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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

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

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 2004

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number 000-31149

 


 

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

California   95-4040623

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

6053 West Century Boulevard, 11th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90045-6438

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(310) 342-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  x    No  ¨

 

As of October 29, 2004, 19,106,542 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding.

 



LOGO

 

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page No.

PART I. Financial Information

    

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements (unaudited):

    
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 26, 2004 and December 28, 2003

   3
   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 26, 2004 and September 28, 2003

   4
   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2004 and September 28, 2003

   5
   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

Item 2.

 

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

   9

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   25

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   25

PART II. Other Information

    

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

   26

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   27

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   27

Signatures

    

Index to Exhibits

    

 

Page 2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except for share data)

 

     September 26,
2004


    December 28,
2003


 
     (unaudited)        

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,229     $ 15,877  

Investments in marketable securities

     28,415       18,904  

Trade accounts receivable

     1,845       2,591  

Inventories

     2,993       2,892  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3,373       3,702  
    


 


Total current assets

     55,855       43,966  

Property and equipment, net

     134,746       130,532  

Investment in unconsolidated joint venture

     1,542       1,651  

Deferred taxes

     6,478       6,478  

Other assets

     4,133       2,958  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 202,754     $ 185,585  
    


 


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 4,932     $ 4,069  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     11,156       12,034  

Accrued rent

     8,320       7,845  

Other accrued liabilities

     11,883       9,536  

Accrued income tax

     252       1,375  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     36,543       34,859  
    


 


Other liabilities

     6,331       4,613  

Shareholders’ equity:

                

Common Stock - $0.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 19,036,127 and 18,947,164 shares issued and outstanding at September 26, 2004 and December 28, 2003, respectively

     191       189  

Additional paid-in capital

     217,604       215,340  

Accumulated deficit

     (57,915 )     (69,416 )
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     159,880       146,113  
    


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 202,754     $ 185,585  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes

 

Page 3


California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
     September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


    September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


 

Revenues:

                                

Restaurant sales

   $ 105,262     $ 92,333     $ 304,772     $ 261,380  

Franchise and other revenues

     873       763       2,527       2,437  
    


 


 


 


Total revenues

     106,135       93,096       307,299       263,817  

Restaurant costs and expenses:

                                

Cost of sales

     26,227       22,768       75,240       63,922  

Labor

     38,127       33,188       112,155       95,053  

Direct operating and occupancy

     22,391       19,268       64,734       53,865  
    


 


 


 


Total restaurant operating costs

     86,745       75,224       252,129       212,840  

General and administrative

     6,841       5,440       19,902       15,732  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,817       4,522       15,132       13,087  

Pre-opening

     200       1,264       264       3,048  

Severence charges

     —         820       —         820  

Loss on impairment of property and equipment

     —         12,979       —         12,979  

Store closure costs

     2,700       —         2,700       —    

Legal settlement costs

     1,333       —         1,333       —    
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     2,499       (7,153 )     15,839       5,311  

Other income (expense):

                                

Interest income

     157       49       374       244  

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

     (33 )     (175 )     (109 )     (275 )
    


 


 


 


Total other income (expense)

     124       (126 )     265       (31 )

Income (loss) before income tax provision

     2,623       (7,279 )     16,104       5,280  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     337       (2,433 )     4,603       1,740  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 2,286     $ (4,846 )   $ 11,501     $ 3,540  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) per common share:

                                

Basic

   $ 0.12     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.60     $ 0.19  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ 0.12     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.60     $ 0.19  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per common share

                                

Basic

     19,072       18,885       19,042       18,845  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

     19,182       18,885       19,142       19,046  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes

 

Page 4


California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended

 
     September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


 

Operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 11,501     $ 3,540  

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

                

Depreciation and amortization

     15,132       13,087  

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

     109       275  

Loss on impairment of property and equipment

     —         12,979  

Store closure costs

     2,700       —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Trade accounts receivable

     746       1,308  

Inventories

     (71 )     (171 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     177       (1,035 )

Accounts payable

     863       (1,112 )

Accrued liabilities

     521       (1,775 )

Other liabilities

     (682 )     306  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     30,996       27,402  

Investing activities:

                

Capital expenditures

     (17,941 )     (35,232 )

Purchase of assets of former franchisee

     (1,208 )     —    

Investments in marketable securities

     (9,511 )     (9,518 )

Investment in unconsolidated joint venture

     —         (2,000 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (28,660 )     (46,750 )

Financing activities:

                

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

     2,366       2,050  

Share repurchase

     (1,350 )     —    
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,016       2,050  
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     3,352       (17,298 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     15,877       31,261  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 19,229     $ 13,963  
    


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

   $ 7,601     $ 2,013  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes

 

Page 5


California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 26, 2004

(unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (referred to herein as the “Company”) owns, operates, licenses or franchises 169 restaurants under the names California Pizza Kitchen and California Pizza Kitchen ASAP.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which are necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim periods or for the full fiscal year. The consolidated balance sheet data presented herein for December 28, 2003 was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year then ended, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Company to make certain estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company believes the disclosures included in the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading, but should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

2. Common Stock

 

On January 15, 2004 and July 15, 2004 employees purchased 27,364 and 24,371 shares, respectively, of common stock from the Company under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. The net proceeds to the Company were $440,000 and $391,000, respectively. Additionally, employees exercised options to purchase 107,336 shares of common stock during the first nine months ended September 26, 2004, which resulted in net proceeds to the Company of $1,535,000.

 

Page 6


On August 16, 2004, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire Company common stock from time to time in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions. Under the program, up to $20.0 million of Company common stock could be reacquired from time to time over a 24-month period. As of September 26, 2004, 70,108 shares had been repurchased for an aggregate purchase price of $1.4 million.

 

On December 29, 2003, the Company purchased certain development rights and the leasehold interests, equipment and other assets utilized in the operation of two California Pizza Kitchen restaurants owned by CAH Restaurants of California, LLC. Approximately 50% of the $2,503,000 aggregate purchase price was paid by the issuance of 67,954 shares of our common stock and the remainder was paid in cash. The shares were issued to Rick J. Caruso, one of the Company’s directors, who owns CAH Restaurants of California, LLC. The issuance of the shares was exempt under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under Regulation D as promulgated thereunder, as a transaction not involving any public offering.

 

On January 14, 2003 and July 15, 2003 employees purchased 29,576 and 29,401 shares, respectively, of common stock from the Company under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. The net proceeds to the Company were $578,000 and $541,000, respectively. Additionally, employees exercised options to purchase 98,249 shares of common stock during the first nine months ended September 28, 2003, which resulted in net proceeds to the Company of $931,000.

