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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

                         For the quarter ended November 3, 2003

OR

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

                         For the transition period from           to          .

Commission file number 1-11313


CKE RESTAURANTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  33-0602639
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
6307 Carpinteria Avenue, Ste. A, Carpinteria, CA
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  93013
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 745-7500

Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if changed since last report.


     Indicate by checkmark 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 x No o

     Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes x No o

     As of December 1, 2003, 57,613,086 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Part II. Other Information.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 4.6
EXHIBIT 4.8
EXHIBIT 10.50
EXHIBIT 10.51
EXHIBIT 10.52
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32.1
EXHIBIT 32.2


Table of Contents

CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

                 
            Page
           
Part I. Financial Information
       
Item 1   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):        
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 3, 2003 and January 31, 2003     3  
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve weeks and forty weeks ended     4  
    November 3, 2003 and November 4, 2002        
    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the forty weeks ended     5  
    November 3, 2003        
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003     6  
    and November 4, 2002        
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements     7  
Item 2   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     20  
Item 3   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     46  
Item 4   Controls and Procedures     47  
Part II. Other Information
       
Item 2   Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds     48  
Item 6   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K     49  

2


Table of Contents

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

                     
        November 3, 2003   January 31, 2003
       
 
ASSETS
       
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 25,680     $ 18,440  
 
Accounts receivable, net
    27,558       40,593  
 
Related party trade receivables
    6,254       5,106  
 
Inventories
    17,877       19,224  
 
Prepaid expenses
    11,622       16,325  
 
Assets held for sale
    16,734       21,170  
 
Other current assets
    1,500       1,492  
 
   
     
 
   
Total current assets
    107,225       122,350  
Notes receivable
    3,622       3,891  
Property and equipment, net
    537,943       553,325  
Property under capital leases, net
    55,693       59,014  
Goodwill
    56,708       56,708  
Other assets
    36,889       48,185  
 
   
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 798,080     $ 843,473  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
       
Current liabilities:
               
 
Bank indebtedness
  $     $ 25,000  
 
Convertible subordinated notes
    22,319        
 
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    8,103       9,782  
 
Accounts payable
    44,649       56,968  
 
Other current liabilities
    105,943       102,052  
 
   
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    181,014       193,802  
Capital lease obligations, less current portion
    59,073       62,518  
Senior subordinated notes
    200,000       200,000  
Convertible subordinated notes due 2004
          122,319  
Convertible subordinated notes due 2023
    105,000        
Other long-term liabilities
    55,691       71,260  
 
   
     
 
   
Total liabilities
    600,778       649,899  
 
   
     
 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding
           
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 59,193,000 and 58,868,000 shares at November 3, 2003 and January 31, 2003, respectively
    592       589  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    464,598       463,474  
 
Non-employee director and officer notes receivable
    (2,530 )     (2,530 )
 
Accumulated deficit
    (254,952 )     (257,553 )
 
Treasury stock at cost, 1,585,000 shares
    (10,406 )     (10,406 )
 
   
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    197,302       193,574  
 
   
     
 
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 798,080     $ 843,473  
 
   
     
 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Table of Contents

CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

                                       
          Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
         
 
          November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
         
 
 
 
Revenue:
                               
 
Company-operated restaurants
  $ 271,026     $ 255,865     $ 881,237     $ 867,144  
 
Franchised and licensed restaurants and other
    63,751       56,964       206,817       197,653  
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
Total revenue
    334,777       312,829       1,088,054       1,064,797  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
 
Restaurant operations:
                               
   
Food and packaging
    81,600       73,735       262,549       249,549  
   
Payroll and other employee benefit expenses
    86,687       81,402       284,232       277,565  
   
Occupancy and other operating expenses
    60,465       59,491       201,356       191,141  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    228,752       214,628       748,137       718,255  
 
Franchised and licensed restaurants and other
    49,962       43,105       163,376       150,561  
 
Advertising expenses
    16,719       16,710       54,302       55,472  
 
General and administrative expenses
    25,777       27,271       82,232       88,292  
 
Facility action charges, net
    1,301       765       3,193       5,827  
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
Total operating costs and expenses
    322,511       302,479       1,051,240       1,018,407  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    12,266       10,350       36,814       46,390  
Interest expense
    (9,947 )     (9,588 )     (31,149 )     (32,321 )
Other income (expense), net
    (76 )     3,904       (487 )     11,806  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    2,243       4,666       5,178       25,875  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    192       (5,393 )     622       (8,143 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income from continuing operations
    2,051       10,059       4,556       34,018  
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued segment (net of income tax benefit of $21, $30, $47 and $26 for the twelve-week periods ended November 3, 2003 and November 4, 2002, and the forty-week periods ended November 3, 2003 and November 4, 2002, respectively)
    111       (556 )     (1,955 )     (568 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    2,162       9,503       2,601       33,450  
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
                      (175,780 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,162     $ 9,503     $ 2,601     $ (142,330 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Basic income (loss) per common share:
                               
 
Continuing operations
  $ 0.04     $ 0.18     $ 0.07     $ 0.60  
 
Discontinued operations (including loss on discontinued segment)
          (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.01 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    0.04       0.17       0.04       0.59  
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
                      (3.11 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.04     $ 0.17     $ 0.04     $ (2.52 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
                               
 
Continuing operations
  $ 0.04     $ 0.17     $ 0.07     $ 0.59  
 
Discontinued operations (including loss on discontinued segment)
          (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.01 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    0.04       0.16       0.04       0.58  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
                      (3.03 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.04     $ 0.16     $ 0.04     $ (2.45 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
                               
 
Basic
    59,183       57,243       59,096       56,483  
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
    1,304       1,896       1,063       1,610  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Diluted
    60,487       59,139       60,159       58,093  
 
   
     
     
     
 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4


Table of Contents

CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

                                                                   
    Forty Weeks Ended November 3, 2003
   
      Common Stock                           Treasury Stock    
     
                         
   
                              Non-                            
                              Employee                            
                      Additional   Director and                           Total
      Number of           Paid-In   Officer Notes   Accumulated   Number of           Stockholders'
      Shares   Amount   Capital   Receivable   Deficit   Shares   Amount   Equity
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 31, 2003
    58,868     $ 589     $ 463,474     $ (2,530 )   $ (257,553 )     (1,585 )   $ (10,406 )   $ 193,574  
 
Exercise of stock options
    325       3       1,124                               1,127  
 
Net income
                            2,601                   2,601  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at November 3, 2003
    59,193     $ 592     $ 464,598     $ (2,530 )   $ (254,952 )     (1,585 )   $ (10,406 )   $ 197,302  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5


Table of Contents

CKE RESTAURANTS, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

                         
            Forty Weeks Ended
           
            November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
           
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
               
   
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,601     $ (142,330 )
   
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities (excluding effects of acquisition in 2002):
               
     
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
          175,780  
     
Depreciation and amortization
    49,347       48,013  
     
Amortization of loan fees
    3,618       3,199  
     
Provision (recovery) for losses on accounts and notes receivable
    1,980       (793 )
     
(Gain) loss on investments, sale of property and equipment, capital leases and extinguishment of debt
    541       (10,811 )
     
Facility action charges, net
    3,193       5,827  
     
Other non-cash items
    (383 )     8  
     
Income tax refund accrued
          (8,852 )
     
Income tax refund received
    723       12,724  
     
Change in estimated liability for closing restaurants, estimated liability for self-insurance and other long-term liabilities
    (4,694 )     (14,732 )
     
Net change in accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets
    10,592       (875 )
     
Net change in accounts payable and other current liabilities
    (6,133 )     7,780  
     
Loss from operations of discontinued segment
    1,955       568  
     
Cash provided to discontinued segment
    (237 )     (2,234 )
 
   
     
 
       
Cash provided by operating activities
    63,103       73,272  
 
   
     
 
Cash flow from investing activities:
               
   
Purchases of property and equipment
    (32,995 )     (43,768 )
   
Proceeds from sale of:
               
     
Marketable securities and long-term investments
          8,959  
     
Property and equipment
    12,451       16,051  
   
Collections on notes receivable and related party receivables
    4,884       960  
   
Cash received from acquisition, net of payments made to acquire SBRG
          1,368  
   
Net change in other assets
    968       322  
 
   
     
 
       
Cash used in investing activities
    (14,692 )     (16,108 )
 
   
     
 
Cash flow from financing activities:
               
   
Net change in bank overdraft
    (7,566 )     (9,874 )
   
Long-term borrowings
    149,500       74,500  
   
Repayments of long-term debt
    (274,500 )     (101,540 )
   
Repayments of capital lease obligations
    (7,868 )     (8,163 )
   
Collections on non-employee director and officer notes receivable
          1,555  
   
Payment of deferred financing costs
    (968 )     (5,366 )
   
Net change in other long-term liabilities
    (2,484 )     (1,667 )
   
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt
    101,588        
   
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    1,127       1,250  
 
   
     
 
       
Cash used in financing activities
    (41,171 )     (49,305 )
 
   
     
 
       
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    7,240       7,860  
       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    18,440       24,642  
 
   
     
 
       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 25,680     $ 32,502  
 
   
     
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
 
Cash (paid) received during the period for:
               
   
Interest
  $ (33,397 )   $ (34,265 )
 
   
     
 
   
Income taxes
  $ (1,521 )   $ 11,854  
 
   
     
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
   
Gain recognized on sale and leaseback transactions
  $ 232     $ 237  
 
   
     
 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

NOTE (1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

CKE Restaurants, Inc. (“CKE” or the “Company”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns, operates, franchises and licenses the Carl’s Jr.®, Hardee’s®, The Green Burrito® (“Green Burrito”) and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill® (“La Salsa”) concepts. Carl’s Jr. restaurants are primarily located in the Western United States. Hardee’s restaurants are located throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Green Burrito restaurants are located in California, primarily in dual-brand Carl’s Jr. restaurants. La Salsa restaurants are primarily located in California. As of November 3, 2003, the Company’s system-wide restaurant portfolio consisted of:

                                         
    Carl's Jr.   Hardee's   La Salsa   Other   Total
   
 
 
 
 
Company-operated
    440       721       60       4       1,225  
Franchised and licensed
    563       1,413       40       17       2,033  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Total
    1,003       2,134       100       21       3,258  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CKE and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the instructions to Form 10-Q, and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. These statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 2003. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or for any future period.

For clarity of presentation, the Company generally labels all fiscal year ends as fiscal year ended January 31.

Prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has various stock-based compensation plans that provide options for certain employees and outside directors to purchase common shares of the Company. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure (“SFAS 148”). SFAS 148 amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”), to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair-value method for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results.

For purposes of the following pro forma disclosures required by SFAS 148 and SFAS 123, the fair value of each option has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that do not have vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the value of an estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

The assumptions used for grants in the twelve week and forty week periods ended November 3, 2003 and November 4, 2002 are as follows:

                   
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
Annual dividends
  $     $  
Expected volatility
    140.0 %     69.5 %
Risk-free interest rate (matched to the expected term of the outstanding option)
    2.99 %     3.64 %
Expected life of all options outstanding (years)
    5.45       5.45  
Weighted-average fair value of each option granted
               
 
Twelve weeks ended
  $ 6.08     $  
 
Forty weeks ended
  $ 5.20     $ 6.90  

The assumptions used to determine the fair value of each option granted are highly subjective. Changes in the assumptions used would affect the fair value of the options granted as follows:

                         
    Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Options Granted
   
    Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
Change in Assumption   November 3, 2003   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002

 
 
 
10% increase in expected volatility
  $ 0.14     $ 0.12     $ 0.64  
1% increase in risk-free interest rate
  $ 0.02     $ 0.01     $ 0.12  
10% decrease in expected volatility
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.69 )
1% decrease in risk-free interest rate
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.12 )

The following tables reconcile reported net income (loss) to pro forma net income (loss) assuming compensation expense for stock-based compensation had been recognized in accordance with SFAS 123:

                   
      Twelve Weeks Ended
     
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 2,162     $ 9,503  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income
           
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of related tax effects
    (892 )     (729 )
 
   
     
 
Net income — pro forma
  $ 1,270     $ 8,774  
 
   
     
 
Income per common share:
               
 
Basic — as reported
  $ 0.04     $ 0.17  
 
Basic — pro forma
  $ 0.02     $ 0.15  
 
Diluted — as reported
  $ 0.04     $ 0.16  
 
Diluted — pro forma
  $ 0.02     $ 0.15  

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

                   
      Forty Weeks Ended
     
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
Net income (loss), as reported
  $ 2,601     $ (142,330 )
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income (loss)
           
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of related tax effects
    (2,520 )     (2,141 )
 
   
     
 
Net income (loss) — pro forma
  $ 81     $ (144,471 )
 
   
     
 
Income (loss) per common share:
               
 
Basic — as reported
  $ 0.04     $ (2.52 )
 
Basic — pro forma
  $ 0.00     $ (2.56 )
 
Diluted — as reported
  $ 0.04     $ (2.45 )
 
Diluted — pro forma
  $ 0.00     $ (2.49 )

NOTE (2) ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”). SFAS 143 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for obligations related to the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The adoption of SFAS 143 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement 13 and Technical Corrections (“SFAS 145”). As permitted, the Company had previously implemented the provisions of SFAS 145 regarding debt extinguishment in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. SFAS 145 eliminates the presumption of classification of debt extinguishment activity as an extraordinary item, eliminates inconsistencies in lease modification treatment and makes various technical corrections or clarifications of other existing authoritative pronouncements. The adoption of SFAS 145 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force No. 02-16, Accounting by a Reseller for Cash Consideration Received from a Vendor (“EITF 02-16”). EITF 02-16 provides guidance on the recognition of cash consideration received by a customer from a vendor and is effective for transactions entered into or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company’s initial adoption of EITF 02-16 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 149”). SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 133”). The statement requires that contracts with comparable characteristics be accounted for similarly and clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component that warrants special reporting in the statement of cash flows. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except in certain circumstances, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures in its statement of financial position certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances) because that financial instrument embodies an obligation of the issuer. This Statement was originally effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

entities. For mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests, the measurement provisions of SFAS 150 have been deferred indefinitely. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

NOTE (3) ACQUISITION

On March 1, 2002, the Company acquired Santa Barbara Restaurant Group, Inc. (“SBRG”). SBRG owns, operates and franchises the Green Burrito, La Salsa and Timber Lodge restaurant chains. At the time of acquisition, as a result of the Company’s dual-branding relationship with GB Franchise Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of SBRG, Carl’s Jr. had been SBRG’s largest franchisee. The Company acquired SBRG for strategic purposes, which included gaining control of the Green Burrito brand, eliminating the payment of royalties on franchised Green Burrito restaurants, investing in the fast-casual segment, which is an emerging competitor to the quick-service restaurant segment, and providing the Company with a growth opportunity in the “Fresh Mex” segment with La Salsa. The results of operations of SBRG are included in the operating results for the twelve week and forty week periods ended November 3, 2003, the twelve week period ended November 4, 2002 and the period from March 1, 2002 (date of acquisition) through November 4, 2002. The purchase price consisted of 6,352,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, warrants to purchase 982,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and options to purchase 1,679,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued in total at $78,815 as of the closing, plus transaction costs of $1,465.

