subsidiaries. In addition to the bank’s increased commitment under the 2013 Credit Agreement, it may be increased to a maximum commitment of $90 million.

 

At any time throughout the term of the 2013 Credit Facility, the Company has the option to elect one of two bases of interest rates. One interest rate option is the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%, or (b) prime, plus, in either case, an applicable spread that ranges from 0.75% to 2.25% per annum. The other interest rate option is the London InterBank Offered Rate plus a spread that ranges from 2.50% to 4.0% per annum. The applicable spread under each option is dependent upon the ratio of our debt to EBITDA at the most recent determination date.

 

 
66

 

 

The Company is obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each lender a quarterly commitment fee based on the average daily unused amount of the commitment of such lender, ranging from 0.30% to 0.40% per annum depending on the Total Leverage Ratio at the most recent determination date.

  

The proceeds of the 2013 Credit Facility are available for the Company’s general corporate purposes and general working capital purposes and capital expenditures.

 

Borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility are subject to mandatory repayment with the proceeds of sales of certain of the Company’s real property, subject to certain exceptions.

 

The 2013 Credit Facility is secured by a perfected first priority lien on certain of the Company’s real property and all of the material personal property owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, other than certain excluded assets (as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement). At August 27, 2014, the carrying value of the collateral securing the 2013 Credit Facility was $84.4 million.

 

The 2013 Credit Agreement, as amended, contains the following covenants among others:

 

 

maintenance of a ratio of (a) EBITDA minus $7.5 million (for maintenance capital expenditures) for the four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to (b) the sum of (x) interest expense (as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement) for such four fiscal-quarter-period plus (y) the outstanding principal balance of the loans as of the last day of such fiscal quarter divided by ten (the “Debt Service Coverage Ratio), of not less than 1.10 to 1.00 during the first, second and third fiscal quarters of fiscal 2015; 1.25 to 1.00 during the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2015 and the first and second fiscal quarters of fiscal 2016; and 1.50 to 1.00 at all times thereafter.

     

 

maintenance of minimum net profit of $1.00 (1) for at least one of any two consecutive fiscal quarters starting with the third fiscal quarter of 2016, and (2) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters starting with the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 (for the fiscal year 2015).

 

 

maintenance of a ratio of (a) the sum of (x) indebtedness as of the last day of any fiscal quarter plus (y) eight times rental expense for the four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to (b) the sum of (x) EBITDA for such four fiscal-quarter-period plus (y) rental expense for such four fiscal-quarter-period (the “Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio”) of  no more than (i) 5.75 to 1.00 during the first, second and third fiscal quarters of fiscal 2015, (ii) 5.50 to 1.00 during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, (iii) 5.25 to 1.00 during the first fiscal quarter of 2016, (iv) 5.00 to 1.00 during the second fiscal quarter of 2016 and, (v) 4.75 to 1.00 at all times thereafter.

     
  capital expenditures limited to $25.0 million per year,
     

 

restrictions on incurring indebtedness, including certain guarantees and capital lease obligations,

     

 

restrictions on incurring liens on certain of our property and the property of our subsidiaries,

     

 

restrictions on transactions with affiliates and materially changing our business,

     

 

restrictions on making certain investments, loans, advances and guarantees,

     

 

restrictions on selling assets outside the ordinary course of business,

     

 

prohibitions on entering into sale and leaseback transactions,

     

 

restrictions on certain acquisitions of all or a substantial portion of the assets, property and/or equity interests of any person, including share repurchases and dividends.

 

The Company was in compliance with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement as of August 27, 2014.

 

The 2013 Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default. If a default occurs and is continuing, the lenders’ commitments under the 2013 Credit Facility may be immediately terminated and/or the company may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the 2013 Credit Facility.

 

As of August 27, 2014, the Company had $42.0 million in outstanding loans and $1.1 million committed under letters of credit, which the company reissued as security for the payment of insurance obligations and $1.1 million in capital lease commitments.

 

 
67

 

 

Interest Expense

 

Total interest expense incurred for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.6 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Interest paid was approximately $1.4 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No interest expense was allocated to discontinued operations in fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012 . No interest was capitalized on properties in fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012.

 

Note 11. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Store Closings, Discontinued Operations and Property Held for Sale

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Store Closings

 

The Company periodically evaluates long-lived assets held for use and held for sale whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. The Company analyzes historical cash flows of operating locations and compares results of poorer performing locations to more profitable locations. The Company also analyzes lease terms, condition of the assets and related need for capital expenditures or repairs, as well as construction activity and the economic and market conditions in the surrounding area.

 

For assets held for use, the Company estimates future cash flows using assumptions based on possible outcomes of the areas analyzed. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the location’s assets, the Company records an impairment loss based on an estimate of discounted cash flows. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgments. Assumptions and estimates used include operating results, changes in working capital, discount rate, growth rate, anticipated net proceeds from disposition of the property and if applicable, lease terms. The span of time for which future cash flows are estimated is often lengthy, increasing the sensitivity to assumptions made. The time span is longer and could be 20 to 25 years for newer properties, but only 5 to 10 years for older properties. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets can vary within a wide range of outcomes. The Company considers the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining the best estimate of future cash flows. The measurement for such an impairment loss is then based on the fair value of the asset as determined by discounted cash flows.