 

3. Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities

 

The Company has a $20.0 million revolving line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. The line of credit bears interest at either the bank base rate minus 0.75% or LIBOR plus 0.80% and expires on June 30, 2007. No amounts were outstanding as of September 26, 2004. Availability under the line of credit is reduced by outstanding letters of credit, which totaled $4.3 million as of September 26, 2004. The credit facility also includes financial and non-financial covenants, with which the Company was in compliance as of September 26, 2004.

 

4. Stock Option Plans

 

The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to certain employees and directors with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. The Company accounts for stock option grants using the intrinsic value method, and, accordingly, recognizes no compensation expense for the stock option grants.

 

Page 7


The following table represents the effect on net income (loss) and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair-value based method and recognition provisions to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except net income (loss) per share):

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
     September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


    September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


 

Net income (loss) as reported

   $ 2,286     $ (4,846 )   $ 11,501     $ 3,540  

Deduct:

                                

Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     716       686       2,148       2,071  
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 1,570     $ (5,532 )   $ 9,353     $ 1,469  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) per share:

                                

Basic, as reported

   $ 0.12     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.60     $ 0.19  

Basic, pro forma

   $ 0.08     $ (0.29 )   $ 0.49     $ 0.08  

Diluted, as reported

   $ 0.12     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.60     $ 0.19  

Diluted, pro forma

   $ 0.08     $ (0.29 )   $ 0.49     $ 0.08  

Weighted average shares used in computation:

                                

Basic

     19,072       18,885       19,042       18,845  

Diluted

     19,182       18,885       19,142       19,046  
The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2004 and September 28, 2003, respectively.   
     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
     September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


    September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


 

Risk free interest rate

     3.03 %     3.23 %     3.03 %     3.23 %

Expected lives (in years)

     5.00       5.00       5.00       5.00  

Dividend yield

     —   %     —   %     —   %     —   %

Expected volatility

     0.31 %     0.42 %     0.31 %     0.42 %

 

Page 8


5. Net Income Per Share

 

Reconciliation of the components included in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share,” for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2004 and September 28, 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

 

    Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

    September 26,
2004


  September 28,
2003


    September 26,
2004


  September 28,
2003


Numerator for basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share

  $ 2,286   $ (4,846 )   $ 11,501   $ 3,540
   

 


 

 

Denominator:

                         

Denominator for basic net income (loss) per common share weighted average shares

    19,072     18,885       19,042     18,845

Employee stock options

    110     —         100     201
   

 


 

 

Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per common share weighted average shares

    19,182     18,885       19,142     19,046
   

 


 

 

 

6. Change in Accounting Estimate

 

In the third quarter of 2004, the Company evaluated the useful life of certain assets. This included six older restaurants that will be given a new prototype remodel and are an important part of the Company’s strategic initiatives. Accordingly, and in line with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the Company reassessed the useful life of these six restaurants and has taken a charge to accelerate depreciation. Additionally, the Company intends to install a new point of sale system in the first quarter of 2005. Accordingly, we accelerated the depreciation on the existing point of sale system to allow for a complete asset retirement. The new point of sale system is expected to reduce administrative time and increase information which is forecasted to allow operations to manage the business with greater precision and accuracy. The consolidated impact in the third quarter of 2004 resulting from these charges was $1,089,000, or a decrease in net income of $781,000 (0.04 per fully diluted share).

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (referred to hereafter as “we” and “our”) is a leading casual dining restaurant chain in the premium pizza segment. As of November 4, 2004, we own and operate 142 restaurants under the name “California Pizza Kitchen” or “California Pizza Kitchen ASAP” in 26 states and the District of Columbia. We also franchise our concept and currently have 29 additional restaurants which operate under franchise or license agreements. We opened our first restaurant in 1985 in Beverly Hills, California and during our 19 years of operating history, we have developed a recognized consumer brand and demonstrated the appeal of our concept in a wide variety of geographic areas. Our restaurants, which feature an exhibition-style kitchen centered around an open-flame oven, provide a distinctive casual dining experience, which is family friendly and has a broad consumer appeal.

 

We manage our operations by restaurant and have aggregated our operations into one reportable segment. For analytical purposes we have broken this segment into five classes (as of September 26, 2004): 1) the Pre-2002 class which consists of 94 restaurants; 2) the Class of 2002 which consists of 18 restaurants; 3) the Class of 2003 which consists of 22 restaurants; 4) the Class of 2004 which consists of two restaurants and 5) our ASAP locations which consist of four restaurants.

 

Page 9


As of November 4, 2004 we have opened three new prototype full service restaurants, which are larger than our former prototype, and have been designed to encourage a more adult experience and increase alcohol sales. We plan to open one additional new prototype full service restaurant in the fourth quarter of 2004. Additionally, on December 29, 2003 we purchased one previously franchised full service restaurant and one previously franchised ASAP restaurant.

 

Our revenues are comprised of restaurant sales, franchise royalties and other income. Our restaurant sales are comprised almost entirely of food and beverage sales.

 

Cost of sales is comprised of food, beverage and paper supply expenses. The components of cost of sales are variable and increase with sales volume. Labor costs include direct hourly and management wages, bonuses, taxes and benefits for restaurant employees. Direct operating and occupancy costs include restaurant supplies, marketing costs, fixed rent, percentage rent, common area maintenance charges, utilities, real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance and other related costs.

 

General and administrative costs include all corporate and administrative functions that support existing operations and provide infrastructure to facilitate our future growth. Components of this category include management, supervisory and staff salaries and related employee benefits, travel, information systems, training, corporate rent and professional and consulting fees. Depreciation and amortization principally include depreciation on capital expenditures for restaurants. Pre-opening costs, which are expensed as incurred, consist of the costs of hiring and training the initial work force, travel costs, the cost of food used in training, marketing costs, the cost of the initial stocking of operating supplies and other direct costs related to the opening of a new restaurant.

 

Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks and ends on the Sunday closest to December 31 in each year. The three and nine months ended September 26, 2004 and September 28, 2003 consists of 13 weeks and 39 weeks, respectively. In calculating company-owned comparable restaurant sales for the quarter ended September 26, 2004 we include a restaurant in the comparable base once it has been open for 18 months. In addition, we will include the 12-month comparable base for prior year comparison purposes through the end of 2004.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. When we prepare these financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to investments, self-insurance, deferred tax assets, intangible assets and long-lived assets. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the

 

Page 10


basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

For further information regarding the accounting policies that we believe to be critical accounting policies and that affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements see our Form 10-K/A filed for fiscal year ended December 28, 2003.

