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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

ý

 

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

 

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

 

 

o

 

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

 

For the transition period from                 to                

 

Commission file number  0-25366  

 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

(Name of small business issuer in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

86-0723400

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 

 

 

317 Kimball Avenue, N.E.

Roanoke, Virginia 24016

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(540) 345-3195

(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

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

NONE

 

 

 

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

Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

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

 

Check whether the issuer is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o No ý

 

The aggregate market value of the common shares held by non-affiliates (without admitting any person whose shares are not included in determining such value is an affiliate) was $9,720,079 based upon the closing price of these shares as reported by the OTC Nasdaq National Market on June 30, 2003.

 

Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

 

As of March 22, 2004 there were 11,908,571 shares of Common Stock outstanding.  The aggregate market value of the common shares held by non-affiliate was $7,502,400 based upon the closing price of these shares on March 22, 2004.

 

 



 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

The Company’s definitive proxy statement expected to be filed on or before April 30, 2004 is hereby incorporated by reference to information required by Part III, Items 10-14.

 

 

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 



 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

1

Item 2.

Properties

8

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

8

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

9

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

9

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

10

Item 7.

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

11

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

18

Item 8.

Consolidated Financial Statements

18

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

18

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

18

PART III

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers

19

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

19

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

19

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

19

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

19

PART IV

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

19

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

22

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

 

 



 

Part I

 

Item 1. Business

 

We make forward-looking statements in this report that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us.  These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us.  Our actual results could vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements.

 

When we use the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements also include the assumptions that underlie such statements.  We assume no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements.

 

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they depend on assumptions, data or methodology that may be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them.

 

GENERAL

 

Western Sizzlin Corporation  (formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon Inc.) operates and/or franchises, WesterN SizzliN, WesterN SizzliN Wood Grill, Great American Steak & Buffet, Quincy Steakhouses and Market Street Buffet and Bakery concepts.  We changed our name to Western Sizzlin Corporation effective October 1, 2003, in connection with a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary into the Company.  Item 6 of this report sets forth further details on the name change and merger transaction.

 

As of December 31, 2003 we operated 7 Great American Steak & Buffet restaurants. In addition, approximately 100 franchisees operated 161 WesterN SizzliN, WesterN SizzliN Wood Grill, Great American Steak and Buffet, Quincy Steakhouses and Market Street Buffet and Bakery restaurants.

 

Our restaurants are currently located in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

 

We are actively engaged in expansion and are looking to expand the franchise system in 2004 and beyond.

 

Operating Strategy

 

We have always set guest satisfaction as our first priority. Currently, we operate under the following trade name concepts:

 

                                          WesterN SizzliN Steak & More

                                          WesterN SizzliN Wood Grill

                                          Market Street Buffet and Bakery

                                          Great American Steak & Buffet Company

                                          Quincy Steakhouses

We believe that great food and excellent service are the key ingredients for providing the very best

 

1



 

in guest service. Consistently providing high quality, flavorful food products with both a full line of entree offerings and an enhanced buffet bar offering can be a challenge. Our goal is not only to meet this challenge, but to exceed the guest expectation of both quality and service, and to offer a price point that the guest will perceive as an exceptional value.

 

There are several factors necessary for achieving our goal:

 

                                      Food Quality:

 

                                       Our restaurants use high quality ingredients in all menu offerings. Additionally, all food preparation is done on premises, by either small batch or large batch cooking procedures. Guest flow determines which type will be used.

 

                                       We strive to ensure that each recipe is prepared and served promptly to guarantee maximum freshness, appeal and that proper serving temperatures are maintained. We believe that our food preparation and delivery system enables us to produce higher quality and more flavorful food than is possible in other steak and buffet or cafeteria style restaurants.

 

                                      Menu Selection:

 

Our restaurants emphasize two traditional American style offerings:

 

                                       The first is the traditional family style steakhouse, which became popular during the 1960’s. Since that time, the primary red meat offering has grown extensively and now includes a vast array of chicken, pork, seafood and many other protein dishes.

 

                                       The second is a full line of both hot & cold food buffet, which has become a very appealing option for our guests. Our rotating daily menu offerings, displayed on one of our many scatter bars in the buffet area, clearly demonstrate our home cooking flavor profile.

 

We believe that our extensive food offering provides the guest with delicious variety and a flavorful dining experience that will encourage them to visit our restaurants time after time.

 

                                      Price/Value Relationship:

 

We are committed to providing our guests with excellent price to value alternatives in the full-service casual dining restaurant sector and traditional steak and buffet restaurants. At our restaurants, the guests are provided with a choice of many different entree offerings and they can also choose to enjoy our “all-you-care-to-eat” unlimited food or buffet bar offerings. We believe the perceived price value is excellent, with lunch ranging between $5.00 and $9.75 and dinner ranging between $7.00 and $15.50. Additionally, our restaurants normally offer special reduced prices for senior citizens and children under 12 and other special promotions from time to time.

 

2



 

                                      Atmosphere:

 

Our restaurants strive to provide a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience in a friendly family oriented local atmosphere. This comfortable ambiance is reinforced by providing a very pleasing and pleasant decor, which features a variety of decorations, plants and attractive furniture packages. Our restaurants strive to provide a higher level of service than other casual dining, steak and buffet style restaurants. Our co-worker training programs place significant emphasis on developing friendly and helpful restaurant personnel.

 

                                      Efficient Food Service and Delivery System:

 

The scatter bar format, food preparation methods and restaurant layout are all designed to efficiently serve a large number of guests, while enhancing the overall quality of the dining experience. In addition, preparing food in the proper amounts, serving it in several easily accessible areas (scatter bars) and closely monitoring consumption will shorten guest lines, increase frequency of table turns, improve over-all quality and reduce waste; thereby increasing guest satisfaction and restaurant level profitability.  Our restaurants range in size from approximately 5,200 square feet to 10,000 square feet.  A description of these properties is provided in Item 2.

 

Restaurant Food Delivery

 

At our restaurants we have three different methods to deliver food to customers:

 

                                      Full Service: the guest is seated by a host and presented with a menu. (A typical full-service dining experience).

 

                                      Modified Line: the guest enters the restaurant, joins a que line and places an order prior to being seated. After their order is placed, the guest is seated by a host and the server then takes over and the experience is full-service from that point forward.

 

                                      Traditional Line Service: although our preferred method is full-service, several markets have found the modified-line or line formats to be more appropriate.

 

Typically, the restaurant food service area has four to six scatter bars (buffets) positioned throughout a central area of the restaurant. These buffets consist of two to four hot bars, one to two cold bars, dessert bar, including ice cream machine, and a bakery bar. Beverages are served by the servers.

 

3



 

The food service area is designed to be easily accessible from all seats. Considerable attention is devoted to lighting and acoustics to allow for a comfortable atmosphere even when the restaurant is at maximum capacity. In addition to the basic dining room layout, most restaurants are set up to accommodate banquet business, either by design or by collapsing curtains which may be opened or closed. In addition to the public areas, each restaurant has a food preparation and storage area, including a fully equipped kitchen.

 

Site Selection and Construction

 

In selecting new restaurant locations, we consider target population density, local competition, household income levels and trade area demographics, as well as specific characteristics, including visibility, accessibility, parking capacity and traffic volume. An important factor in site selection is the convenience of the potential location to both lunch and dinner guests and the occupancy cost of the proposed site. We also take into account the success of other chain restaurants operating in the area.

 

Potential site locations are identified by a potential franchisee and/or corporate personnel, consultants and independent real estate brokers. Our executive management will visit and approve or disapprove any proposed restaurant site. The majority of restaurants are free standing even though some restaurants are developed in other types of strip centers. We project that most restaurants will continue to be free standing.

 

When a restaurant has been built in an existing facility, renovation and construction has taken approximately 60 to 120 days after the required construction permits have been obtained. New construction of free-standing restaurants requires a longer period of time and can range from 120 to 180 days. Also, when obtaining a construction permit, we have generally experienced a waiting period ranging from approximately 20 to 90 days.

 

Restaurants are constructed by outside general contractors. We expect to continue this practice for the foreseeable future.

 

Restaurant Management and Employees

 

The management staff of a typical restaurant consists of one General Manager, one Assistant General Manager and one or two Associate Managers. Individual restaurants typically employ between 40 and 80 non-management hourly employees (a mix of both part-time and full-time workers), depending on restaurant size and sales volume.

 

The General Manager of a restaurant has responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a restaurant, acts independently to maximize restaurant performance, and follows company-established management policies. The General Manager makes personnel decisions and determines orders for produce and dairy products, as well as, centrally contracted food items and other supplies. Our management compensation program includes bonuses based on restaurant sales growth and operational profit performance.

 

Recruiting

 

We attempt to attract and train high quality employees at all levels of restaurant operations. Generally, restaurant management is either recruited from outside the Company and has had significant prior restaurant experience or has been promoted through the system as experience levels increased.  As we continue to grow, our management will continue to recruit restaurant management personnel from among non-management employees within our system and supplement these resources through outside hiring.

 

4



 

Management Training

 

We have implemented strict operating standards. We maintain a strong standardized training process which plays a critical role in maintaining operational propriety. All management employees, including Assistant Managers, regardless of former experience, participate in a six to eight week formal course of training. Periodically, additional training is provided during each calendar year through a series of two to three day seminars, to provide the most current information on a variety of topics including sales building techniques, labor controls and food cost management. Non-management employees are generally trained at the local restaurant site.

 

Purchasing

 

We contract on behalf of the entire system through one to twelve month agreements with primary vendors and manufacturers.  This allows us to maximize our buying leverage based on volume and also works towards our goals of system-wide consistency.  We utilize velocity reports supplied by our various distributors to look for opportunities to consolidate our purchases resulting in cost of food savings.  Our stores are broken into areas based on geographical location.  While each store places their own orders with the various distributors, the most successful stores are the ones who support the areas and use the volume of the combined buying power to be as economically efficient as possible. We recently put together a national program with a broadline distributor based on agreed upon category margins that most stores can take advantage of if they choose.