The final allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired, including the goodwill and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of SBRG are as follows:

                         
    Initial           Final
    Purchase Price   Adjustments to the   Purchase Price
    Allocation   Initial Allocation   Allocation
   
 
 
Current assets
  $ 5,173     $ (2,099 )   $ 3,074  
Property and equipment
    33,722       (22,699 )     11,023  
Goodwill
    32,225       12,504       44,729  
Net assets held for sale
          9,835       9,835  
Other assets
    30,566       (6,784 )     23,782  
 
   
     
     
 
Total assets acquired
    101,686       (9,243 )     92,443  
 
   
     
     
 
Current liabilities
    13,141       (7,670 )     5,471  
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
    6,500             6,500  
Other long-term liabilities
    2,230       (2,038 )     192  
 
   
     
     
 
Total liabilities assumed
    21,871       (9,708 )     12,163  
 
   
     
     
 
Net assets acquired
  $ 79,815     $ 465     $ 80,280  
 
   
     
     
 

The Company has made adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation, the impact of which was immaterial to the Company’s results of operations, as follows:

         
Increase in net assets held for sale due to plan to divest Timber Lodge
  $ 9,835  
Decrease in property and equipment due to adjustments for capital leases, leasehold improvements, other property and equipment, and reclass to net assets held for sale
    (22,699 )
Decrease in current assets due to reclassification to net assets held for sale
    (2,099 )
Decrease in other assets due to adjustments for prepaid expenses and net assets held for sale
    (6,784 )
Increase in goodwill due to adjustments listed above
    12,504  
Decrease in current liabilities due to adjustments for leases at Timber Lodge and reclassification to net assets held for sale
    7,670  
Decrease in other long-term liabilities due to adjustments to record additional estimated liabilities for closing restaurants and reclass to net assets held for sale
    2,038  
 
   
 
Change in purchase price
  $ 465  
 
   
 

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

The Company acquired identifiable intangible assets as a result of the acquisition of SBRG. The intangible assets acquired, included in other assets above, excluding goodwill, are classified and valued as follows:

                                 
                    Adjustments to    
                the Initial    
    Amortization   Initial Balance   Balance Sheet   Final Balance
Intangible Asset   Period   Sheet Allocation   Allocation   Sheet Allocation

 
 
 
 
Trademarks   20 years   $ 17,000     $ 171     $ 17,171  
Franchise agreements   20 years     1,700       80       1,780  
Favorable leases
    6 to 15 years       9,600       (6,468 )     3,132  
Other intangible assets   20 years     46       (46 )      
 
           
     
     
 
Total intangible assets acquired
          $ 28,346     $ (6,263 )   $ 22,083  
 
           
     
     
 

Amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of SBRG was approximately $322, $1,074, $317 and $925 for the twelve week and forty week periods ended November 3, 2003, the twelve week period ended November 4, 2002 and the period from March 1, 2002 (the date of acquisition) through November 4, 2002, respectively.

Selected unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, assuming the SBRG acquisition occurred on January 30, 2002, using actual restaurant-level margins and general and administrative expenses prior to the acquisition, are as follows:

           
      Forty Weeks Ended
      November 4, 2002
     
Total revenue
  $ 1,066,138  
 
   
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 32,963  
Loss from discontinued operations
    (722 )
 
   
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    32,241  
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    (175,780 )
 
   
 
Net loss
  $ (143,539 )
 
   
 
Basic income (loss) per common share:
       
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.56  
 
Loss from discontinued operations
    (0.01 )
 
   
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    0.55  
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    (3.02 )
 
   
 
 
Net loss
  $ (2.47 )
 
   
 
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
       
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.55  
 
Loss from discontinued operations
    (0.01 )
 
   
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    0.54  
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
    (2.94 )
 
   
 
 
Net loss
  $ (2.40 )
 
   
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
       
 
Basic
    58,220  
 
Dilutive effect of stock options and awards
    1,610  
 
   
 
 
Diluted
    59,830  
 
   
 

NOTE (4) INDEBTEDNESS AND RELATED INTEREST EXPENSE

As of November 3, 2003, the Company’s senior credit facility (“Facility”) consisted of a $100,000 revolving credit facility, which included a $75,000 letter of credit sub-facility, and was scheduled to mature December 14, 2003. As of November 3, 2003, the total cash borrowings outstanding under the Facility were $0, outstanding letters of credit

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

were $62,481 and the availability was $37,519. On November 12, 2003, the Company amended and restated the Facility. The new Facility consists of a $150,000 revolving credit facility and a $25,000 term loan. The revolving portion of the Facility includes an $80,000 letter of credit sub-facility and matures November 15, 2006. The principal amount of the term loan portion of the Facility will be repaid in quarterly installments maturing on April 1, 2008, and will be used to repay the still-outstanding portion of the Company’s 4.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 (“2004 Convertible Notes”) at their maturity on March 15, 2004. The Facility includes certain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur debt, incur liens on its assets, dispose of assets or make any significant changes to its corporate structure or the nature of its business. Additionally, the Facility includes financial covenants requiring minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and limiting the amount available to the Company for capital expenditures.

On September 29, 2003, the Company completed an offering of $105,000 of its 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023 (“2023 Convertible Notes”). Nearly all of the net proceeds of the offering of $101,588 were used to repurchase $100,000 of the 2004 Convertible Notes. The 2023 Convertible Notes bear interest at the annual rate of 4.0%, payable in semiannual installments due April 1 and October 1 each year. The 2023 Convertible Notes are unsecured general obligations of the Company and are contractually subordinate in right of payment to certain other Company obligations, including the Facility and the Company’s 9.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (“Senior Notes”). On October 1 of 2008, 2013 and 2018, holders of the 2023 Convertible Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at prices specified in the related indenture. The 2023 Convertible Notes are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of 112.4859 shares per one thousand dollars principal balance of the 2023 Convertible Notes upon the conditions set forth in the related indenture, which is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to this report. The 2023 Convertible Notes were not convertible during the period September 29, 2003 through November 3, 2003.

During the twelve and forty week periods ended November 3, 2003, the Company repurchased $100,000 (face value) of the 2004 Convertible Notes for $100,708, which included a call premium of $708. That transaction resulted in the recognition of a loss on the retirement of debt of $708, which is recorded as other expense, net in the consolidated financial statements.

During the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002, the Company repurchased $5,545 (face value) of the 2004 Convertible Notes for $4,817, at various prices ranging from $85.25 to $91.75. Those transactions resulted in the recognition of a gain on the retirement of debt of $728. During the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, the Company repurchased $22,741 (face value) of the 2004 Convertible Notes for $20,299, at various prices ranging from $85.25 to $91.75. Those transactions resulted in the recognition of a gain on the retirement of debt in the amount of $2,442.

Gains and losses on the retirement of debt are recorded as other income (expense), net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Interest expense consists of the following:

                                   
      Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
     
 
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
 
 
Facility
  $ 81     $ 121     $ 988     $ 690  
Senior Notes
    4,212       4,212       14,039       14,038  
Capital lease obligations
    2,443       2,069       6,671       6,955  
2004 Convertible Notes
    1,188       1,379       3,572       4,837  
2023 Convertible Notes
    415             415        
Amortization of loan fees
    1,159       1,034       3,618       3,199  
Letter of credit fees and other
    449       773       1,846       2,602  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Total interest expense
  $ 9,947     $ 9,588     $ 31,149     $ 32,321  
 
   
     
     
     
 

NOTE (5) FACILITY ACTION CHARGES, NET

In late fiscal 2000, the Company embarked on a refranchising initiative to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Facility, as well as to increase the number of franchise-operated restaurants. In addition, the Company identified and

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

closed under-performing restaurants. The results of these strategies have caused the following transactions to be recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as facility action charges, net:

(i)   impairment of long-lived assets for restaurants the Company closes;

(ii)   impairment of long-lived assets for restaurants with net asset values in excess of estimated fair value;

(iii)   restaurant closure costs (primarily reflecting the estimated liability to terminate leases); and

(iv)   gains (losses) on the sale of restaurants and surplus properties.

On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its estimated liability for closing restaurants and subsidizing restaurant lease payments to franchisees and modifies the assumptions used based on actual results from selling surplus properties and terminating leases, and estimated property values obtained from a related party real estate broker. The Company closed nine Hardee’s company-operated restaurants and three Carl’s Jr. company-operated restaurants during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003. The Company closed 13 Hardee’s, two La Salsa and four Carl’s Jr. company-operated restaurants during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003. The Company closed three Hardee’s company-operated restaurants during the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002. The Company closed 17 Hardee’s company-operated restaurants and three Carl’s Jr. company-operated restaurants during the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002.

The components of facility action charges, net are as follows:

                                     
        Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
       
 
        November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
       
 
 
 
Hardee’s
                               
 
New decisions regarding closing restaurants
  $ 264     $ 137     $ 698     $ 876  
 
Favorable dispositions of leased property
    (588 )     (988 )     (3,066 )     (1,112 )
 
Impairment of assets to be disposed of
    248       296       3,562       2,121  
 
Impairment of assets to be held and used
    778       820       1,632       3,684  
 
(Gain) loss on sales of restaurants and surplus properties, net
    130       (134 )     (526 )     (2,829 )
 
Amortization of discount related to estimated liability for closing restaurants
    548       531       1,828       1,743  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    1,380       662       4,128       4,483  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Carl’s Jr.
                               
 
New decisions regarding closing restaurants
    131       5       145       178  
 
Favorable dispositions of leased property
    (292 )           (537 )      
 
Impairment of assets to be disposed of
                      477  
 
Impairment of assets to be held and used
                562       641  
 
Gain on sales of restaurants and surplus properties, net
    (60 )     (56 )     (889 )     (323 )
 
Amortization of discount related to estimated liability for closing restaurants
    68       154       263       371  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (153 )     103       (456 )     1,344  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

                                   
Other
                               
 
New decisions regarding closing restaurants
    73             73        
 
Favorable dispositions of leased property
                    (846 )        
 
Impairment of assets to be disposed of
    1             1        
 
Impairment of assets to be held and used
                429        
 
Gain on sales of restaurants and surplus properties, net
                (136 )      
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    74             (479 )      
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total
                               
 
New decisions regarding closing restaurants
    468       142       916       1,054  
 
Favorable dispositions of leased property
    (880 )     (988 )     (4,449 )     (1,112 )
 
Impairment of assets to be disposed of
    249       296       3,563       2,598  
 
Impairment of assets to be held and used
    778       820       2,623       4,325  
 
(Gain) loss on sales of restaurants and surplus properties, net
    70       (190 )     (1,551 )     (3,152 )
 
Amortization of discount related to estimated liability for closing restaurants
    616       685       2,091       2,114  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 1,301     $ 765     $ 3,193     $ 5,827  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

The following table is a summary of the activity in the estimated liability for closing restaurants:

           
Balance at January 31, 2003
  $ 36,390  
 
New decisions regarding closing restaurants
    916  
 
Usage
    (11,403 )
 
Favorable dispositions of leased surplus properties
    (4,449 )
 
Discount amortization
    2,091  
 
   
 
Balance at November 3, 2003
    23,545  
Less current portion, included in Other current liabilities
    13,652  
 
   
 
Long-term portion, included in Other long-term liabilities
  $ 9,893  
 
   
 

The following table summarizes sales and operating losses related to the restaurants the Company closed during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003:

                                   
      Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
     
 
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
 
 
Sales
                               
 
Hardee’s
  $ 402     $ 997     $ 2,446     $ 3,482  
 
Carl’s Jr.
  $ 269     $ 359     $ 1,065     $ 1,241  
Operating loss
                               
 
Hardee’s
  $ 143     $ 60     $ 547     $ 179  
 
Carl’s Jr.
  $ 93     $ 55     $ 238     $ 168  

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

The following table summarizes sales and operating losses related to the restaurants the Company closed during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003:

                                   
      Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
     
 
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
 
 
Sales
                               
 
Hardee’s
  $ 402     $ 1,517     $ 2,192     $ 5,264  
 
Carl’s Jr.
  $ 269     $ 512     $ 1,305     $ 1,715  
Operating loss
                               
 
Hardee’s
  $ 143     $ 129     $ 747     $ 379  
 
Carl’s Jr.
  $ 93     $ 62     $ 286     $ 201  

NOTE (6) INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

The Company presents “basic” income or loss per share, which represents net income or loss divided by the weighted average shares outstanding, and “diluted” income or loss per share, which includes the effect of all potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares are considered in the computation of diluted net loss per share for the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, because they are dilutive to income before the cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill.

The following table presents the number of potentially dilutive shares, in thousands, of the Company’s common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share:

                                 
    Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
   
 
    November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
   
 
 
 
2004 Convertible Notes
    2,764       2,986       2,783       3,344  
2023 Convertible Notes
    4,821             1,446        
Stock Options
    4,543       5,146       5,297       4,038  
Warrants
    982       982       982       898  

Potentially dilutive shares related to the 2004 Convertible Notes, stock options and warrants were excluded as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive shares related to the 2023 Convertible Notes were excluded because the notes were not convertible during the period and their effect would have been anit-dilutive.