 

Page 11


Results of Operations

 

Our operating results for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2004 and September 28, 2003 are expressed as a percentage of revenues below, except for restaurant operating costs and expenses, which are expressed as a percentage of restaurant sales:

 

    Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
    September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


    September 26,
2004


    September 28,
2003


 

Revenues:

                       

Restaurant sales

  99.2 %   99.2 %   99.2 %   99.1 %

Franchise and other revenues

  0.8     0.8     0.8     0.9  
   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0  

Restaurant costs and expenses:

                       

Cost of sales

  24.9     24.7     24.7     24.4  

Labor

  36.2     35.9     36.8     36.4  

Direct operating and occupancy

  21.3     20.9     21.2     20.6  
   

 

 

 

Total restaurant operating costs

  82.4     81.5     82.7     81.4  

General and administrative

  6.4     5.8     6.5     6.0  

Depreciation and amortization

  5.5     4.9     4.9     5.0  

Pre-opening

  0.2     1.4     0.1     1.2  

Severence charges

  —       0.9     —       0.3  

Loss on impairment of property and equipment

  —       13.9     —       4.9  

Store closure costs

  2.5     —       0.9     —    

Legal settlement costs

  1.3     —       0.4     —    
   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

  2.4     (7.7 )   5.2     2.0  

Other income (expense):

                       

Interest income

  0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1  

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

  —       (0.2 )   —       (0.1 )
   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense)

  0.1     (0.1 )   0.1     —    

Income (loss) before income tax provision

  2.5     (7.8 )   5.2     2.0  

Income tax provision (benefit)

  0.3     (2.6 )   1.5     0.7  
   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  2.2 %   (5.2 )%   3.7 %   1.3 %
   

 

 

 

 

Page 12


As a result of recently experienced variations in performance among our restaurants opened within the past two years when compared to our more mature restaurants, we now present supplemental operating data for our restaurants which have been grouped by class in an effort to better clarify unit level economics. Accordingly, supplemental information for ASAP restaurants and full service restaurants opened (A) prior to 2002, (B) in 2002, (C) in 2003 and (D) in 2004 is presented in the table below:

 

Third Quarter 2004


   # of Stores

   Weekly
Sales
Average


    (,000)
Restaurant
Sales


    (,000)
Restaurant
Operating
Margin (1)


    Restaurant
Operating
Margin % (2)


 

Pre-2002

                             

Q3, 2004

   94    64,731     78,436     15,864     20.2 %

Q3, 2003

   96    58,603     73,137     15,226     20.8 %

Year over year change

        10.5 %   7.2 %   4.2 %   (60 )bps

Class of 2002

                             

Q3, 2004

   18    50,899     11,896     1,473     12.4 %

Q3, 2003

   18    46,581     10,900     1,399     12.8 %

Year over year change

        9.3 %   9.1 %   5.3 %   (40 )bps

Class of 2003

                             

Q3, 2004

   22    43,120     12,332     1,001     8.1 %

Q3, 2003

   17    44,687     7,431     425     5.7 %

Year over year change

        -3.5 %   66.0 %   135.5 %   240 bps

Class of 2004

                             

Q3, 2004

   2    54,462     1,136     22     1.9 %

ASAPs and other

                             

Q3, 2004

   4    28,106     1,462     156     10.7 %

Q3, 2003

   3    22,209     866     57     6.6 %

Year over year change

        26.6 %   68.8 %   173.7 %   410 bps

Total restaurants

                             

Q3, 2004

   140    58,340     105,262     18,516     17.6 %

Q3, 2003

   134    54,723     92,334     17,107     18.5 %

Year over year change

        6.6 %   14.0 %   8.2 %   (90 )bps

Year to Date 2004


   # of Stores

   Weekly
Sales
Average


    (,000)
Restaurant
Sales


    (,000)
Restaurant
Operating
Margin (1)


    Restaurant
Operating
Margin % (2)


 

Pre-2002

                             

YTD, 2004

   94    62,648     228,962     45,943     20.1 %

YTD, 2003

   96    57,415     214,962     43,947     20.4 %

Year over year change

        9.1 %   6.5 %   4.5 %   (30 )bps

Class of 2002

                             

YTD, 2004

   18    48,881     34,301     4,135     12.1 %

YTD, 2003

   18    46,545     32,675     3,719     11.4 %

Year over year change

        5.0 %   5.0 %   11.2 %   70 bps

Class of 2003

                             

YTD, 2004

   22    40,724     34,941     1,963     5.6 %

YTD, 2003

   17    43,743     11,292     493     4.4 %

Year over year change

        -6.9 %   209.4 %   298.2 %   120 bps

Class of 2004

                             

YTD, 2004

   2    52,706     2,470     249     10.1 %

ASAPs and other

                             

YTD, 2004

   4    26,272     4,098     353     8.6 %

YTD, 2003

   3    20,957     2,452     382     15.6 %

Year over year change

        25.4 %   67.1 %   -7.6 %   (700 )bps

Total restaurants

                             

YTD, 2004

   140    56,259     304,772     52,643     17.3 %

YTD, 2003

   134    54,215     261,381     48,541     18.6 %

Year over year change

        3.8 %   16.6 %   8.5 %   (130 )bps

(1) Restaurant operating margin is defined as restaurant sales less restaurant operating costs.
(2) Restaurant operating margin percentages are expressed as a percentage of restaurant sales.

 

Page 13


Three months ended September 26, 2004 compared to the three months ended September 28, 2003

 

Total Revenues. Total revenues increased by $13.0 million, or 14.0%, to $106.1 million in the third quarter of 2004 from $93.1 million for the third quarter of 2003 due to a $12.9 million increase in restaurant sales and a $110,000 increase in franchise and other revenues. The increase in restaurant sales was due to a 10.5% increase in weekly sales averages for the Pre-2002 class, $11.9 million and $12.3 million in sales derived from the Classes of 2002 and 2003, respectively, $1.1 million in sales derived from two restaurants in the Class of 2004 and $1.5 million in sales derived from four ASAP restaurants. The 18 and 12-month comparable base restaurant increase was 8.7% and 7.5%, respectively. The Company was affected by 121 restaurant closure days during the third quarter of 2004 due to the effects of hurricanes in Florida and restaurant remodel closure days. Eliminating the effects of these restaurant closure days would have resulted in comparable sales of 10.0% and 8.7% on an 18-month and 12-month basis, respectively. The 8.7% increase in 18-month comparable restaurant sales was driven by a 3.3% increase in customer counts, a 4.1% increase in pricing, and menu mix changes of 1.3%. The 7.5% increase in 12-month comparable restaurant sales was driven by a 2.2% increase in customer counts, a 4.1% increase in pricing, and menu mix changes of 1.2%. The increase in franchise and other revenues was primarily due to an increase in comparable sales for ASAP franchises and Kraft income partially offset by the transfer of two previously franchised restaurants to company-owned restaurants in 2004.