 

The Company recognized the following impairment charges (credits) to income from operations:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands, except per share data)

Provision for asset impairments

  $ 2,498     $ 615     $ 451  

Net loss (gain) on disposition of property and equipment

    (2,357

)

    (1,723

)

    278  
                         
    $ 141     $ (1,108

)

  $ 729  

Effect on EPS:

                       

Basic

  $     $ 0.04     $ (0.03

)

Assuming dilution

  $     $ 0.04     $ (0.03

)

 

The $2.5 million charge in fiscal 2014 is related to one operating Luby’s Cafeteria, two operating Fuddruckers restaurants, two operating Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants and nine closed Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants.

 

The $0.6 million charge in fiscal 2013 is related to one property held for sale, one operating Fuddruckers restaurant and one operating Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro ®restaurant as well as a reduction of the estimated fair value of used assets to be refurbished and reused.

  

The $0.5 million charge in fiscal 2012 is related to a CCS location and two underperforming restaurant locations. The $0.3 million loss is related to asset retirements and the closures of two leased locations.

 

 
68

 

 

Discontinued Operations

 

On March 21, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan focused on improving cash flow from the acquired Cheeseburger in Paradise leasehold locations. On March 24, 2014, the Company announced that it has initiated a plan focused on improving cash flow from the recently acquired Cheeseburger in Paradise leasehold locations. This underperforming Cheeseburger in Paradise leasehold disposal plan called for five or more units to be closed by the end of Fiscal 2014 and disposed of within 12 months. As of August 27, 2014, four locations have been closed for disposal and reclassified to discontinued operations.

 

As a result of the first quarter fiscal year 2010 adoption of the Company’s Cash Flow Improvement and Capital Redeployment Plan, the Company reclassified 24 Luby’s Cafeterias to discontinued operations. As of August 27, 2014, four locations remain, one is under lease to a third party and three remain held for sale.

 

We believe the majority of cash flows lost will not be recovered by ongoing operations and the majority of sales lost by closing will not be recovered. In addition, there will not be any ongoing involvement or significant cash flows from the closed stores. Stores we close, but do not classify as discontinued operations, follow the implementation guidance in ASC 205-20-55 because cash flows are expected to be generated by the ongoing entity. There is some migration of customer traffic to existing or new locations, and ultimately the majority of sales lost by closing these stores are expected to be eventually replaced by sales from new locations.

 

The results of operations, assets and liabilities for all units included in the Plan have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the statement of operations and balance sheets for all periods presented.

 

Assets related to discontinued operations include accounts receivable, accrued liabilities, prepaid expenses, deferred taxes, unimproved land, closed restaurant properties and related equipment for locations classified as discontinued operations. The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities for all discontinued operations:

 

   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

 
 

(in thousands)

Trade accounts and other receivable, net

  $     $  

Food and supply inventories

          118  

Prepaid expenses

    52       78  

Assets related to discontinued operations—current

  $ 52     $ 196  

Property and equipment

  $ 2,817     $ 3,918  

Other assets

    1,387       300  

Assets related to discontinued operations—non-current

  $ 4,204     $ 4,218  

Deferred income taxes

  $ 308     $ 246  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    282       281  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations—current

  $ 590     $ 527  

Other liabilities

  $ 278     $ 448  

Deferred income taxes

           

Liabilities related to discontinued operations—non-current

  $ 278     $ 448  

  

As of August 27, 2014, under both closure plans, the Company had nine properties classified as discontinued operations assets and the asset carrying value of the owned properties was $5.3 million and is included in assets related to discontinued operations. The asset carrying values of the ground leases were previously impaired to zero.

 

The Company is actively marketing all but one of these properties for sale and the Company’s results of discontinued operations will be affected by the disposal of properties related to discontinued operations to the extent proceeds from the sales exceed or are less than net book value.

  

 
69

 

 

The following table sets forth the sales and pretax losses reported for all discontinued locations:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands, except locations)

Sales

  $ 4,691     $ 6,153     $  

Pretax income (loss)

  $ (2,813

)

  $ (1,926

)

  $ (1,064

)

Income tax (expense) benefit on discontinued operations

  $ 979     $ 540     $ 419  

Income (loss) on discontinued operations

  $ (1,834

)

  $ (1,386

)

  $ (645

)

Discontinued locations closed during the period

    5       0       0  

 

During fiscal 2011 and 2010, the Company expensed $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for lease exit costs and future rental costs related to closed locations. The Company incurred $0.7 million in employee settlement costs in fiscal 2010 but incurred no settlement costs in fiscal 2011 or 2012.

 

The following table summarizes discontinued operations for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands, except per share data)

Impairments

  $ (1,199

)

  $ (663

)

  $ (868

)

Gains

    (7

)

    5       513  

Net impairments

    (1,206

)

    (658

)

    (355

)

Other

    (628

)

  $ (728

)

    (290

)

Discontinued operations, net of taxes

  $ (1,834

)

  $ (1,386

)

  $ (645

)

Effect on EPS from discontinued operations—decrease—basic

  $ (0.06

)

  $ (0.05

)

  $ (0.02

)

 

Within discontinued operations, the Company offsets gains from applicable property disposals against total impairments. The amounts in the table described as “Other” include employment termination and shut-down costs, as well as operating losses through each restaurant’s closing date and carrying costs until the locations are finally disposed.

 

The impairment charges included above relate to properties closed and designated for immediate disposal. The assets of these individual operating units have been written down to their net realizable values. In turn, the related properties have either been sold or are being actively marketed for sale. All dispositions are expected to be completed within one to two years. Within discontinued operations, the Company also recorded the related fiscal year-to-date net operating results, employee terminations and basic carrying costs of the closed units.