 

Hours of Operation

 

Our restaurants are open seven days a week, typically from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

 

Franchise Operations

 

In addition to operating company-owned restaurants, the Company currently franchises with others to operate restaurants. The Company currently has approximately 100 franchisees operating 161 WesterN SizzliN, WesterN SizzliN Wood Grill, Market Street Buffet and Bakery and Great American Steak & Buffet restaurants in 22 states.

 

Our standard franchise agreement has a 20-year term, with one ten-year renewal option. It generally provides for a one-time payment to us of an initial franchise fee and a continuing royalty fee based on gross sales. We collect weekly and monthly sales reports from our franchisees as well as periodic and annual financial statements.

 

Each franchisee is responsible for selecting the location for its restaurant, subject to our approval. We consider such factors as demographics, competition, traffic volume and patterns, parking, site layout, size and other physical characteristics in approving proposed sites. In addition, all site and building plans and specifications must be approved by us.

 

Franchisees must operate their restaurants in compliance with our operating and recipe manuals. Franchisees are not required to purchase food products or other supplies through our suppliers, but are required to purchase proprietary products from us. Each franchised restaurant must have a designated Manager and Assistant Manager who have completed our six-week manager training program or who have been otherwise approved by us. For the opening of a restaurant, we provide consultation and make our personnel generally available to a franchisee. In addition, we send a team of personnel to the restaurant for up to two weeks to assist the franchisee and its managers in the opening, the initial marketing and training effort, as well as the overall operation of the restaurant.

 

5



 

We may terminate a franchise agreement for a number of reasons, including a franchisee’s failure to pay royalty fees when due, failure to comply with applicable laws, or repeated failure to comply with one or more requirements of the franchise agreement. Many state franchise laws limit our ability to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise. A franchisee may terminate a franchise agreement and continue to operate the restaurant as a competitive concept by paying liquidated damages to us. We do not anticipate that the termination of any single franchise agreement would have a materially adverse effect on our operations. Termination by a multiple-unit franchisee of several franchise agreements for various locations could, however, have a materially adverse effect on our operations.

 

Our franchise agreement contains provisions that prohibit franchisees from disclosing proprietary information about our restaurant operating system. Our standard franchise agreement also contains non-competition provisions that, for the duration of the agreement and for one or two years following termination, prohibit a franchisee from directly or indirectly competing with us or soliciting employees to leave us. There is no assurance that these contractual provisions will effectively prevent the appropriation by franchisees of business opportunities and proprietary information. More discussion is contained in the caption “Government Regulation.”

 

Marketing and Promotion

 

Marketing and operations work hand-in-hand for all of our company concepts where a shared mutual vision provides value to the guest through hard work, quality and high standards. We know that communication plays a strong role in the fulfillment of our goals.

 

The Advertising Development and Research Fund (ADRF), financed through vendor support and member dues, is our franchisee controlled graphic art design/marketing agency.

 

ADRF creates, designs and produces each marketing campaign for the Company and our franchisees. Production includes several major marketing campaigns annually in addition to menus, table tents, posters, indoor and outdoor signage, gift certificates and other marketing tools.

 

The marketing effort is communicated through a vast system of printed materials such as a corporate newsletter, internet webpages, training manuals, tapes and videos.

 

The marketing department is primarily self-sufficient in production capabilities with some of the most sophisticated computer and graphic equipment available. ADRF is staffed by professionals experienced in all phases of marketing, graphics / design, and communications. Their efforts have produced and coordinated promotions that include national sweepstakes campaigns, television commercials, national convention materials and training videos.

 

The coordinated efforts of ADRF, area field consultants, training instructors, corporate personnel, franchise owners, managers and the entire system of operators share in the ongoing success of marketing programs.  Our programs utilize virtually all types of media from billboards and newspapers to television and radio.

 

Restaurant Industry and Competition

 

The restaurant industry is extremely competitive. We compete on the basis of the quality and value of food products offered, price, service, ambiance and overall dining experience. Our competitors include a large and diverse group of restaurant chains and individually owned restaurants. The number of restaurants

 

6



 

with operations generally similar to ours has grown considerably in the last several years. Because the discretionary food spending of the American consumer has not grown in recent years, restaurants such as ours must continually spend money on increased advertising, food quality and menu upgrading. These factors coupled with the proliferation of additional competitors may reduce our gross revenues and adversely affect our profitability. We believe competition among this style of restaurant is increasing.

 

In addition, our business is affected by changes in consumer tastes, national, regional and local economic conditions and market trends. The performance of individual restaurants may be affected by factors such as traffic patterns, demographic considerations and the type, number and location of competing restaurants. Our significant investment in and long-term commitment to each of our restaurant sites limits our ability to respond quickly or effectively to changes in local competitive conditions or other changes that could affect our operations. Our continued success is dependent to a substantial extent on our reputation for providing high quality and value and this reputation may be affected not only by the performance of company-owned restaurants but also by the performance of franchisee-owned restaurants over which we have limited control.

 

Government Regulation

 

Our business is subject to and affected by various federal, state and local laws. Each restaurant must comply with state, county and municipal licensing and regulation requirements relating to health, safety, sanitation, building construction and fire prevention. Difficulties in obtaining or failure to obtain required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the development of additional restaurants. We have not experienced significant difficulties in obtaining such licenses and approvals to date.

 

We are subject to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulation and various state laws that regulate the offer and sale of franchises. The FTC requires us to provide prospective franchisees with a franchise offering circular containing prescribed information about us and our franchise operations. Some states in which we have existing franchises and a number of states in which we might consider franchising regulate the sale of franchises. Several states require the registration of franchise offering circulars. Beyond state registration requirements, several states regulate the substance of the franchisor-franchisee relationship and, from time to time, bills are introduced in Congress aimed at imposing federal registration on franchisors. Many of the state franchise laws limit, among other things, the duration and scope of noncompetition and termination provisions of franchise agreements.

 

Our restaurants are subject to federal and state laws governing wages, working conditions, citizenship requirements and overtime. From time-to-time, federal and state legislatures increase minimum wages or mandate other work-place changes that involve additional costs for our restaurants. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass such increased costs on to our guests or that, if we were able to do so, we could do so in a short period of time.

 

Trademarks

 

We believe our rights in our trademarks and service marks are important to our marketing efforts and a valuable part of our business. Following are marks that are registered for restaurant services on the Principal Register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: “WesterN SizzliN”, “WesterN SizzliN Steak House”, “WesterN”, “SizzliN”, “WesterN SizzliN Cow”, “WesterN SizzliN Steak & More”, “WesterN SizzliN County Fair Buffet and Bakery”, “Flamekist”, “Marshall”, “Gun Smoke”, “Six Shooter”, “Big Tex”, “Dude”, “Trailblazer”, “Ranger”, “Cheyenne”, “Colt 45”, “Cookin’ What America Loves Best”, “Great American Steak and Buffet Company”, “WesterN SizzliN Wood Grill and Buffet”, “WesterN SizzliN Wood Grill” and “Austins Steaks & Saloon”.

 

7



 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company employed approximately 450 persons, of whom approximately 400 were restaurant employees, 27 were restaurant management and supervisory personnel, and 23 were corporate personnel. Restaurant employees include both full-time and part-time workers and all are paid on an hourly basis.  None of the Company’s employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the Company considers its employee relations to be good.

 

 Item 2. Properties

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company’s seven (7) currently operating restaurants are located in leased space ranging from 5,200 square feet to 10,000 square feet.  Leases are negotiated with initial terms of five to twenty years, with multiple renewal options.  All of the Company’s leases provide for a minimum annual rent, with certain locations subject to additional rent based on sales volume at the particular locations over specified minimum levels.  Generally, the leases are net leases which require the company to pay the costs of insurance, taxes, and a pro rata portion of lessors’ common area costs.

 

The Company owns one restaurant location in Lawrenceville, Georgia, which is currently leased and is held for sale.

 

See discussion contained in Item 7 under “Operating Leases”, regarding certain lease properties with General Electric Franchise Finance Corporation.

 

The Company currently leases its executive office, approximately 10,550 square feet, which is located at 317 Kimball Avenue, NE, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016.  The Company plans to vacate these premises upon expiration of this lease in 2004.  The Company has identified alternative space at favorable leasing terms in the Roanoke, Virginia area and anticipates occupying this space in 2004.

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

 

The Company filed an action in the First Judicial District Court for the Parish of Caddo, Louisiana in October 2001, against Kenneth A. Greenway, and others as owners and lessors of five restaurant locations seeking certain revenues due to the Company under the lease, and reimbursement for certain damages incurred as a result of lessor’s breach of certain warranties.  Mr. Greenway filed a counterclaim against the Company, seeking to evict the Company from the five restaurant locations, and seeking damages for an alleged failure by the Company to deliver the properties, at eviction, in the condition in which the properties had been maintained at the inception of the lease.  Mr. Greenway also alleged that the Company removed numerous items from the leased premises and has refused to return these items.

 

On March 16, 2004 (“the settlement date”), Mr. Greenway and the Company signed a settlement agreement which requires the Company to make a cash payment of $110,000 within ten days of the settlement date and also issue a $115,000 note to Mr. Greenway payable monthly over twenty-four months, plus interest at 2.5%.  Accordingly, the Company has accrued $225,000 as of December 31, 2003.  As a result of this settlement, both parties will receive a final release from all claims under the original lease agreements.

 

The Company is a guarantor of a lease agreement in Lincoln, Nebraska, with monthly rentals of approximately $8,200.  The lease agreement, which runs through February 2014, was assigned by the Company to a third party in March 1998 and subsequently by the third party to another party.  The assignees have failed to make recent monthly rental, property tax, and association payments on the premises.  The Landlord has taken possession of the premises and is obligated to, and is attempting to, find a replacement tenant.

