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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - RUBY TUESDAY INCFinancial_Report.xls
EX-32.1 - CEO SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION - RUBY TUESDAY INCex_32-1.htm
EX-10.1 - RUBY TUESDAY INC. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (AMENDED AND RESTATED APRIL 8, 2015) - RUBY TUESDAY INCex_10-1.htm
EX-31.2 - CFO SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - RUBY TUESDAY INCex_31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - CEO SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - RUBY TUESDAY INCex_31-1.htm
EX-32.2 - CFO SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION - RUBY TUESDAY INCex_32-2.htm
EX-10.2 - RUBY TUESDAY INC. 2015 EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN - RUBY TUESDAY INCex_10-2.htm
EX-12.1 - COMPUTATION OF CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES - RUBY TUESDAY INCex_12-1.htm
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:  March 3, 2015
 
 
OR
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the transition period from __________ to _________

Commission file number 1-12454
______________
 
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 


GEORGIA
 
63-0475239
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 
150 West Church Avenue, Maryville, Tennessee 37801
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
 
        Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (865) 379-5700
 
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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o                                                                                                         Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                                                                                                                              Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

  62,075,421  
(Number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of April 7, 2015)
 
 
 

 
 
 
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
 
 
INDEX
 
 
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
     ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF
 
                MARCH 3, 2015 AND JUNE 3, 2014
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
                WEEKS ENDED MARCH 3, 2015 AND MARCH 4, 2014
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
                MARCH 4, 2014
 
                NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
 
                STATEMENTS
 
 
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
 
                OF OPERATIONS
 
 
                MARKET RISK
 
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
     SIGNATURES
 
 

-2-
 
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including one or more of the following:  future financial performance (including our estimates of growth in same-restaurant sales, average sales per restaurant, operating margins, expenses, and other items), future capital expenditures, the effect of strategic initiatives (including statements relating to cost savings initiatives and the benefits of our television marketing), the opening or closing of restaurants by us or our franchisees, sales of our real estate or purchases of new real estate, future borrowings and repayments of debt, availability of financing on terms attractive to the Company, compliance with financial covenants in our debt instruments, payment of dividends, stock and bond repurchases, restaurant acquisitions, and changes in senior management and in the Board of Directors.  We caution the reader that a number of important factors and uncertainties could, individually or in the aggregate, cause our actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following:

·  
general economic conditions;

·  
changes in promotional, couponing and advertising strategies;

·  
changes in our customers’ disposable income;

·  
consumer spending trends and habits;

·  
increased competition in the restaurant market;

·  
governmental laws and regulations, including those affecting labor and employee benefit costs, such as further potential increases in state and federally mandated minimum wages, and healthcare reform;

·  
the impact of pending litigation;

·  
customers’ acceptance of changes in menu items;

·  
changes in the availability and cost of capital;

·  
potential limitations imposed by debt covenants under our debt instruments;

·  
weather conditions in the regions in which Company-owned and franchised restaurants are operated;

·  
costs and availability of food and beverage inventory, including supply and delivery shortages or interruptions;

·  
significant fluctuations in energy prices;

·  
security breaches of our customers’ or employees’ confidential information or personal data or the failure of our information technology and computer systems;

·  
our ability to attract and retain qualified managers, franchisees and team members;

·  
impact of adoption of new accounting standards;

·  
impact of food-borne illnesses resulting from an outbreak at either one of our restaurant concepts or other competing restaurant concepts;

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

·  
other risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 3, 2014 in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.
 
 

-3-
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
 
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
MARCH 3,
 
JUNE 3,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
     
Assets
(NOTE A)
 
Current assets:
       
      Cash and cash equivalents
$ 61,221   $ 51,326  
      Accounts receivable
  4,850     4,861  
      Inventories:
           
        Merchandise
  15,002     12,924  
        China, silver and supplies
  7,942     8,250  
      Income tax receivable
  2,366     2,133  
      Deferred income taxes
  361     3,397  
      Prepaid rent and other expenses
  12,808     12,216  
      Assets held for sale
  5,067     4,683  
           Total current assets
  109,617     99,790  
             
Property and equipment, net
  761,800     794,846  
Other assets
  58,470     61,791  
          Total assets
$ 929,887   $ 956,427  
             
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
           
Current liabilities:
           
      Accounts payable
$ 20,836   $ 26,201  
      Accrued liabilities:
           
        Taxes, other than income and payroll
  9,878     11,221  
        Payroll and related costs
  17,729     22,637  
        Insurance
  7,729     5,962  
        Deferred revenue – gift cards
  19,276     16,584  
        Rent and other
  24,872     26,402  
      Current portion of long-term debt, including capital leases
  4,558     4,816  
          Total current liabilities
  104,878     113,823  
             
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities
  246,751     253,875  
Deferred income taxes
  2,770     3,500  
Deferred escalating minimum rent
  50,126     48,827  
Other deferred liabilities
  64,464     75,193  
          Total liabilities
  468,989     495,218  
             
Commitments and contingencies (Note N)
           
             
Shareholders’ equity:
           
      Common stock, $0.01 par value; (authorized: 100,000 shares;
           
        issued and outstanding: 62,075 shares at 3/03/15;
           
        61,442 shares at 6/03/14)
  621     614  
      Capital in excess of par value
  82,038     76,269  
      Retained earnings
  387,749     395,226  
      Deferred compensation liability payable in Company stock
  460     622  
      Company stock held by Deferred Compensation Plan
  (460 )   (622 )
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (9,510 )   (10,900 )
          Total shareholders’ equity
  460,898     461,209  
             
          Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity
$ 929,887   $ 956,427  
 
                   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 

-4-
 
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
 
THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
 
   
MARCH 3,
   
MARCH 4,
   
MARCH 3,
   
MARCH 4,
 
   
2015
    2014     2015    
2014
 
    (NOTE A)     (NOTE A)  
Revenue:
                       
                         
Restaurant sales and operating revenue
$
284,392
 
$
293,964
 
$
825,055
 
$
856,775
 
Franchise revenue
 
1,521
   
1,588
   
4,699
   
4,660
 
   
285,913
   
295,552
   
829,754
   
861,435
 
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of goods sold
 
77,796
   
80,980
   
224,589
   
238,587
 
Payroll and related costs
 
96,680
   
101,351
   
286,486
   
301,601
 
Other restaurant operating costs
 
61,528
   
64,161
   
181,424
   
196,984
 
Depreciation
 
12,405
   
13,327
   
37,601
   
41,451
 
Selling, general and administrative, net
 
28,948
   
33,340
   
87,141
   
107,386
 
Closures and impairments, net
 
3,991
   
3,771
   
6,548
   
25,947
 
Trademark impairment
 
     855    
     855  
Interest expense, net
 
5,446
   
5,967
   
16,783
   
19,340
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
   
   
   
1,183
 
   
286,794
   
303,752
   
840,572
   
933,334
 
Loss from continuing operations before
                       
income taxes
 
(881
)  
(8,200
)  
(10,818
)
 
(71,899
)
Benefit for income taxes from continuing
                       
operations
 
(112
)  
(807
)
 
(3,341
)
 
(7,870
)
Loss from continuing operations
 
(769
)
 
(7,393
)
 
(7,477
)
 
(64,029
)
                         
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
   
86
   
   
97
 
Net loss
$
(769
)
$
(7,307
)
$
(7,477
)
$
(63,932
)
                         