 

Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased by $3.4 million, or 14.9%, to $26.2 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $22.8 million for the third quarter of 2003. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 24.9% for the third quarter of 2004 from 24.7% in the comparable quarter for the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher cheese and chicken costs and lost inventory due to the Florida hurricanes.

 

Labor. Labor increased by $4.9 million, or 14.8%, to $38.1 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $33.2 million for the third quarter of 2003. Labor as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 36.2% for the third quarter of 2004 from 35.9% for the third quarter of 2003. The increase in labor as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to restaurant remodel closure days and the deleveraging effect of labor due to the Florida hurricanes.

 

Direct operating and occupancy. Direct operating and occupancy increased by $3.1 million, or 16.1%, to $22.4 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $19.3 million for the third quarter of 2003. Direct operating and occupancy as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 21.3% for the third quarter of 2004 from 20.9% for the third quarter of 2003. The increase was primarily due to increased repairs and maintenance and costs associated with a new china rollout.

 

General and administrative. General and administrative increased by $1.4 million, or 25.9%, to $6.8 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2003. General and administrative as a percentage of total revenues increased to 6.4% for the third quarter of 2004 compared to 5.8% for the third quarter of 2003. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to personnel increases in quality assurance, facilities and operations and increased professional fees associated with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and our future reincorporation in Delaware.

 

Page 14


Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by $1.3 million, or 28.9%, to $5.8 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $4.5 million for the third quarter of 2003. The increase was primarily due to the six new restaurants opened after the third quarter of 2003, the purchase of two previously franchised restaurants during the first quarter of 2004 and revised estimates of useful lives which accelerated the depreciation on certain restaurant assets located in the restaurants we are remodeling. Additionally, we revised the estimated useful life of our current point of sale system which will be replaced by a new system in the first quarter of 2005.

 

Pre-opening. Pre-opening costs decreased by $1.1 million, or 84.6%, to $200,000 for the third quarter of 2004 from $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2003. The decrease was a result of one restaurant opening in the third quarter of 2004 compared to seven restaurant openings in the third quarter of 2003.

 

Severance charges. There were no severance charges in the third quarter of 2004 compared to $820,000 for the third quarter of 2003. Severance charges in the third quarter of 2003 represented payments related to the resignations of our former President and CEO and former VP and Chief Development Officer under the terms of their separation agreements.

 

Loss on impairment of property and equipment. We did not incur any loss on impairment of property and equipment for the third quarter of 2004 compared to $13.0 million for the third quarter of 2003. The impairment charges were for 11 Company-owned full service restaurants in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, in the third quarter of 2003.

 

Store closure costs. We incurred store closure costs of $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2004 compared to none in the third quarter of 2003. These costs related to restaurant lease buyout costs associated with three restaurants we will be closing prior to the end of the fourth quarter.

 

Legal settlement costs. We incurred legal settlement costs of $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2004 compared to none in the third quarter of 2003. These costs related to the proposed terms of a legal settlement of a class action lawsuit filed against us in February of 2003.

 

Interest income. Interest income increased by $108,000, or 220.4%, to $157,000 for the third quarter of 2004 from $49,000 for the third quarter of 2003. The increase was a result of a higher cash balance in the third quarter of 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003.

 

Income tax provision/benefit. The income tax provision/benefit for the third quarter of 2004 and 2003 was based on estimated annual effective tax rates. A rate of 12.8% was applied to the third quarter of 2004 and 33.4% to the third quarter of 2003. The 12.8% rate in the third quarter of 2004 was to bring the Company into line with an average tax rate of 29.0%. These rates comprise the federal and state statutory rates, less any tax credits, based on the estimated annual effective tax rates for the year.

 

Page 15


Nine months ended September 26, 2004 compared to the nine months ended September 28, 2003

 

Total Revenues. Total revenues increased by $43.5 million, or 16.5%, to $307.3 million in the first nine months of 2004 from $263.8 million for the first nine months of 2003 due to a $43.4 million increase in restaurant sales and a $90,000 increase in franchise and other revenues. The increase in restaurant sales was due to a 9.1% increase in weekly sales averages for the Pre-2002 class, $34.3 million and $34.9 million in sales derived from the Classes of 2002 and 2003, respectively, $2.5 million in sales derived from two restaurants in the Class of 2004 and $4.1 million in sales derived from four ASAP restaurants. The 18 and 12-month comparable base restaurant increase was 7.8% and 6.8%, respectively. The Company was affected by 121 restaurant closure days during the first nine months of 2004 due to the effects of hurricanes in Florida and restaurant remodel closure days. Eliminating the effects of these restaurant closure days would have resulted in comparable sales of 8.2% and 7.2% on an 18-month and 12-month basis, respectively. The 7.8% increase in 18-month comparable restaurant sales was driven by a 3.3% increase in customer counts, a 3.4% increase in pricing, and menu mix changes of 1.1%. The 6.8% increase in 12-month comparable restaurant sales was driven by a 2.3% increase in customer counts, a 3.4% increase in pricing, and menu mix changes of 1.1%. The increase in franchise and other revenues was due primarily to an increase in royalties from Kraft’s distribution of our frozen pizza.

 

Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased by $11.3 million, or 17.7%, to $75.2 million for the first nine months of 2004 from $63.9 million for the first nine months of 2003. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 24.7% for the first nine months of 2004 from 24.4% in the comparable period last year. This increase was primarily due to higher cheese and chicken costs and lost inventory due to the Florida hurricanes.

 

Labor. Labor increased by $17.1 million, or 18.0%, to $112.2 million for the first nine months of 2004 from $95.1 million for the first nine months of 2003. Labor as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 36.8% for the first nine months of 2004 from 36.4% for the first nine months of 2003. The increase in labor as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to restaurant remodel closure days and the deleveraging effect of fixed labor due to the Florida hurricanes.

 

Direct operating and occupancy. Direct operating and occupancy increased by $10.8 million, or 20.0%, to $64.7 million for the first nine months of 2004 from $53.9 million for the first nine months of 2003. Direct operating and occupancy as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 21.2% for the first nine months of 2004 from 20.6% for the first nine months of 2003. The increase was primarily due to higher repairs and maintenance, the inability of the Classes of 2002 and 2003 to leverage fixed occupancy costs due to lower weekly sales averages and increased advertising expense.

 

General and administrative. General and administrative increased by $4.2 million, or 26.8%, to $19.9 million for the first nine months of 2004 from $15.7 million for the first nine months of 2003. General and administrative as a percentage of total revenues increased to 6.5% for the first nine months of 2004 compared to 6.0% for the first nine months of 2003. The $4.2 million increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to personnel increases in quality assurance, facilities and operations and increased professional fees associated with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and our future reincorporation in Delaware.