 

8



 

In November 2003, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska alleging default under various terms and provisions of the lease agreement and seeking collection of approximately $43,000 in unpaid rent, ad valorem real estate taxes and neighborhood association assessments as of that date.  The Company has asserted a claim against the assignees for any accrued but unpaid obligations under the lease and guaranty for which the Company may be found liable.  Accordingly, the Company filed a cross-claim against its assignee and a Third-Party Complaint against a subsequent assignee. The litigation is currently in the pretrial discovery phase, and motions for summary judgements have been filed by the plaintiff against all defendants, by the Company against its assignee and subsequent assignee, and by the Company’s assignee against its assignee. The Plaintiff has indicated that he would completely release the defendants for payment of $125,000.  In light of ongoing settlement discussions, the Company has accrued $50,000 as of December 31, 2003.  The Company’s maximum exposure through February 2014 includes rent of approximately $1 million plus any unpaid property taxes and association dues.

 

During 2003, the Company was notified of a claim by MBM Distributors (MBM) involving alleged amounts owed by the Company to MBM.  MBM has filed suit in Federal District Court in North Carolina and has recently served the Company with that complaint.  The complaint seeks damages in an amount in excess of $800,000.  The Company believes it has factual and legal defenses to most, if not all, of the claim and is prepared to defend this action vigorously.  While the Company believes it has a substantial likelihood of prevailing, MBM and the Company continue to discuss an informal resolution.

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

None.

Part II

 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the Bulletin Board Section of NASDAQ under the symbol “WSZZ.”  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices for the Common Stock as reported on the Bulletin Board Section of NASDAQ:

 

Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

High

 

Low

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter 2003

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Quarter 2003

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Quarter 2003

 

$

0.75

 

$

0.75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2003

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter 2002

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Quarter 2002

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Quarter 2002

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2002

 

$

0.75

 

$

0.52

 

 

9



 

As of March 22, 2004 there were approximately 150 stockholders of record.

 

The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.01 per share in December 2003.  The payment date was January 30, 2004.

 

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

 

October 2003 Merger and Name Change

 

Effective October 21, 2003, the Company merged its wholly owned subsidiary, The WesterN SizzliN Corporation, a Delaware corporation, into Austins Steak and Saloon, Inc., with Austins, the Company, being the surviving entity.  At the same time, the Company changed its name to “Western Sizzlin Corporation” by amending its Certificate of Incorporation.  The amendment was approved by solicitation of written consents without a meeting pursuant to Section 288 of the General Corporation Laws of Delaware.  On September 30, 2003, the 60th day following the date of the first consent received, stockholders voting 6,495,149 shares or 53.4% of the outstanding common stock had submitted written consents to the action.

 

July 1999 Merger with Austins

 

Previously, on July 1, 1999, Austins merged with The Western Sizzlin Corporation  (“WesterN SizzliN”), a Tennessee corporation. As a result of that merger, the assets and business of WesterN SizzliN were owned by the Delaware subsidiary merged into the Company in 2003 as discussed above.

 

On June 30, 1999, each of the outstanding 2,700,406 shares of Austins common stock were split 1 for 3.135, leaving a total number of 861,374 Austins shares outstanding prior to the merger.  Upon completion of the July 1, 1999 merger, the Austins shareholders owned approximately 7 percent of the outstanding equity and the WesterN SizzliN shareholders owned approximately 93 percent of the outstanding equity of the combined company.

 

Pursuant to the July 1, 1999 merger, each share of WesterN SizzliN common and Series B convertible preferred stock (4,339,000 and 874,375 shares, respectively) were converted into two shares of Austins’ common stock.  Also effective with the merger, each WesterN SizzliN common stock warrant (371,250 warrants) was converted into two shares of Austins’ common stock.

 

The business combination was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the purchase method of accounting.  In the acquisition, the shareholders of the acquired company, WesterN SizzliN, received the majority of the voting interests in the surviving consolidated company.  Therefore, WesterN SizzliN was deemed to be the acquiring company for financial reporting purposes and accordingly, all of the assets and liabilities of Austins have been recorded at fair value and the operations of Austins have been reflected in the operations of the combined company from July 1, 1999, the date of inception.

 

Financial Data

 

The following selected historical consolidated financial information for each of the years ended December 31, 1999 through 2003 has been derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and represent the historical consolidated financial information of Western Sizzlin Corporation (formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon Inc.) prior to the date of the July 1, 1999, merger and the combined company subsequent to the July 1, 1999 merger date.   For additional information see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” relating to the Company, included elsewhere herein. The information set forth below is qualified by reference to and should be read in conjunction with the

 

10



 

consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein.

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000(2)

 

1999(1)

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

21,060

 

$

28,507

 

$

39,443

 

$

87,870

 

$

42,526

 

Operating income (loss)

 

783

 

(1,680

)

1,089

 

(1,625

)

2,105

 

Net income (loss)

 

212

 

(1,052

)

226

 

(1,426

)

153

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

0.02

 

(0.09

)

0.02

 

(0.12

)

0.01

 

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share

 

12,117

 

12,165

 

12,154

 

12,096

 

10,495

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital surplus (deficit)

 

141

 

(1,180

)

(2,179

)

(3,788

)

(3,976

)

Total assets

 

16,894

 

18,039

 

21,467

 

25,922

 

25,543

 

Obligations under capital lease, excluding current maturities

 

 

 

 

 

44

 

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

 

3,549

 

4,075

 

4,594

 

5,074

 

5,576

 

Other liabilities

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

10,527

 

10,522

 

11,782

 

11,664

 

10,495

 

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 

119

 

183

 

183

 

 

 

 


(1)                                  Effective July 1, 1999 the Company acquired six (6) restaurants through a reverse merger acquisition.  The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  Accordingly, the selected historical consolidated financial information includes the net assets and results of the operations from these six (6) restaurants from the date of acquisition.

 

(2)                                  Effective June 8, 2000, the Company entered into a lease agreement with a financing company to operate 97 Quincy Steakhouses.  The 2000 selected historical consolidated financial information includes the results of operations of these restaurants from the date of the lease agreement.

 

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

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

Condition and Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following tables set forth the percentage relationship to total revenues, unless otherwise indicated, of certain income statement data, and certain restaurant data for the years indicated:

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31

 

Income Statement Data:

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant sales

 

75.6

 

79.9

 

84.3

 

Franchise royalties and fees

 

22.4

 

18.4

 

14.5

 

Other

 

2.0

 

1.7

 

1.2

 

Total revenues

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of company-operated restaurants

 

52.0

 

54.9

 

58.7

 

Cost of franchise operations

 

7.4

 

6.6

 

5.1

 

Other cost of operations

 

1.5

 

1.2

 

0.9

 

Restaurant operating expenses

 

16.8

 

19.3

 

20.1

 

General and administrative expenses

 

11.8

 

10.7

 

6.7

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

5.8

 

5.8

 

5.8

 

Loss on impairment of asset held for sale

 

0.3

 

 

 

Closed restaurants expense

 

0.7

 

7.4

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

3.7

 

(5.9

)

2.7

 

Other income (expense)

 

1.7

 

(0.0

)

(1.4

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

2.0

 

(5.9

)

1.3

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

1.0

 

(2.2

)

0.8

 

Net Income (loss)

 

1.0

 

(3.7

)

0.5

 

 

11



 

 

 

Years Ended December 31

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Restaurant Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage increase in average sales for Company-operated restaurants

 

29.7

 

5.5

 

8.5

 

Number of Company-operated restaurants included in the average sales computation

 

7

 

13

 

20

 

Average sales for Company-operated restaurants

 

$

2,273,000

 

$

1,752,000

 

$

1,660,000

 

Number of Company-operated Restaurants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

7

 

17

 

23

 

Opened

 

 

 

 

Closed/Franchised

 

 

10

 

6

 

End of period

 

7

 

7

 

17

 

Number of Quincy-operated Restaurants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

 

 

53

 

Opened

 

 

 

 

Franchised

 

 

 

43

 

Closed

 

 

 

10

 

End of period

 

 

 

 

Number of U.S. Franchised Restaurants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

186

 

215

 

198

 

Opened

 

1

 

3

 

48

 

Closed

 

26

 

35

 

33

 

Acquired by Franchisee

 

 

3

 

2

 

End of period

 

161

 

186

 

215

 

 

Overview

 

The Company operates and franchises a total of 168 restaurants located in 22 states, including 7 company-owned and 161 franchise restaurants as of December 31, 2003.  The restaurants include a family steakhouse concept, a steak and buffet concept, and the casual dining steakhouse concept.

 

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $211,711 compared to a net loss of $1,052,786 and net income of $225,983 for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The loss in 2002 was largely attributed to the closing of under-performing company restaurants and related impairment and closing costs of $2.1 million, and $630,000 for a proxy contest and subsequent settlement with a group of Company stockholders during 2002.  The results for 2003 included generating net income despite a decline in net revenue in excess of $7.0 million.  Significant unusual expenses for the year included closed restaurant expense of $156,375, loss on impairment of asset held for sale of $59,722 and legal expenses of approximately $425,000 to cover possible liabilities and expenses for matters described in Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

12



 

2003 COMPARED TO 2002

 

Revenues

 

Total revenues decreased 26.1% to $21.1 million in 2003, from $28.5 million in 2002. Company-operated restaurant sales decreased 30.1% to $15.9 million in 2003, from $22.8 million in 2002. This decrease was primarily due to the closing of under-performing Company restaurants and the transfer of certain Company operations to franchise units during 2002.

 

Franchise and other revenues decreased 10.1% to $5.1 million in 2003, from $5.7 million in 2002. This decrease is attributable to less franchised stores in the system during 2003.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Company-operated restaurants, consisting of food, beverage, and employee costs decreased from $15.6 million in 2002 to $11.0 million in 2003 and as a percentage of total revenues from 54.9% in 2002 to 52.0% in 2003.  The decrease was related to closure or franchising of Company-operated restaurants.

 

Cost of franchise operations and other cost of operations as a percentage of total revenues was 8.9% or $1.9 million in 2003 compared to 7.8% or $2.2 million in 2002.  The decrease in dollars was attributable to less franchised stores in the system during 2003.

 

Restaurant operating expenses which includes utilities, insurance, maintenance, rent and other such costs of the Company-operated restaurants decreased $2.0 million from $5.5 million (19.3%) in 2002 to $3.5 million (16.8%) in 2003.  The decrease was due to the closure or franchising of under-performing Company restaurants during 2002.