Other comprehensive income:
                       
Pension liability reclassification
 
463
   
477
   
1,390
   
1,432
 
Total comprehensive loss
$
(306
)
$
(6,830
)
$
(6,087
)
$
(62,500
)
                         
Basic loss per share:
                       
Loss from continuing operations
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(1.06
)
Income from discontinued operations
 
   
   
   
 
Net loss per share
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(1.06
)
                         
Diluted loss per share:
                       
Loss from continuing operations
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(1.06
)
Income from discontinued operations
 
   
   
   
 
Net loss per share
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(0.12
)
$
(1.06
)
                         
Weighted average shares:
                       
Basic
 
60,643
   
60,351
   
60,532
   
60,191
 
Diluted
 
60,643
   
60,351
   
60,532
   
60,191
 
 
                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 

-5-
 
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
(IN THOUSANDS)
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
  
THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
 
  
MARCH 3,
2015
 
MARCH 4,
2014
 
 
 
     
 
(NOTE A)
 
Operating activities:
       
Net loss
$ (7,477 $ (63,932
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
           
  provided by operating activities:
           
    Depreciation
  37,601     41,451  
    Amortization of intangibles
  1,718     1,933  
    Deferred income taxes
  (2,736 )   (312 )
    Loss on impairments, including disposition of assets
  6,755     20,242  
    Trademark impairment
      855  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt
      1,183  
    Share-based compensation expense
  5,380     5,785  
    Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
  (37 )   (284 )
    Lease reserve adjustments
  1,141     4,549  
    Deferred escalating minimum rent
  1,764     2,024  
    Other, net
  1,600     4,009  
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
           
     Receivables
  (3 )   (137 )
     Inventories
  (1,770 )   8,132  
     Income taxes
  (233 )   (2,341 )
     Prepaid and other assets
  (1,419 )   (204 )
     Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities
  (14,857 )   6,201  
  Net cash provided by operating activities
  27,427     29,154  
             
Investing activities:
           
Purchases of property and equipment
  (21,134 )   (22,557 )
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions, net
      5,637  
Proceeds from disposal of assets
  8,696     10,949  
Insurance proceeds from property claims
  145     218  
Reductions in Deferred Compensation Plan assets
  1,243     770  
Other, net
  790     (146 )
  Net cash used by investing activities
  (10,260 )   (5,129 )
             
Financing activities:
           
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases
  (7,412 )   (31,981 )
Stock repurchases
  (73   (579
Payments for debt issuance costs
  (281 )   (1,758 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
  457     1,576  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
  37     284  
  Net cash used by financing activities
  (7,272 )   (32,458 )
             
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  9,895     (8,433 )
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
  Beginning of year
  51,326     52,907  
  End of quarter
$ 61,221   $ 44,474  
             
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
           
      Cash paid for:
           
        Interest, net of amount capitalized
$ 11,173   $ 13,191  
        Income taxes, net
$ 1,721   $ 1,513  
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities:
           
        Retirement of fully depreciated assets
$ 17,510   $ 34,090  
        Reclassification of properties to assets held for sale
$ 5,572   $ 8,049  
        Property and equipment purchases included in accounts payable
$   $ 1,063  
        Monetization of, and subsequent reinvestment into, life insurance policies  $  6,851    $  7,972  
 
                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 

-6-
 
 
NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
Ruby Tuesday, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RTI,” the “Company,” “we,” and/or “our”), owns and operates Ruby Tuesday® casual dining and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill® (“Lime Fresh”) fast casual restaurants.  We also franchise the Ruby Tuesday and Lime Fresh concepts in selected domestic and international markets.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring entries) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The preparation of unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Operating results for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the 52-week year ending June 2, 2015.
 
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 3, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP.
 
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in RTI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 3, 2014.
 
NOTE B – LOSS PER SHARE AND STOCK REPURCHASES
 
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented.  Diluted loss per share gives effect to stock options and restricted stock outstanding during the applicable periods, if dilutive.  The following table reflects the calculation of weighted-average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding as presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Thirteen weeks ended
   
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
   
March 3, 2015
   
March 4, 2014
   
March 3, 2015
   
March 4, 2014
 
  Loss from continuing operations
  $ (769 )   $ (7,393 )   $ (7,477 )   $ (64,029 )
  Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
          86             97  
  Net loss
  $ (769 )   $ (7,307 )   $ (7,477 )   $ (63,932 )
                                 
  Weighted-average common
                               
    shares outstanding
    60,643       60,351       60,532       60,191  
  Dilutive effect of stock
                               
    options and restricted stock
                       
  Weighted average common
                               
    and dilutive potential
                               
    common shares outstanding
    60,643       60,351       60,532       60,191  
                                 
  Loss per share – Basic
                               
    Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (1.06 )
    Income from discontinued operations
                       
    Net loss per share
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (1.06 )
                                 
  Loss per share – Diluted
                               
    Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (1.06 )
    Income from discontinued operations
                       
    Net loss per share
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (1.06 )
 
 

-7-
 
Stock options with an exercise price greater than the average market price of our common stock and certain options and restricted shares with unrecognized compensation expense do not impact the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.  The following table summarizes stock options and restricted shares that did not impact the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
March 3,  
  2015
 
March 4,   
 2014
 
March 3,  
  2015
 
March 4,  
  2014
  Stock options
 
3,057*
   
2,692*
   
3,087*
   
2,882*
  Restricted shares
 
1,412*
   
1,090*
   
1,350*
   
1,136*
  Total
 
4,469
   
3,782
   
4,437
   
4,018
*Due to a net loss from continuing operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014, all outstanding share-based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share.

During the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, we repurchased an insignificant number of shares of our common stock at a cost of $0.1 million.  As of March 3, 2015, the total number of remaining shares authorized by our Board of Directors to be repurchased was 11.8 million.  All shares repurchased during the first 39 weeks of fiscal year 2015 were cancelled as of March 3, 2015.

NOTE C – FRANCHISE PROGRAMS

As of March 3, 2015, our domestic and international franchisees collectively operated 79 Ruby Tuesday restaurants and seven Lime Fresh restaurants.  We do not own any equity interest in our franchisees.

Under the terms of the franchise operating agreements, we charge a royalty fee (generally 4.0% of monthly gross sales for our Ruby Tuesday concept franchisees and 5.25% of monthly gross sales for our Lime Fresh concept franchisees) and require all domestic franchisees to contribute a percentage, 1.5% as of March 3, 2015, of monthly gross sales to a national advertising fund formed to cover their pro rata portion of the production and airing costs associated with our national advertising campaign.  Under the terms of those agreements, we can charge up to 3.0% of monthly gross sales for this national advertising fund.