NOTE (7) SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company principally is engaged in developing, operating and franchising its Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s and La Salsa quick-service restaurants, each of which is considered an operating segment that is managed and evaluated separately. Management evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment operating income or loss. General and administrative expenses are allocated to each segment based on management’s analysis of the resources applied to each segment. Interest expense related to the Facility, Senior Notes, 2004 Convertible Notes and 2023 Convertible Notes is allocated to Hardee’s based on the use of funds. Certain amounts that the Company does not believe would be proper to allocate to the operating segments are included in “Other” (i.e., gains or losses on sales of long-term investments). The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003).

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

                                           
      Carl's Jr.   Hardee's   La Salsa   Other   Total
     
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Weeks Ended November 3, 2003
                                       
 
Revenue
  $ 166,740     $ 157,449     $ 10,187     $ 401     $ 334,777  
 
Operating income (loss)
    13,019       77       (641 )     (189 )     12,266  
 
Interest expense
    2,080       7,886       (18 )     (1 )     9,947  
 
Total assets
    261,221       437,799       68,104       30,956       798,080  
 
Capital expenditures
    3,677       4,188       1,060       912       9,837  
 
Goodwill
    22,649             34,059             56,708  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    6,281       8,237       720       41       15,279  
 
Twelve Weeks Ended November 4, 2002
                                       
 
Revenue
  $ 153,992     $ 148,361     $ 10,002     $ 474     $ 312,829  
 
Operating income (loss)
    10,558       (94 )     14       (128 )     10,350  
 
Interest expense
    1,573       8,001       14             9,588  
 
Total assets
    288,268       458,334       45,768       38,462       830,832  
 
Capital expenditures
    6,444       10,244       553       879       18,120  
 
Goodwill
    22,649             34,059             56,708  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    5,910       7,797       652       41       14,400  
 
Forty Weeks Ended November 3, 2003
                                       
 
Revenue
  $ 553,764     $ 498,784     $ 34,158     $ 1,348     $ 1,088,054  
 
Operating income (loss)
    46,895       (9,580 )     (802 )     301       36,814  
 
Interest expense
    4,960       26,243       (45 )     (9 )     31,149  
 
Total assets
    261,221       437,799       68,104       30,956       798,080  
 
Capital expenditures
    9,305       15,745       4,636       3,309       32,995  
 
Goodwill
    22,649             34,059             56,708  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    19,657       26,918       2,632       140       49,347  
 
Forty Weeks Ended November 4, 2002
                                       
 
Revenue
  $ 533,964     $ 499,539     $ 29,850     $ 1,444     $ 1,064,797  
 
Operating income (loss)
    45,402       674       535       (221 )     46,390  
 
Interest expense
    5,114       27,189       18             32,321  
 
Total assets
    288,268       458,334       45,768       38,462       830,832  
 
Capital expenditures
    12,388       29,322       1,386       672       43,768  
 
Goodwill
    22,649             34,059             56,708  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    19,968       25,987       1,932       126       48,013  

NOTE (8) NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

In conjunction with the acquisition of SBRG, the Company made the decision to divest Timber Lodge as the concept does not fit with the Company’s core concepts of quick-service and fast-casual restaurants. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company received an offer to purchase Timber Lodge in a transaction that would generate net proceeds of approximately $10,000. We continue to negotiate with the interested party. We are currently evaluating our plans for Timber Lodge, including an assessment of whether to continue active efforts to divest. Net assets held for sale consisted of the following at November 3, 2003:

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

             
ASSETS
       
 
Current assets
  $ 1,366  
 
Property and equipment, net
    8,958  
 
Other assets
    6,410  
 
 
   
 
   
Total assets
  $ 16,734  
 
 
   
 
LIABILITIES
       
 
Current liabilities
  $ 5,203  
 
Other long-term liabilities
    1,731  
 
 
   
 
 
Total liabilities (included in Other current liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet)
  $ 6,934  
 
 
   
 
Assets in excess of liabilities
  $ 9,800  
 
 
   
 

The operating results of Timber Lodge included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as income (loss) from operations of discontinued segment are as follows:

                                   
      Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty   Period from
     
  Weeks Ended   March 1, 2002 to
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
 
 
Revenue
  $ 9,486     $ 9,901     $ 32,783     $ 29,635  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ 72     $ (554 )   $ (706 )   $ (523 )
Interest expense (income)
    (1 )     33       23       93  
Other income (expense), net
                               
 
Loss on discontinuance of segment
                (1,421 )      
 
Other, net
    17       1       148       22  
Income tax benefit
    (21 )     (30 )     (47 )     (26 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 111     $ (556 )   $ (1,955 )   $ (568 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

NOTE (9) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the past we have made relocation loans to officers of the Company, and we occasionally make relocation loans to other employees (excluding officers and directors). Relocation loans are forgiven over time if the employee remains an employee of the Company for a specific term, typically three to five years.

As of November 3, 2003, there were eight relocation loans outstanding with an aggregate balance of $205. For the twelve and forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, the amount forgiven, including interest, for all such employees, was approximately $26 and $174, respectively. Additionally, one outstanding loan in the amount of $64 was repaid in cash during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003.

As of November 4, 2002, there were nine relocation loans outstanding with an aggregate balance of $440. During the twelve and forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, the amount forgiven, including interest, for all such employees was approximately $0 and $141, respectively.

During the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, certain loans made under the Employee Stock Purchase Loan Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Purchase Loan Program (collectively the “Programs”), were fully collected in cash. The amounts repaid totaled $1,555.

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

NOTE (10) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

Other income (expense), net consists of the following:

                                   
      Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
     
 
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
 
 
Gain on the sale of Checkers stock
  $     $ 3,134     $     $ 8,959  
Gain (loss) on the repurchase of convertible subordinated notes
    (708 )     728       (708 )     2,442  
Other
    632       42       221       405  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Total other income (expense), net
  $ (76 )   $ 3,904     $ (487 )   $ 11,806  
 
   
     
     
     
 

NOTE (11) INCOME TAXES

Income taxes for the interim periods were computed using the effective tax rate estimated for the full fiscal year.

For the twelve weeks and forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $192 and $622, respectively, which consisted of foreign taxes.

During the twelve weeks and forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, the Company recorded income tax benefits of $5,393 and $8,143, respectively. The income tax benefits were a result of changes in existing tax laws whereby the Company was allowed to carry back certain operating losses to prior years in which the Company had taxable income.

At November 3, 2003, the Company had a federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of approximately $83,400, expiring in varying amounts in the years 2021 through 2023 and state NOL carryforwards in the amount of $71,500 expiring in the years 2006 through 2023. The Company has a federal NOL carryforward for alternative minimum tax purposes of approximately $61,235. Additionally, the Company has an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of approximately $7,300. The Company has generated general business credit carryforwards of approximately $9,700, expiring in varying amounts in the years 2020 through 2023, and foreign tax credits in the amount of $1,400, which expire in the years 2005 through 2008.

NOTE (12) NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

During January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 addresses the consolidation of entities whose equity holders have either (a) not provided sufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its own activities or (b) do not possess certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. FIN 46 requires the consolidation of these entities, known as variable interest entities (“VIE’s”), by the primary beneficiary of the entity. The primary beneficiary is the entity, if any, that is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE’s activities, entitled to receive a majority of the VIE’s residual returns, or both. FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interests in VIEs created or obtained after January 31, 2003. The Company has not entered into any material variable interest arrangements since January 31, 2003. As amended by FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FIN 46-6, FIN 46 is effective for variable interests in a VIE created before February 1, 2003 at the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003 (the end of fiscal 2004, or January 26, 2004, for the Company). FIN 46 requires certain disclosures in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003 if it is reasonably possible that the Company will consolidate or disclose information about variable interest entities when FIN 46 becomes effective.

The Company utilizes various advertising funds (“Funds”) to administer its advertising programs. The Carl’s Jr. National Advertising Fund (“CJNAF”) is Carl’s Jr.’s sole cooperative advertising program. The Company consolidates CJNAF into its financial statements on a net basis, whereby contributions from franchisees, when received, are recorded as offsets to the Company’s reported advertising expenses. The Hardee’s cooperative advertising funds consist of the Hardee’s National Advertising Fund (“HNAF”) and many local advertising cooperative funds

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

(“Co-op Funds”). Each of these funds is a separate non-profit association with all proceeds segregated and managed by a third-party accounting service company. The Company has determined that consolidation of all of its advertising funds is appropriate under FIN 46. The Company has historically consolidated the Carl’s Jr. advertising fund. However, the Hardee’s advertising funds will be newly consolidated.

The Company has determined the impact of the consolidation of HNAF and the Co-op Funds will be an increase of approximately $20,000 to current assets and current liabilities. The Company does not anticipate the consolidation of the funds will have a material impact to the Company’s results of operations or stockholders’ equity.

As of the date of this filing, the Company understands the FASB is in the process of modifying and/or clarifying certain provisions of FIN 46. Additionally, one FSP relating to FIN 46 is currently being deliberated. These modifications and the FSP when finalized, could impact the Company’s analysis of the applicability of FIN 46 to entities that are franchisees of our concepts. The Company is aware of certain interpretations of FIN 46 by some parties during its continuing evolution, which could have applicability when certain conditions exist that are not representative of a typical franchise relationship. These conditions include the franchisor possessing an equity or other financial interest in or providing significant levels of financial support to a franchisee. We do not possess any equity interests in our franchisees. Also, we do not provide financial support to a franchisee in our typical franchise relationship. We continue to monitor and analyze developments regarding FIN 46 that would impact its applicability to franchise relationships. We cannot predict the impact FIN 46 will have on our financial statements.

NOTE (13) SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Subsequent to November 3, 2003, a franchisee owning and operating 33 Hardee’s restaurants filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio. As of November 3, 2003, the Company had fully reserved all accounts and notes receivable from this franchisee. The Company remains liable for lease obligations on 15 properties for which it has either guarantied the franchisee’s lease or entered into subleases to the franchisee. At November 3, 2003, the present value of the remaining lease obligation on these 15 properties is $5,791. The Company maintained an accrual of $344 at November 3, 2003 associated with its previous agreement to subsidize one of these leases.

As of November 3, 2003, the franchisee had closed 5 of the 15 Hardee’s restaurants that were located on properties that the Company is ultimately liable for the lease obligations. The Company had not provided for the lease obligations as the franchisee continued to make timely lease payments. The franchisee continues to operate Hardee’s restaurants at 10 of the 15 leased properties for which the Company remains liable for the lease obligations and, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, the franchisee will seek to retain the 10 related leases after emerging from bankruptcy. If the franchisee rejects its sublease obligations under some or all of the 15 property leases as part of its bankruptcy reorganization, the Company would be liable for the full obligation under the rejected leases.

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

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

Introduction and Safe Harbor Disclosure

CKE Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”) is comprised of the operations of Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill (“La Salsa”), and The Green Burrito (“Green Burrito”), which is primarily operated as a dual-brand concept with Carl’s Jr. quick-service restaurants. The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003. All note references herein refer to the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Matters discussed in this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans and developments, financial goals, and operating performance that are based on our current beliefs and assumptions. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described include, but are not limited to, whether or not restaurants will be closed and the number of restaurant closures, consumers’ concerns or adverse publicity regarding our products, effectiveness of operating initiatives and advertising and promotional efforts (particularly at the Hardee’s brand), changes in economic conditions, changes in the price or availability of commodities, availability and cost of energy, workers’ compensation and general liability premiums and claims experience, changes in our suppliers’ ability to provide quality and timely products to us, delays in opening new restaurants or completing remodels, severe weather conditions, the operational and financial success of our franchisees, franchisees’ willingness to participate in our strategy, availability of financing for us and our franchisees, unfavorable outcomes on litigation, changes in accounting policies and practices, new legislation or government regulation (including environmental laws), the availability of suitable locations and terms for the sites designed for development, and other factors as discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

See Note (12) of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our reported results are impacted by the application of certain accounting policies that require us to make subjective or complex judgments. These judgments involve making estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our quarterly or annual results of operations and financial condition. Specific risks associated with these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs.

For all of these policies, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as expected, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. Our most significant accounting policies require:

    estimation of future cash flows used to assess the recoverability of long-lived assets, assess the recoverability of goodwill, and establish the estimated liability for closing restaurants and subsidizing lease payments of franchisees;

    estimation, using actuarially determined methods, of our self-insured claim losses under our workers’ compensation, fire and general liability insurance programs;

    determination of appropriate estimated liabilities for litigation;

    determination of the appropriate allowances associated with franchise and license receivables and estimated liabilities for franchise subleases;

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

    determination of the appropriate assumptions to use to estimate the fair value of stock-based compensation for purposes of pro forma disclosures of net income; and

    estimation of our net deferred income tax asset valuation allowance.

Descriptions of these critical accounting policies follow.

Impairment of Property and Equipment Held and Used, Held for Sale or To Be Disposed of Other Than By Sale

Each quarter we evaluate the carrying value of individual restaurants when the operating results have reasonably progressed to a point to adequately evaluate the probability of continuing operating losses or a current expectation that a restaurant will be sold or otherwise disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life. In making these judgments, we consider the period of time since the restaurant was opened or remodeled, and the trend of operations and expectations for future sales growth. For restaurants selected for review, we estimate the future estimated cash flows from operating the restaurant over its estimated useful life. We make judgments about future same-store sales and the operating expenses and estimated useful life that we would expect with such level of same-store sales. We employ a probability-weighted approach wherein we estimate the effectiveness of future sales and marketing efforts on same-store sales and related estimated useful life. In general, in expected same-store sales scenarios where sales are not expected to increase, we generally assume a shorter than previously estimated useful life.

Quarterly, we update our model for estimating future cash flows based upon experience gained, current intentions about refranchising restaurants and closures, expected sales trends, internal plans, and other relevant information. In prior fiscal years, because we were significantly engaged in refranchising restaurants to generate cash to repay bank indebtedness, we had assumed, in some cases, estimated lives that were less than the estimated useful life for certain restaurants. As our financial position has improved such that refranchising activities are less likely, we estimated cash flows over their remaining estimated useful life of the restaurants. Additionally, commencing with the second quarter of fiscal 2003, we reduced the probability weighting for the occurrence of future same-store sales from the higher end of our strategic business plan in light of our actual same-store sales results. As the operations of restaurants opened or remodeled in recent years progress to the point that their profitability and future prospects can adequately be evaluated, additional restaurants will become subject to review and the possibility that impairments exist. Most likely, this would arise in new markets the Company expanded into in recent years.