 

Page 16


Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by $2.0 million, or 15.3%, to $15.1 million for the first nine months of 2004 from $13.1 million for the first nine months of 2003. The increase was primarily due to the six new restaurants opened after the first nine months of 2003, the purchase of two previously franchised restaurants during the first quarter of 2004 and revised estimates of useful lives which accelerated the depreciation related to restaurant assets located in the restaurants we are remodeling. Additionally, we revised the estimated useful life of our current point of sale system which will be replaced by a new system in the first quarter of 2005.

 

Pre-opening. Pre-opening costs were $264,000 for the first nine months of 2004 compared to $3.0 million for the first nine months of 2003. The decrease was a result of one new restaurant opening in the first nine months of 2004 compared to 17 restaurant openings in the first nine months of 2003.

 

Severance charges. There were no severance charges in the first nine months of 2004 compared to $820,000 for the first nine months of 2003. Severance charges in the first nine months of 2003 represented payments related to the resignations of our former President and CEO and former VP and Chief Development Officer under the terms of their separation agreements.

 

Loss on impairment of property and equipment. We did not incur any loss on impairment of property and equipment for the first nine months of 2004 compared to a loss of $13.0 million for the first nine months of 2003. The impairment charges were for 11 Company-owned full service restaurants, in accordance with SFAS No. 144, in the first nine months of 2003.

 

Store closure costs. We incurred store closure costs of $2.7 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared to none in the first nine months of 2003. These costs related to restaurant lease buyout costs associated with three restaurants we will be closing prior to the end of the fourth quarter.

 

Legal settlement costs. We incurred legal settlement costs of $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared to none in the first nine months of 2003. These costs related to the proposed terms of a legal settlement of a class action lawsuit filed against us in February of 2003.

 

Interest income. Interest income increased by $130,000, or 53.3%, to $374,000 for the first nine months of 2004 from $244,000 for the first nine months of 2003. The increase was a result of a higher cash balance in the first nine months of 2004 compared to the first nine months of 2003.

 

Income tax provision. The income tax provision for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003 was based on estimated annual effective tax rates. A rate of approximately 28.6% was applied to the first nine months of 2004 and 33.0% to the first nine months of 2003. These rates comprise the federal and state statutory rates, less any tax credits, based on the estimated annual effective tax rates for the year.

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

We have funded our capital requirements through cash flow from operations and proceeds from the initial public offering of our stock on August 2, 2000. For the first nine months of 2004, net

 

Page 17


cash flow provided by operating activities was $31.0 million compared to $27.4 million for the first nine months of 2003. Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2004 was higher than the first nine months of 2003 primarily due to an increase in net income accompanied by an increase in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2004 was $28.7 million compared to $46.8 million for the first nine months of 2003. We use cash to fund the development and construction of new restaurants and to remodel our existing restaurants. We purchased two previously franchised restaurants and opened one restaurant in the first nine months of 2004 compared to opening 17 restaurants in the same period last year. Capital expenditures of $17.9 million and $35.2 million for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, respectively, was the result of $8.2 million spent on new restaurants compared to $27.7 million in 2003 and $9.7 million spent on capitalized maintenance and remodels in 2004 compared to $7.5 million in 2003. The purchase of assets of $1.2 million in the first nine months of 2004 consisted of two previously franchised restaurants, one full service and one ASAP.

 

We have opened three new prototype full service restaurants and remodeled two existing full service restaurants as of November 4, 2004. In addition, we plan to open one new prototype full service restaurant during the remainder of 2004. This compares to a total of 22 full service restaurants in fiscal year 2003. The new restaurant prototype, which is larger than our former prototype and has been designed to encourage a more adult experience and increase alcohol sales, will require on average a higher net investment than our historical restaurants. However, we expect corresponding sales to be higher and to ultimately generate a higher restaurant cash flow. Pre-opening expenses for each of these new restaurants is expected to average approximately $200,000 per restaurant; however, any unexpected delays in construction, labor shortages or other factors could result in higher than anticipated pre-opening costs.

 

Additionally, we invested $9.5 million of our cash equivalents into marketable securities for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003 to maximize our interest income. In 2003, we invested $2.0 million for a 25% equity interest in a new restaurant concept called LA Food Show.

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock was $2.4 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared to $2.1 million for the first nine months of 2003 and consisted of purchases under our employee stock purchase plan of $830,000 and $1,120,000, respectively, and common stock option exercises of $1,535,000 and $931,000, respectively. Additionally, in August 2004, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire Company common stock from time to time in open market purchases and through privately negotiated transactions. Under the program, up to $20.0 million of Company common stock could be reacquired. As of September 26, 2004, 70,108 shares had been repurchased for an aggregate purchase price of $1.4 million. Total net cash provided by financing activities was $1.0 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared to $2.1 million for the first nine months of 2003.

 

The Company has a $20.0 million revolving line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. The line of credit bears interest at either the bank base rate minus 0.75% or LIBOR plus 0.80% and expires on June 30, 2007. No amounts were outstanding as of September 26, 2004. Availability

 

Page 18


under the line of credit is reduced by outstanding letters of credit, which totaled $4.3 million as of September 26, 2004, an increase of $800,000 from the third quarter of 2003. The credit facility also includes financial and non-financial covenants, with which the Company was in compliance as of September 26, 2004.

 

Our capital requirements, including costs related to opening additional restaurants, have been and will continue to be significant. Our future cash requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including the pace of expansion, real estate markets, site locations and the nature of the arrangements negotiated with landlords. We believe that our current cash balances, together with anticipated cash flows from operations and funds anticipated to be available from our credit facility, will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditure requirements on a short-term and long-term basis. Changes in our operating plans, acceleration of our expansion plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses, non-compliance with our credit facility, financial and non-financial covenant requirements or other events may cause us to seek additional financing sooner than anticipated. Additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to obtain additional financing as needed could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

As of September 26, 2004 we had no financing transactions, arrangements or other relationships with any unconsolidated entities or related parties, except as described below in “Related Party Transactions.” Additionally, we had no financing arrangements involving synthetic leases or trading activities involving commodity contracts.

 

Contractual Commitments

 

The following table summarizes our contractual commitments as of November 4, 2004 (in millions):

 

          Payments Due by Period

     Total

   Less than
1 Year


   1-3 Years

   4-5 Years

   More than 5
Years


Operating Lease Obligations (1)

   $ 215.9    $ 3.8    $ 49.0    $ 48.7    $ 114.4
    

  

  

  

  


(1) Represents aggregate minimum lease payments. Most of the leases also require contingent rent in addition to the minimum rent based on a percentage of sales and require expenses incidental to the use of the property.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

On March 6, 2003 we paid $2.0 million for a 25.0% stake in LA Food Show, Inc., an upscale family casual dining restaurant created by our co-founders, Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors and Co-Chief Executive Officers, Larry S. Flax and Richard L. Rosenfield. Messrs. Flax and Rosenfield own the remaining 75.0% of equity in LA Food Show, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement we reserve the right of first negotiation for the 75.0% of outstanding equity we

 

Page 19


do not currently own. We have pre-emptive rights in future financings by LA Food Show so long as we maintain an ownership interest of at least 15.0%, and are entitled to one of three seats on the LA Food Show Board of Directors.