Advertising amounts received from domestic franchisees are considered by RTI to be reimbursements, recorded on an accrual basis as earned, and have been netted against Selling, general and administrative, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

In addition to the advertising fee discussed above, our Ruby Tuesday concept franchise agreements allow us to charge up to a 2.0% support service fee and a 1.5% marketing and purchasing fee.  For the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, we recorded $0.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, we recorded $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in support service and marketing and purchasing fees, which were an offset to Selling, general and administrative, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

NOTE D – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In an effort to focus primarily on the sales turnaround of our core Ruby Tuesday concept and secondly, to improve the financial performance of our Lime Fresh concept, we completed the closure of our Marlin & Ray’s, Wok Hay, and Truffles restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.  We have classified the results of operations of our Company-owned Marlin & Ray’s, Wok Hay, and Truffles concepts as discontinued operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014.  The results of operations of our discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):

   
Thirteen
weeks ended
   
Thirty-nine
weeks ended
 
   
March 4, 
2014
   
March 4, 
2014
 
Restaurant sales and operating revenue
  $     $  
Income before income taxes
  $ 77     $ 2  
Benefit for income taxes
    (9 )     (95 )
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 86     $ 97  
                 
 
 

-8-
 
NOTE E – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
Accounts receivable consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
March 3, 2015
   
June 3, 2014
 
             
Rebates receivable
  $ 838     $ 930  
Amounts due from franchisees
    1,640       1,281  
Third-party gift card sales
    1,020       1,636  
Other receivables
    1,352       1,014  
    $ 4,850     $ 4,861  

We negotiate purchase arrangements, including price terms, with designated and approved suppliers on behalf of us and our franchise system.  We receive various volume discounts and rebates based on purchases for our Company-owned restaurants from numerous suppliers.

Amounts due from franchisees consist of royalties, license and other miscellaneous fees, a substantial portion of which represents current and recently-invoiced billings.

As of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, Other receivables consisted primarily of amounts due from our distributor ($0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively), receivables for insurance claims ($0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively), and sales and other miscellaneous tax refunds ($0.2 million for each period).

NOTE F – INVENTORIES

Our merchandise inventory was $15.0 million and $12.9 million as of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, respectively.  In order to ensure adequate supply and competitive pricing, we sometimes purchase lobster in advance of our needs and store it in third-party facilities prior to our distributor taking possession of the inventory.  The increase in our merchandise inventory from the end of the prior fiscal year is due primarily to advance purchases of lobster during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015.

NOTE G – PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, ASSETS HELD FOR SALE, OPERATING LEASES, AND SALE-LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
 
Property and equipment, net, is comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
   
March 3, 2015
   
June 3, 2014
 
Land
  $ 212,073     $ 214,277  
Buildings
    426,761       430,988  
Improvements
    362,481       365,599  
Restaurant equipment
    249,373       248,852  
Other equipment
    87,960       84,876  
Surplus properties*
    13,538       18,351  
Construction in progress and other
    3,188       3,895  
      1,355,374       1,366,838  
Less accumulated depreciation
    593,574       571,992  
    $ 761,800     $ 794,846  

* Surplus properties represent assets held for sale that are not classified as such in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not expect to sell these assets within the next 12 months.  These assets primarily consist of parcels of land upon which we have no intention to build restaurants, closed properties which include a building, and liquor licenses not needed for operations.

 

-9-
 
Included within the current assets section of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014 are amounts classified as held for sale totaling $5.1 million and $4.7 million, respectively.  Assets held for sale primarily consist of parcels of land upon which we have no intention to build restaurants, land and buildings of closed restaurants, and various liquor licenses.  During the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, we sold surplus properties with carrying values of $2.8 million and $7.3 million, respectively, at net gains of $0.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  Cash proceeds, net of broker fees, from these sales during the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 totaled $3.0 million and $8.6 million, respectively.  During the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, we sold surplus properties with carrying values of $1.9 million and $10.1 million, respectively, at net gains of $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.  Cash proceeds, net of broker fees, from these sales during the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014 totaled $2.5 million and $10.8 million, respectively.

Approximately 55% of our 677 Company-owned restaurants are located on leased properties.  Of these, approximately 69% are land leases only; the other 31% are for both land and building.  The initial terms of these leases expire at various dates over the next 22 years.  These leases may also contain required increases in minimum rent at varying times during the lease term and have options to extend the terms of the leases at a rate that is included in the original lease agreement.  Most of our leases require the payment of additional (contingent) rent that is based upon a percentage of restaurant sales above agreed upon sales levels for the year.  These sales levels vary for each restaurant and are established in the lease agreements.  We recognize contingent rental expense (in annual as well as interim periods) prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rental expense, provided that achievement of that target is considered probable.

During the 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, we completed sale-leaseback transactions of the land and building for three Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants for gross cash proceeds of $5.9 million, exclusive of transaction costs of approximately $0.3 million.  Equipment was not included.  The carrying value of the properties sold was $4.8 million. The leases have been classified as operating leases and have initial terms of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years following a rent reset based on fair market value at the end of the initial term.  Net proceeds from fiscal year 2014’s sale-leaseback transactions were used for general corporate purposes, including debt payments and the repurchase of shares of our common stock.

We realized gains on these sale-leaseback transactions during the 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014 of $0.8 million, which have been deferred and are being recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial terms of the leases.  The current portion of the deferred gains on all sale-leaseback transactions was $1.1 million as of each of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, and is included in Accrued liabilities – Rent and other in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The long-term portion of the deferred gains on all sale-leaseback transactions was $12.2 million and $13.0 million as of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, respectively, and is included in Other deferred liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Amortization of the deferred gains of $0.3 million and $0.8 million for each of the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014, respectively, is included within Other restaurant operating costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
 
NOTE H – LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
March 3, 2015
   
June 3, 2014
 
             
Senior unsecured notes
  $ 215,000     $ 215,000  
Unamortized discount
    (2,250 )     (2,503 )
Senior unsecured notes less unamortized discount
    212,750       212,497  
Revolving credit facility
           
Mortgage loan obligations
    37,845       45,252  
Unamortized premium on mortgage loan obligations
    519       741  
Capital lease obligations
    195       201  
      251,309       258,691  
Less current maturities
    4,558       4,816  
    $ 246,751     $ 253,875  
 
 

-10-
 
On May 14, 2012, we entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) among Ruby Tuesday, Inc., certain subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as trustee, governing the Company’s $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior notes due 2020 (the “Senior Notes”).  The Senior Notes were issued at a discount of $3.7 million, which is being amortized using the effective interest method over the eight-year term of the notes.

The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.  They rank equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any of our future subordinated indebtedness.  The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all of our secured debt, including borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt and structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of our existing and future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes.

Interest on the Senior Notes is calculated at 7.625% per annum, payable semiannually on each May 15 and November 15 to holders of record on the May 1 or November 1 immediately preceding the interest payment date.  Accrued interest on the Senior Notes and our other long-term debt and capital lease obligations is included in Accrued liabilities – Rent and other in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Senior Notes mature on May 15, 2020.

At any time prior to May 15, 2016, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus an applicable “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest.  At any time on or after May 15, 2016, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.  At any time prior to May 15, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the Senior Notes from the proceeds of certain equity offerings.  There is no sinking fund for the Senior Notes.

The Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (ii) declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; (v) merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of their assets; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (vii) sell or transfer certain assets.  The Indenture also restricts the declaration and payment of a dividend or other distribution on, and/or repurchase by RTI in respect of, its outstanding common stock at any time and from time to time in an amount not to exceed $50.0 million in the aggregate.  These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications, as described in the Indenture, and certain covenants will not apply at any time when the Senior Notes are rated investment grade by the Rating Agencies, as defined in the Indenture.  The Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately.