 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 11.8% or $2.5 million in 2003 compared to 10.7% or $3.1 million in 2002.  The decrease was largely due to additional legal fees incurred for litigation matters, as well as fees associated with reimbursement to shareholders that were involved in the proxy contest and settlement in 2002.

 

Depreciation and amortization decreased from $1.7 million in 2002 to $1.2 million in 2003 primarily due to the closings or franchising of under performing Company-operated restaurants and retirement of their related long-lived assets in 2002.

 

Closed restaurants expense of $2.1 million for 2002 was due to the impairment of property and equipment, the write-off of certain intangible assets, and accrued expenses for the five locations in the Louisiana market and four locations run as Austins Steaks & Saloon in Omaha, Nebraska and one location in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Closed restaurants expense of $156,000 for 2003 was related to additional write-offs in Louisiana.

 

Other expense, net increased from $7,300 in 2002 to $370,000 in 2003. The decrease in “other” expense from 2002 to 2003 was due to recovery of amounts in 2002 previously reserved. Also, there was less interest costs incurred in 2003, due to lower levels of debt outstanding during 2002 plus an increase in interest income due to better cash position in 2003.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

The Company’s effective tax rate was 49% in 2003 and 38% in 2002. The income tax expense

 

13



 

(benefit) is directly affected by the levels of pre-tax income (loss).  The increase in the effective rate in 2003 resulted primarily from increased franchise taxes incurred.

 

2002 COMPARED TO 2001

Revenues

 

Total revenues decreased 28% to $28.5 million in 2002, from $39.4 million in 2001. Company-operated restaurant sales decreased 31% to $22.8 million in 2002, from $33.2 million in 2001. This decrease was primarily due to the closure or franchising of ten Company-operated restaurants during 2002.

 

Franchise operation revenues decreased 8% to $5.3 million in 2002, from $5.7 million in 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to 29 less franchised restaurants during 2002.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of Company-operated stores, consisting of food, beverage, and employee costs decreased from $23.2 million in 2001 to $15.6 million in 2002 and as a percentage of total revenues from 58.7% in 2001, to 54.9% in 2002.  The majority of the decrease was related to the closure or franchising of ten company-operated restaurants during 2002. The primary reason for the decrease of this cost as a percentage of total revenues is the costs of the closed restaurants, whose operating margins were significantly less than the Company’s remaining operating company restaurants.

 

Cost of franchise operations and other cost of operations for 2002 were comparable to 2001.  These costs as a percentage of total revenues increased from 6.0% in 2001 to 7.8% in 2002 due to the decrease in total revenues in 2002 compared to 2001.

 

Restaurant operating expenses which includes utilities, insurance, maintenance, rent and other such costs of the Company-operated stores decreased $2.4 million from $7.9 million in 2001 to $5.5 million in 2002. This decrease is due to the closure or franchising of ten Company-operated restaurants during 2002.

 

General and administrative expenses increased $408,000 (15%) comparing 2002 to 2001.  The majority of the increase is due to legal and other expenses of $630,000 related to an anticipated proxy contest and subsequent settlement with a group of Company stockholders during 2002.

 

Depreciation and amortization decreased from $2.3 million in 2001 to $1.7 million in 2002 primarily due to the closings or franchising of under performing Company-operated restaurants and retirement of their related long-lived assets and the discontinuance of goodwill amortization effective January 1, 2002.  Goodwill amortization was $455,000 in 2001.

 

Closed restaurants expense of $2.1 million for 2002 was due to the impairment of property and equipment, the write-off of certain intangible assets, and accrued expenses for the five locations in the Louisiana market and four locations run as Austins Steaks & Saloon in Omaha, Nebraska and one location in Scottsdale, Arizona.

 

Other expense decreased from $559,000 in 2001 to $8,000 in 2002.  The decrease was a result of less interest costs incurred in 2002, due to lower levels of debt outstanding during 2002, and an increase in other income of $424,000 in 2002.

 

14



 

Income Tax Expense

 

The Company’s effective tax rate was 38% in 2002 and 57% in 2001.   The increase in the effective rate was attributable to the relationship of the income (loss) levels between the years and non-deductible items.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Capital expenditures of $192,000, $231,000, and $596,000 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, were primarily funded by cash flow from operations. Cash flows generated by operating activities were approximately $1.8 million, $914,000, and $322,000 in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.  During 2003, cash flows provided by operations were primarily due to net income of $212,000 and depreciation and amortization of $1.2 million.  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of $273,000, ($231,000) and ($580,000) in 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively, was primarily for capital expenditures and in 2003, offset by proceeds received from the sale of a parcel of land for $414,000.  Net cash used in financing activities of $1.3 million and $1.0 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, were primarily for repayment of long-term debt and the payment of cash dividends or repurchase of common stock. In 2003, the Company also paid the entire balance due on its bank overdraft and credit line note payable. During 2001 the cash used in financing activities was primarily due to payments of long-term debt.

 

Total capital expenditures for 2004 are presently expected to be approximately $325,000, primarily for the upgrading of restaurants and may increase depending upon availability of capital resources.

 

Capital resources available at December 31, 2003 were $934,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $250,000 available under an existing line of credit.  As is customary in the restaurant industry, the Company has operated with negative working capital and has not required large amounts of working capital.  Historically, the Company has leased the majority of its restaurants and through a strategy of controlled growth has financed expansions from operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of common stock, the utilization of the Company’s line of credit and long-term debt provided by various lenders.  The Company has a positive working capital of $141,000 at December 31, 2003.

 

Management of the Company believes that cash flows generated by operations, as well as cash available under the existing line of credit, will be adequate to fund operations for at least the next twelve months.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

 

The table below sets forth a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments that will impact our future liquidity:

 

Contractual Obligations and
Commitments

 

Years Ending December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

Thereafter

 

Totals

 

Long-term debt

 

$

529,645

 

505,276

 

522,126

 

360,745

 

337,287

 

1,823,537

 

$

4,078,616

 

Operating leases, net

 

999,185

 

757,780

 

365,699

 

377,199

 

256,383

 

493,914

 

3,250,160

 

Totals

 

$

1,528,830

 

1,263,056

 

887,825

 

737,944

 

593,670

 

2,317,451

 

$

7,328,776

 

 

Bank Line of Credit

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company had a $250,000 secured line of credit from a commercial bank payable on demand, subject to annual renewal by the bank, and collateralized by accounts receivable and the assignment of franchise royalty contracts.  The are no amounts

 

15



 

outstanding under the line of credit as of December 31, 2003.

 

Operating Leases

 

Operating lease commitments are presented net of sublease rentals.  Gross operating lease commitments for the periods above aggregate to approximately $9.3 million, offset by sublease rentals for the same periods of approximately $6.1 million.

 

In January 2001, the Company executed a series of Master Lease Agreements (“Agreements”) relating to certain franchised properties formerly operated by other parties as “Quincy’s” restaurants (“Former Quincy’s”).  Signed copies of these Agreements were required, pursuant to the terms of the document, to be executed by Franchise Financing Corporation of America, now known as General Electric Franchise Finance Corporation, (the “Lessor”), to be legally binding; however, no signed copies were ever returned to the Company.  At the end of January 2002, there remained only 25 Former Quincy’s operated by Company franchisees, the Lessor having taken back, in 2001 and 2002, other restaurants previously operated by Company franchisees.  The Agreements, incomplete for a lack of signature by the Lessor, provided for rental payments from the Company to the Lessor.  However, the cost of any rental payments was passed on to the franchisees operating the properties.  On May 15, 2003, the Company sent a letter to the Lessor, providing notice of the Company’s termination of any tenancies at-will on any remaining Former Quincy’s units effective May 31, 2003.

 

  The Company intends to vigorously contest any potential claims asserted by General Electric Franchise Finance Corporation.  While the Company has previously engaged in discussions with the Lessor of the properties to resolve any rental payments claimed by the Lessor under the Agreements, it is not possible at this time to determine the outcome of these discussions.  See note 13 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements provides a summary of our significant accounting policies.  The following are areas requiring significant judgements and estimates due to uncertainties as of the reporting date: trade accounts and notes receivables and the allowance for doubtful accounts, long-lived assets (including franchise royalty contracts, goodwill and property and equipment), and commitments and contingencies.

 

Application of the critical accounting policies discussed below requires significant judgements by management, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain.  If actual results were to differ materially from the estimates made, the reported results could be materially affected.  We are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstance that would result in materially different results.  The Company’s senior management has reviewed the critical accounting policies and estimates and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis regarding them with its audit committee.

 

16



 

Trade Accounts and Notes Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Management views trade accounts and notes receivable and the related allowance for doubtful accounts as a critical accounting estimate since the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on judgements and estimates concerning the likelihood that individual franchisees will pay the amounts included as receivables from them.  In determining the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts to be recorded for individual franchisees, we consider the age of the receivable, the financial stability of the franchisee, discussions that may have occurred with the franchisee and our judgement as to the overall collectibility of the receivable from the franchisee.  In addition, we establish an allowance for all other receivables for which no specific allowances are deemed necessary.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

Management views the determination of the carrying value of long-lived assets as a critical accounting estimate since we must determine an estimated economic useful life in order to properly depreciate or amortize our long-lived assets and because we must consider if the value of any of our long-lived assets have been impaired, requiring adjustments to the carrying value.

 

Economic useful life is the duration of time the asset is expected to be productively employed, which may be less than its physical life.  The estimate economic useful life of an asset is monitored to determine it continues to be appropriate in light of changes in business circumstances.

 

We must also consider similar issues when determining whether or not an asset has been impaired to the extent that we must recognize a loss on such impairment.  For example during our 2003 and 2002 fiscal years we recorded closed restaurants expense totaling $156,375 and $2,092,599, respectively, due to the closing of certain of the Company’s restaurants which is discussed further in note 10 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  We also recorded a loss on impairment of asset held for sale of $59,722 in 2003 to reduce property held for sale to its net realizable value.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Management views accounting for contingencies as a critical accounting estimate since loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources require judgement as to any probable liabilities incurred.  Actual results could differ from the expected results determined based on such estimates.