 

Property Held for Sale

 

The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets against its plans to retain or ultimately dispose of properties. If the Company decides to dispose of a property, it will be reclassified to property held for sale and actively marketed. The Company analyzes market conditions each reporting period and records additional impairments due to declines in market values of like assets. The fair value of the property is determined by observable inputs such as appraisals and prices of comparable properties in active markets for assets like the Company’s. Gains are not recognized until the properties are sold.

  

Property held for sale includes unimproved land, closed restaurant properties and related equipment for locations not classified as discontinued operations. The specific assets are valued at the lower of net depreciable value or net realizable value.

 

At August 27, 2014, the Company had one owned properties recorded at approximately $1.0 million in property held for sale. The Company is actively marketing the locations currently classified as property held for sale.

 

At August 28, 2013, the Company had one owned property recorded at approximately $0.4 million in property held for sale. The Company is actively marketing the location currently classified as property held for sale.

 

 
70

 

 

At August 29, 2012, the Company had one owned property recorded at approximately $0.6 million in property held for sale.

 

The Company’s results of continuing operations will be affected to the extent proceeds from sales exceed or are less than net book value.

 

A roll forward of property held for sale for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 is provided below (in thousands):

 

Balance as of August 31, 2011

  $ 1,046  

Disposals

    (444

)

Net impairment charges

     

Balance as of August 29, 2012

  $ 602  

Disposals

     

Net impairment charges

    (153

)

Balance as of August 28, 2013

  $ 449  

Disposals

    (449

)

Net transfers to property held for sale

    991  

Balance as of August 27, 2014

  $ 991  

 

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating leases for the Company’s corporate office, facility service warehouse and certain restaurant properties.

 

Claims

 

From time to time, the Company is subject to various other private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time. These matters typically involve claims from guests, employees and others related to issues common to the restaurant industry. The Company currently believes that the final disposition of these types of lawsuits, proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the Company’s future results of operations for a particular quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to lawsuits, proceedings or claims.

 

Construction Activity

 

From time to time, the Company enters into non-cancelable contracts for the construction of its new restaurants. This construction activity exposes the Company to the risks inherent in new construction including but not limited to rising material prices, labor shortages, delays in getting required permits and inspections, adverse weather conditions, and injuries sustained by workers. The Company has no non-cancelable contracts as of August 28, 2013.

  

 
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Note 13. Operating Leases

 

The Company conducts part of its operations from facilities that are leased under non-cancelable lease agreements. Lease agreements generally contain a primary term of five to 30 years with options to renew or extend the lease from one to 25 years. As of August 27, 2014, the Company has lease agreements for 99 properties which include the Company’s corporate office, facility service warehouses and restaurant properties. The leasing terms of the 99 properties consist of

11 properties expiring in less than one year, 72 properties expiring between one and five years and the remaining 16 properties having current terms that are greater than five years. Of the 99 leased properties, 75 properties have options remaining to renew or extend the lease.

 

A majority of the leases include periodic escalation clauses. Accordingly, the Company follows the straight-line rent method of recognizing lease rental expense.

 

As of August 27, 2014, the Company has entered into noncancelable operating lease agreements for certain office equipment with terms ranging from 36 to 72 months.

 

Annual future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of August 27, 2014 are as follows:

 

Year Ending:

(In thousands)

August 26, 2015

    12,219  

August 31, 2016

    10,712  

August 30, 2017

    8,091  

August 29, 2018

    6,759  

August 28, 2019

    5,938  

Thereafter

    26,154  

Total minimum lease payments

  $ 69,873  

 

Most of the leases are for periods of fifteen to thirty years and some leases provide for contingent rentals based on sales in excess of a base amount.

 

Total rent expense for operating leases for the last three fiscal years was as follows:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands, except percentages)

Minimum rent-facilities

  $ 12,999     $ 13,488     $ 11,132  

Contingent rentals

    251       182       235  

Minimum rent-equipment

    829       818       751  

Total rent expense (including amounts in discontinued operations)

  $ 14,079     $ 14,488     $ 12,118  

Percent of sales

    3.6

%

    3.7

%

    3.5

%

 

See Note 15, “Related Parties,” for lease payments associated with related parties.

 

 
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Note 14. Share-Based Compensation

 

We have two active share-based stock plans, the Employee Stock Plan and the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan. Both plans authorize the granting of stock options, restricted stock and other types of awards consistent with the purpose of the plans.

 

Of the 1.1 million shares approved for issuance under the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan, 0.7 million options, restricted stock units and restricted stock awards were granted, 0.1 million options were cancelled or expired and added back into the plan. Approximately 0.5 million shares remain available for future issuance as of August 27, 2014. Compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements under the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan, recognized in general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.6 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

 

Of the 2.6 million shares approved for issuance under the Employee Stock Plan, 4.6 million options and restricted stock units were granted, 3.0 million options and restricted stock units were cancelled or expired and added back into the plan. Approximately 1.0 million shares remain available for future issuance as of August 27, 2014. Compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements under the Employee Stock Plan, recognized in general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

  

Stock Options

 

Stock options granted under either the Employee Stock Plan or the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan have exercise prices equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant. The market price under the Employee Stock Plan is the closing price at the date of the grant. The market price under the Nonemployee Director Plan is the average of the high and the low price on the date of the grant.

 

Option awards under the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan generally vest 100% on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date. No options were granted under the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan in fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012. However, options to purchase 14,000 shares at option prices of $6.45 per share remain outstanding as of August 27, 2014.

 

Options granted under the Employee Stock Plan generally vest 25% on the anniversary date of each grant and expire six years from the date of the grant. However, options granted to executive officers under the Employee Stock Plan vest 50% on the first anniversary date of the grant date, 25% on the second anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 25% vest on the third anniversary of the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date. All options granted in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were granted under the Employee Stock Plan. Options to purchase 787,000 shares at options prices from $3.44 to $11.10 per share remain outstanding as of August 27, 2014.