On December 3, 2013, we entered into a four-year revolving credit agreement (the “Senior Credit Facility”) under which we may borrow up to $50.0 million with the option, subject to certain conditions, to increase the facility by up to $35.0 million.  The Senior Credit Facility, which was obtained to provide access to capital for general corporate purposes, replaced a previous five-year $200.0 million credit facility that was set to expire in December 2015.  The terms of the Senior Credit Facility provide for a $25.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit.

Under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility, interest rates charged on borrowings can vary depending on the interest rate option we choose to utilize.  Our options for the rate are a Base Rate or LIBOR, plus an applicable margin.  The Base Rate is defined as the highest of the issuing bank’s prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, or the Adjusted LIBO rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) plus 1.0%.  The applicable margin for the LIBOR rate-based option is a percentage ranging from 2.50% to 3.50% and for the Base Rate option is a percentage ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%.  We pay commitment fees quarterly ranging from 0.40% to 0.75% on the unused portion of the Senior Credit Facility.

As security for the Senior Credit Facility, we granted the lenders liens and security interests in substantially all of the shares of capital stock of the Company and each of our present and future subsidiaries, substantially all of the personal property of the Company and each of our present and future subsidiaries, and the real property, improvements, and fixtures of 49 Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  The real property,
 
 

-11-
 
improvements, and fixtures of the 49 restaurants pledged as collateral appraised at $101.4 million at the time of the transaction and have a March 3, 2015 net book value of $79.5 million.

Under the Senior Credit Facility, we had no borrowings outstanding at March 3, 2015.  After consideration of letters of credit outstanding, we had $37.5 million available under the Senior Credit Facility as of March 3, 2015.

The Senior Credit Facility contains a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to incur liens, engage in mergers or other fundamental changes, make acquisitions, investments, loans and advances, pay dividends or other distributions, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, enter into burdensome agreements or certain hedging agreements, amend organizational documents, change accounting practices, incur additional indebtedness and prepay other indebtedness. Under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility we are allowed, under certain circumstances, to repurchase up to $20.0 million of the Senior Notes in any fiscal year.  We did not repurchase any Senior Notes during the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015.  The balance on the Senior Notes was $215.0 million at March 3, 2015.

In addition, under the Senior Credit Facility, we are required to comply with financial covenants relating to the maintenance of a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.  The terms of the Senior Credit Facility require us to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of no more than 4.85 to 1.0 and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.35 to 1.0 for the quarter ended March 3, 2015.  The minimum required ratios fluctuate thereafter as provided in the Senior Credit Facility.

The Senior Credit Facility terminates no later than December 3, 2017.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the loan commitments, accelerate all loans and exercise any of their rights under the Senior Credit Facility and any ancillary loan documents.

On December 3, 2013, in connection with our entry into the Senior Credit Facility, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into loan modification agreements (the “Loan Modification Agreements”) with certain mortgage lenders to, among other things, provide waivers and consents under certain of our mortgage loan obligations to enter into the Senior Credit Facility.  The Loan Modification Agreements also, among other things, amend certain financial reporting requirements under the specified loans and modify and/or provide for certain financial covenants for the specified loans, including the minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and the minimum adjusted total debt to EBITDAR ratio.

We were in compliance with our maximum leverage ratio and our minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as of March 3, 2015.

Our $37.8 million in mortgage loan obligations as of March 3, 2015 consists of various loans acquired upon franchise acquisitions.  These loans, which mature between June 2016 and November 2022, have balances which range from $0.2 million to $7.4 million and interest rates of 7.60% to 10.92%.  Many of the properties acquired from franchisees collateralize the loans outstanding.

During the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, we prepaid and retired three mortgage loan obligations with an aggregate balance of $3.9 million using cash on hand.  Additionally, we paid $0.4 million in prepayment premiums in connection with the retirement of these obligations.

 

-12-
 
NOTE I – CLOSURES AND IMPAIRMENTS EXPENSE

Closures and impairments expense includes the following for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 (in thousands):

   
Thirteen weeks ended
   
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
   
March 3, 
2015
   
March 4,
2014
   
March 3, 
2015
   
March 4,
2014
 
Closures and impairments from
                       
  continuing operations:
                       
    Property impairments
  $ 3,578     $ 2,908     $ 5,850     $ 20,156  
    Closed restaurant lease reserves
    380       257       1,141       4,554  
    Other closing costs
    277       983       905       1,561  
    Gain on sale of surplus properties
    (244 )     (377 )     (1,348 )     (324 )
Closures and impairments, net
  $ 3,991     $ 3,771     $ 6,548     $ 25,947  
                                 
Closures and impairments from
                               
  discontinued operations
          $ (77 )           $ (12 )
 
A rollforward of our reserve for future lease obligations associated with closed properties is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Reserve for
Lease Obligations
 
  Balance at June 3, 2014
  $ 10,873  
  Closing expense including rent and other lease charges
    1,141  
  Payments
    (3,682 )
  Other
    (498 )
  Balance at March 3, 2015
  $ 7,834  

The amounts comprising future lease obligations in the table above are estimated using certain assumptions, including the period of time it will take to settle the lease with the landlord or find a suitable sublease tenant, and the amount of actual future cash payments could differ from our recorded lease obligations.  Of the total future lease obligations included in the table above, $7.7 million and $10.5 million are included within the Accrued liabilities – Rent and other caption in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, respectively.  The actual amount of any cash payments made by the Company for lease contract termination costs will be dependent upon ongoing negotiations with the landlords of the leased restaurant properties.
 
NOTE J – EMPLOYEE POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
 
We sponsor three defined benefit pension plans for active employees and offer certain postretirement benefits for retirees.  A summary of each of these is presented below.
 
Retirement Plan
RTI sponsors the Morrison Restaurants Inc. Retirement Plan (the “Retirement Plan”).  Effective December 31, 1987, the Retirement Plan was amended so that no additional benefits would accrue and no new participants may enter the Retirement Plan after that date.  Participants receive benefits based upon salary and length of service.

Minimum funding for the Retirement Plan is determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth in employee benefit and tax laws.  From time to time we may contribute additional amounts as we deem appropriate.  We estimate that we will be required to make contributions totaling $0.2 million to the Retirement Plan during the remainder of fiscal year 2015.

Executive Supplemental Pension Plan and Management Retirement Plan
Under these unfunded defined benefit pension plans, eligible employees earn supplemental retirement income based upon salary and length of service, reduced by social security benefits and amounts otherwise receivable under other specified Company retirement plans.  Effective June 1, 2001, the Management Retirement Plan was amended so that no additional benefits would accrue and no new participants may enter the plan after that date.
 
 

-13-
 
Included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014 are amounts within Accrued liabilities: Payroll and related costs of $3.3 million as of both dates and amounts within Other deferred liabilities of $32.2 million and $32.5 million, respectively, relating to our three defined benefit pension plans.
 
Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits
Our Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits plans provide medical and life insurance benefits to certain retirees.  The medical plan requires retiree cost sharing provisions that are more substantial for employees who retire after January 1, 1990.