 

IMPACT OF INFLATION

 

The impact of inflation on the costs of food and beverage products, labor and real estate can affect the Company’s operations.  Over the past few years, inflation has had a lesser impact on the Company’s operations due to the lower rates of inflation in the nation’s economy and economic conditions in the Company’s market areas.

 

Management believes the Company has historically been able to pass on increased costs through certain selected menu price increases and has offset increased costs by increased productivity and purchasing efficiencies, but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so in the future.  Management anticipates that the average cost of restaurant real estate leases and construction cost could increase in the future which could affect the Company’s ability to expand.  In addition, mandated health care or additional increases in the federal or state minimum wages could significantly increase the Company’s costs of doing business.

 

17



 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

As of December 31, 2003, there are no new accounting standards issued, but not yet adopted by us, which are expected to be applicable to our financial position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

The Company does not engage in derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments.  As of December 31, 2003, the Company’s financial instruments are not exposed to significant market risk due to foreign currency exchange risk or commodity price risk.  However, the Company is exposed to market risk related to interest rates.

 

The table below provides information about the Company’s debt obligations that are sensitive to changes in interest rates.  The table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates.

 

Debt obligations held for other than trading purposes at December 31, 2003 (dollars in thousands):

 

EXPECTED MATURITY DATE

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Rate

 

$

530

 

$

505

 

$

522

 

$

361

 

$

337

 

$

1,823

 

$

4,078

 

$

4,744

 

Average Interest Rate

 

9.73

%

9.94

%

9.94

%

10.02

%

10.06

%

10.07

%

10.00

%

 

 

 

Item 8.  Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The information required by this item is set forth on pages F-1 through F-24 included herein.

 

Item 9.  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

 

Senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on this evaluation process, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective and that there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  Since that evaluation process was completed, there have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls.

 

18



 

Part III

 

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement under the caption “Directors/Executive Officers, Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act” expected to be filed on or before April 30, 2003.

 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement under the caption “Executive Compensation,” expected to be filed on or before April 30, 2004.

 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” expected to be filed on or before April 30, 2004.

 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement under the caption “Related Party Transactions” expected to be filed on or before April 30, 2004.

 

Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement expected to be filed on or before April 30, 2004.

 

Part IV

 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a)

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.0

**

Plan of Amendment and Merger dated April 30, 1999, between Austins Steaks and Saloon, Inc. and The WesterN SizzliN Corporation.

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.1

****

Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 24, 1996.

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.2

*****

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated October 23, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.3

 

Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated June 30, 1999.

 

 

 

 

3.2***

 

Restated Bylaws of the Corporation.

 

 

 

 

 

4.0***

 

Captec Promissory Notes and related loan documents.

 

 

 

 

 

10.1***

 

November 2001 Severance Agreement

 

19



 

 

10.11*

 

1994 Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc. Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, as amended

 

 

 

 

10.11.1**

 

Amendment No. 2 to the 1994 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of the Company

 

 

 

 

 

10.11.2**

 

Amendment No. 3 to the 1994 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of the Company

 

 

 

 

10.12******

 

September 27, 2002, Settlement with group of Company Stockholders in an anticipated proxy battle

 

 

 

 

14

 

Code of Ethics

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of the Issuer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The WesterN SizzliN Stores, Inc.

 

 

 

 

The WesterN SizzliN Stores of Little Rock, Inc.

 

 

 

 

The WesterN SizzliN Stores of Louisiana, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Missouri Development Company

 

 

 

 

Austins Albuquerque, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins Omaha, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins 72nd, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins Lincoln, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins New Mexico, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins Old Market, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins Scottsdale, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins Rio Rancho, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Austins Albuquerque East, Inc.

 

 

 

 

WesterN SizzliN Stores of Virginia, Inc.

 

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG LLP

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

 

 

 

 

 

32.1

 

Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section-1350

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

Chief Financial Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section-1350

 

 

 

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

October 1, 2003, Company’s name change to Western Sizzlin Corporation and merger of wholly owned subsidiary into the Company.

 

___________________________

 

*              Incorporated by reference to the specific exhibit to the Form SB-2 Registration Statement, as

 

20



 

filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 1995, Registration No. 33-84440-D.

 

**                                  Incorporated by reference to the specific exhibit to the Form S-4 Registration Statement, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1999, Registration No. 333-78375.

 

***                           Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002.

 

****                    Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2002.

 

*****             Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 6, 2003

 

******      Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 27, 2002.

 

21



 

SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION (formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

 

 

 

Dated: March 30, 2004

 

By:  /s/ James C. Verney

 

 

 

James C. Verney

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Dated: March 30, 2004

 

By: /s/ Robyn B. Mabe

 

 

 

Robyn B. Mabe

 

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul C. Schorr, III

 

Chairman of the Board

March 30, 2004

Paul C. Schorr, III

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Petros Vezertzis

 

Director

March 30, 2004

Petros Vezertzis

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Roger D. Sack

 

Director

March 30, 2004

Roger D. Sack

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ A. Jones Yorke

 

Director

March 30, 2004

A. Jones Yorke

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Thomas M. Hontzas

 

Director

March 30, 2004

Thomas Hontzas

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Titus W. Greene

 

Director

March 30, 2004

Titus Greene

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ J. Alan Cowart

 

Director

March 30, 2004

J. Alan Cowart

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Stanley L. Bozeman, Jr.

 

Director

March 30, 2004

Stan Bozeman, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Jesse M. Harrington, III

 

Director

March 30, 2004

Jesse Harrington

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ William E.  Proffitt

 

Director

March 30, 2004

William Proffitt

 

 

 

22



 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION
(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(With Independent Auditors’ Report Thereon)

 



 

Independent Auditors’ Report

The Board of Directors and  Stockholders
Western Sizzlin Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Western Sizzlin Corporation (formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Western Sizzlin Corporation (formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in note 1(h) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill in 2002.

/s/KPMG LLP

March 12, 2004, except as to note 4, which is
     as of March 29, 2004 and note 13, which
     is as of March 16, 2004

 

F-1


 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

Assets

 

2003

 

2002

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

934,156

 

131,631

 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $329,112 in 2003 and $379,887 in 2002

 

838,931

 

1,086,180

 

Current installments of notes receivable

 

229,273

 

203,821

 

Other receivables

 

43,329

 

95,527

 

Inventories

 

66,390

 

95,457

 

Prepaid expenses

 

413,824

 

328,321

 

Deferred income taxes

 

382,428

 

274,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

2,908,331

 

2,214,963

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $69,345 in 2003 and $47,595 in 2002, excluding current installments

 

1,170,804

 

1,286,906

 

Property and equipment, net

 

3,124,807

 

3,443,380

 

Franchise royalty contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $6,302,954 in 2003 and $5,672,658 in 2002

 

3,151,477

 

3,781,773

 

Goodwill

 

4,310,200

 

4,310,200

 

Financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $100,100 in 2003 and $81,927 in 2002

 

100,110

 

118,283

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,280,025

 

1,527,372

 

Assets held for sale

 

700,278

 

1,200,000

 

Other assets

 

148,044

 

156,548

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

16,894,076

 

18,039,425

 

 

F-2



 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

2003

 

2002

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Bank overdraft

 

$

 

346,351

 

Credit line note payable to bank

 

 

363,180

 

Current installments of long-term debt

 

529,645

 

507,590

 

Accounts payable

 

991,328

 

1,328,813

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

1,246,785

 

896,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,767,758

 

3,442,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

3,548,971

 

4,074,589

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

6,366,729

 

7,517,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock, series A, $10 par value (involuntary liquidation preference of $10 per share). Authorized 25,000 shares; none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock, series B, $1 par value (involuntary liquidation preference of $1 per share). Authorized 875,000 shares; none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value.  Authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 11,908,571 shares in 2003 and 12,150,099 shares in 2002

 

119,086

 

121,501

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

8,589,578

 

8,674,846

 

Retained earnings

 

1,818,683

 

1,726,058

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

10,527,347

 

10,522,405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

16,894,076

 

18,039,425

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3



 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

 

Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company-operated restaurants

 

$

15,914,336

 

22,782,386

 

33,249,121

 

Franchise operations

 

4,717,150

 

5,254,581

 

5,731,500

 

Other

 

428,151

 

470,438

 

461,935

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

21,059,637

 

28,507,405

 

39,442,556

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of company-operated restaurants

 

10,953,798

 

15,646,416

 

23,157,754

 

Cost of franchise operations

 

1,558,887

 

1,887,722

 

2,006,770

 

Other cost of operations

 

321,989

 

348,063

 

340,970

 

Restaurant operating expenses

 

3,531,418

 

5,502,677

 

7,921,380

 

General and administrative

 

2,481,372

 

3,058,205

 

2,649,956

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

1,213,236

 

1,652,187

 

2,277,088

 

Loss on impairment of asset held for sale

 

59,722

 

 

 

Closed restaurants expense

 

156,375

 

2,092,599

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

20,276,797

 

30,187,869

 

38,353,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

782,840

 

(1,680,464

)

1,088,638

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(450,777

)

(511,931

)

(656,965

)

Interest income

 

93,575

 

35,240

 

52,799

 

Other

 

(12,374

)

469,427

 

44,952

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(369,576

)

(7,264

)

(559,214

)

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

413,264

 

(1,687,728

)

529,424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

201,553

 

(634,942

)

303,441

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

211,711

 

(1,052,786

)

225,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

0.02

 

(0.09

)

0.02

 

Diluted

 

0.02

 

(0.09

)

0.02

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4



 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional
paid-in
capital

 

Retained
earnings

 

Total

 

Common stock

Shares

 

Dollars

Balances, December 31, 2000

 

12,079,900

 

$

120,799

 

8,625,150

 

2,918,225

 

11,664,174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

98,900

 

989

 

74,023

 

 

75,012

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

225,983

 

225,983

 

Dividends declared:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.015 per share

 

 

 

 

(182,682

)

(182,682

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances, December 31, 2001

 

12,178,800

 

121,788

 

8,699,173

 

2,961,526

 

11,782,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(54,698

)

(547

)

(24,067

)

 

(24,614

)

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(1,052,786

)

(1,052,786

)

Other

 

25,997

 

260

 

(260

)

 

 

Dividends declared:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.015 per share