 

The Company has segregated option awards into two homogenous groups for the purpose of determining fair values for its options because of differences in option terms and historical exercise patterns among the plans. Valuation assumptions are determined separately for the three groups which represent, respectively, the Employee Stock Plans and the Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan. The assumptions are as follows:

 

 

The Company estimated volatility using its historical share price performance over the expected life of the option. Management believes the historical estimated volatility is materially indicative of expectations about expected future volatility.

 

The Company uses an estimate of expected lives for options granted during the period based on historical data.

 

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option.

 

The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s current dividend yield and the best estimate of projected dividend yield for future periods within the expected life of the option.

 

 
73

 

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model which determine inputs as shown in the following table for options granted under the Employee Stock Plan:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 

Dividend yield

   

%

   

%

Volatility

    44.49

%

    56.79

%

Risk-free interest rate

    0.72

%

    0.93

%

Expected life (in years)

    5.50       4.25  

 

No options were granted during fiscal year ended August 27, 2014.

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the three fiscal years ended August 27, 2014, August 28, 2013 and August 29, 2012 is presented in the following table:

 

   

Shares Under
Fixed Options

   

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

   

Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term

   

Aggregate Intrinsic
Value

 
                 

(Years)

(In thousands)

Outstanding at August 31, 2011

    1,356,551     $ 7.36       3.9     $ 367  

Granted

    59,426       4.42       0       0  

Forfeited/Expired

    (238,208

)

    11.87       0       0  

Outstanding at August 29, 2012

    1,177,769     $ 6.30       3.1     $ 1,500  

Granted

    109,335       5.95       0       0  

Exercised

    (93,973

)

    4.29       0       0  

Forfeited/Expired

    (310,363

)

    9.85       0       0  

Outstanding at August 28, 2013

    882,768     $ 5.23       4.7     $ 2,042  

Exercised

    (29,253

)

    4.27       0       0  

Forfeited/Expired

    (52,761

)

    10.30       0       0  

Outstanding at August 27, 2014

    800,754     $ 4.95       4.1     $ 583  

Exercisable at August 27, 2014

    665,729     $ 4.83       3.8     $ 553  

 

The intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price.

 

At August 27, 2014, there was approximately $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 was $2.44 and $2.00 per share, respectively.

 

During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, cash received from options exercised was approximately $125,000, $403,000 and zero, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Grants of restricted stock units consist of the Company’s common stock and generally vest after three years. All restricted stock units are cliff-vested. Restricted stock units are valued at market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The market price under the Employee Stock Plan is the closing price at the date of the grant. The market price under the Nonemployee Director Plan is the average of the high and the low price on the date of the grant.

  

 
74

 

 

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity during fiscal years is presented in the following table:

 

   

Restricted Stock
Units

   

Weighted
Average
Fair Value

   

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term

 
         

(Per share)

(In years)

Unvested at August 31, 2011

    96,822       5.11       2.1  

Granted

    69,713       4.46    

 

Forfeited

    (2,589

)

    5.39    

 

Unvested at August 29, 2012

    163,946       4.83       1.8  

Granted

    274,290       6.17    

 

Vested

    (14,000

)

    3.46    

 

Unvested at August 28, 2013

    424,236     $ 5.74       2.1  

Granted

    63,238       7.09    

 

Vested

    (80,233

)

    5.39    

 

Forfeited

    (9,404

)

    5.79    

 

Unvested at August 27, 2014

    397,837     $ 6.03       1.6  

 

At August 27, 2014, there was approximately $3.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

Under the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan, directors are granted restricted stock in lieu of cash payments, for all or a portion of their compensation as directors. Directors may opt to receive 20% more shares of restricted stock awards by accepting more than the minimum required stock instead of cash. The number of shares granted is valued at the average of the high and low price of the Company’s stock at the date of the grant. Restricted stock awards vest when granted because they are granted in lieu of a cash payment. However, directors are restricted from selling their shares until after the third anniversary of the date of the grant.

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

 

The Company has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) designed to provide benefits for selected officers at normal retirement age with 25 years of service equal to 50% of their final average compensation offset by Social Security, profit sharing benefits, and deferred compensation. None of the Company’s executive officers participates in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Some of the officers designated to participate in the plan have retired and are receiving benefits under the plan. Accrued benefits of all actively employed participants become fully vested upon termination of the plan or a change in control (as defined in the plan). The plan is unfunded and the Company is obligated to make benefit payments solely on a current disbursement basis. On December 6, 2005, the Board of Directors voted to amend the SERP and suspend the further accrual of benefits and participation. As a result, a curtailment gain of approximately $88,000 was recognized. The net benefit recognized for the SERP for the years ended August 27, 2014, August 28, 2013 and August 29, 2012, was zero, and the unfunded accrued liability included in “Other Liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013 was approximately $83,000 and $95,000, respectively.

 

Nonemployee Director Phantom Stock Plan

 

Under the Company’s Nonemployee Director Phantom Stock Plan (“Phantom Stock Plan”), nonemployee directors deferred portions of their retainer and meeting fees which, along with certain matching incentives, were credited to phantom stock accounts in the form of phantom shares priced at the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Additionally, the phantom stock accounts were credited with dividends, if any, paid on the common stock represented by phantom shares. Authorized shares (100,000 shares) under the Phantom Stock Plan were fully depleted in early fiscal year 2003; since that time, no deferrals, incentives or dividends have been credited to phantom stock accounts. As participants cease to be directors, their phantom shares are converted into an equal number of shares of common stock and issued from the Company’s treasury stock. As of August 27, 2014, 29,627 phantom shares remained unissued under the Phantom Stock Plan.