The following tables detail the components of net periodic benefit costs and the amounts recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Retirement Plan, Management Retirement Plan, and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan (collectively, the “Pension Plans”) and the Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits plans (in thousands):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3,
 
March 4,
 
March 3,
 
March 4,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Service cost
$
75
 
$
89
 
$
225
 
$
267
 
Interest cost
 
443
   
435
   
1,330
   
1,303
 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(124
)
 
(111
)
 
(373
)
 
(333
)
Recognized actuarial loss
 
430
   
427
   
1,290
   
1,283
 
Net periodic benefit cost
$
824
 
$
840
 
$
2,472
 
$
2,520
 
     
 
Postretirement Medical and Life Benefits
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
  March 3,  
March 4,
 
March 3,
 
March 4,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Service cost
$
1
 
$
4
 
$
3
 
$
10
 
Interest cost
 
12
   
16
   
35
   
50
 
Amortization of prior service cost (a)
 
   
(12
)
 
   
(34
)
Recognized actuarial loss
 
33
   
61
   
100
   
183
 
Net periodic benefit cost
$
46
 
$
69
 
$
138
 
$
209
 
(a)
Prior service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits.

 
During the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014, we reclassified recognized actuarial losses and amortized prior service costs out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and into pension expense, which is included in Selling, general and administrative, net within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, as follows (in thousands):

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
Recognized actuarial loss
  $ 463     $ 489     $ 1,390     $ 1,466  
Amortization of prior service cost
          (12 )           (34 )
Pension liability reclassification
  $ 463     $ 477     $ 1,390     $ 1,432  


 

-14-
 
The following table is a rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 (in thousands):

   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
 
  Balance at June 3, 2014
  $ (10,900 )
  Pension liability reclassification
    1,390  
  Balance at March 3, 2015
  $ (9,510 )

We also sponsor two defined contribution retirement savings plans. Information regarding these plans is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 3, 2014.

Executive Separations
On June 26, 2014, our then Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer stepped down as Chief Financial Officer and subsequently retired from the Company on August 4, 2014.  Additionally, our Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary left the Company on July 24, 2014 and December 12, 2014, respectively.  During the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, we recorded severance expense and made severance payments of $0.3 million in connection with the separation agreements for certain of these former executives.

As of March 3, 2015, liabilities of $0.2 million, representing unpaid obligations in connection with the employee separations, were included within Accrued liabilities: Payroll and related costs in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  A rollforward of our obligations in connection with employee separations is as follows (in thousands):

  Balance at June 3, 2014
  $ 1,055  
  Employee severance and unused vacation accruals
    1,005  
  Cash payments
    (1,853 )
  Balance at March 3, 2015
  $ 207  

See Note L to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the impact of executive separations to our share-based employee compensation costs.

NOTE K – INCOME TAXES

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”).  The guidance requires an entity to present its deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward net of unrecognized tax benefits when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law, which would be based on facts and circumstances as of the balance sheet reporting date and would not consider future events.  Gross presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit will still be required in the notes to the financial statements.  We adopted ASU 2013-11 on a prospective basis during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.  The adoption of this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 resulted in a reclassification of $5.0 million of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits against our deferred tax assets.

Under Accounting Standards Codification 740 (“ASC 740”), companies are required to apply their estimated annual tax rate on a year-to-date basis in each interim period.  Under ASC 740, companies should not apply the estimated annual tax rate to interim financial results if the estimated annual tax rate is not reliably predictable.  In this situation, the interim tax rate should be based on the actual year-to-date results.  Due to changes in our projections, which have fluctuated as we work through our brand repositioning, a reliable projection of our annual effective rate has been difficult to determine.  As such, we recorded a tax provision for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 based on the actual year-to-date results, in accordance with ASC 740.

We regularly evaluate the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets by assessing whether it is more likely than not that we will realize the deferred tax assets in the future.  A valuation allowance assessment is performed each reporting period, with any additions or adjustments reflected in earnings in the period of assessment.  In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets for each jurisdiction.
 
 

-15-
 
Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, we concluded that objective and subjective positive evidence outweighed negative evidence, and it was more likely than not that we would realize all of our federal and most of our state deferred tax assets, except for loss carryforwards in certain states that have had cumulative losses and/or relatively short carryforward periods and annual limits of loss carryforward that is available for use to offset future taxable income. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, we recorded a valuation allowance following the conclusion that the negative evidence outweighed the positive evidence.
 
We recorded a tax benefit from continuing operations of $0.1 million and $3.3 million for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, respectively, compared to a tax benefit from continuing operations of $0.8 million and $7.9 million for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, respectively.  Included in our $3.3 million tax benefit from continuing operations for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 was a benefit of $3.2 million recorded during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 representing an immaterial prior period correction to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

Our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets totaled $60.8 million and $54.6 million as of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, respectively.

We had a gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of accrued interest and penalties, of $3.9 million and $7.0 million as of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, respectively.  As of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate was $2.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  The liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of March 3, 2015 includes $0.3 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next twelve months based on the outcome of examinations and negotiations with tax authorities.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as components of income tax expense.  As of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014, we had accrued $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the payment of interest and penalties.  During the first 39 weeks of fiscal year 2015, accrued interest and penalties decreased by $0.1 million.

At March 3, 2015, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years prior to 2011, and with few exceptions, state and local examinations by tax authorities prior to fiscal year 2012.

NOTE L – SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

We compensate our employees and directors using share-based compensation through the following plans:

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
A committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, administers the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (“SIP”) and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (“1996 SIP”), and has full authority in its discretion to determine the key employees, officers, and non-employee directors to whom share-based  incentives are granted and the terms and provisions of share-based incentives.  Option grants under the SIP and 1996 SIP can have varying vesting provisions and exercise periods as determined by such committee.  A majority of currently outstanding options granted under the SIP and 1996 SIP vest within three years following the date of grant and expire seven years after the date of grant.  The SIP and 1996 SIP permit the committee to make awards of shares of common stock, awards of stock options or other derivative securities related to the value of the common stock, and certain cash awards to eligible persons.  These discretionary awards may be made on an individual basis or for the benefit of a group of eligible persons.  All options awarded under the SIP and 1996 SIP have been awarded with an exercise price equal to the fair market value at the time of grant.

At March 3, 2015, we had reserved a total of 4,350,000 shares of common stock for the SIP and 1996 SIP.  Of the reserved shares at March 3, 2015, 2,257,000 were subject to options outstanding.  Stock option exercises are settled with the issuance of new shares.  Net shares of common stock available for issuance at March 3, 2015 were 2,093,000.

 

-16-
 
Stock Options
The following table summarizes the activity in options for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 under these stock option plans (in thousands, except per-share data):

   
Stock
Options
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
Term (years)
   
Aggregate
 Intrinsic Value
 
Service-based vesting:
                       
Balance at June 3, 2014
    1,953     $ 8.66              
Granted
    870       5.94              
Exercised
    (76 )     6.04              
Forfeited
    (252 )     8.70              
Balance at March 3, 2015
    2,495     $ 7.79       4.59     $ 630  
Exercisable
    1,323     $ 8.56       3.36     $ 11  
Market-based vesting:
                               
Balance at June 3, 2014
    735     $ 8.82                  
Forfeited
    (220 )     9.34                  
Balance at March 3, 2015
    515     $ 8.60       5.09     $  
Exercisable
        $           $  

At March 3, 2015, there was approximately $2.0 million of unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense related to non-vested stock options.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

Restricted Stock
The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 (in thousands, except per-share data):

         
Weighted-Average
 
   
Restricted
   
Grant-Date
 
Performance-based vesting:
 
Stock
   
Fair Value
 
Unvested at June 3, 2014
    68     $ 7.81  
Granted
           
Vested
           
Forfeited
           
Unvested at March 3, 2015
    68     $ 7.81  
                 
           
Weighted-Average
 
   
Restricted
   
Grant-Date
 
Service-based vesting:
 
Stock
   
Fair Value
 
Unvested at June 3, 2014
    1,008     $ 8.11  
Granted
    620       6.03  
Vested
    (273 )     7.50  
Forfeited
    (53 )     6.84  
Unvested at March 3, 2015
    1,302     $ 7.30  

The fair values of the restricted stock awards reflected above were based on the fair market value of our common stock at the time of grant.  At March 3, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock grants expected to vest totaled approximately $3.6 million and will be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of approximately 1.4 years.