Same-store sales are the key indicator used to estimate future cash flow for evaluating recoverability. To provide a sensitivity analysis of the impairment that could arise were the actual same-store sales of all mature restaurants we owned to grow at only the assumed rate of inflation for our operating costs (same-store sales sensitivity), for no real growth, the aggregate additional impairment loss would be approximately $11,819. The inflation rate assumed in making this calculation is 2.0% for both revenue and expenses.

Additionally, restaurants are operated for three years before we test them for impairment. Restaurants are also not tested for either two or three years following a major remodel (contingent upon the extent of the remodel). We believe this provides the restaurant sufficient time to establish its presence in the market and build a customer base. If we were to test all restaurants for impairment without regard to the amount of time the restaurants were operating, the total asset impairment would increase substantially. Assuming all restaurants were tested under the same assumptions used in the same-store sales sensitivity analysis, without regard for the length of time open (time open sensitivity), we would be required to record additional impairment losses of approximately $12,454.

The following tables summarize the sensitivity analyses, as classified by restaurants with positive or negative cash flow during the trailing thirteen periods, for both same-store sales sensitivity and time open sensitivity:

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Carl’s Jr.

                           
      Net Book   Number of   Impairment Under
      Value   Restaurants   Sensitivity Test
     
 
 
Same-store sales sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
  $ 86,021       348     $  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    11,259       32       2,672  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    97,280       380       2,672  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Time open sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    13,703       21        
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    6,263       39       1,281  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    19,966       60       1,281  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Total
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    99,724       369        
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    17,522       71       3,953  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 117,246       440     $ 3,953  
 
 
   
     
     
 

Hardee’s

                           
      Net Book   Number of   Impairment Under
      Value   Restaurants   Sensitivity Test
     
 
 
Same-store sales sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
  $ 133,770       290     $ 568  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    45,916       119       8,328  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    179,686       409       8,896  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Time open sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    86,213       176       492  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    34,116       136       9,999  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    120,329       312       10,491  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Total
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    219,983       466       1,060  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    80,032       255       18,327  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 300,015       721     $ 19,387  
 
 
   
     
     
 

La Salsa

                           
      Net Book   Number of   Impairment Under
      Value   Restaurants   Sensitivity Test
     
 
 
Same-store sales sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
  $ 5,080       41     $  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    512       2       251  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    5,592       43       251  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Time open sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    1,791       7        
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    1,700       10       682  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    3,491       17       682  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Total
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    6,871       48        
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    2,212       12       933  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 9,083       60     $ 933  
 
 
   
     
     
 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Core Concepts Combined

                           
      Net Book   Number of   Impairment Under
      Value   Restaurants   Sensitivity Test
     
 
 
Same-store sales sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
  $ 224,871       679     $ 568  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    57,687       153       11,251  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    282,558       832       11,819  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Time open sensitivity
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    101,707       204       492  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    42,079       185       11,962  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    143,786       389       12,454  
 
 
   
     
     
 
Total
                       
 
Restaurants with positive cash flow
    326,578       883       1,060  
 
Restaurants with negative cash flow
    99,766       338       23,213  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 426,344       1,221     $ 24,273  
 
 
   
     
     
 

Impairment of Goodwill

At the reporting unit level, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually during the first quarter of our fiscal year, and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not impairment may have occurred. We consider the reporting unit level to be the brand level since the components (e.g., restaurants) within each brand have similar economic characteristics, including products and services, production processes, types or classes of customers and distribution methods. The impairment, if any, is measured based on the estimated fair value of the brand. Fair value can be determined based on discounted cash flows, comparable sales or valuations of other restaurant brands. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value.

The most significant assumptions we use in this analysis are those made in estimating future cash flows. In estimating future cash flows, we use the assumptions in our strategic plan for items such as same-store sales growth rates and the discount rate we consider to be the market discount rate for acquisitions of restaurant companies and brands.

If our assumptions used in performing the impairment test prove insufficient, the fair value of the brands may ultimately prove to be significantly lower, thereby causing the carrying value to exceed the fair value and indicating an impairment has occurred. We perform our annual impairment test during the first quarter of each fiscal year. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2004, we engaged an outside party to assist us in performing a valuation of the La Salsa and Carl’s Jr. brands. As a result, we concluded that the current value of the goodwill associated with La Salsa exceeds the carrying value of that goodwill. Accordingly, no impairment charge was required. Additionally, we concluded that the current value of the goodwill of Carl’s Jr. exceeded the carrying value and no impairment charge was required. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, we engaged an outside party to assist us in performing a valuation of the Hardee’s brand, through which we concluded that the value of the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Hardee’s was $0. Accordingly, we recorded a transitional impairment charge to write-off all of the goodwill related to the Hardee’s brand of $175,780. As of November 3, 2003, we have $56,708 in goodwill recorded on the balance sheet, $34,059 and $22,649 related to La Salsa and Carl’s Jr., respectively.

We regularly evaluate under-performing restaurants to determine the likelihood we can return them to profitability. In the event that we determine we cannot return an under-performing restaurant to an acceptable level of profitability, we close the restaurant (absent any contractual restrictions preventing us from doing so). We believe the potential closing of any restaurants currently identified as under-performing would not have a material impact on the valuation of either the Carl’s Jr. or La Salsa goodwill.

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Estimated Liability for Closing Restaurants

We make decisions to close restaurants based on prospects for estimated future profitability and sometimes we are forced to close restaurants due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., a landlord’s refusal to negotiate a new lease). Our restaurant operators evaluate each restaurant’s performance every quarter. When restaurants continue to perform poorly, we consider the demographics of the location, as well as the likelihood of being able to improve an unprofitable restaurant. Based on the operator’s judgment, we estimate the future cash flows. If we determine that the restaurant will not, within a reasonable period of time, operate at break-even cash flow or be profitable, and there are no contractual requirements to continue operating the restaurant, we close the restaurant. Additionally, franchisees may close restaurants for which we are the primary lessee. If the franchisee cannot make payments on the lease, we continue making the lease payments and establish an estimated liability for the closed restaurant if we decide not to operate it as a company-operated restaurant. We establish the estimated liability on the actual closure date. Prior to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”) on January 1, 2003, we established the estimated liability when we identified a restaurant for closure, which may or may not have been the actual closure date.

The estimated liability for closing restaurants on properties vacated is generally based on the term of the lease and the lease termination fee we expect to pay, as well as estimated maintenance costs until the lease has been abated. The amount of the estimated liability established is generally the present value of these estimated future payments. The interest rate used to calculate the present value of these liabilities is based on our incremental borrowing rate at the time the liability is established. The related discount is amortized and shown in facility action charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

A significant assumption used in determining the amount of the estimated liability for closing restaurants is the amount of the estimated liability for future lease payments on vacant restaurants, which we determine based on our broker’s (a related party) assessment of its ability to successfully negotiate an early termination of our lease agreements with the lessors. Additionally, we estimate the cost to maintain leased and owned vacant properties until the lease has been abated. If the costs to maintain properties increase, or it takes longer than anticipated to sell properties or terminate leases, we may need to record additional estimated liabilities. If the leases on the vacant restaurants are not terminated on the terms we used to estimate the liabilities, we may be required to record losses in future periods. Conversely, if the leases on the vacant restaurants are terminated on more favorable terms than we used to estimate the liabilities, we reverse previously established estimated liabilities, resulting in an increase in operating income. The present value of lease payments on all closed restaurants is approximately $49,899, which represents the discounted amount we would be required to pay if we are unable to terminate the leases prior to the terms required in the lease agreements or enter into sublease agreements. However, it is our experience that we can terminate those leases for less than that amount and, accordingly, we have recorded an estimated liability for lease obligations of $18,369 as of November 3, 2003.

Estimated Liability for Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for a portion of our current and prior years’ losses related to workers’ compensation, fire and general liability insurance programs. We have obtained stop loss insurance for individual workers’ compensation claims, property claims and individual general liability claims over $500. Insurance liabilities and reserves are accounted for based on the present value of actuarial estimates of the amount of loss incurred. These estimates rely on actuarial observations of historical claim loss development. The actuary, in determining the estimated liability, bases the assumptions on the average historical losses on claims we have incurred. The actual loss development may be better or worse than the development estimated by the company in conjunction with the actuary. In that event, we modify the reserve. As such, if we experience a higher than expected number of claims or the costs of claims rise more than expected, the we may, in conjunction with the actuary, adjust the expected losses upward and our future self-insurance expenses will rise. Consistent with trends the restaurant industry has experienced in recent years, particularly in California where claim cost trends are among the highest in the country, workers’ compensation liability costs continue to increase.

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Loss Contingencies

We maintain accrued liabilities for contingencies related to litigation. We account for contingent obligations in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, which requires that we assess each contingency to determine estimates of the degree of probability and range of possible settlement. Those contingencies that are deemed to be probable and where the amount of such settlement is reasonably estimable are accrued in our consolidated financial statements. If only a range of loss can be determined, we accrue to the low end of the range. As of November 3, 2003, we have recorded an accrued liability for contingencies related to litigation in the amount of $3,351. The assessment of contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. Contingencies are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of the accruals and related consolidated financial statement disclosure. The ultimate settlement of contingencies may differ materially from amounts we have accrued in our consolidated financial statements.

We estimate the liability for those losses related to litigation claims that we believe are reasonably possible to result in an adverse outcome to be in the range of $800 to $2,600. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, we have not recorded a liability for those losses.

Franchised and Licensed Operations

We monitor the financial condition of certain franchisees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe that our franchisees are unable to make their required payments to us. Each quarter we perform an analysis to develop estimated bad debts for each franchisee. We then compare the aggregate result of that analysis to the amount recorded in our consolidated financial statements as the allowance for doubtful accounts and adjust the allowance as appropriate. Additionally, we cease accruing royalty income from franchisees that are materially delinquent in paying or in default for other reasons and reverse any royalties accrued during the last 90 days. Over time our assessment of individual franchisees may change. For instance, we have had some franchisees, who in the past we had determined required an estimated loss equal to the total amount of the receivable, who have paid us in full or established a consistent record of payments (generally one year) such that we determined an allowance was no longer required.

Depending on the facts and circumstances, there are a number of different actions we and/or our franchisees may take to resolve franchise collections issues. These actions may include the purchase of franchise restaurants by us or by other franchisees, a modification to the franchise agreement which may include a provision to defer certain royalty payments or reduce royalty rates in the future (if royalty rates are not sufficient to cover our costs of service over the life of the franchise agreement, we record an estimated loss at the time we modify the agreements), a restructuring of the franchisee’s business and/or finances (including the restructuring of leases for which we are the primary obligee — see further discussion below) or, if necessary, the termination of the franchise agreement. The allowance established is based on our assessment of the most probable course of action that will occur. If we believe we will operate the restaurants as company-operated restaurants, the allowance for loss is recorded net of the estimated fair value of the related restaurant assets that are not pledged as collateral to third parties.

Many of the restaurants that we sold to Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. franchisees as part of our refranchising program were on leased sites. Generally, we remain principally liable for the lease and have entered into a sublease with the franchisee on the same terms as the primary lease. We account for the sublease payments received as franchising rental income. Our payments on the leases are accounted for as rental expense in franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of November 3, 2003, the present value of our total obligation on such lease arrangements with Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. franchisees was $46,449 and $95,758, respectively. We do not expect Carl’s Jr. franchisees to experience the same level of financial difficulties as Hardee’s franchisees have encountered in the past or may encounter in the future. However, we can provide no assurance that this will not occur.

In addition to the sublease arrangements with franchisees described above, we also lease land and buildings to franchisees. As of November 3, 2003, the net book value of property under lease to Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. franchisees was $30,256 and $9,629, respectively. Troubled franchisees are those with whom we have entered into workout agreements and who may have liquidity problems in the future. In the event that a troubled franchisee

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

closes a restaurant for which we own the property, our options are to operate the restaurant as a Company-owned restaurant, lease the property to another tenant or sell the property. These circumstances would cause us to consider whether the carrying value of the land and building was impaired. If we determined the property value was impaired, we would record a charge to operations for the amount the carrying value of the property exceeds its fair value. As of November 3, 2003, the net book value of land and buildings under lease to Hardee’s franchisees that are considered to be troubled franchisees was approximately $21,579 and is included in the amount above. We believe that, during fiscal 2004, some of these franchisees will probably close restaurants and, accordingly, we may record an impairment loss in connection with some of these closures.

Prior to adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, Accounting for the Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”) (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 2003), the determination of when to establish an estimated liability for future lease obligations on restaurants operated by franchisees for which we are the primary obligee was based on the date that either of the following events occurred:

  (1)   the franchisee and we mutually decided to close a restaurant and we assumed the responsibility for the lease, usually after a franchise agreement was terminated or the franchisee declared bankruptcy; or

  (2)   we entered into a workout agreement with a financially troubled franchisee, wherein we agreed to make part or all of the lease payments for the franchisee.

In accordance with SFAS 146, which we adopted on January 1, 2003, an estimated liability for future lease obligations on restaurants operated by franchisees for which we are the primary obligee is established on the date the franchisee closes the restaurant. We record an estimated liability for subsidized lease payments when we sign a sublease agreement committing us to the subsidy.

The amount of the estimated liability is established using the methodology described in “Estimated Liability for Closing Restaurants” above. Consistent with SFAS 146, we have not established an additional estimated liability for potential losses not yet incurred. The present value of the lease obligations for which we remain principally liable and have entered into subleases to troubled franchisees is approximately $27,223 (six franchisees represent substantially all of this amount). As disclosed in Note 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein, subsequent to November 3, 2003, one of these six franchisees filed voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. If sales trends/economic conditions worsen for our franchisees, their financial health may worsen, our collection rates may decline and we may be required to assume the responsibility for additional lease payments on franchised restaurants. Entering into restructured franchise agreements may result in reduced franchise royalty rates in the future (see discussion below). The likelihood of needing to increase the estimated liability for future lease obligations is related to the success of our Hardee’s concept (i.e., if our Hardee’s concept results improve from the execution of our comprehensive plan, we would reasonably expect that the financial performance of our franchisees would improve).