 

 

 

 

(182,682

)

(182,682

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances, December 31, 2002

 

12,150,099

 

121,501

 

8,674,846

 

1,726,058

 

10,522,405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(130,000

)

(1,300

)

(86,383

)

 

(87,683

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

211,711

 

211,711

 

Other

 

(111,528

)

(1,115

)

1,115

 

 

 

Dividends declared:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 per share

 

 

 

 

(119,086

)

(119,086

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances, December 31, 2003

 

11,908,571

 

$

119,086

 

8,589,578

 

1,818,683

 

10,527,347

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5



 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

211,711

 

(1,052,786

)

225,983

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

 

564,767

 

971,514

 

1,117,482

 

Amortization of franchise royalty contracts, goodwill, and other assets

 

648,469

 

680,673

 

1,159,606

 

Provision for bad debts

 

95,832

 

333,358

 

104,360

 

Provision for deferred taxes

 

138,945

 

(608,423

)

94,590

 

Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment

 

2,281

 

182,984

 

561

 

Gain on sale of asset held for sale

 

(790

)

 

 

Impairment of property and equipment

 

126,097

 

1,033,286

 

 

Loss on sale/disposal of other assets

 

 

423,719

 

 

Closed restaurants expense accrued

 

90,000

 

635,594

 

 

(Increase) decrease in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

176,492

 

(130,534

)

(304,589

)

Notes receivable

 

65,575

 

72,308

 

74,937

 

Other receivables

 

52,198

 

166,328

 

320,147

 

Inventories

 

29,067

 

128,679

 

477,929

 

Prepaid expenses

 

(85,503

)

26,005

 

(95,928

)

Income taxes refundable

 

 

 

943,661

 

Other assets

 

8,504

 

61,255

 

122,854

 

Increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(337,485

)

(1,299,558

)

(1,758,448

)

Income taxes payable

 

 

(40,383

)

40,383

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

44,447

 

(669,777

)

(2,201,476

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,830,607

 

914,242

 

322,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(191,695

)

(230,760

)

(596,037

)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

 

 

16,000

 

Proceeds from sale of other assets

 

414,390

 

 

 

Deposit received

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

272,695

 

(230,760

)

(580,037

)

 

F-6



 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in bank overdraft

 

$

(346,351

)

(65,815

)

173,011

 

Net decrease in credit line note payable

 

(363,180

)

(25,925

)

(105,216

)

Proceeds from note payable

 

450,000

 

 

 

Payments on note payable

 

(450,000

)

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

920,832

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

(503,563

)

(519,208

)

(1,824,564

)

Dividends paid

 

 

(365,364

)

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

 

 

75,012

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(87,683

)

(24,614

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,300,777

)

(1,000,926

)

(760,925

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

802,525

 

(317,444

)

(1,018,910

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

 

131,631

 

449,075

 

1,467,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

 

$

934,156

 

131,631

 

449,075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payments for interest

 

$

454,637

 

515,427

 

660,132

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid (refunded)

 

$

62,608

 

13,864

 

(775,193

)

 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company had $123,155 of additions to property and equipment included in accrued expenses.

 

During 2003, the Company declared dividends of $119,086 payable in January 2004.

 

During 2003, the Company had $26,400 of accrued expenses withheld from the proceeds received from the sale of assets held for sale.

 

During 2002, the Company reclassified $1,200,000  in property and equipment to assets held for sale.

 

During 2002, the Company sold equipment and leasehold improvements with a net book value of $1,432,000 for cash of $62,500 and a note receivable of $1,225,000. In conjunction with this sale, the Company wrote off favorable lease rights of $358,000 and trademarks of $57,383.

 

During 2001, a sale of certain equipment was financed with a note receivable in the amount of $255,244

 

During 2001, the Company declared dividends of $182,682, payable in January 2002.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, write-offs of accounts and notes receivable were $177,312, $87,638 and $170,254, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7



 

WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION

(formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.)

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

(1)       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a)       Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation

 

Western Sizzlin Corporation (formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.) and subsidiaries is a franchisor and operator of restaurants. At December 31, 2003, the Company had 161 franchises and 7 company-operated restaurants operating in 22 states. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western Sizzlin Corporation (formerly Austins Steaks & Saloon, Inc.) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, The WesterN SizzliN Corporation, The WesterN SizzliN Stores, Inc., WesterN SizzliN Stores of Little Rock, Inc., WesterN SizzliN Stores of Louisiana, Inc., and Austins of Omaha, Inc. (collectively the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

(b)       Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents of $897,330 and $32,980, respectively, consist of overnight repurchase agreements and a certificate of deposit at December 31, 2003 and overnight repurchase agreements at December 31, 2002. The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

(c)        Trade Accounts Receivable

 

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its franchisees.

 

(d)       Notes Receivable

 

Notes receivable are recorded at cost, less an allowance for impaired notes receivable. Management, considering current information and events regarding the borrowers’ ability to repay their obligations, considers a note receivable to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement. When a note receivable is considered to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the note’s effective interest rate. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for doubtful notes receivable through a charge to bad debt expense. Interest income on impaired notes is recognized on the cash basis.

 

(e)        Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market and consist primarily of food, beverages, and restaurant supplies.

 

F-8



 

(f)        Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on the straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: furniture, fixtures, and equipment – 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are generally amortized over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term. If the estimated useful life of a leasehold improvement exceeds the lease term and the lease allows for a renewable term and the Company intends to renew the lease, the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvement is used for amortization purposes. Gains or losses are recognized upon the disposal of property and equipment and the cost and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts. Maintenance, repairs, and betterments which do not enhance the value of or increase the life of the assets are expensed as incurred.

 

(g)       Franchise Royalty Contracts

 

Franchise royalty contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis over fifteen years, the estimated average life of the franchise agreements. The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset by determining whether the amortization of the franchise royalty contracts balance over their remaining life can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds (see note 1(k)).

 

(h)       Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of January 1, 2002. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

 

In connection with SFAS No. 142’s transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, the Statement required the Company to perform an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill was impaired as of the date of adoption. To accomplish this, the Company was required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units as of January 1, 2002. The Company was required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit within six months of January 1, 2002. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would be required to perform the second step of the transitional impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. The second step was not required for either of the Company’s reporting units.

 

F-9



 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, 15 years, and assessed for recoverability by determining whether the amortization of the goodwill balance over its remaining life could be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation. The amount of goodwill impairment, if any, was measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds.

 

(i)        Favorable Lease Rights

 

Favorable lease rights were originally amortized on the straight-line method over the remaining life of the related leases. In 2002, the Company wrote off the outstanding balance of favorable lease rights as a result of the sale of the operations related to the leased restaurants.

 

(j)        Financing Costs

 

Financing costs are being amortized on the straight-line method over the life of the related debt.

 

(k)       Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

 

SFAS No. 144 provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of. SFAS No. 144 also changes the criteria for classifying an asset as held for sale; and broadens the scope of businesses to be disposed of that qualify for reporting as discontinued operations and changes the timing of recognizing losses on such operations. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 on January 1, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are separately presented in the consolidated balance sheets and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. In 2003, the Company recorded a loss on impairment of $59,722 to reduce assets held for sale to net realizable value.

 

Goodwill not subject to amortization is tested annually for impairment, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value.

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 144, the Company accounting for long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of.

 

F-10



 

(l)        Assets Held for Sale

 

The Company includes certain land, buildings and equipment which are held for sale at December 31, 2003 and 2002 as assets held for sale. These assets were originally used in the Company’s operations and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

 

(m)      Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

(n)       Franchise Revenue

 

Initial franchise fees are recognized when all material services have been substantially performed by the Company and the restaurant has opened for business. Franchise royalties, which are based on a percentage of monthly sales, are recognized as income on the accrual basis. Costs associated with franchise operations are recognized on the accrual basis. The Company’s former president and certain members of the board of directors are also franchisees. As franchisees, these individuals have transactions from time to time with the Company, including payments for franchise fees, during the normal course of business.

 

(o)       Stock Option Plan

 

The Company applies the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations, to account for its fixed-plan stock options. Under this method, compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans. As allowed by SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting described above, and has adopted only the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS No. 123, amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures, in both annual and interim financial statements, about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method on reported results. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 in 2002. The

 

F-11



 

following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) if the fair-value-based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each period.

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

211,711

 

(1,052,786

)

225,983

 

Deduct total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value-based method for all awards, net of tax

 

(8,014

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma

 

$

203,697

 

(1,052,786

)

225,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

0.02

 

(0.09

)

0.02

 

Pro forma

 

0.02

 

(0.09

)

0.02

 

 

(p)       Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company. All stock options for shares of common stock were not included in computing diluted earnings per share for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 because these effects are anti-dilutive.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years indicated:

 

 

 

Income
(loss)
(numerator)

 

Weighted
average
shares
(denominator)

 

Earnings
(loss)
per share
amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income – basic and diluted

 

$

211,711

 

12,117,484

 

$

0.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income – basic and diluted

 

$

(1,052,786

)

12,165,197

 

$

(0.09

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income – basic and diluted

 

$

225,983

 

12,154,414

 

$

0.02

 

 

(q)       Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management of the Company to make a

 

F-12



 

number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(r)        Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2002 consolidated balance sheet to place it on a basis comparable with the 2003 consolidated balance sheet.

 

(2)       Accounts and Notes Receivable

 

Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

$

427,482

 

180,106

 

246,000

 

Provision for bad debts

 

95,832

 

333,358

 

104,360

 

Recoveries

 

52,455

 

1,656

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable written off

 

(177,312

)

(87,638

)

(170,254

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

$

398,457

 

427,482

 

180,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts allocated to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

329,112

 

379,887

 

148,142

 

Notes receivable

 

69,345

 

47,595

 

31,964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

398,457

 

427,482

 

180,106

 

 

The Company has various notes receivable from franchisees for amounts due under franchise agreements. The recorded investment in notes receivable for which an impairment has been recognized and the related allowance for doubtful accounts were $69,345 and $69,345, respectively, at December 31, 2003, and $47,595 and $47,595, respectively, at December 31, 2002. The average recorded investment in impaired notes was approximately $59,000, $40,000, and $43,000 during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

The Company’s franchisees and company-operated restaurants are not concentrated in any specific geographic region, but are concentrated in the family steak house business. No single franchisee accounts for a significant amount of the Company’s franchise revenue, and there were no significant accounts or notes receivable from a single franchisee at December 31, 2003 or 2002. The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific franchisees, historical collection trends and other information. Generally, the Company does not require collateral to support receivables.