 

We have accounted for this investment in accordance with the equity method of accounting as interpreted by APB Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.” APB Opinion No. 18 requires an investor to record the initial investment at cost and adjust the carrying value of its investment to recognize the investor’s share of the earnings or loss after the date of acquisition. At September 26, 2004 our net investment in LA Food Show, Inc. was $1.5 million.

 

Effective September 29, 2003, we entered into an employee leasing arrangement with LA Food Show under which we provide LA Food Show with all of its restaurant level employees and managers, as well as administrative and support services such as payroll, marketing, human resources, facilities management, accounting, information technology and training. LA Food Show reimburses us for all of the leased employees’ wages, benefits and other employee-related costs, as well as all business-related expenses incurred by the leased employees. As of September 26, 2004 we have approximately a $314,000 receivable associated with the employee lease agreement.

 

One of our directors, Mr. Caruso, also serves as President and is sole owner of CAH Restaurants of California, LLC. We had entered into franchise and development agreements with CAH Restaurants of California, LLC pursuant to which it operated two California Pizza Kitchen restaurants. CAH Restaurants of California, LLC paid franchise and royalty fees to us under these agreements. We recorded an aggregate of $61,000 and $192,000 in such fees during the first three and nine months of 2003, respectively. On December 29, 2003 we acquired the territory rights and assets used to operate two restaurants from CAH Restaurants of California, LLC for $2.5 million. These California restaurants, one ASAP and one full service, are located in Thousand Oaks and Ventura, respectively. The transaction was executed with $1.2 million cash with the balance of the purchase price paid in common stock. CAH Restaurants of California, LLC assigned its right to receive these shares to Mr. Caruso. As part of the acquisition, we assumed the leases for the two restaurants, one of which is entered into with Westlake Promenade, LLC, an affiliate of Mr. Caruso.

 

For the 43 weeks to October 24, 2004, we made aggregated lease payments of $150,000 and $168,000 to entities owned by Mr. Caruso, for two California restaurant locations, Thousand Oaks and Marina Del Rey, respectively. The payments for the Thousand Oaks location consisted of rent and common area maintenance charges of $149,000 and property taxes of $1,000. The payments for the Marina Del Rey location consisted of rent and common area maintenance charges of $112,000 and percentage rent of $56,000. Westlake Promenade, LLC was the owner of record prior to our purchase of the Thousand Oaks restaurant on December 29, 2003 and another of Mr. Caruso’s affiliates purchased Marina Waterside shopping center, where our Marina Del Rey restaurant is located, on January 20, 2004.

 

Page 20


Inflation

 

The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations are food and labor costs. A large number of our restaurant personnel are paid at rates based on the applicable minimum wage, and increases in the minimum wage directly affect our labor costs. Many of our leases require us to pay for taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases. We believe inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years.

 

Risk Factors

 

Our growth strategy requires us to open new restaurants at a measured pace. We may not be able to achieve our planned expansion.

 

We are pursuing a disciplined growth strategy, which to be successful depends on our ability, and the ability of our franchisees and licensees, to open new restaurants and to operate these new restaurants on a profitable basis. The success of our planned expansion will be dependent upon numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control; including the hiring, training and retention of qualified operating personnel, especially managers; identification and availability of suitable restaurant sites; competition for restaurant sites; negotiation of favorable lease terms; timely development of new restaurants, including the availability of construction materials and labor; management of construction and development costs of new restaurants; securing required governmental approvals and permits; competition in our markets; and general economic conditions.

 

Our success depends on our ability to locate a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites.

 

One of our biggest challenges in meeting our growth objectives will be to secure an adequate supply of suitable new restaurant sites. We have experienced delays in opening some of our restaurants and may experience delays in the future. There can be no assurance that we will be able to find sufficient suitable locations for our planned expansion in any future period. Delays or failures in opening new restaurants could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

 

We could face labor shortages, which could slow our growth.

 

Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including restaurant managers, kitchen staff and servers, necessary to keep pace with our expansion schedule. Qualified individuals of the requisite caliber and number needed to fill these positions are in short supply in some areas. Although we have not experienced any significant problems in recruiting or retaining employees, any future inability to recruit and retain sufficient individuals may delay the planned openings of new restaurants. Any such delays or any material increases in employee turnover rates in existing restaurants could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows. Additionally, competition for qualified employees could require us to pay higher wages to attract sufficient employees, which could result in higher labor costs.

 

Page 21


Our expansion into new markets may present increased risks due to our unfamiliarity with the area.

 

As part of our expansion strategy we will be opening up restaurants in markets in which we have no prior operating experience. These new markets may have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our restaurants in our existing markets. In addition, our new restaurants will typically take several months to reach budgeted operating levels due to problems associated with new restaurants, including lack of market awareness, inability to hire sufficient staff and other factors. Although we have attempted to mitigate these factors by paying careful attention to training and staffing needs, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in operating new restaurants on a profitable basis.

 

Our expansion may strain our infrastructure, which could slow our restaurant development.

 

We also face the risk that our existing systems and procedures, restaurant management systems, financial controls, and information systems will be inadequate to support our planned expansion. We cannot predict whether we will be able to respond on a timely basis to all of the changing demands that our planned expansion will impose on management and these systems and controls. If we fail to continue to improve our information systems and financial controls or to manage other factors necessary for us to achieve our expansion objectives, our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

 

Our restaurant expansion strategy focuses primarily on further penetrating existing markets. This strategy can cause sales in some of our existing restaurants to decline.

 

In accordance with our expansion strategy, we intend to open new restaurants primarily in our existing markets. Since we typically draw customers from a relatively small radius around each of our restaurants, the sales performance and customer counts for restaurants near the area in which a new restaurant opens may decline due to cannibalization of the existing restaurant’s customer base.

 

Our operations are susceptible to changes in food and supply costs, which could adversely affect our margins.

 

Our profitability depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and supply costs. Our centralized purchasing staff negotiates prices for all of our ingredients and supplies through either contracts (terms of one month up to one year) or commodity pricing formulas. Our national master distributor delivers goods at a set, flat fee per case twice a week to all of our restaurants. Our contract with our national master distributor, Meadowbrook Meat Company, Inc., is up for renewal in July 2007. Furthermore, various factors beyond our control, including adverse weather conditions and governmental regulations, could also cause our food and supply costs to increase. We cannot predict whether we will be able to anticipate and react to changing food and supply costs by adjusting our purchasing practices. A failure to do so could adversely affect our operating results or cash flows.