Included within Selling, general, and administrative, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss is share-based compensation expense of $1.7 million and $5.4 million for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, respectively, and $1.7 million and $5.8 million for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, respectively.

 

-17-
NOTE M – SEGMENT REPORTING

Our President and Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, with the assistance of our senior management, reviews discrete financial information for both the Ruby Tuesday and Lime Fresh restaurant concepts to assess performance and allocate resources.  We consider the Ruby Tuesday and Lime Fresh concepts to be our reportable segments as we do not believe they have similar economic and other characteristics to be aggregated into a single reportable segment.  Financial results by reportable segment for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
Revenues:
               
   Ruby Tuesday concept
$ 281,118   $ 290,752   $ 814,975   $ 845,514  
   Lime Fresh concept
  4,795     4,800     14,779     15,921  
      Total revenues
$ 285,913   $ 295,552   $ 829,754   $ 861,435  
                         
Segment profit/(loss):
                       
   Ruby Tuesday concept
$ 28,307   $ 24,139   $ 79,152   $ 34,860  
   Lime Fresh concept
  133     1     (1,347 )   (4,236 )
      Total segment profit
$ 28,440   $ 24,140   $ 77,805   $ 30,624  
                         
Depreciation and amortization:
                       
   Ruby Tuesday concept
$ 12,010   $ 12,840   $ 36,426   $ 40,088  
   Lime Fresh concept
  419     473     1,279     1,517  
   Support center and other
  532     599     1,614     1,779  
      Total depreciation and amortization
$ 12,961   $ 13,912   $ 39,319   $ 43,384  
                         
Capital expenditures:
                       
   Ruby Tuesday concept
            $ 19,917   $ 18,744  
   Lime Fresh concept
              145     2,793  
   Support center and other
              1,072     1,020  
      Total capital expenditures
            $ 21,134   $ 22,557  

Total assets by reportable segment as of March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 
March 3, 2015
 
June 3, 2014
 
Total assets:
       
   Ruby Tuesday concept
$ 796,421   $ 824,293  
   Lime Fresh concept
  12,921     15,203  
   Support center and other
  120,545     116,931  
      Total assets
$ 929,887   $ 956,427  

The following is a reconciliation of segment profit to loss from continuing operations before taxes for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 (in thousands):

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
Segment profit
$ 28,440   $ 24,140   $ 77,805   $ 30,624  
Less:
                       
   Depreciation and amortization
  (12,961 )   (13,912 )   (39,319 )   (43,384 )
   Unallocated general and
                       
     administrative expenses
  (10,777 )   (11,551 )   (31,562 )   (37,208 )
   Preopening expenses
  (50 )       (253 )   (395 )
   Trademark impairment
      (855 )       (855 )
   Interest expense, net
  (5,446 )   (5,967 )   (16,783 )   (19,340 )
   Other expense, net
  (87 )   (55 )   (706 )   (1,341 )
Loss from continuing operations
                       
     before income taxes
$ (881 ) $ (8,200 ) $ (10,818 ) $ (71,899 )

 

-18-
 
NOTE N – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation
We are presently, and from time to time, subject to pending claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.  We provide reserves for such claims when payment is probable and estimable in accordance with GAAP.  At this time, in the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of pending legal proceedings, including the matter referred to below, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operations, financial position, or cash flows.

On July 23, 2014, a case styled Kimberly LaFrance, on behalf of herself and all other similarly situated v. Ruby Tuesday, Inc., was filed against the Company in the State of New York Supreme Court, County of Onondaga on behalf of the plaintiff and all other similarly situated individuals.  The plaintiff is alleging violations of certain wage notice requirements under New York law and is seeking wages, liquidated damages and attorneys’ fees.  The matter has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.  On November 20, 2014, we filed a motion to dismiss, which was followed by motions filed by the plaintiff on December 29, 2014, for class certification, and on December 31, 2014, for partial summary judgment.  The court stayed briefing on the plaintiff’s motions seeking to first rule on our motion to dismiss.  The parties have agreed to mediate the case, and on March 5, 2015, the court stayed all deadlines in the matter pending the completion of that mediation.  While we believe that we have accrued an appropriate amount based on our current understanding of the case, we may increase our accrual in the future if a class is certified or if our understanding of the matter changes.

NOTE O – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table presents the fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the measurements fall (in thousands):
             
   
Level
 
March 3,
2015
 
June 3,
2014
 
Deferred compensation plan: other investments – Assets
1   $ 8,034   $ 8,930  
Deferred compensation plan: other investments – Liabilities
1     (8,034 )   (8,930 )
Deferred compensation plan: RTI common stock – Equity
1     460     622  
Deferred compensation plan: RTI common stock – Equity
1     (460 )   (622 )
   Total
     $ –    $  

There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015.

The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) and the Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Predecessor Plan”) are unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plans for eligible employees.  Assets earmarked to pay benefits under the  Deferred Compensation Plan and Predecessor Plan are held by a rabbi trust.  We report the accounts of the rabbi trust in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  The investments held by these plans are reported at fair value based on third-party broker statements.  The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to these investments, as well as the offsetting compensation expense, is recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense, net in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table presents the fair value of assets measured on a non-recurring basis during the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the measurements fall (in thousands):

 
Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Level
 
March 3, 2015
 
Long-lived assets held for sale
2
 
$
3,066
 
Long-lived assets held for use
2
   
1,110
 
   Total
   
$
4,176
 
 
 

-19-
 
The following table presents the losses recognized during the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 resulting from non-recurring fair value measurements.  The losses associated with continuing operations are included in Closures and impairments, net and the losses associated with discontinued operations are included in Income from discontinued operations, net of tax in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands):

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3, 
2015
   
March 4, 
2014
 
March 3, 
2015
 
March 4, 
2014
 
Included within continuing operations
                 
  Long-lived assets held for sale
$ 586     $ 142   $ 1,388   $ 726  
  Long-lived assets held for use
  2,992       3,621     4,462     20,285  
 
$ 3,578     $ 3,763   $ 5,850   $ 21,011  
                           
Included within discontinued operations
        $ 25         $ 178  
                           
Long-lived assets held for sale are valued using Level 2 inputs, primarily representing information obtained through broker listings and sales agreements.  Costs to market and/or sell the assets are factored into the estimates of fair value for those assets included in Assets held for sale on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We review our long-lived assets (primarily property, equipment, and, as appropriate, reacquired franchise rights and favorable leases) related to each restaurant to be held and used in the business, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be recoverable.

Long-lived assets held for use presented in the table above include restaurants or groups of restaurants that we have impaired.  From time to time, this will also include closed restaurants or surplus sites that do not meet the held for sale criteria that we have offered for sale at a price less than carrying value.

The Level 2 fair values of our long-lived assets held for use are based on broker estimates of the value of the land, building, leasehold improvements, and other residual assets.
 