Stock-Based Compensation

As discussed in Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we have various stock-based compensation plans that provide options for certain employees and outside directors to purchase common shares of stock. We have elected to account for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, which utilizes the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, as opposed to using the fair-value method prescribed in SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Because of this election, we are required to make certain pro forma disclosures of net income assuming we had adopted SFAS 123. We determine the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the historical stock price volatility, expected life of the option and the risk-free interest rate. A change in one or more of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model may result in a material change to the estimated fair value of the stock-based compensation (see Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for analysis of the effect of certain changes in assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation).

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Valuation Allowance for Net Deferred Tax Asset

As disclosed in Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of our Annual Report Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003, we have recorded a 100% valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. If our business turnaround is successful, we have been profitable for a number of years and our prospects for the realization of our deferred tax assets are more likely than not, we would then reverse our valuation allowance and credit income tax expense. In assessing the prospects for future profitability, many of the assessments of same-store sales and cash flows mentioned above become relevant. When circumstances warrant, we assess the likelihood that our net deferred tax assets will more likely than not be recovered from future taxable income. As of January 31, 2003, our net deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance totaled approximately $164,000.

Significant Known Events, Trends, or Uncertainties Expected to Impact Fiscal 2004 Comparisons with Fiscal 2003

The factors discussed below impact comparability of operating performance for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, to the twelve and forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, or could impact comparisons for the remainder of fiscal 2004.

Acquisition of Santa Barbara Restaurant Group, Inc.

As discussed in Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we acquired SBRG on March 1, 2002 (“Acquisition Date”). The operations of SBRG subsequent to the Acquisition Date are included in our consolidated financial statements.

A significant amount of goodwill was recorded in connection with the acquisition of SBRG. The recoverability of that goodwill is dependent on future operations and the development of new La Salsa restaurants (see discussion of financing new restaurants under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below). The acquisition of new restaurant sites is highly competitive.

Divestiture of Timber Lodge

As discussed in Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Timber Lodge is accounted for as a discontinued operation. The operations of Timber Lodge, which are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as income (loss) from operations of discontinued segment, are as follows:

                                   
      Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty   Period from
     
  Weeks Ended   March 1, 2002 to
      November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
     
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ 72     $ (554 )   $ (706 )   $ (523 )
Interest expense (income)
    (1 )     33       23       93  
Other income (expense), net
                               
 
Loss on discontinuance of segment
                (1,421 )      
 
Other, net
    17       1       148       22  
Income tax benefit
    (21 )     (30 )     (47 )     (26 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 111     $ (556 )   $ (1,955 )   $ (568 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 and Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Seasonality

We operate on a retail accounting calendar. Our fiscal year has 13 four-week accounting periods and ends the last Monday in January. The first quarter of our fiscal year has four periods, or 16 weeks. All other quarters have three periods, or 12 weeks.

Our restaurant sales, and therefore our profitability, are subject to seasonal fluctuations and are traditionally higher during the spring and summer months because of factors such as increased travel and improved weather conditions, which affect the public’s dining habits.

Turnaround Strategy

Hardee’s is in the midst of a turnaround program that is targeted at improving Hardee’s same-store sales and returning the Hardee’s brand to prominence in the quick-service restaurant (“QSR”) sector. The key elements of the turnaround program are to:

    improve restaurant operations by streamlining the menu and returning to restaurant fundamentals — quality, service and cleanliness;

    remodel Hardee’s restaurants to the “Star Hardee’s” format and upgrade the condition of the facilities so that our Hardee’s customers enjoy comfortable surroundings and a pleasant dining experience;

    transform Hardee’s from a discount variety brand to a premium product brand that appeals to what we believe to be the QSR industry’s most attractive demographic segment, 18- to 35-year old males; and

    grow the lunch and dinner portion of Hardee’s business while maintaining Hardee’s already strong breakfast business.

Pursuant to this program, Hardee’s remodeled 85% of its company-operated restaurants and recently rolled out its new menu, which we refer to as the “Revolution,” discussed further under “Hardee’s Revolution” below.

If we are unable to grow sales and operating margins at Hardee’s, it will significantly affect our future profitability and cash flows. Such circumstances could affect our ability to access sufficient financing in the future (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below).

Our strategy has emphasized premium products, as well as routine price increases prompted by increases in food, labor and utility costs. The impact of this strategy has been an increase in average guest check. That strategy also has likely resulted in a decrease in transaction counts. Many of our competitors offer lower prices on discounted fare and have increased their efforts in this regard over the past two years, which may have impacted our transaction counts. We generally have experienced negative transaction counts at Hardee’s since our acquisition of the brand and at Carl’s Jr. for nearly two years, which we believe is due, in part, to other QSR companies offering products at discounted prices and the economic slowdown during this time. We note that others in the QSR industry have experienced negative same-store sales trends during portions of this time. We cannot quantify how much of our declines are related to the QSR segment and how much are related to circumstances involving our own brands.

As shown in the tables on pages 32 — 35, the operating margins for Hardee’s and La Salsa have decreased from the prior year period. Occupancy costs, which are primarily fixed or semi-fixed in nature, are a component of operating margins. The fixed nature of those costs allows margins to increase when sales are rising — an occurrence referred to as sales leverage. If costs increase or sales decrease, we would have to increase the prices of our products to preserve the operating margin. Historically, we have been successful at implementing such price increases, but this likely has had an impact on transaction counts as described above. During April 2003, we increased prices at our company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants by approximately 1%. The sensitivity analysis for the recoverability of restaurants (see “Impairment of Property and Equipment Held and Used, Held for Sale or To Be Disposed of Other Than By Sale”) assumes that our same-store sales in the future grow at the same rate as inflation (i.e. our costs for food, labor, utilities, etc.). If we are unable to pass along such cost increases, and at the same time do not increase

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

our transaction counts, our operating results would decline and the recoverability of the carrying value of our restaurants would be negatively impacted.

Hardee’s Revolution

We have implemented a comprehensive plan to reposition Hardee’s as a premium burger restaurant, and recently rolled out its new menu, which we refer to as the “Revolution.” As part of the Revolution, we eliminated a significant number of menu items with the goal of simplifying the Hardee’s menu and improving restaurant operations. The Hardee’s menu now features a premium Angus beef line of 1/3 lb., 1/2 lb. and 2/3 lb. burgers called “Thickburgers.” We believe Thickburgers will help increase Hardee’s sales because burgers still represent the largest QSR segment, and the 18- to 35-year old male demographic segment we target shows a strong preference for burgers. We believe the taste and quality of our Thickburgers are unparalleled in the QSR industry. Hardee’s focus on burgers marks a return to its roots offering superior tasting charbroiled burgers, which we believe will increase the average customer check and average unit volumes.

We began introducing Thickburgers at Hardee’s at the end of last year, and as of November 3, 2003, all of our company-operated Hardee’s restaurants and approximately 94% of our franchise-operated Hardee’s restaurants had been converted to the Revolution menu.

After converting Hardee’s restaurants to the Revolution menu format, we anticipated an initial decrease in same-store sales because of menu eliminations and customers’ lack of experience with the new product line. There was indeed an initial negative impact to earnings due to increased crew training costs and our discounting the new items to encourage customers to try the new offerings. As the training, implementation and introduction period has now been completed, restaurant labor has now returned to pre-Revolution levels and same-store sales increased 1.0% and 6.8% during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2004, respectively. While we expect these trends to continue, we can provide no assurance that this will occur.

Franchise Operations

Like others in the QSR industry, some of our franchise operations experience financial difficulties from time to time. Our approach to dealing with financial and operational issues that arise from these situations is described above (see discussion under Critical Accounting Policies — Franchised and Licensed Operations). Some franchisees in the Hardee’s system have experienced significant financial problems. As discussed above, there are a number of potential resolutions of these financial issues.

We continue to work with franchisees in an attempt to maximize our future franchising income. Our franchising income is dependent on both the number of restaurants operated by franchisees and their operational and financial success, such that they can make their royalty and lease payments to us. Although we quarterly review the allowance for doubtful accounts and the estimated liability for closed franchise restaurants (see discussion under Critical Accounting Policies — Franchised and Licensed Operations), there can be no assurance that the number of franchisees or franchised restaurants experiencing financial difficulties will not increase from our current assessments, nor can there be any assurance that we will be successful in resolving financial issues relating to any specific franchisee. As of November 3, 2003, our consolidated allowance for doubtful accounts of notes receivable was 74% of the gross balance of notes receivable and our consolidated allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable was 8% of the gross balance of accounts receivable. We still experience specific problems with troubled franchisees (see Critical Accounting Policies — Franchise and Licensed Operations) and may be required to increase the amount of our allowances for doubtful accounts and/or increase the amount of our estimated liability for future lease obligations. The result of increasing the allowance for doubtful accounts is an effective royalty rate lower than our standard contractual royalty rate.

Effective royalty rate reflects royalties deemed collectible as a percent of franchise generated revenue for all franchisees for which we are recognizing revenue. For the trailing 13 periods ended November 3, 2003, the effective royalty rates for domestic Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s were 3.7% and 3.6%, respectively.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Repositioning Activity

In late fiscal 2000, we embarked on a refranchising initiative to generate cash to reduce outstanding borrowings on our senior credit facility, as well as increase the number of franchise-operated restaurants. Additionally, as sales trends for the Hardee’s restaurants and certain Carl’s Jr. restaurants (primarily in the Oklahoma area) continued to decline in fiscal 2000 through fiscal 2001, we determined that it was necessary to close certain restaurants for which a return to profitability was not likely. We have made reductions to operating expenses in an effort to bring them to levels commensurate with our re-balanced restaurant portfolio.

During the twelve week periods ended November 3, 2003 and November 4, 2002, and the forty week periods ended November 3, 2003 and November 4, 2002, we recorded repositioning charges of $1,301, $765, $3,193 and $5,827, respectively, which were primarily non-cash in nature and are classified in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as facility action charges, net.

We have completed substantial repositioning activities, including the closure of under-performing restaurants, and are now able to focus on the operations of our core brands, Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s and La Salsa. However, we may determine in the future that additional repositioning activities will be necessary or we may take advantage of opportunities to generate funds through additional restaurant asset sales, which could result in material losses.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Financial Comparison

Our results reflect the substantial changes we have made in executing our business turnaround including the sale and closure of under-performing restaurants and efforts to contain corporate overhead, improve margins and pay down bank indebtedness. The table below is a condensed presentation of those activities, and other changes in the components of income, designed to facilitate the discussion of results in this Form 10-Q.

                     
        (All amounts are approximate and in millions)
         
        Third Fiscal Quarter   Year-To-Date
       
 
Current Year:
               
 
Net income (A)
  $ 2.2     $ 2.6  
 
 
   
     
 
Prior Year:
               
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 9.5     $ (142.3 )
   
Cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
          175.8  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill (B)
  $ 9.5     $ 33.5  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Decrease in income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill (A-B)
  $ (7.3 )   $ (30.9 )
 
 
   
     
 
                   
      (All amounts are approximate and in millions)
       
      Third Quarter    
      Fiscal Year 2004 vs.   Year-To-Date Fiscal Year
      Third Quarter   2004 vs. Year - To-Date
      Fiscal Year 2003   Fiscal Year 2003
     
 
Items causing earnings to increase (decrease) from the prior year to the current year:
               
 
Approximate impact of sales increases and restaurant margin rate reduction in restaurants operated (other than SBRG brands) at November 3, 2003
  $ 1.5     $ (14.6 )
 
Gain on sales of investments and repurchases of convertible subordinated notes
    (4.6 )     (12.1 )
 
Decrease in corporate overhead
    1.1       6.5  
 
Prior year income tax credits and other changes in provision for income tax
    (5.6 )     (8.8 )
 
Increase (decrease) in net franchising income and distribution centers, excluding provision for doubtful accounts
    0.3       (2.6 )
 
Increase in provision for doubtful accounts
    (0.2 )     (2.8 )
 
(Increase) decrease in facility action charges
    (0.5 )     2.6  
 
Increase/(decrease) in income/(loss) from discontinued operations
    0.7       (1.4 )
 
(Increase) decrease in costs of insurance programs
    0.6       (0.2 )
 
(Increase) decrease in interest expense
    (0.4 )     1.2  
 
Increase in litigation claims expense
    (0.1 )     (0.9 )
 
Operating loss of SBRG restaurants
    (0.6 )     (1.3 )
 
Decrease in advertising expenses, excluding restaurants involved in facility actions
    0.9       1.1  
 
Operating income of restaurants involved in facility actions, including related field general and administrative expenses and advertising costs
          0.3  
 
All other, net
    (0.4 )     2.1  
 
 
   
     
 
Decrease in income before cumulative effect of accounting change for goodwill
  $ (7.3 )   $ (30.9 )
 
 
   
     
 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)

Operating Review

The following tables are presented to facilitate Management’s Discussion and Analysis and are presented in the same format in which we present segment information (See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

                                               
          Twelve Weeks Ended November 3, 2003
         
          Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other (A)   Total
         
 
 
 
 
Company-operated revenue
  $ 120,926     $ 139,944     $ 9,827     $ 329     $ 271,026  
Company-operated average unit volume (trailing 13 periods)
    1,172       771       723                  
Franchise-operated average unit volume (trailing 13 periods)
    1,069       815       689                  
Average check (B)
    5.53       4.35       8.80                  
Company-operated same-store sales increase (decrease) (C)
    5.4 %     6.8 %     (2.6 )%                
Company-operated same-store transactions decrease (D)
    (1.2 )%     (3.5 )%     (1.9 )%                
Franchise-operated same-store sales increase (C)
    2.6 %     6.3 %     1.3 %                
Operating costs as a % of company-operated revenue
                                       
 
Food and packaging
    28.7 %     31.5 %     27.5 %                
 
Payroll and employee benefits
    29.0 %     34.5 %     33.5 %                
 
Occupancy and other operating costs
    21.6 %     22.1 %     32.8 %                
 
Restaurant level margin
    20.7 %     11.9 %     6.2 %                
Advertising as a percentage of company-operated revenue
    6.4 %     6.1 %     4.9 %                
Franchising revenue:
                                       
 
Royalties
  $ 5,054     $ 9,273     $ 360     $ 72     $ 14,759  
 
Distribution centers
    35,859       6,459                   42,318  
 
Rent
    4,606       1,666                   6,272  
 
Other
    295       107                   402  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total franchising revenue
    45,814       17,505       360       72       63,751  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Franchising expense:
                                       