 

F-13



 

(3)       Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment at December 31, 2003 and 2002 consists of the following:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

 

$

3,779,791

 

3,216,492

 

Leasehold improvements

 

4,403,658

 

4,755,726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,183,449

 

7,972,218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

5,058,642

 

4,528,838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,124,807

 

3,443,380

 

 

(4)       Debt

 

Long-term debt at December 31, 2003 and 2002 consists of the following:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

Notes payable to finance company with interest rates ranging from 9.82% to 10.07% due in equal monthly installments, including principal and interest, ranging from $5,395 to $17,182, with final payments due from April 1, 2005 through April 1, 2013; collateralized by real property, accounts receivable, inventory and furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

$

4,068,305

 

4,534,789

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

10,311

 

47,390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

 

4,078,616

 

4,582,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less current installments

 

529,645

 

507,590

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

$

3,548,971

 

4,074,589

 

 

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2003 and years thereafter are as follows: 2004, $529,645, 2005; $505,276; 2006, $522,126; 2007, $360,745; 2008, $337,287 and years thereafter, $1,823,537.

 

Through January 2003, the Company had a $500,000 secured line of credit from a commercial bank payable on demand, bearing interest at the bank’s prime rate which approximated 4.25% at December 31, 2002, subject to annual renewal by the bank, and collateralized by accounts receivable and the assignment of franchise royalty contracts. Borrowings outstanding under the line of credit at December 31, 2002 were $363,180. In January 2003, the Company obtained a short-term note payable from the same bank in order to pay off the balance outstanding under the line of credit at that time. The amount of the note was $450,000 and interest was payable monthly at the prime rate. Principal payments were $50,000 in June 2003 and $100,000 for each of the months July through October 2003. In conjunction with this note, the Company and the bank also reduced the maximum amount available under the credit line from $500,000 to $250,000. At December 31, 2003, there were no amounts outstanding under the line of credit.

 

The notes payable to finance company contain certain restrictive covenants including debt coverage ratios and periodic reporting requirements. At December 31, 2003, the Company was not in compliance with the

 

F-14



 

debt coverage ratio related to four restaurants. A letter was obtained from the finance company dated March 29, 2004, which waived such noncompliance through February 28, 2005.

 

(5)       Leases

 

The Company is obligated under various leases for equipment, offices, Company-operated restaurants and restaurants which are subleased to franchisees.

 

At December 31, 2003, minimum rental payments due under operating leases and sublease rentals to be received by the Company are as follows:

 

 

 

Operating
leases

 

Sublease
rentals

 

Net

 

2004

 

$

3,665,673

 

2,666,488

 

999,185

 

2005

 

3,530,473

 

2,772,693

 

757,780

 

2006

 

739,199

 

373,500

 

365,699

 

2007

 

539,199

 

162,000

 

377,199

 

2008

 

341,883

 

85,500

 

256,383

 

Subsequent years

 

493,914

 

 

493,914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

 

$

9,310,341

 

6,060,181

 

3,250,160

 

 

The Company has entered into a series of Master Sublease Agreements (Agreements) with entities which subsequently became franchisees with the Company. Through May 2003, the franchisees were responsible for making lease payments to the Company in similar amounts as provided in the Agreements (see note 13).

 

Minimum rental payments under operating leases and sublease rentals outlined above include rental payments through December 31, 2005 under the Agreements relating to 25 franchised properties. The minimum rental payments due on these properties in future years are as follows at December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

Operating
Leases

 

Sublease
Rentals

 

Net

 

2004

 

$

2,088,088

 

2,088,088

 

 

2005

 

2,192,493

 

2,192,493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

 

$

4,280,581

 

4,280,581

 

 

 

The Company is also a guarantor on three lease agreements for restaurants which the Company originally operated, but which were sold in 2002 (note 10). The total monthly payments on these leases are $20,680 through September 30, 2012, and payments are due from the Company if the lessee is unable to fulfill its obligation to the lessor. At December 31, 2003, it is not probable that the Company will be required to make payments under the guarantee. Thus, no liability has been accrued related to the Company’s obligation under this arrangement.

 

The Company also is a guarantor of a lease agreement in Lincoln, Nebraska, with monthly rentals of approximately $8,200. The lease agreement, which runs through February 2014, was assigned by the Company to a third party in March 1998 and subsequently by the third party to another party. The

 

F-15



 

assignees have failed to make recent monthly rental, property tax and association payments on the premises. The landlord has taken possession of the premises and is obligated to, and is attempting to, find a replacement tenant.

 

In November 2003, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska alleging default under various terms and provisions of the lease agreement and seeking collection of approximately $43,000 in unpaid rent, ad valorem real estate taxes and neighborhood association assessments as of that date. The Company has asserted a claim against the assignees for any accrued but unpaid obligations under the lease and guaranty for which the Company may be found liable. Accordingly, the Company filed a cross-claim against its assignee and a third-party complaint against a subsequent assignee. The litigation is currently in the pretrial discovery phase, and motions for summary judgments have been filed by the plaintiff against all defendants, by the Company against its assignee and subsequent assignee, and by the Company’s assignee against its assignee. The Plaintiff has indicated that he would completely release the defendants for payment of $125,000. In light of ongoing settlement discussions, the Company has accrued $50,000 as of December 31, 2003. The Company’s maximum exposure through February 2014 includes rent of approximately $1 million plus any unpaid property taxes and association dues.

 

Total rent expense net of sublease rentals, under operating leases for 2003, 2002 and 2001 approximated $1,054,000, $1,474,000, and $2,122,000, respectively. Taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses relating to all leases are obligations of the Company.

 

The Company utilized an airplane owned by the former president of the Company until his termination from the Company in December 2002. The total expenses for chartered air service were approximately $76,000, and $103,000 for 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

(6)       Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 consists of the following:

 

 

 

Current

 

Deferred

 

Total

 

Year ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

 

119,117

 

119,117

 

State

 

62,608

 

19,828

 

82,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

62,608

 

138,945

 

201,553

 

Year ended December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

(26,519

)

(508,063

)

(534,582

)

State

 

 

(100,360

)

(100,360

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(26,519

)

(608,423

)

(634,942

)

Year ended December 31, 2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

104,233

 

94,936

 

199,169

 

State

 

104,618

 

(346

)

104,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

208,851

 

94,590

 

303,441

 

 

F-16



 

Income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory corporate tax rate of 34% to income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) as follows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Expected income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

140,510

 

(573,828

)

180,004

 

State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit

 

54,408

 

(66,237

)

68,819

 

Nondeductible goodwill

 

 

 

37,522

 

Other

 

6,635

 

5,123

 

17,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

201,553

 

(634,942

)

303,441

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002 are presented below:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

$

1,113,766

 

1,081,842

 

Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful accounts

 

151,254

 

162,272

 

Accrued liabilities

 

231,174

 

111,754

 

Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation

 

166,259

 

445,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

$

1,662,453

 

1,801,398

 

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences at December 31, 2003.

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes of $2,731,881 available to offset future taxable income. These loss carryforwards are subject to certain annual limitations. If not utilized, these loss carryforwards will expire as follows:

 

Expiration date:

 

 

 

2011

 

$

1,026,025

 

2012

 

567,299

 

2018

 

403,436

 

2022

 

735,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,731,881

 

 

F-17



 

(7)       Stock Option Plan

 

The Company’s board of directors has adopted an Employee Stock Option Plan (the Plan) pursuant to which the Company’s board of directors may grant stock options to officers and key employees. The Plan authorizes grants of options to purchase up to 400,000 shares of the Company’s authorized, but unissued common stock. Accordingly, 400,000 shares of authorized, but unissued common stock are reserved for use in the Plan. All stock options have been granted with an exercise price equal to or in excess of the stock’s fair market value at the date of grant. The term of each stock option is fixed but no stock option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the stock option is granted. Stock options granted under the Plan are exercisable either at the date of grant or within eighteen months from the date of grant.

 

The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2003 of $0.52 was determined on the date of grant utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 1.13%, expected option life of ten years, expected volatility of 124% and no expected dividend yield.

 

Stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was as follows:

 

 

 

Number
of
shares

 

Weighted
average
exercise price

 

Balance at December 31, 2000

 

419,233

 

$

1.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(225,000

)

$

1.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2001

 

194,233

 

$

1.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(10,638

)

$

1.60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

 

183,595

 

$

1.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

75,000

 

$

0.88

 

Forfeited or expired

 

(130,000

)

$

1.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

 

128,595

 

$

1.78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2003

 

53,595

 

$

3.04

 

 

At December 31, 2003, the weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was approximately 7 years.

 

(8)       Employee Benefit Plan

 

The Company maintains a 401(k) investment plan (the Plan) for the benefit of its employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after a 12-month period of service. Under the 401(k) plan,

 

F-18



 

employees may elect to have up to 16% of their salary, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations, withheld on a pretax basis and invested on their behalf. The Plan provides for discretionary contributions by the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company accrued approximately $17,000, $12,000, and $3,000, respectively, for the discretionary contribution.

 

(9)       Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2003 and 2002. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, defines the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

Carrying
amount

 

Fair
value

 

Carrying
amount

 

Fair
value

 

Financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

934,156

 

934,156

 

131,631

 

131,631

 

Trade-accounts receivable

 

838,931

 

838,931

 

1,086,180

 

1,086,180

 

Notes receivable

 

1,400,077

 

1,400,077

 

1,490,727

 

1,490,727

 

Other receivables

 

43,329

 

43,329

 

95,527

 

95,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit line note payable to bank

 

 

 

363,180

 

363,180

 

Accounts payable

 

991,328

 

991,328

 

1,328,813

 

1,328,813

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

1,246,785

 

1,246,785

 

896,497

 

896,497

 

Other liabilities

 

50,000

 

50,000

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

4,078,616

 

4,743,955

 

4,582,179

 

5,418,511

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

 

          Cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, other receivables, credit line note payable to bank, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other and other liabilities: The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

 

          Notes receivable: The fair value is determined as the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the interest rate which approximates the rate currently offered by local lending institutions for loans of similar terms to companies with comparable credit risk.