Our financial instruments at March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014 consisted of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and payable, and long-term debt.  The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable and payable approximated carrying value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.  The carrying value and fair value of our other financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, however subject to fair value disclosures, are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
June 3, 2014
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
(Level 2)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 (Level 2)
 
Long-term debt
$ 251,114   $ 260,952   $ 258,490   $ 262,985  
 
We estimated the fair value of debt using market quotes and calculations based on market rates.
 
 

-20-
 
NOTE P – SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As discussed in Note H to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Senior Notes held by Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (the “Parent”) are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions (the “Guarantors”).  Each of the Guarantors is wholly-owned by Ruby Tuesday, Inc.  None of the few remaining subsidiaries of Ruby Tuesday, Inc., which were primarily created to hold liquor license assets, guarantee the Senior Notes (the “Non-Guarantors”).  Our Non-Guarantor subsidiaries are immaterial and are aggregated within the Parent information disclosed below.

The following condensed consolidating financial information, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements for presentation of Rule 3-10(f) of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, presents the condensed consolidating financial information separately for the Parent, the Guarantors, and elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Parent and Guarantors.  Investments in wholly-owned subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method for purposes of the consolidated presentation.  The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

 

-21-
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of March 3, 2015
(In thousands)

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
Assets
                       
Current assets:
                       
     Cash and cash equivalents
$
60,925
 
$
296
 
$
 
$
61,221
 
     Accounts receivable
 
1,934
   
2,916
   
   
4,850
 
     Inventories
 
16,271
   
6,673
   
   
22,944
 
     Income tax receivable
 
150,115
   
   
(147,749
)
 
2,366
 
     Deferred income taxes
 
(3,038
)
 
3,399
   
   
361
 
     Other current assets
 
15,520
   
2,355
   
   
17,875
 
          Total current assets
 
241,727
   
15,639
   
(147,749
)
 
109,617
 
     
                       
Property and equipment, net
 
563,153
   
198,647
   
   
761,800
 
Investment in subsidiaries
 
136,416
   
   
(136,416
)
 
 
Due from/(to) subsidiaries
 
67,992
   
223,095
   
(291,087
)
 
 
Other assets
 
47,094
   
11,376
   
   
58,470
 
          Total assets
$
1,056,382
 
$
448,757
 
$
(575,252
)
$
929,887
 
                         
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
     Accounts payable
$
17,052
 
$
3,784
 
$
 
$
20,836
 
     Accrued and other current liabilities
 
43,512
   
35,972
   
   
79,484
 
     Current maturities of long-term debt,
                       
        including capital leases
 
(361
)
 
4,919
   
   
4,558
 
     Income tax payable
 
   
147,749
   
(147,749
)
 
 
          Total current liabilities
 
60,203
   
192,424
   
(147,749
)
 
104,878
 
     
                       
Long-term debt and capital leases,
                       
   less current maturities
 
213,307
   
33,444
   
   
246,751
 
Deferred income taxes
 
(1,914
)
 
4,684
   
   
2,770
 
Due to/(from) subsidiaries
 
223,095
   
67,992
   
(291,087
)
 
 
Other deferred liabilities
 
100,793
   
13,797
   
   
114,590
 
          Total liabilities
 
595,484
   
312,341
   
(438,836
)
 
468,989
 
                         
Shareholders’ equity:
                       
     Common stock
 
621
   
   
   
621
 
     Capital in excess of par value
 
82,038
   
   
   
82,038
 
     Retained earnings
 
387,749
   
136,416
   
(136,416
)
 
387,749
 
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(9,510
)
 
   
   
(9,510
)
          Total shareholders’ equity
 
460,898
   
136,416
   
(136,416
)
 
460,898
 
     
                       
          Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity
$
1,056,382
 
$
448,757
 
$
(575,252
)
$
929,887
 

 

-22-
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of June 3, 2014
(In thousands)

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
     Cash and cash equivalents
$ 51,012   $ 314   $    $  51,326  
     Accounts receivable
  1,725     3,136          4,861  
     Inventories
  15,114     6,060          21,174  
     Income tax receivable
  138,524         (136,391   2,133  
     Deferred income taxes
  (548 )   3,945          3,397  
     Other current assets
  14,610     2,289          16,899  
          Total current assets
  220,437     15,744     (136,391   99,790  
     
                       
Property and equipment, net
  587,783     207,063          794,846  
Investment in subsidiaries
  158,266         (158,266    
Due from/(to) subsidiaries
  78,612     243,665     (322,277    
Other assets
  48,780     13,011          61,791  
          Total assets
$ 1,093,878   $ 479,483   $ (616,934  $ 956,427  
                         
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
     Accounts payable
$ 20,545   $ 5,656   $    $  26,201  
     Accrued and other current liabilities
  46,450     36,356          82,806  
     Current maturities of long-term debt,
                       
        including capital leases
  (341 )   5,157          4,816  
     Income tax payable
      136,391     (136,391    
          Total current liabilities
  66,654     183,560     (136,391   113,823  
     
                       
Long-term debt and capital leases,
                       
   less current maturities
  213,039     40,836          253,875  
Deferred income taxes
  (445 )   3,945          3,500  
Due to/(from) subsidiaries
  243,665     78,612     (322,277    
Other deferred liabilities
  109,756     14,264          124,020  
          Total liabilities
  632,669     321,217     (458,668   495,218  
                         
Shareholders’ equity:
                       
     Common stock
  614              614  
     Capital in excess of par value
  76,269              76,269  
     Retained earnings
  395,226     158,266     (158,266   395,226  
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (10,900 )            (10,900
          Total shareholders’ equity
  461,209     158,266     (158,266   461,209  
     
                       
          Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity
$ 1,093,878   $ 479,483   $ (616,934  $ 956,427  

 

-23-
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 3, 2015
(In thousands)

 
Parent
    Guarantors     Eliminations
 
 Consolidated   
Revenue:
               
     Restaurant sales and operating revenue
$ 204,278   $ 80,114   $   $ 284,392  
     Franchise revenue
  4     1,517          1,521  
 
  204,282     81,631          285,913  
     
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
     Cost of goods sold
  55,793     22,003          77,796  
     Payroll and related costs
  67,959     28,721         96,680  
     Other restaurant operating costs
  43,643     17,885         61,528  
     Depreciation
  9,229     3,176          12,405  
     Selling, general, and administrative
  18,244     10,704           28,948  
     Intercompany selling, general, and
                       
        administrative allocations
  11,371     (11,371 )        –  
     Closures and impairments
  2,086     1,905          3,991  
     Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  (7,171 )       7,171       –  
     Interest expense, net
  4,654     792          5,446  
     Intercompany interest expense/(income)
  3,040     (3,040 )         –  
 
  208,848     70,775     7,171      286,794  
                         
(Loss)/income before income taxes
  (4,566 )   10,856     (7,171    (881
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
  (3,797 )   3,685          (112
                         
Net loss
$ (769 ) $ 7,171   $ (7,171 $ (769
                         
Other comprehensive income:
                       
     Pension liability reclassification, net of tax
  463              463  
Total comprehensive loss
$ (306 ) $ 7,171   $ (7,171 $ (306


 

-24-
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss
For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended March 3, 2015
(In thousands)

   Parent    Guarantor    Eliminations   Consolidated  
Revenue:
                 