 
Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)
    549       1,947       312             2,808  
 
Distribution centers
    35,255       6,027                   41,282  
 
Rent & other occupancy
    4,787       1,085                   5,872  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total franchising expense
    40,591       9,059       312             49,962  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net franchising income
  $ 5,223     $ 8,446     $ 48     $ 72     $ 13,789  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Facility action charges (gains), net
  $ (153 )   $ 1,380     $     $ 74     $ 1,301  
Operating income (loss)
  $ 13,019     $ 77     $ (641 )   $ (189 )   $ 12,266  

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          Twelve Weeks Ended November 4, 2002
         
          Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other (A)   Total
         
 
 
 
 
Company-operated revenue
  $ 113,783     $ 131,987     $ 9,701     $ 394     $ 255,865  
Company-operated average unit volume (trailing 13 periods)
    1,146       775       779                  
Franchise-operated average unit volume (trailing 13 periods)
    1,050       819       819                  
Average check (B)
    5.14       3.94       8.80                  
Company-operated same-store sales increase (decrease) (C)
    (5.0 )%     (3.5 )%     0.8 %                
Company-operated same-store transactions increase (decrease) (D)
    (5.8 )%     (8.2 )%     1.3 %                
Franchise-operated same-store sales increase (decrease) (C)
    (6.2 )%     (4.7 )%     4.2 %                
Operating costs as a % of company-operated revenue
                                       
 
Food and packaging
    27.8 %     29.8 %     27.4 %                
 
Payroll and employee benefits
    29.2 %     34.1 %     30.8 %                
 
Occupancy and other operating costs
    23.2 %     23.0 %     27.8 %                
 
Restaurant level margin
    19.8 %     13.1 %     14.0 %                
Advertising as a percentage of company-operated revenue
    6.8 %     6.5 %     3.3 %                
Franchising revenue:
                                       
 
Royalties
  $ 4,679     $ 8,728     $ 301     $ 80     $ 13,788  
 
Distribution centers
    31,956       4,723                   36,679  
 
Rent
    3,453       2,718                   6,171  
 
Other
    121       205                   326  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total franchising revenue
    40,209       16,374       301       80       56,964  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Franchising expense:
                                       
 
Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)
    598       1,350       86             2,034  
 
Distribution centers
    31,066       4,682                   35,748  
 
Rent & other occupancy
    3,178       2,145                   5,323  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total franchising expense
    34,842       8,177       86             43,105  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net franchising income
  $ 5,367     $ 8,197     $ 215     $ 80     $ 13,859  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Facility action charges, net
  $ 103     $ 662     $     $     $ 765  
Operating income (loss)
  $ 10,558     $ (94 )   $ 14     $ (128 )   $ 10,350  

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          Forty Weeks Ended November 3, 2003
         
          Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other (A)   Total
         
 
 
 
 
Company-operated revenue
  $ 401,002     $ 446,168     $ 32,962     $ 1,105     $ 881,237  
Average check (B)
    5.46       4.28       9.10                  
Company-operated same-store sales increase (decrease) (C)
    2.2 %     0.8 %     (2.1 )%                
Company-operated same-store transactions decrease (D)
    (1.5 )%     (7.2 )%     (3.7 )%                
Franchise-operated same-store sales increase (decrease) (C)
    (0.3 )%     (0.5 )%     1.6 %                
Operating costs as a % of company-operated revenue
                                       
 
Food and packaging
    28.5 %     31.2 %     26.5 %                
 
Payroll and employee benefits
    28.8 %     35.4 %     31.7 %                
 
Occupancy and other operating costs
    21.6 %     23.2 %     32.4 %                
   
Restaurant-level margin
    21.1 %     10.2 %     9.4 %                
Advertising as a percentage of company-operated revenue
    6.4 %     6.2 %     2.9 %                
Franchising revenue:
                                       
   
Royalties
  $ 16,701     $ 28,937     $ 1,196     $ 243     $ 47,077  
   
Distribution centers
    118,780       17,526                   136,306  
   
Rent
    16,629       5,865                   22,494  
   
Other
    652       288                   940  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total franchising revenue
    152,762       52,616       1,196       243       206,817  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Franchising expense:
                                       
   
Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)
    2,885       5,010       576             8,471  
   
Distribution centers
    116,026       17,284                   133,310  
   
Rent & other occupancy
    16,440       5,155                   21,595  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total franchising expense
    135,351       27,449       576             163,376  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net franchising income
  $ 17,411     $ 25,167     $ 620     $ 243     $ 43,441  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Facility action charges (gains), net
  $ (456 )   $ 4,128     $ 194     $ (673 )   $ 3,193  
Operating income (loss)
  $ 46,894     $ (9,580 )   $ (802 )   $ 302     $ 36,814  

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          Forty Weeks Ended November 4, 2002
         
          Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other (A)   Total
         
 
 
 
 
Company-operated revenue
  $ 391,009     $ 446,153     $ 28,813     $ 1,169     $ 867,144  
Average check (B)
  5.25     3.95     8.90                  
Company-operated same-store sales increase (decrease) (C)
    0.3 %     (1.3 )%     1.2 %                
Company-operated same-store transactions decrease (D)
    (4.4 )%     (6.9 )%     (0.5 )%                
Franchise-operated same-store sales increase (decrease) (C)
    0.5 %     (2.1 )%     1.8 %                
Operating costs as a % of company-operated revenue
                                       
 
Food and packaging
    27.9 %     29.7 %     27.0 %                
 
Payroll and employee benefits
    28.7 %     35.0 %     31.5 %                
 
Occupancy and other operating costs
    21.2 %     22.5 %     26.6 %                
 
Restaurant level margin
    22.2 %     12.8 %     14.9 %                
Advertising as a percentage of company-operated revenue
    6.8 %     6.2 %     3.3 %                
Franchising revenue:
                                       
 
Royalties
  $ 15,704     $ 30,228     $ 1,037     $ 275     $ 47,244  
 
Distribution centers
    111,796       13,619                   125,415  
 
Rent
    14,939       9,141                   24,080  
 
Other
    516       398                   914  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total franchising revenue
    142,955       53,386       1,037       275       197,653  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Franchising expense:
                                       
 
Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)
    1,914       3,806       302             6,022  
 
Distribution centers
    108,837       13,495                   122,332  
 
Rent & other occupancy
    14,603       7,604                   22,207  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total franchising expense
    125,354       24,905       302             150,561  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net franchising income
  $ 17,601     $ 28,481     $ 735     $ 275     $ 47,092  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Facility action charges, net
  $ 1,344     $ 4,483     $     $     $ 5,827  
Operating income (loss)
  $ 45,402     $ 674     $ 535     $ (221 )   $ 46,390  

(A)   “Other” consists of Green Burrito. Additionally, amounts that we do not believe would be proper to allocate to the operating segments are included in “Other” (i.e., gains or losses on sales of long-term investments).

(B)   Average check represents total restaurant sales divided by total transactions for any given period. The average check is viewed in conjunction with same-store sales and same-store transactions, as defined below. This indicator, when viewed with other measures, may illustrate revenue growth or decline resulting from a change in menu or price offering. When we introduce menu items or pricing initiatives with higher or lower price points than the existing menu base, the average check may reflect the benefit or impact from these new items or pricing on the average price paid by the consumer.

(C)   Same-store sales is a key performance indicator in our industry. This indicator is a measure of revenue growth on the existing comparable store base of a multi-unit chain company such as ours and is measured as a percentage variance over the same fiscal period in the prior year. Same-store sales illustrate how competitive forces and external economic conditions benefit or impact us, as well as any benefit from the diverse value propositions and marketing initiatives undertaken by us. In calculating same-store sales, we include restaurants open for 14 full accounting periods, which allows for a year-over-year comparison.

(D)   Same-store transactions represent the number of consumer visits to our restaurants. Transactions are viewed on the same basis as same-store sales above and are another key performance indicator in our industry. This indicator is a measure of consumer frequency in the existing comparable store base and is measured as a percentage variance over the same fiscal period in the prior year. Same-store transactions are another measure of the effects of competitive forces and economic conditions on consumer behavior and resulting benefit, or

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    impact, to us. Transactions also reflect any benefit from the diverse value propositions and marketing initiatives undertaken by us.

Presentation of Non-GAAP Measurements

EBITDA

EBITDA is a typical non-GAAP measurement for companies that issue public debt. We believe EBITDA is useful to our investors as an indicator of earnings available to service debt. EBITDA is not a recognized term under GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to income from operations, an indicator of cash flow from operations or a measure of liquidity. We calculate EBITDA as income (loss) from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Because not all companies calculate EBITDA identically, this presentation of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest expense, income taxes and debt service payments.

                                         
    Twelve Weeks Ended November 3, 2003
   
    Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other   Total
   
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 11,080     $ (8,523 )   $ (652 )   $ 146     $ 2,051  
Interest expense
    2,080       7,886       (18 )     (1 )     9,947  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    39       (34 )           187       192  
Depreciation and amortization
    6,281       8,237       720       41       15,279  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 19,480     $ 7,566     $ 50     $ 373     $ 27,469  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
                                         
    Twelve Weeks Ended November 4, 2002
   
    Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other   Total
   
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 10,482     $ (3,393 )   $     $ 2,970     $ 10,059  
Interest expense
    1,573       8,001       14             9,588  
Income tax benefit
    (1,029 )     (4,342 )           (22 )     (5,393 )
Depreciation and amortization
    5,910       7,797       652       41       14,400  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 16,936     $ 8,063     $ 666     $ 2,989     $ 28,654  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
                                         
    Forty Weeks Ended November 3, 2003
   
    Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other   Total
   
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 42,570     $ (37,726 )   $ (812 )   $ 524     $ 4,556  
Interest expense
    4,960       26,243       (45 )     (9 )     31,149  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    99       79             444       622  
Depreciation and amortization
    19,657       26,918       2,632       140       49,347  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 67,286     $ 15,514     $ 1,775     $ 1,099     $ 85,674  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
                                         
    Forty Weeks Ended November 4, 2002
   
    Carl’s Jr.   Hardee’s   La Salsa   Other   Total
   
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 43,630     $ (18,843 )   $ 517     $ 8,714     $ 34,018  
Interest expense
    5,114       27,189       18             32,321  
Income tax benefit
    (2,393 )     (5,721 )           (29 )     (8,143 )
Depreciation and amortization
    19,968       25,987       1,932       126       48,013  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 66,319     $ 28,612     $ 2,467     $ 8,811     $ 106,209  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

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The following table reconciles EBITDA (a non-GAAP measurement) to cash flow provided by operating activities (a GAAP measurement):

                                 
    Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
   
 
    November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
   
 
 
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities
  $ 17,278     $ 9,514     $ 63,103     $ 73,272  
Interest expense
    9,947       9,588       31,149       32,321  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    192       (5,393 )     622       (8,143 )
Amortization of loan fees
    (1,082 )     (1,034 )     (3,618 )     (3,199 )
(Provision for) recovery of losses on accounts and notes receivable
    114       554       (1,980 )     793  
Gain (loss) on investments, sales of property and equipment, capital leases and extinguishment of debt
    (452 )     4,314       (541 )     10,811  
Facility action charges, net
    (1,301 )     (765 )     (3,193 )     (5,827 )
Other non-cash items
    225       418       383       (8 )
Income tax refund accrued
          5,131             8,852  
Change in estimated liability for closing restaurants and estimated liability for self-insurance
    (1,108 )     4,416       4,694       14,732  
Income tax refund received
    (84 )     (5,703 )     (723 )     (12,724 )
Net change in receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (4,772 )     1,548       (10,592 )     875  
Net change in accounts payable and other current liabilities
    8,490       5,737       6,133       (7,780 )
EBITDA from discontinued operations
    90       (586 )     (2,002 )     (594 )
Cash provided to discontinued segment
    22       329       237       2,234  
 
   
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
    27,559       28,068       83,672       105,615  
EBITDA from discontinued operations
    (90 )     586       2,002       594  
 
   
     
     
     
 
EBITDA provided by continuing operations
  $ 27,469     $ 28,654     $ 85,674     $ 106,209  
 
   
     
     
     
 

Carl’s Jr.

During the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, we closed three Carl’s Jr. restaurants and opened one Carl’s Jr. restaurant. During the same period, Carl’s Jr. franchisees and licensees opened nine restaurants and closed four restaurants. During the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, we opened four Carl’s Jr. restaurants and closed four Carl’s Jr. restaurants. During the same period, Carl’s Jr. franchisees and licensees opened 24 restaurants and closed eight restaurants. The following table shows the change in the Carl’s Jr. restaurant portfolio, as well as the change in revenue for both the current quarter and the year-to-date:

                                                                         
    Restaurant Portfolio   Revenue
   
 
    Third Fiscal Quarter   Third Fiscal Quarter   Year-to-Date
   
 
 
    2004   2003   Change   2004   2003   Change   2004   2003   Change
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
    440       439       1     $ 120,926     $ 113,783     $ 7,143     $ 401,002     $ 391,009     $ 9,993  
Franchised and licensed
    563       542       21       45,814       40,209       5,605       152,762       142,955       9,807  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
    1,003       981       22     $ 166,740     $ 153,992     $ 12,748     $ 553,764     $ 533,964     $ 19,800  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

Same-store sales for company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants increased 5.4% during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003. Revenue from company-operated restaurants increased $7,143, or 6.3%, during that period. The increase in company-operated restaurant revenue is due to the increase in same-store sales and the opening of five new restaurants during the past year, partially offset by the closure of two restaurants during that time. The average check during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003 was $5.53, as compared to $5.14 during the twelve weeks

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ended November 4, 2002, primarily due to our shift to premium products and a small price increase implemented earlier in the year.

Same-store sales for company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants increased 2.2% during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003. Revenue from company-operated restaurants increased $9,993, or 2.6%, during that period. The increase in company-operated restaurant revenue is due to the increase in same-store sales and the increase in restaurant count during the past year.

Net franchising income decreased $144, or 2.7%, to $5,223 during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, from $5,367 during the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in net rental income from properties subleased to franchisees and a slight decrease in our distribution business operating margin due to increased commodity costs, partially offset by an increase in royalty revenue.

Net franchising income decreased $190, or 1.1%, to $17,411 during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, from $17,601 during the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002. The decrease is the result of a slight decrease in our distribution center operating margin due to increased commodity costs and increased administrative expenses, significantly offset by an increase in royalty revenue.