 

          Long-term debt: The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at rates which approximate those currently offered to the Company for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities by the Company’s lenders.

 

F-19



 

(10)     Closed Restaurants Expense

 

In 2003, the Company recorded closed restaurants expense of $156,375, including an impairment charge of $66,375 relating to leasehold improvements which will have no further use and $90,000 of accrued closing and other costs related to the proposed sale of a leased property.

 

In 2002, the Company entered into a sale agreement for four Company-operated restaurants, that the Company considered to be under-performing Company restaurants, and one franchised location. The Company sold equipment and leasehold improvements with a net book value of $1,432,000 for cash of $62,500 and a note receivable of $1,225,000. In conjunction with this sale, the Company wrote off favorable lease rights of $358,000 and trademarks of $57,383. The Company also incurred certain administrative costs associated with this sale and recorded closed restaurants expenses related to this transaction of $608,408.

 

Also during 2002, management determined that the Company would not be renewing the lease for the five company-operated restaurants located in the Louisiana market. As a result of the closing of these restaurants, the Company recorded closed restaurants expense totaling $1,173,286, including an impairment charge of $826,286 relating to equipment and leasehold improvements which will have no future use, repairs and maintenance costs of $175,000, rent of $30,000, and $142,000 for legal and closing costs (see note 13).

 

In 2002, the Company also accrued $310,905 in closed restaurants expense related to future obligations (primarily rent) for one other closed store.

 

(11)     Reportable Segments

 

The Company has defined two reportable segments: Company-operated restaurants and franchising and other. The Company-operated restaurant segment consists of the operations of all Company-operated restaurants. The franchising and other segment consists primarily of franchise sales and support activities and derives its revenues from sales of franchise and development rights and collection of royalties from franchisees.

 

Generally, the Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on income from operations before income taxes. Administrative and capital costs are allocated to segments based upon predetermined rates or actual or estimated resource usage. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company accounts for intercompany sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were with third parties and eliminates the related profit in consolidation.

 

Reportable segments are business units that provide different products or services. Separate management of each segment is required because each business unit is subject to different operational issues and strategies. Through December 31, 2003, all revenues for each business segment were derived from business activities conducted with customers located in the United States. No single external customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues.

 

F-20



 

The following table summarizes reportable segment information:

 

 

 

Years ended December 31

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Revenues from reportable segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

15,914,336

 

22,782,386

 

33,249,121

 

Franchising and other

 

5,145,301

 

5,725,019

 

6,193,435

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

21,059,637

 

28,507,405

 

39,442,556

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

484,534

 

902,549

 

1,529,744

 

Franchising and other

 

728,702

 

749,638

 

747,344

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

1,213,236

 

1,652,187

 

2,277,088

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

432,996

 

481,393

 

558,937

 

Franchising and other

 

17,781

 

30,538

 

98,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest expense

 

$

450,777

 

511,931

 

656,965

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

89,535

 

32,503

 

47,536

 

Franchising and other

 

4,040

 

2,737

 

5,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest income

 

$

93,575

 

35,240

 

52,799

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

(283,985

)

(1,148,699

)

(1,154,064

)

Franchising and other

 

697,249

 

(539,029

)

1,683,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

413,264

 

(1,687,728

)

529,424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross fixed assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

7,232,138

 

6,452,072

 

12,088,034

 

Franchising and other

 

951,311

 

1,520,146

 

1,537,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross fixed assets

 

$

8,183,449

 

7,972,218

 

13,625,970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures for fixed assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

$

305,122

 

210,749

 

521,697

 

Franchising and other

 

9,728

 

20,011

 

74,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expenditures for fixed assets

 

$

314,850

 

230,760

 

596,037

 

 

F-21



 

(12)     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The following table reconciles previously reported net income as if the provisions of SFAS No. 142 were in effect in 2001:

 

Reported net income

 

$

225,983

 

Add back goodwill amortization, net of tax

 

282,233

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income

 

$

508,216

 

 

Amortizing Intangible Assets

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2003

 

 

 

Gross
carrying
amount

 

Weighted
average
amortization
period

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

Amortizing intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchise Royalty Contracts

 

$

9,454,431

 

15.0

 

6,302,954

 

 

Amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $630,296. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is $630,296 per year.

 

Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company was required to evaluate its existing intangible assets and goodwill that were acquired in purchase business combinations, and to make any necessary reclassifications in order to conform with the new classification criteria in SFAS No. 141 for recognition separate from goodwill. The Company was also required to reassess the useful lives and residual values of all intangible assets acquired, and make any necessary amortization period adjustments by the end of the first interim period after adoption. For intangible assets identified as having indefinite useful lives, the Company was required to test those intangible assets for impairment in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142 within the first interim period. The results of this analysis did not require the Company to recognize an impairment loss.

 

(13)     Contingencies

 

As discussed in note 5, the Company executed a series of Master Lease Agreements (Agreements) relating to certain franchised properties formerly operated by other parties as “Quincy’s” restaurants (hereinafter “Former Quincy’s”). Signed copies of these Agreements (which were required, pursuant to the terms of the document, to be executed by Franchise Financing Corporation of America, now known as General Electric Franchise Finance Corporation, (the Lessor), to be legally binding) were never returned to the Company. At the end of January 2002, there remained only 25 Former Quincy’s operated by Company franchisees, the Lessor having taken back, in 2001 and 2002, other restaurants previously operated by Company franchisees.

 

The Agreements, incomplete for a lack of signature by the Lessor, provided for rental payments from the Company to the Lessor. However, the cost of any rental payments was passed on to the franchisees operating the properties. During 2002, seven of the remaining 25 properties were closed and the

 

F-22



 

franchisees discontinued making payments to the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2003, two additional properties were closed and these franchisees also discontinued making payments to the Company. To the Company’s knowledge, as of December 31, 2003, a total of approximately $1,043,000 of rental payments had not been made by either the franchisees or the Company with regard to the above referenced nine properties. The Company disputes any liability for these amounts.

 

Rent for the nine properties for the period from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005 (the end of the lease term) according to the payment schedule set out in the Agreements, would approximate $1.6 million. However, as noted above, the Lessor has never delivered executed Agreements to the Company. Accordingly, on May 15, 2003, the Company sent a letter to the Lessor, providing notice of the Company’s termination of any tenancies at-will on any remaining Former Quincy’s units effective May 31, 2003.

 

Consistent with this notice, the Company advised five franchisees’ who continue to operate former Quincy’s units, to make any payments directly to the Lessor. On eleven other former Quincy’s units, the Company has become aware that the franchisees have elected to make their payments directly to the Lessor, and it is the understanding of the Company that the Lessor has accepted these payments. There can be no assurance that these franchisees have made their payments and will continue to make their lease payments in the future. The Company’s estimate of the total payments that were made directly to the Lessor for these 16 franchisees is approximately $980,000 through December 31, 2003. In addition, total payments due by these 16 franchisees for the period from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005 (the end of the lease term) is approximately $2.7 million.

 

While the Company has previously engaged in discussions with the Lessor of the properties to resolve any rental payments claimed by the Lessor under the Agreements, it is not possible at this time to determine the outcome of these discussions. Nevertheless, the Company has claims against the Lessor which it believes will at least offset the significant portion of any claim by the Lessor. Accordingly, no amount has been accrued at December 31, 2003.

 

The Company filed an action in the First Judicial District Court for the Parish of Caddo, Louisiana in October 2001, against Kenneth A. Greenway, and others as owners and lessors of five restaurant locations seeking certain revenues due to the Company under the lease, and reimbursement for certain damages incurred as a result of lessor’s breach of certain warranties. Mr. Greenway filed a counterclaim against the Company, seeking to evict the Company from the five restaurant locations, and seeking damages for an alleged failure by the Company to deliver the properties, at eviction, in the condition in which the properties had been maintained at the inception of the lease. Mr. Greenway also alleged that the Company removed numerous items from the leased premises and has refused to return these items.

 

On March 16, 2004 (“the settlement date”), Mr. Greenway and the Company signed a settlement agreement which requires the Company to make a cash payment of $110,000 within ten days of the settlement date and also issue a $115,000 note to Mr. Greenway payable monthly over twenty-four months, plus interest at 2.5%. Accordingly, the Company has accrued $225,000 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003. As a result of this settlement, both parties will receive a final release from all claims under the original lease agreements.

 

F-23



 

During 2003, the Company was notified of a claim by MBM Distributors (MBM) involving alleged amounts owed by the Company to MBM. MBM has filed suit in the Federal District Court in North Carolina. The complaint seeks damages in an amount in excess of $800,000. The Company has met with representatives of MBM to discuss a potential settlement. The Company believes it has factual and legal defenses to most, if not all, of the claim and is prepared to defend it vigorously. While the Company believes it has a substantial likelihood of prevailing, MBM and the Company continue to discuss an informal resolution. The Company has made an offer to settle the entire claim and has included a provision for the estimated settlement in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

(14)     Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

 

The following tables summarize unaudited quarterly results of operations:

 

 

 

Quarter ended

 

 

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

Year ended December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

7,929,221

 

8,226,181

 

7,299,853

 

5,052,150

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

496,342

 

(459,914

)

(623,145

)

(1,093,747

)

Net income (loss)

 

239,779

 

(244,742

)

(380,534

)

(667,289

)

Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted

 

0.02

 

(0.02

)

(0.03

)

(0.06

)

 

 

 

Quarter ended

 

 

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

Year ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

4,906,434

 

5,743,454

 

5,574,922

 

4,834,827

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

225,812

 

602,070

 

495,959

 

(541,001

)

Net income (loss)

 

86,373

 

317,961

 

249,460

 

(442,083

)

Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted

 

0.01

 

0.03

 

0.02

 

(0.04

)

 

F-24