 

Page 22


Changes in consumer preferences or discretionary consumer spending could negatively impact our results.

 

Our restaurants feature pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers in an upscale, family-friendly, casual environment. Our continued success depends, in part, upon the popularity of these foods and this style of informal dining. Shifts in consumer preferences away from this cuisine or dining style could materially adversely affect our future profitability. Also, our success depends to a significant extent on numerous factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions, disposable consumer income and consumer confidence. Adverse changes in these factors could reduce customer traffic or impose practical limits on pricing, either of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows. Like other restaurant chains, we can also be materially adversely affected by negative publicity concerning food quality, illness, injury, publication of government or industry findings concerning food products served by us, or other health concerns or operating issues stemming from one restaurant or a limited number of restaurants.

 

Thirty-seven percent of our U.S. based restaurants are located in California. As a result, we are highly sensitive to negative occurrences in that state.

 

Our franchisees and we currently operate a total of 60 restaurants in California (55 are company-owned and five are owned by franchisees), of which 47 are concentrated in the greater Los Angeles and San Diego metropolitan areas. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse trends and economic conditions in California. In addition, given our geographic concentration, negative publicity regarding any of our restaurants in California could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations, as could other regional occurrences such as local strikes, earthquakes or other natural disasters.

 

Increases in the minimum wage may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

 

A number of our employees are subject to various minimum wage requirements. The federal minimum wage has remained at $5.15 per hour since September 1, 1997. However, 37.0% of our U.S. based restaurants are located in California and receive compensation equal to the California minimum wage, which rose from $6.25 per hour effective January 1, 2001 to $6.75 per hour effective January 1, 2002. There may be similar increases implemented in other jurisdictions in which we operate or seek to operate. The possibility exists that the federal minimum wage will be increased in the near future. These minimum wage increases may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Rising insurance costs could negatively impact profitability.

 

The rising cost of insurance (worker’s compensation insurance, general liability insurance, health insurance and directors and officers’ liability) could have a negative impact on our profitability if we are not able to negate the effect of such increases by continuing to improve our operating efficiencies.

 

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Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expense.

 

Keeping abreast of, and in compliance with, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, new SEC regulations and Nasdaq Stock Market rules, has required an increased amount of management attention and external resources. We remain committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, we intend to invest all reasonably necessary resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.

 

The restaurant industry is affected by litigation and publicity concerning food quality, health and other issues, which can cause customers to avoid our restaurants and result in liabilities.

 

We are sometimes the subject of complaints or litigation from customers or employees alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns. Adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may materially adversely affect our restaurants, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether California Pizza Kitchen is liable. In fact, we are subject to the same risks of adverse publicity resulting from these sorts of allegations even if the claim involves one of our franchisees or licensees. Further, employee claims against us based on, among other things, wage discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination may divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of our operations. We have been subject to these employee claims before, and a significant increase in the number of these claims or any increase in the number of successful claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows. We also are subject to some states’ “dram shop” statutes. These statutes generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person.

 

Future changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse unexpected operating results and affect our reported results of operations.

 

A change in accounting standards can have a significant effect on our reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective. As an example, any changes requiring that we record compensation expense in our consolidated statements of income for employee stock options using the fair value method could have a significant negative effect on our reported results. New pronouncements and varying interpretations of pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. Changes to existing accounting rules or the questioning of current accounting practices may adversely affect our reported financial results.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

Our market risk exposures are related to our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of less than three months as of the date of purchase. We are exposed to market risk from changes in market prices related to our investments in marketable securities. As of September 26, 2004 we held $28.4 million in marketable securities. Changes in interest rates affect the investment income we earn on our investments and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations.

 

The Company has a $20.0 million revolving line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. The line of credit bears interest at either the bank base rate minus 0.75% or LIBOR plus 0.80% and expires on June 30, 2007. No amounts were outstanding as of September 26, 2004. Availability under the line of credit is reduced by outstanding letters of credit, which totaled $4.3 million as of September 26, 2004. The credit facility also includes financial and non-financial covenants, with which the Company was in compliance as of September 26, 2004. Should the Company draw on this line of credit in the future, changes in interest rates would affect the interest expense on these loans and, therefore, impact our prospective cash flows and results of operations.

 

Many of the food products purchased by us are affected by changes in weather, production, availability, seasonality and other factors outside our control. In an effort to control some of this risk, we have entered into some fixed price purchase commitments with terms of no more than one year. In addition, we believe that almost all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which helps to control food commodity risks.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, in ensuring that material information relating to California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., including its consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal control (including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses) over financial reporting (as required by the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 26, 2004 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On February 10, 2003, one of our former servers filed a class action complaint against us in Orange County Superior Court in California. The plaintiff alleges that we failed to give our food servers, bussers, runners and bartenders rest and meal breaks as required by California law. Under the California Labor Code, an employer must pay each employee one additional hour of pay at the employee’s regular rate of compensation for each workday that the required meal or rest period is not provided. The plaintiff also alleges that additional penalties are owed as a consequence of our resulting failure to pay all wages due at the time of termination of employment and under theories characterizing these alleged breaches as unfair business practices. If the plaintiff were able to achieve class certification and prevail on the merits of the case, we could potentially be liable for significant amounts. We believe that all of our employees were provided with the opportunity to take all required meal and rest breaks. We have informally exchanged information and have engaged in numerous meetings and telephone conferences with opposing counsel in furtherance of settlement, and significant and encouraging progress has been made between the parties. Accordingly, the Company has accrued $1.3 million in litigation reserve based on an estimate of the ultimate costs which may be incurred in connection with this case. Revisions to this estimate may be made in the future and will be reported in the periods in which additional information becomes known.

 

We are also subject to other private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Such claims typically involve claims from guests, employees and others related to operational issues common to the foodservice industry. A number of such claims may exist at any given time. We could be affected by adverse publicity resulting from such allegations, regardless of whether or not such allegations are valid or whether we are determined to be liable. From time to time, we are also involved in lawsuits with respect to infringements of, or challenges to, our registered trademarks. We believe that the final disposition of such lawsuits and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The following table provides information with respect to Company purchases made of California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. common stock during the third quarter of 2004:

 

Period


   (a) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased


   (b) Average Price
Paid Per Share


   (c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (1)


  

(d) Maximum Number

(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased

Under the Plans or
Programs


08/02/04-08/29/04

   52,300    $ 19.28    52,300    $ 18,991,656

08/30/04-09/26/04

   17,808    $ 18.89    17,808    $ 18,655,263
    
  

  
  

Total

   70,108    $ 19.18    70,108    $ 18,655,263
    
  

  
  


(1) The Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire Company stock from time to time in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions in August 2004. Under the plan, up to $20.0 million of Company stock could be reacquired over a 24-month period.