 

 
75

 

 

401(k) Plan

 

The Company has a voluntary 401(k) employee savings plan to provide substantially all employees of the Company an opportunity to accumulate personal funds for their retirement. The Company matches 25% of participants’ contributions made to the plan up to 6% of their salary up until September 2009 when the Company stopped the match. The Company resumed the employee match feature in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012. The net expense recognized in connection with the employer match feature of the voluntary 401(k) employee savings plan for the years ended August 27, 2014, August 28, 2013 and August 29, 2012, was $501,000, $421,000 and, $164,000, respectively.

 

Note 15. Related Parties

 

Affiliate Services

 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Pappas, and Harris J. Pappas, a Director of the Company, own two restaurant entities (the “Pappas entities”) that may provide services to the Company and its subsidiaries, as detailed in the Master Sales Agreement dated December 9, 2005 among the Company and the Pappas entities.

 

Under the terms of the Master Sales Agreement, the Pappas entities continue to provide specialized (customized) equipment fabrication primarily for new construction and basic equipment maintenance, including stainless steel stoves, shelving, rolling carts, and chef tables. The total costs under the Master Sales Agreement of custom-fabricated and refurbished equipment in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $4,000, zero and $139,000, respectively. The decrease in fiscal 2013 was primarily due to fewer restaurant openings in fiscal year 2013 than fiscal 2012. Services provided under this agreement are subject to review and approval by the Finance and Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Operating Leases

 

In the third quarter of fiscal 2004, Messrs. Pappas became partners in a limited partnership which purchased a retail strip center in Houston, Texas. Messrs. Pappas collectively own a 50% limited partnership interest and a 50% general partnership interest in the limited partnership. A third party company manages the center. One of the Company’s restaurants has rented approximately 7% of the space in that center since July 1969. No changes were made to the Company’s lease terms as a result of the transfer of ownership of the center to the new partnership. The Company made payments of approximately $388,000, $426,000 and $332,000 in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under the lease agreement which currently includes an annual base rate of $14.64 per square foot.

 

On November 22, 2006, the Company executed a new lease agreement with respect to this shopping center. Effective upon the Company’s relocation and occupancy into the new space in July 2008, the new lease agreement provides for a primary term of approximately 12 years with two subsequent five-year options and gives the landlord an option to buy out the tenant on or after the calendar year 2015 by paying the then unamortized cost of improvements to the tenant. The Company is currently obligated to pay rent of $20.00 per square foot ($22.00 per square foot beginning January 2014) plus maintenance, taxes, and insurance during the primary term of the lease. Thereafter, the lease provides for reasonable increases in rent at set intervals. The new lease agreement was approved by the Finance and Audit Committee.

 

Affiliated rents paid for the Houston property lease represented 2.3%, 2.7% and 2.6% of total rents for continuing operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Board of Directors

 

Pursuant to the terms of a separate Purchase Agreement dated March 9, 2001, entered into by and among the Company, Christopher J. Pappas and Harris J. Pappas, the Company agreed to submit three persons designated by Christopher J. Pappas and Harris J. Pappas as nominees for election at the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Messrs. Pappas designated themselves and Frank Markantonis as their nominees for directors, all of whom were subsequently elected. Christopher J. Pappas and Harris J. Pappas are brothers and Frank Markantonis is an attorney whose principal client is Pappas Restaurants, Inc., an entity owned by Harris J. Pappas and Christopher J. Pappas.

 

Christopher J. Pappas is a member of the Advisory Board of Amegy Bank, National Association, which is a lender and syndication agent under the Company’s 2013 Revolving Credit Facility.

 

 
76

 

 

Key Management Personnel

 

In January 2015, Christopher Pappas entered into a new employment agreement to extend the termination date thereof to December 2014. Mr. Pappas continues to devote his primary time and business efforts to the Company while maintaining his role at Pappas Restaurants, Inc.

 

On December 20, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the renewal of a consultant agreement with Ernest Pekmezaris, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer. The agreement expiring on January 31, 2013 was renewed for six months at a lower monthly rate. Under the agreement, Mr. Pekmezaris furnished to the Company advisory and consulting services related to finance and accounting matters and other related consulting services. Mr. Pekmezaris is also the Treasurer of Pappas Restaurants, Inc. Compensation for the services provided by Mr. Pekmezaris to Pappas Restaurants, Inc. is paid entirely by that entity.

 

Peter Tropoli, a director of the Company and the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, and formerly the Company’s Senior Vice President, Administration, General Counsel and Secretary, is an attorney and stepson of Frank Markantonis, who is a director of the Company.

 

Paulette Gerukos, Vice President of Human Resources of the Company, is the sister-in-law of Harris J. Pappas, who is a director of the Company.

 

Note 16. Common Stock

 

At August 27, 2014, the Company had 500,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

Treasury Shares

 

In February 2008, the Company acquired 500,000 treasury shares for $4.8 million.