Although not required to do so, approximately 98% of Carl’s Jr. franchised and licensed restaurants purchase food, paper and other supplies from us.

The changes in restaurant-level margins are explained as follows:

                   
      Twelve   Forty
      Weeks Ended   Weeks Ended
      November 3, 2003   November 3, 2003
     
 
Restaurant-level margins for the period ended November 4, 2002
    19.8 %     22.2 %
 
Increase in food and packaging costs
    (0.9 )%     (0.6 )%
 
(Increase) decrease in utility costs
    0.7 %     (0.3 )%
 
(Increase) decrease rent expense, property taxes and licenses
    0.4 %     (0.2 )%
 
Decrease in salaries, wages and incentive compensation
    0.5 %     0.1 %
 
(Increase) decrease in general liability insurance expense
    0.2 %     (0.4 )%
 
Increase in workers’ compensation insurance expense
    (0.1 )%     (0.2 )%
 
Decrease in equipment lease expense
    0.1 %     0.3 %
 
Other, net
    %     0.2 %
 
   
     
 
Restaurant-level margins for the period ended November 3, 2003
    20.7 %     21.1 %
 
   
     
 

Food and packaging costs increased over the prior year comparable periods as percents of sales primarily due to increases in the cost of beef and other commodities. We expect that, over time, commodity prices will decrease; however, we can provide no assurance that this will occur. The current quarter decrease and year-to-date increase in utility costs reflects the higher electricity rates incurred during the transition from Enron to our new energy supplier in the prior year third quarter and the overall increase in electricity expenses discussed further below.

Rent, property tax and license expenses decreased primarily due to the designation of certain leases as capital leases during the current year third quarter. Salaries, wages and incentive compensation decreased in the current quarter mainly due to leverage from increased sales, partially offset by higher general manager bonus expense.

General liability insurance expense increased during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003 over the prior year comparable period as a percent of sales primarily due to a $1,700 credit during the prior year, compared to an approximate $500 credit during the current year. These decreases are based on actuarial analyses of our reserves and reflect dispositions of general liability claims more favorable than previously anticipated.

Previously, we had a fixed-rate contract with Enron to supply energy to a majority of our California Carl’s Jr. restaurants. As part of its bankruptcy reorganization, Enron rejected that contract during the third quarter of fiscal 2003. In connection with Enron rejecting our fixed-rate contract, we have filed bankruptcy court claims totaling

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(Dollars in thousands)

$14,204 against Enron. At this time, we cannot make a determination as to the potential recovery, if any, with respect to these claims, and accordingly, no recognition of this uncertainty has been recorded in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

To replace the Enron contract, we entered into a fixed-rate contract with another energy supplier, which took full effect in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, while neither of the two fixed-rated contracts was in effect and we experienced transitional billing complications, we temporarily incurred energy costs exceeding the rates for either of the two contracts.

The new fixed-rate contract resulted in an annual energy cost increase of approximately $1,200. In addition, our energy costs have increased further over the prior year due to State of California efforts to recoup higher prices paid to energy suppliers following California’s electricity crisis in 2001. We believe the incremental charges from the State of California will increase our fiscal 2004 energy costs by up to $2,000. We are uncertain what effect, if any, incremental charges from the State of California will have in years after fiscal 2004.

California Assembly Bill No. 749, signed into law during fiscal 2003 relating to workers’ compensation claims, includes benefit payment increases that will phase in through 2006. We estimate the impact of this legislation will be increased annual costs of approximately $1,000 — $2,000 (see discussion of price increases under “Turnaround Strategy”).

On October 5, 2003, the Governor of California signed Senate Bill 2, known as the “Health Insurance Act of 2003” (“SB 2”), which will require certain California businesses either to pay at least 80% of the premiums for a basic individual health insurance package for its employees who work over 100 hours per month and their families, or to pay a fee into a state fund for the purchase of health insurance for uninsured, low-income workers. California businesses that employ 200 or more employees must comply with the new law beginning on January 1, 2006. We currently do not offer health insurance benefits to our hourly employees. We continue to evaluate the impact of this legislation, which could be material to our results of operations.

Hardee’s

During the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, we closed nine Hardee’s restaurants and opened one restaurant. During the same period, Hardee’s franchisees and licensees opened three restaurants and closed 15 restaurants. During the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, we opened four Hardee’s restaurants and closed 13 restaurants. During the same period, Hardee’s franchisees and licensees opened 12 restaurants and closed 98 restaurants. The following table shows the change in the Hardee’s restaurant portfolio, as well as the change in revenue for both the current quarter and the year-to-date:

                                                                         
    Restaurant Portfolio   Revenue
   
 
    Third Fiscal Quarter   Third Fiscal Quarter   Year-to-Date
   
 
 
    2004   2003   Change   2004   2003   Change   2004   2003   Change
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
    721       731       (10 )   $ 139,944     $ 131,987     $ 7,957     $ 446,168     $ 446,153     $ 15  
Franchised and licensed
    1,413       1,524       (111 )     17,505       16,374       1,131       52,616       53,386       (770 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
    2,134       2,255       (121 )   $ 157,449     $ 148,361     $ 9,088     $ 498,784     $ 499,539     $ (755 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

Same-store sales for company-operated Hardee’s restaurants increased 6.8% during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003. Revenue from company-operated Hardee’s restaurants increased $7,957, or 6.0%, during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, as compared to the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002. This increase is due to the increase in same-store sales and the opening and acquisition of nine restaurants during the past year, partially offset by the closure of 19 restaurants during that time. The average check during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003 was $4.35, as compared to $3.94 during the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002, primarily due to our shift to premium products.

Same-store sales for company-operated Hardee’s restaurants increased 0.8% during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003. Revenue from company-operated Hardee’s restaurants increased $15, or 0.0%, during the forty

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weeks ended November 3, 2003, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002. The increase in company-operated revenue is due to the same-store sales increase, partially offset by the net closure of ten restaurants.

Net franchising income increased $249, or 3.0%, to $8,446 during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, from $8,197 during the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002, due to increased equipment sales to franchisees and increased royalty revenue, partially offset by increased administrative expenses.

Net franchising income decreased $3,314, or 11.6%, to $25,167 during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, from $28,481 during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2002. Royalty revenue and net rental income decreased due to 111 fewer franchise restaurants operating. Royalty revenue was further impacted by reduced sales at franchise restaurants. Additionally, at the end of fiscal 2003, a few franchisees who own and operate a large number of restaurants, and who sublease some of those restaurants from us, became delinquent in their rental and royalty obligations to us. As a result, we did not recognize rental revenue related to these franchisees at the beginning of the current fiscal year. We are currently receiving payments and are therefore recognizing revenue, both rents and royalties, related to most of these large franchisees.

As discussed above (see “Hardee’s Revolution”), we introduced a new menu at Hardee’s during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. We determined that significant management and staff training would be required to properly execute the new menu. We also invested in additional labor in the restaurants to ensure outstanding customer service during the training stage of the Revolution. As the training, implementation and introduction of the Revolution have been achieved, we have returned to pre-Revolution staffing levels.

The changes in restaurant-level margins are explained as follows:

                   
      Twelve Weeks   Forty Weeks
      Ended   Ended
      November 3, 2003   November 3, 2003
     
 
Restaurant-level margins for the period ended November 4, 2002
    13.1 %     12.8 %
 
Increase in food and packaging costs
    (1.7 )%     (1.5 )%
 
Increase in general liability insurance expenses
    (0.7 )%     (0.3 )%
 
Increase in salaries, benefits, direct labor and bonus expense
    %     (0.3 )%
 
Increase in workers’ compensation insurance expense
    (0.4 )%     (0.1 )%
 
Decrease in repair and maintenance expenses
    0.5 %     0.1 %
 
(Increase) decrease in electricity expense
    0.3 %     (0.2 )%
 
(Increase) decrease in rent, common area maintenance and property taxes
    0.2 %     (0.1 )%
 
Other, net
    0.6 %     (0.2 )%
 
   
     
 
Restaurant-level margins for the period ended November 3, 2003
    11.9 %     10.2 %
 
   
     
 

Food and packaging costs increased over the prior year comparable periods as percents of sales primarily due to increased beef and other commodity costs and the increased emphasis on premium products associated with the Revolution. General liability and workers compensation insurance expenses increased over the prior year comparable periods primarily due to increased property insurance rates based on claims experience and higher overall insurance costs.

Salaries, benefits, direct labor and bonus expense decreased as a percent of sales during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003 primarily due to higher general manager bonuses due to achievement of sales-based bonus goals during the quarter, offset by a slight decrease in benefit costs and labor costs returning to normal levels upon completion of Revolution management and staff training. Labor costs during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003 include periods earlier in the year during which significant Revolution training costs were being incurred.

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(Dollars in thousands)

La Salsa

During the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, La Salsa franchisees opened one restaurant and closed one restaurant. During the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, we opened five La Salsa restaurants and closed two La Salsa restaurants. During the same period, La Salsa franchisees opened five restaurants and closed seven restaurants. The following table shows the change in the La Salsa component of our restaurant portfolio, as well as the change in revenue at La Salsa for the current quarter:

                                                                           
      Restaurant Portfolio   Revenue
     
 
      Third Fiscal Quarter   Third Fiscal Quarter   Year-To-Date
     
 
 
      2004   2003   Change   2004   2003   Change   2004   2003(1)   Change
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
    60       57       3     $ 9,827     $ 9,701     $ 126     $ 32,962     $ 28,813     $ 4,149  
Franchised and licensed
    40       41       (1 )     360       301       59       1,196       1,037       159  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Total
         100              98                2     $ 10,187     $ 10,002     $      185     $ 34,158     $ 29,850     $   4,308  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

(1) For the period March 1, 2002 through November 4, 2002.

Same-store sales for company-operated La Salsa restaurants decreased 2.6% during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003. Revenue from company-operated La Salsa restaurants increased $126, or 1.3%, when compared to the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002, primarily due to the opening of five new restaurants, partially offset by the closing of two restaurants during the past year and the decrease in same-store sales.

Restaurant-level margins were 6.2% and 14.0% as a percent of company-operated restaurant revenues for the twelve-week periods ended November 3, 2003 and November 4, 2002, respectively. Margins were negatively impacted by approximately 270 basis points as a result of increased labor related to higher costs associated with new restaurant openings and the fixed nature of labor on lower sales at more labor-intensive full service locations. Margins also decreased by approximately 125 basis points as a result of higher repairs and maintenance costs due to completion of maintenance deferred from the prior year and increased utilities and grand opening expenses. Occupancy and other expenses further negatively impacted margins by approximately 360 basis points due to scheduled rent escalations, increased property insurance costs passed through by landlords, higher license costs to obtain full service liquor licenses at several locations, increased depreciation from recent capital expenditures and increased amortization of favorable lease rights.

Same-store sales from company-operated La Salsa restaurants decreased 2.1% during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003. During the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, revenue from company-operated La Salsa restaurants increased $4,149, or 14.4%, when compared to the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, as a result of recording 31 additional days of revenue during that period (we acquired La Salsa on March 1, 2002, resulting in our recording of less than a full forty weeks of revenue during the first three quarters of fiscal 2003) and the opening of five new restaurants, partially offset by the closing of two restaurants during the past year and the decrease in same-store sales.

Restaurant-level margins were 9.4% and 14.9% as a percent of company-operated restaurant revenues for the forty-week period ended November 3, 2003 and the period from March 1, 2002 to November 4, 2002, respectively. Margins were negatively impacted by approximately 260 basis points due to higher repairs and maintenance, due to completion of maintenance deferred from the prior year, and increased utilities and grand opening expenses. Occupancy and other expenses further negatively impacted margins by approximately 320 basis points due to scheduled rent escalations, increased property insurance costs passed through by landlords, and increased depreciation from recent capital expenditures and increased amortization of favorable lease rights. The margin impacts discussed above were partially offset by lower food costs due to discounting activity during the prior year.

Decreases in same-store sales and restaurant level margins may impact the recoverability of the carrying value of a restaurant. We regularly evaluate under-performing restaurants to determine the likelihood we can return them to profitability. In the event that we determine we cannot return an under-performing restaurant to an acceptable level of profitability, we close the restaurant (absent any contractual restrictions preventing us from doing so). We believe

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the potential closing of any restaurants currently identified as under-performing would not have a material impact on the valuation of the goodwill associated with the acquisition of La Salsa.

Advertising Expense

Advertising expenses increased $9, or 0.1%, to $16,719 during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, and decreased $1,170, or 2.1%, to $54,302 during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003. Advertising expenses as a percentage of company-operated restaurant revenue decreased marginally from 6.5% to 6.2% during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, and decreased marginally from 6.4% to 6.2% during the forty weeks ended November 4, 2003, as compared to the prior year periods, primarily due to the management decision to slightly reduce advertising spending as a percentage of sales.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expenses were 7.7% of total revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, as compared to 8.7% during the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002. General and administrative expenses decreased $1,494, or 5.5%, to $25,777 during the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, as compared to the same period last year. This decrease is primarily due to reduced incentive compensation expense and relocation expense partially offset by increased regional general and administrative costs and supply costs.

General and administrative expenses were 7.6% of total revenue during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, as compared to 8.3% during the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002. General and administrative expenses decreased $6,060, or 6.9%, to $82,232 during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002. This decrease is primarily due to reduced salary expense, incentive compensation, relocation and telephone expense, partially offset by increased regional general and administrative costs and legal expense.

Interest Expense

During the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, interest expense increased $359, or 3.7%, to $9,947, as compared to the twelve weeks ended November 4, 2002, primarily as a result of increased interest under capital lease obligations. During the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, interest expense decreased $1,172, or 3.6%, to $31,149, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, primarily due to the prior year repurchase of our 4.25% convertible subordinated notes due 2004 and a lower average balance on our senior credit facility.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net, consists of the following:

                                 
    Twelve Weeks Ended   Forty Weeks Ended
   
 
    November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002   November 3, 2003   November 4, 2002
   
 
 
 
Gain on the sale of Checkers stock
  $     $ 3,134     $     $ 8,959  
Gain (loss) on the repurchase of convertible subordinated notes
    (708 )     728       (708 )     2,442  
Other
    632       42       221       405  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total other income (expense), net
  $ (76 )   $ 3,904     $ (487 )   $ 11,806  
 
   
     
     
     
 

During the twelve weeks ended November 3, 2003, we repurchased $100,000 of our 4.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 for $100,708, which included a call premium of $708. As a result, we recorded a loss on repurchase of convertible subordinated notes as listed in the table above.