 

Under our credit facility with Bank of America, N.A., we may pay cash dividends, make other distributions, and repurchase shares of our common stock so long as, after giving effect to the dividend, distribution or repurchase, we maintain liquid assets (including, for this purpose, the unused and available amount of the commitment under the credit facility), in a minimum amount of $10.0 million.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

3.1(B)   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, and amendments thereto
3.2(A)   Amended and Restated Bylaws
4.1(A)   Specimen Common Stock Certificate
10.1(A)   Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Form of Agreement between Host Marriott Services and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. dated May 12, 1998
10.2(A)   California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan adopted on November 2, 1999, as amended on June 23, 2000

 

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10.3(A)   California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. 1998 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan adopted February 5, 1998, as amended on July 21, 1998 and November 2, 1999 and forms of stock option agreement thereunder
10.4(A)   California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements between California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Frederick R. Hipp dated March 31, 1998
10.5(B)   Master Subsidiary Guaranty issued from Bank of America, N.A. by CPK Management Company and California Pizza Kitchen of Illinois, Inc. dated December 15, 2000
10.6(C)   Third and Fourth Amendments to California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. 1998 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan dated as of July 28, 2000 and May 1, 2001
10.7(D)   Shareholders’ Agreement among LA Food Show, Inc., Richard L. Rosenfield and Larry S. Flax, as trustee of the Larry S. Flax Revocable Trust dated June 18, 2002 and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated March 6, 2003
10.8(D)   Subscription Agreement among Richard L. Rosenfield, Larry S. Flax, as trustee of the Larry S. Flax Revocable Trust dated June 18, 2002 and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated March 6, 2003
10.9(D)   Certificate Of Determination of the Series A 8% Convertible Preferred Stock of LA Food Show, Inc. filed with the California Secretary of State on March 4, 2003
10.10(D)   Amendment No. 1 to Shareholders’ Agreement among LA Food Show, Inc., Richard L. Rosenfield, Larry S. Flax as trustee of the Larry S. Flax Revocable Trust dated June 18, 2002 and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated March 11, 2003
10.11(E)   Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Assets between CAH Restaurants of California, LLC and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. dated as of December 29, 2003, and exhibits thereto
10.12(F)   Fifth Amendment to California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. 1998 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of May 7, 2003
10.13(F)   Second Amendment to California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, dated as of May 7, 2003
10.14(G)   Executive Retirement Savings Plans and Amendments thereto
10.15(H)   Employment Agreement, between H.G. Carrington, Jr. and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated July 24, 2003

 

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10.16(H)   Separation Agreement, between Frederick R. Hipp and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated July 15, 2003
10.17(I)   Separation Agreement, between Tom Jenneman and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated August 2, 2003
10.18(J)   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2004 between California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
10.19(J)   Form of Note issued from Bank of America, N.A. by California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. dated June 30, 2004
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officers pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officers pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(A) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration 333-37778).
(B) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration 333-53088).
(C) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 1, 2001.
(D) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 14, 2003.
(E) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 12, 2004

 

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(F) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration 333-112365).
(G) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 2, 2003.
(H) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 6, 2003.
(I) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 6, 2003.
(J) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 6, 2004.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Dated: November 4, 2004

 

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, INC.

By:

 

/s/ LARRY S. FLAX


    Larry S. Flax
    Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-President and Director

By:

 

/s/ RICHARD L. ROSENFIELD


    Richard L. Rosenfield
    Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-President and Director

By:

 

/s/ SUSAN M. COLLYNS


    Susan M. Collyns
    Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

3.1(B)   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, and amendments thereto
3.2(A)   Amended and Restated Bylaws
4.1(A)   Specimen Common Stock Certificate
10.1(A)   Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Form of Agreement between Host Marriott Services and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. dated May 12, 1998
10.2(A)   California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan adopted on November 2, 1999, as amended on June 23, 2000
10.3(A)   California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. 1998 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan adopted February 5, 1998, as amended on July 21, 1998 and November 2, 1999 and forms of stock option agreement thereunder
10.4(A)   California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements between California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Frederick R. Hipp dated March 31, 1998
10.5(B)   Master Subsidiary Guaranty issued from Bank of America, N.A. by CPK Management Company and California Pizza Kitchen of Illinois, Inc. dated December 15, 2000
10.6(C)   Third and Fourth Amendments to California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. 1998 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan dated as of July 28, 2000 and May 1, 2001
10.7(D)   Shareholders’ Agreement among LA Food Show, Inc., Richard L. Rosenfield and Larry S. Flax , as trustee of the Larry S. Flax Revocable Trust dated June 18, 2002 and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated March 6, 2003
10.8(D)   Subscription Agreement among Richard L. Rosenfield, Larry S. Flax, as trustee of the Larry S. Flax Revocable Trust dated June 18, 2002 and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated March 6, 2003
10.9(D)   Certificate Of Determination of the Series A 8% Convertible Preferred Stock of LA Food Show, Inc. filed with the California Secretary of State on March 4, 2003
10.10(D)   Amendment No. 1 to Shareholders’ Agreement among LA Food Show, Inc., Richard L. Rosenfield, Larry S. Flax as trustee of the Larry S. Flax Revocable Trust dated June 18, 2002 and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated March 11, 2003

 

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10.11(E)   Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Assets between CAH Restaurants of California, LLC and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. dated as of December 29, 2003, and exhibits thereto
10.12(F)   Fifth Amendment to California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. 1998 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of May 7, 2003
10.13(F)   Second Amendment to California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, dated as of May 7, 2003
10.14(G)   Executive Retirement Savings Plans and Amendments thereto
10.15(H)   Employment Agreement, between H.G. Carrington, Jr. and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated July 24, 2003
10.16(H)   Separation Agreement, between Frederick R. Hipp and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated July 15, 2003
10.17(I)   Separation Agreement, between Tom Jenneman and California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., dated August 2, 2003
10.18(J)   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2004 between California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
10.19(J)   Form of Note issued from Bank of America, N.A. by California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. dated June 30, 2004
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officers pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officers pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(A) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration 333-37778).

 

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(B) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration 333-53088).
(C) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 1, 2001.
(D) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 14, 2003.
(E) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 12, 2004
(F) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration 333-112365).
(G) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 2, 2003.
(H) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 6, 2003.
(I) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 6, 2003.
(J) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 6, 2004.

 

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