 

 
77

 

 

Note 17. Earnings Per Share

 

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic earnings per share and earnings per share assuming dilution is shown in the table below:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

August 28,
2013

   

August 29,
2012

 
 

(In thousands, except per share data)

Numerator:

                       

Income from continuing operations

  $ (1,613

)

  $ 4,547     $ 7,398  

Net income

  $ (3,447

)

  $ 3,161     $ 6,753  

Denominator:

                       

Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted-average shares

    28,812       28,618       28,351  

Effect of potentially dilutive securities:

                       

Employee and non-employee stock options

          248       78  

Denominator for earnings per share assuming dilution

    28,812       28,866       28,429  

Income from continuing operations:

                       

Basic

  $ (0.06

)

  $ 0.16     $ 0.26  

Assuming dilution (a)

  $ (0.06

)

  $ 0.16     $ 0.26  

Net income per share:

                       

Basic

  $ (0.12

)

  $ 0.11     $ 0.24  

Assuming dilution (a)

  $ (0.12

)

  $ 0.11     $ 0.24  

(a)

Potentially dilutive shares not included in the computation of net income per share because to do so would have been antidilutive amounted to 180,000 in fiscal year 2014 and zero shares in fiscal year 2013 and fiscal year 2012. Additionally, stock options with exercise prices exceeding market close prices that were excluded from the computation of net income per share amounted to 143,000 shares in fiscal year 2014, 67,000 shares in fiscal year 2013 and 373,020 shares in fiscal year 2012.

 

 
78

 

 

Note 18. Quarterly Financial Information

 

The following tables summarize quarterly unaudited financial information for fiscal years 2014 and 2013.

 

   

Quarter Ended (a)

 
   

August 27,
2014

   

May 7,
2014

   

February 12,
2014

   

November 20,
2013

(As Revised)

 
   

(112 days)

   

(84 days)

   

(84 days)

   

(84 days)

 
   

(In thousands except per share data)

 

Restaurant sales (c)

  $ 115,549     $ 90,141     $ 83,045     $ 80,064  

Franchise revenue

    2,284       1,684       1,545       1,514  

Culinary contract services

    5,772       4,534       3,979       4,270  

Total sales

    123,605       96,359       88,569       85,848  

Income from continuing operations (b) (c)

    (1,081

)

    1,742       (1,581

)

    (693

)

Discontinued operations (c)

    (366

)

    (12

)

    (603

)

    (853

)

Net income (loss)

    (1,447

)

    1,730       (2,184

)

    (1,546

)

Net income (loss) per share:

                               

Basic

    (0.06

)

    0.06       (0.08

)

    (0.05

)

Assuming dilution

    (0.06

)

    0.06       (0.08

)

    (0.05

)

Costs and Expenses

                               

(As a percentage of restaurant sales)

                               

Cost of food

    29.1

%

    28.6

%

    29.0

%

    28.6

%

Payroll and related costs

    35.0

%

    33.3

%

    35.3

%

    35.2

%

Other operating expenses

    19.3

%

    17.7

%

    18.6

%

    18.9

%

Occupancy costs

    5.8

%

    5.4

%

    5.8

%

    5.9

%

 

 

   

Quarter Ended (a)

 
   

August 28,
2013 (As Revised)

   

May 8,
2013 (As Revised)

   

February 13,
2013 (As Revised)

   

November 21,
2012 (As Revised)

 
 

(112 days)

(84 days)

(84 days)

(84 days)

 

(In thousands except per share data)

Restaurant sales(c)

  $ 115,947     $ 89,671     $ 80,858     $ 74,091  

Franchise revenue

    2,235       1,640       1,539       1,522  

Culinary contract services

    5,086       4,099       3,667       3,841  

Total sales

    123,268       95,410       86,064       79,454  

Income from continuing operations (b) (c)

    1,086       2,624       663       174  

Discontinued operations(c)

    (657

)

    (163

)

    (482

)

    (84

)

Net income

    429       2,461       181       90  

Net income per share:

                               

Basic

    0.01       0.09       0.01       0.01  

Assuming dilution

    0.01       0.09       0.01       0.01  

Costs and Expenses

                               

(As a percentage of restaurant sales)

                               

Cost of food

    28.8

%

    28.6

%

    28.9

%

    28.2

%

Payroll and related costs

    33.8

%

    33.5

%

    35.6

%

    35.2

%

Other operating expenses

    19.2

%

    17.3

%

    17.1

%

    18.0

%

Occupancy costs

    6.3

%

    5.5

%

    6.0

%

    5.5

%

 

(a)

The quarters ended August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013 consists of four four-week periods. All other quarters presented represent three four-week periods.

(b)

The first quarter encompasses the typical start of school and second quarter includes Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays.

 

(c) In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we identified and corrected immaterial accounting errors in prepaid assets and payroll related liabilities. The Company did not expense amounts related to these accounts properly in the appropriate prior periods. The errors impacted all prior reporting periods beginning in 2007. Based on management’s analysis of the error as required by guidance in ASC 250-10 relating to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic1.M, Assessing Materiality and SAB Topic 1.N, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, Income from continuing operations for quarter one of fiscal year 2014 and quarters one through four of fiscal year 2013 have been revised. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies. In addition, Restaurant sales, Income from continuing operations and Discontinued operations were revised to reflect the Company’s disposal plans discussed in Note 8.

 

 
79

 

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

We have had no disagreements with our accountants on any accounting or financial disclosures.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures

 

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of August 27, 2014. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of August 27, 2014, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect material misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of August 27, 2014 based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 27, 2014.

 

Grant Thornton LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report, has also audited the effectiveness our internal control over financial reporting as of August 27, 2014, as stated in their attestation report which is included under Item 8 of this report.