During fiscal year 2003, we divested our investment in Checkers resulting in gains on the sale of those securities as listed in the table above.

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(Dollars in thousands)

Additionally, during fiscal year 2003, we repurchased a portion of our 4.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004. The repurchases of those notes also resulted in the recognition of gains as listed in the table above.

Income Taxes

We recorded income tax expense for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, of $192 and $622, respectively. We recorded an income tax benefit for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 4, 2002, of $5,393 and $8,143, respectively. The income tax benefits were a result of changes in existing tax laws whereby the Company was allowed to carry back certain operating losses to prior years in which the Company had taxable income. We believe that our net operating loss carryforward is such that we will not be required to pay federal income taxes on this fiscal year’s taxable earnings, if any, and have only provided for foreign income taxes. Our deferred tax assets net to $0 due to our valuation allowance of approximately $164,000 at January 31, 2003.

At November 3, 2003, we had a federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of approximately $83,400, expiring in varying amounts in the years 2021 through 2023 and state NOL carryforwards totalling $71,500 expiring in the years 2006 through 2023. We have federal NOL carryforwards for alternative minimum tax purposes of approximately $61,235. Additionally, we have an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of approximately $7,300. We have generated general business credit carryforwards of approximately $9,700, expiring in varying amounts in the years 2020 through 2023, and foreign tax credits in the amount of $1,400, which expire in the years 2005 through 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have historically financed our business through cash flow from operations, borrowings under our credit facility and the sale of restaurants. Our most significant cash uses during the next 12 months will arise primarily from funding of our capital expenditures. The revolving credit facility portion of our senior credit facility (“Facility”), as amended and restated on November 12, 2003, matures on November 15, 2006. We anticipate that existing cash balances, availability under the Facility and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to service existing debt and to meet our operating and capital requirements for the next 12 months. Additionally, we are able to sell restaurants as a source of liquidity, although we have no intention to do so significantly at this time. We have no potential mandatory payments of principal on our $105,000 of 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023 until October 1, 2008 (see discussion below). We have no mandatory payments of principal on the $200,000 of 9.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 outstanding prior to their final maturity in 2009.

We, and the restaurant industry in general, maintain relatively low levels of accounts receivable and inventories, and vendors grant trade credit for purchases such as food and supplies. We also continually invest in our business through the addition of new sites and the refurbishment of existing sites, which are reflected as long-term assets and not as part of working capital. As a result, we typically maintain current liabilities in excess of current assets, resulting in a working capital deficit. As of November 3, 2003, our current ratio was .6 to 1.

We use the Facility to fund letters of credit required for our self-insurance programs. Additionally, the Facility provides working capital during those periods when seasonality affects our cash flow. The Facility currently permits borrowings of up to $175,000, including a $25,000 term loan issued on that date and due April 1, 2008, and an $80,000 letter of credit sub-facility. The principal amount of the term loan will be repaid in quarterly installments maturing on April 1, 2008. As of November 3, 2003 (prior to amendment and restatement of the Facility), we had $0 in cash borrowings outstanding under our Facility and $62,481 outstanding on standby letters of credit. Upon the closing of the amended and restated facility, we had $25,000 outstanding under the term loan, $63,502 of outstanding letters of credit and borrowing availability of $86,498. Borrowings bear interest at either the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin or the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin, with interest due monthly. The applicable interest rate on the Facility at November 3, 2003 is the Prime Rate plus 2.25%, or 6.25% per annum. The applicable interest rate on the term loan portion of the newly amended and restated Facility is LIBOR plus 3.75%, or 4.86%.

The agreement underlying the Facility includes certain restrictive covenants. Among other things, these covenants restrict our ability to incur debt, incur liens on our assets, make any significant change in our corporate structure or the nature of our business, dispose of assets in the collateral pool securing the Facility, prepay certain debt, engage

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(Dollars in thousands)

in a change of control transaction without the member banks’ consents, pay dividends and make investments or acquisitions.

Subject to the terms of the agreement, we may make capital expenditures of $55,000 during the current fiscal year. In future years, we may make capital expenditures in the amount of $45,000 plus 80% of the amount of actual EBITDA (as defined in the Facility) in excess of $110,000. Additionally, we may carryforward any unused capital expenditure amounts to the following year.

The full text of the contractual requirements imposed by this financing is set forth in the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2003, which we are filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to this report. We were in compliance with the requirements of the then-existing Facility as of November 3, 2003. Subject in certain instances to cure periods, the lenders under our Facility may demand repayment of borrowings prior to stated maturity upon certain events, including if we breach the terms of the agreement, suffer a material adverse change, engage in a change of control transaction, suffer certain adverse legal judgments, in the event of specified events of insolvency or if we default other significant obligations. In the event the Facility is declared accelerated by the lenders (which can occur only if we are in default under the Facility), our 9.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (“Senior Notes”), our 4.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 (“2004 Convertible Notes”) and our 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023 (“2023 Convertible Notes”) may also become accelerated under certain circumstances and after all cure periods have expired.

The 2004 Convertible Notes, which are our unsecured general obligations, are governed by an indenture. The indenture requires that we pay interest at a rate of 4.25% per annum in semiannual installments due each March 15 and September 15, with all outstanding principal due and payable March 15, 2004. We have the right to prepay the notes at any time for an amount equal to principal, accrued interest and a premium, subject to a notice requirement. On November 3, 2003 we prepaid $100,000 of the notes. We intend to repay the remaining outstanding principal balance of $22,319 at their maturity on March 15, 2004, using the proceeds of the term loan portion of the Facility.

On September 29, 2003, we issued $105,000 principal amount of 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023 (“2023 Convertible Notes”). The 2023 Convertible Notes, which are our unsecured general obligations, are governed by an indenture. The indenture requires that we pay interest at a rate of 4.00% per annum in semiannual coupons due each April 1 and October 1, with all outstanding principal due and payable October 1, 2023. We have the right to prepay the notes after October 1, 2008 for an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued interest, subject to a notice requirement. The full text of the contractual requirements imposed by this financing is set forth in the related indenture, which we are filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to this report. The indenture contains certain restrictive covenants. We were in compliance with the covenants of the 2023 Convertible Notes as of November 3, 2003. Subject in certain instances to cure periods, the holders of the 2023 Convertible Notes may demand repayment of these borrowings prior to stated maturity upon certain events, including if we breach the terms of the indenture, in the event of specified events of insolvency, or if other significant obligations are accelerated. On October 1 of 2008, 2013 and 2018, holders of the 2023 Convertible Notes have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at prices specified in the related indenture. The notes are convertible into our common stock on the conditions set forth in the related indenture. The notes were not convertible during the period September 29, 2003 through November 3, 2003. The net proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used to repay a portion of the 2004 Convertible Notes.

The Senior Notes, which are unsecured obligations but are guaranteed by our subsidiaries, are governed by an indenture. The indenture requires that we pay interest at a rate of 9.125% per annum in semi-annual coupons due on each May 1 and November 1, with all outstanding principal due and payable May 1, 2009. We do not have the right to prepay the notes until May 1, 2004, at which time we may prepay the notes for an amount equal to principal, accrued interest and a premium, subject to a notice requirement. The premium from May 1, 2004 to May 1, 2005, is 4.56% of the principal amount redeemed, but reduces annually through May 2007, at which point no premium is payable. The indenture includes certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur debt, incur liens on our assets, make any significant change in our corporate structure or the nature of our business, pay dividends, make investments, dispose of assets and make restricted payments. Restricted payments include certain loans, treasury stock repurchases and voluntary repurchases of outstanding debt. As of November 3, 2003, the remaining amount of permitted restricted payments is $28,183. The full text of the contractual requirements imposed

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by this financing is set forth in the indenture, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We were in compliance with such requirements as of November 3, 2003. Subject in certain instances to cure periods, the holders of the Senior Notes may demand repayment of these borrowings prior to stated maturity upon certain events, including if we breach the terms of the indenture, specified events of insolvency, if we suffer certain adverse legal judgments or if other significant obligations are accelerated.

The terms of the Facility, the 2004 Convertible Notes and the Senior Notes are not dependent on any change in our credit rating. The 2023 Convertible Notes contain a convertibility trigger based on the credit ratings of the notes (see discussion above). We believe the key company-specific factors affecting our ability to maintain our existing debt financing relationships and to access such capital in the future are our present and expected levels of profitability and cash flow from operations, asset collateral bases and the level of our equity capital relative to our debt obligations. In addition, as noted above, our existing agreements include significant restrictions on future financings including, among others, limits on the amount of indebtedness we may incur or which may be secured by any of our assets.

During the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, cash provided by operating activities was $63,103. Cash used in investing activities during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, totaled $14,692, which principally consisted of purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of property and equipment and collections on notes receivable and related party receivables. Cash used in financing activities during the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003, totaled $41,171, which principally consisted of redemption of $100,000 of our 2004 Convertible Notes and repayments of other short-term debt, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of our 2023 Convertible Notes.

Capital expenditures for the forty weeks ended November 3, 2003 were:

           
New restaurants (including restaurants under development)
       
 
Carl’s Jr.
  $ 4,002  
 
Hardee’s
    3,251  
 
La Salsa
    2,834  
Remodels/Dual-branding (including construction in process)
       
 
Carl’s Jr.
    2,477  
 
Hardee’s
    8,365  
Other restaurant additions
       
 
Carl’s Jr.
    2,826  
 
Hardee’s
    4,129  
 
La Salsa
    1,802  
Capitalized interest
    350  
Corporate/other
    2,959  
 
 
   
 
Total
  $ 32,995  
 
 
   
 

As of November 3, 2003, we had remodeled 85% of the Hardee’s company-operated restaurants to the Star Hardee’s format and had installed charbroilers in 99% of the company-operated restaurants.

In an effort to improve operations we have relocated several of our corporate facilities. During 2002, we began relocating our executive headquarters to the Santa Barbara, California area. We entered into an agreement to lease a facility in Carpinteria through December 2007. During 2001, we relocated Hardee’s corporate offices to St. Louis, Missouri and entered into a five-year agreement to lease a portion of the facility.

Contractual Obligations

We enter into purchasing contracts and pricing arrangements to control costs for commodities and other items that are subject to price volatility. These arrangements result in unconditional purchase obligations (see further discussion regarding these obligations in “Item 3 — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”) which, as of November 3, 2003, totaled $39,035.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Our principal exposure to financial market risks relates to the impact that interest rate changes could have on our Facility. As of November 3, 2003, we had $0 of borrowings and $62,481 of letters of credit outstanding under the Facility. Borrowings under the Facility bear interest at the prime rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin. A hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in short-term interest rates would result in a reduction in the Company’s annual pre-tax earnings of $625. The estimated reduction is based upon the outstanding balance of the Facility (including outstanding letters of credit) and the weighted-average interest rate for the quarter and assumes no change in the volume, index or composition of debt as in effect November 3, 2003. Substantially all of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have not had a significant impact on us and are not expected to in the foreseeable future.

Commodity Price Risk

We purchase certain products which are affected by commodity prices and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions and other factors which are not considered predictable or within our control. Although many of the products purchased are subject to changes in commodity prices, certain purchasing contracts or pricing arrangements contain risk management techniques designed to minimize price volatility. The purchasing contracts and pricing arrangements we use may result in unconditional purchase obligations, which are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. Typically, we use these types of purchasing techniques to control costs as an alternative to directly managing financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. In many cases, we believe we will be able to address material commodity cost increases by adjusting our menu pricing or changing our product delivery strategy. However, increases in commodity prices, without adjustments to our menu prices (see “Turnaround Strategy”), could result in lower restaurant-level operating margins for our restaurant concepts.

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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” as of the end of the period covered by this report, pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
OTHER INFORMATION
(Dollars in Thousands)

Part II. Other Information.

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

    On September 29, 2003, the Company issued $105,000 principal amount of 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023 (“2023 Convertible Notes”) in a private placement in reliance upon the exemptions from registration provided by Rule 144A (in that the initial purchasers of the notes met the conditions set forth therein) and Regulation S (in that the notes may be sold in foreign country transactions) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The initial purchasers of the 2023 Convertible Notes were Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., and BNP Paribas Securities Corp. The aggregate offering price of the 2023 Convertible Notes was $105,000, and the initial purchasers purchased the notes from us at a discount equal to 325 basis points, or $101,588. The 2023 Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion rate of 112.4859 shares per $1 principal balance of the notes upon the conditions set forth in the related indenture, which is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to this report. The conversion price is subject to adjustment as described in the indenture.

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CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  (a)   Exhibits:

     
Exhibit #   Description

 
4.6   Indenture, dated as of September 29, 2003, by and between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee.
     
4.7   Form of Notes (included in Exhibit 4.6)
     
4.8   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2003, by and among the Company and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., for itself and the other initial purchasers.
     
10.50   Director Fee Agreement, effective as of April 1, 2003, by and between the Company and William P. Foley, II.*
     
10.51   Distribution Service Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2003, by and between La Salsa, Inc. and McCabe’s Quality Foods.
     
10.52   Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2003, by and among the Company, the Lenders party thereto, and BNP Paribas, a bank organized under the laws of France acting through its Chicago Branch (as successor in interest to Paribas), as Agent.
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*   A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(a)(3) of Form 10-K.

  (b)   Reports on Form 8-K:

    A Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 17, 2003, was filed during the third quarter of 2004, furnishing the Company’s financial results for the second quarter ended August 11, 2003.

    A Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 22, 2003, was filed during the third quarter of 2004, announcing the Company’s proposed offering of convertible subordinated notes.

    A Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 23, 2003, was filed during the third quarter of 2004, announcing the pricing of the Company’s convertible subordinated notes.

    A Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 29, 2003, was filed during the third quarter of 2004, announcing the closing of $105.0 million of convertible subordinated notes.

SIGNATURES

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

     
    CKE RESTAURANTS, INC.
(Registrant)
     
Date: December 10, 2003   /s/ Theodore Abajian
   
    Theodore Abajian
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

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