 

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Included in Item 8 of this report.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Except as noted above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended August 27, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None  

 

 
80

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

There is incorporated in this Item 10 by reference that portion of our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders appearing therein under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Executive Officers,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

 

We have in place a Policy Guide on Standards of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, as well as the board of directors, and Supplemental Standards of Conduct and Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and all senior financial officers. This Policy Guide and the Supplemental Standards were filed as exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2003 and can be found on our website at www.lubys.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to or waivers from the code of ethics or supplementary code of ethics by posting such information on our website at www.lubys.com.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

There is incorporated in this Item 11 by reference that portion of our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders appearing therein under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Compensation,” “—Executive Compensation Committee Report,” “—Compensation Tables and Information,” “—Director Compensation,” and “Corporate Governance—Executive Compensation Committee—Compensation Committee Interlocks.”

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

There is incorporated in this Item 12 by reference that portion of our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders appearing therein under the captions “Ownership of Equity Securities in the Company” and “Principal Shareholders.”

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

There is incorporated in this Item 13 by reference that portion of our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders appearing therein under the captions, “Corporate Governance Guidelines—Director Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

There is incorporated in this Item 14 by reference that portion of our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders appearing therein under the caption “Fees Paid To The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”  

 

 
81

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

1.

Financial Statements

 

     

The following financial statements are filed as part of this Report:

 

    

Consolidated balance sheets at August 27, 2014 and August 28, 2013.

 

    

Consolidated statements of operations for each of the three years in the period ended August 27, 2014.

 

    

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended August 27, 2014. 

 

    

Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 27, 2014.

 

    

Notes to consolidated financial statements

 

    

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Grant Thornton LLP

 

2.

Financial Statement Schedules

 

All schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the financial statements and notes thereto.

 

3.

Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed as a part of this Report:

 

3(a)

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Luby’s, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 11, 2009 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

3(b)

Bylaws of Luby’s, Inc., as amended through July 9, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 14, 2008 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(a)

Credit Agreement dated as of November 9, 2009, among the Company, the lenders party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent (filed as Exhibit 4(l) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2009 File No. 001-08308, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(b)

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 10, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(c)

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(d)

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(e)

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 4(g) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 
82

 

 

4(f)

Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2011, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(g)

Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2011, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 4(i) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 29, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

4(h)

Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2013, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 13, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

4(i)

Credit Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2013, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

4(j)

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as March 21, 2014, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2014).

 

 

4(k)

Rights Agreement dated January 27, 2011 between Luby’s, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 2, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

4(l)

First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2013, between Luby’s, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2013).

  

  

10(a)

Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan of Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. adopted October 27, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 1994 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(b)

Amendment to Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan of Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. adopted January 14, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(m) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1997 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(c)

Amendment to Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan of Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. adopted March 19, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(o) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(d)

Amended and Restated Nonemployee Director Stock Plan of Luby’s, Inc. adopted January 20, 2005, as amended January 24, 2007, as amended April 14, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2008 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(e)

Second Amended and Restated Nonemployee Director Stock Plan of Luby’s, Inc. adopted January 25, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 13, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(f)

Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated May 30, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(g)

Amendment to Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan adopted January 14, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(r) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1997 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

 

 
83

 

 

10(h)

Amendment to Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan adopted January 9, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(u) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1998 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(i)

Amendment to Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan adopted May 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10(q) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1999 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference.)*

  

  

10(j)

Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan adopted October 16, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(cc) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(k)

Amended and Restated Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan adopted January 19, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10(ee) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 15, 2006 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(l)

Registration Rights Agreement dated March 9, 2001, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Christopher J. Pappas, and Harris J. Pappas (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 9, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(m)

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2010, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Fuddruckers, Inc., Magic Brands, LLC, Atlantic Restaurant Ventures, Inc., R. Wes, Inc., Fuddruckers of Howard County, LLC and Fuddruckers of White Marsh, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2010).

 

 

10(n)

Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2010, by and among Luby’s Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC, Fuddruckers, Inc., Magic Brands, LLC, Atlantic Restaurant Ventures, Inc., R. Wes, Inc., Fuddruckers of Howard County, LLC and Fuddruckers of White Marsh, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2010).

  

  

10(o)

Luby’s, Inc. Amended and Restated Nonemployee Director Phantom Stock Plan effective September 28, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10(dd) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 13, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(p)

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between Luby’s, Inc. and each member of its Board of Directors initially dated July 23, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10(gg) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2002 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(q)

Amended and Restated Master Sales Agreement effective November 16, 2011, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Pappas Restaurants, L.P., and Pappas Restaurants, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(r)

Amended and Restated Master Sales Agreement effective November 8, 2013, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Pappas Restaurants, L.P., and Pappas Restaurants, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10 (u) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(s)

Employment Agreement dated January 24, 2014, between Luby’s, Inc. and Christopher J. Pappas (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 27, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(t)

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(u)

Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement pursuant to the Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 
84

 

 

11

Statement regarding computation of Per Share Earnings.**

  

  

14(a)

Policy Guide on Standards of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, as well as the board of directors (filed as Exhibit 14(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

14(b)

Supplemental Standards of Conduct and Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and all senior financial officers (filed as Exhibit 14(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

21

Subsidiaries of the Company.

  

  

23.1

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

  

  

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

  

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

  

32.1

Section 1350 certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

  

32.2

Section 1350 certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

  

99(a)

Corporate Governance Guidelines of Luby’s, Inc., as amended October 28, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 99(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 29, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

  

  

101.SCH

XBRL Schema Document

  

  

101.CAL

XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

  

  

101.DEF

XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

  

  

101.LAB

XBRL Label Linkbase Document

  

  

101.PRE

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 


*

Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**

Information required to be presented in Exhibit 11 is provided in Note 17 “Earnings Per Share” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings per Share.

 

 
85

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

November 10, 2014

Date

 

LUBY’S, INC.

(Registrant)

  

  

  

 

By:

/s/    CHRISTOPHER J. PAPPAS        

 

 

Christopher J. Pappas

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature and Title

Date 

  

  

/S/    GASPER MIR, III

November 10, 2014

Gasper Mir, III, Director and Chairman of the Board

 

  

  

/S/    CHRISTOPHER J. PAPPAS

November 10, 2014

Christopher J. Pappas, Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

  

  

/S/    PETER TROPOLI 

November 10, 2014

Peter Tropoli, Chief Operating Officer

 

  

  

/S/    K. SCOTT GRAY 

November 10, 2014

K. Scott Gray, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

  

  

/S/    HARRIS J. PAPPAS

November 10, 2014

Harris J. Pappas, Director

 

  

  

/S/    JUDITH B. CRAVEN

November 10, 2014

Judith B. Craven, Director

 

  

  

/S/     ARTHUR R. EMERSON 

November 10, 2014

Arthur R. Emerson, Director

 

  

  

/S/    JILL GRIFFIN

November 10, 2014

Jill Griffin, Director

 

  

  

/S/    J.S.B. JENKINS

November 10 2014

J.S.B. Jenkins, Director

 

  

  

/S/    FRANK MARKANTONIS 

November 10, 2014

Frank Markantonis, Director

 

  

  

/S/    JOE C. MCKINNEY 

November 10, 2014

Joe C. McKinney, Director

 

 

 
86

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

3(a)

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Luby’s, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 11, 2009 File No. 001-08308, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

3(b)

Bylaws of Luby’s, Inc., as amended through July 9, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 14, 2008 File No. 001-08308, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(a)

Credit Agreement dated as of November 9, 2009, among the Company, the lenders party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent (filed as Exhibit 4(l) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2009 File No. 001-08308, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(b)

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 10, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(c)

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(d)

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(e)

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2010, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 4(g) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

4(f)

Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2011, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

4(g)

Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2011, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 4(i) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 29, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

4(h)

Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2013, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 13, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

4(i)

Credit Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2013, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

4(j)

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as March 21, 2014, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Amegy Bank National Association, as syndication agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2014).

 

 
87

 

 

4(k)

Rights Agreement dated January 27, 2011 between Luby’s, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 2, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

4(l)

First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2013, between Luby’s, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2013).

  

  

10(a)

Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan of Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. adopted October 27, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 1994 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(b)

Amendment to Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan of Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. adopted January 14, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(m) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1997 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(c)

Amendment to Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan of Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. adopted March 19, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(o) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(d)

Amended and Restated Nonemployee Director Stock Plan of Luby’s, Inc. adopted January 20, 2005, as amended January 24, 2007, as amended April 14, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2008 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(e)

Second Amended and Restated Nonemployee Director Stock Plan of Luby’s, Inc. adopted January 25, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 13, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(f)

Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated May 30, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(g)

Amendment to Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan adopted January 14, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10(r) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1997 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(h)

Amendment to Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan adopted January 9, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(u) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1998 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(i)

Amendment to Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan adopted May 21, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10(q) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1999 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference.)*

  

  

10(j)

Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan adopted October 16, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(cc) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(k)

Amended and Restated Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan adopted January 19, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10(ee) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 15, 2006 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(l)

Registration Rights Agreement dated March 9, 2001, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Christopher J. Pappas, and Harris J. Pappas (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 9, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(m)

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2010, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Fuddruckers, Inc., Magic Brands, LLC, Atlantic Restaurant Ventures, Inc., R. Wes, Inc., Fuddruckers of Howard County, LLC and Fuddruckers of White Marsh, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2010).

 

 
88

 

 

10(n)

Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2010, by and among Luby’s Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC, Fuddruckers, Inc., Magic Brands, LLC, Atlantic Restaurant Ventures, Inc., R. Wes, Inc., Fuddruckers of Howard County, LLC and Fuddruckers of White Marsh, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2010).

  

  

10(o)

Luby’s, Inc. Amended and Restated Nonemployee Director Phantom Stock Plan effective September 28, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10(dd) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 13, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(p)

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between Luby’s, Inc. and each member of its Board of Directors initially dated July 23, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10(gg) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2002 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(q)

Amended and Restated Master Sales Agreement effective November 16, 2011, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Pappas Restaurants, L.P., and Pappas Restaurants, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(r)

Amended and Restated Master Sales Agreement effective November 8, 2013, by and among Luby’s, Inc., Pappas Restaurants, L.P., and Pappas Restaurants, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10 (u) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(s)

Employment Agreement dated January 24, 2014, between Luby’s, Inc. and Christopher J. Pappas (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 27, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).*

  

  

10(t)

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

10(u)

Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement pursuant to the Luby’s Incentive Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007 (File No. 001-08308), and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

11

Statement regarding computation of Per Share Earnings.**

  

  

14(a)

Policy Guide on Standards of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, as well as the board of directors (filed as Exhibit 14(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

14(b)

Supplemental Standards of Conduct and Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and all senior financial officers (filed as Exhibit 14(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 26, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

21

Subsidiaries of the Company.

  

  

23.1

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

  

  

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

  

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

  

32.1

Section 1350 certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  

  

32.2

Section 1350 certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 
89

 

 

99(a)

Corporate Governance Guidelines of Luby’s, Inc., as amended October 28, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 99(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 29, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).

  

  

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

  

  

101.SCH

XBRL Schema Document

  

  

101.CAL

XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

  

  

101.DEF

XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

  

  

101.LAB

XBRL Label Linkbase Document

  

  

101.PRE

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

*

Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**

Information required to be presented in Exhibit 11 is provided in Note 17 “Earnings Per Share” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings per Share.

 

 

 90