     Restaurant sales and operating revenue
$ 595,401   $ 229,654   $    $  825,055  
     Franchise revenue
  188     4,511      –      4,699  
 
  595,589     234,165      –      829,754  
     
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
     Cost of goods sold
  162,041     62,548      –      224,589  
     Payroll and related costs
  202,349     84,137      –      286,486  
     Other restaurant operating costs
  130,551     50,873      –             181,424  
     Depreciation
  27,960     9,641      –      37,601  
     Selling, general, and administrative
  55,013     32,128      –      87,141  
     Intercompany selling, general, and
                       
        administrative allocations
  32,986     (32,986   –       –  
     Closures and impairments
  4,390     2,158      –      6,548  
     Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  (19,278 )        19,278      –  
     Interest expense, net
  13,901     2,882      –      16,783  
     Intercompany interest expense/(income)
  8,930     (8,930    –      –  
 
  618,843     202,451      19,278      840,572  
                         
(Loss)/income before income taxes
  (23,254 )   31,714      (19,278    (10,813
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
  (15,777 )   12,436      –      (3,341
                         
Net loss
$ (7,477 $ 19,278   $ (19,278  $  (7,477
                         
Other comprehensive income:
                       
     Pension liability reclassification, net of tax
  1,390          –      1,390  
Total comprehensive loss
$ (6,087 $ 19,278   $ (19,278  $  (6,087

 

-25-
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 4, 2014
(In thousands)

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
    Consolidated  
Revenue:
               
     Restaurant sales and operating revenue
$ 212,249    $  81,715    $  –    $  293,964  
     Franchise revenue
  63     1,525          1,588  
 
  212,312     83,240          295,552  
     
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
     Cost of goods sold
  58,550     22,430          80,980  
     Payroll and related costs
  71,742     29,609          101,351  
     Other restaurant operating costs
  46,765     17,396          64,161  
     Depreciation
  9,787     3,540          13,327  
     Selling, general, and administrative
  16,532     16,808          33,340  
     Intercompany selling, general, and
                       
        administrative allocations
  14,908     (14,908 )        –  
     Closures and impairments
  2,407     1,364          3,771  
     Trademark impairment
      855          855  
     Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  (8,886 )       8,886      –  
     Interest expense, net
  5,089     878          5,967  
     Intercompany interest expense/(income)
  3,274     (3,274 )        –  
 
  220,168     74,698     8,886      303,752  
                         
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
                       
     before income taxes
  (7,856 )   8,542     (8,886    (8,200
Benefit for income taxes from
                       
     continuing operations
   (463   (344    –      (807
Loss from continuing operations
   (7,393   8,886     (8,886    (7,393
     
                       
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  86              86   
Net loss
$ (7,307 )  $ 8,886    $ (8,886   $  (7,307
                         
Other comprehensive income:
                       
     Pension liability reclassification, net of tax
  477              477   
Total comprehensive loss
$ (6,830 )  $ 8,886    $  (8,886  $  (6,830
 
 
 

-26-
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss
For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended March 4, 2014
(In thousands)

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
     Consolidated  
Revenue:
                 
     Restaurant sales and operating revenue
$ 621,181    $  235,594    $  –    $   856,775  
     Franchise revenue
  182     4,478          4,660  
 
  621,363     240,072          861,435  
     
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
     Cost of goods sold
  173,397     65,190          238,587  
     Payroll and related costs
  214,633     86,968          301,601  
     Other restaurant operating costs
  141,660     55,324          196,984  
     Depreciation
  30,359     11,092          41,451  
     Selling, general, and administrative
  68,250     39,136          107,386  
     Intercompany selling, general, and
                       
        administrative allocations
  43,679     (43,679 )        
     Closures and impairments
  15,630     10,317          25,947  
     Trademark impairment
      855          855  
     Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  (13,307 )       13,307        
     Interest expense, net
  15,320     4,020          19,340  
     Intercompany interest expense/(income)
  9,688     (9,688 )       –   
     Loss on extinguishment of debt
  1,183              1,183  
 
  700,492     219,535     13,307      933,334  
                         
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
                       
     before income taxes
  (79,129 )   20,537     (13,307    (71,899 )
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes from
                       
     continuing operations
   (15,100   7,230      –     (7,870
Loss from continuing operations
   (64,029   13,307     (13,307    (64,029
     
                       
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  97              97  
Net loss
$ (63,932 )  $ 13,307    $ (13,307   $  (63,932 )
                         
Other comprehensive income:
                       
     Pension liability reclassification, net of tax
  1,432              1,432  
Total comprehensive loss
$ (62,500 )  $ 13,307    $ (13,307   $  (62,500
 
 
 
-27-
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended March 3, 2015
(In thousands)

 
Parent
   Guarantors    Eliminations    Consolidated
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$ 37,226   $ 51,900   $ (61,699  $ 27,427  
     
                       
Investing activities:
                       
     Purchases of property and equipment
  (16,569 )    (4,565    –      (21,134
     Proceeds from disposal of assets
  7,649      1,047      –     8,696  
     Other, net
  2,043      135      –     2,178  
Net cash used by investing activities
  (6,877 )    (3,383    –     (10,260 )
                         
Financing activities:
                       
     Principal payments on long-term debt
  (6 )    (7,406    –     (7,412 )
     Stock repurchases
  (73 )    –      –     (73
     Payments for debt issuance costs
  (281 )    –      –     (281
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options
  457      –      –     457  
     Excess tax benefits from share-based
                       
        compensation
  37      –      –     37  
     Intercompany transactions
  (20,570 )    (41,129    61,699      
Net cash used by financing activities
  (20,436 )    (48,535   61,699     (7,272 )
                         
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  9,913      (18    –     9,895  
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
     Beginning of year
  51,012      314      –     51,326  
     End of quarter
$ 60,925   $ 296   $    $  61,221  

 

-28-
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended March 4, 2014
(In thousands)

 
Parent
   Guarantors    Eliminations     Consolidated  
             
Net cash (used)/provided by operating activities
$ (4,304 ) $ 51,122   $ (17,664  $ 29,154  
     
                       
Investing activities:
                       
     Purchases of property and equipment
  (16,855 )    (5,702    –     (22,557 )
     Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions, net
  5,637      –         5,637  
     Proceeds from disposal of assets
  9,926      1,023         10,949  
     Other, net
  842      –      –     842  
Net cash used by investing activities
  (450 )    (4,679    –     (5,129 )
                         
Financing activities:
                       
     Principal payments on long-term debt
  (12,958 )    (19,023    –     (31,981 )
     Stock repurchases
  (579 )    –      –     (579
     Payments for debt issuance costs
  (1,758 )    –      –     (1,758
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options
  1,576      –      –     1,576  
     Excess tax benefits from share-based
                       
        compensation
  284      –      –     284  
     Intercompany transactions
  9,688      (27,352   17,664    
 –
 
Net cash used by financing activities
   (3,747   (46,375   17,664     (32,458
                         
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
   (8,501   68         (8,433
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
     Beginning of year
   52,635     272         52,907  
     End of quarter
$ 44,134   $ 340   $    $  44,474  

 

-29-
 
NOTE Q – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During Fiscal Year 2015
As discussed further in Note K to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we adopted ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”).  The guidance requires an entity to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances.  The guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter (our fiscal year 2017).  Early application is permitted.  We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 is a jointly converged standard between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board, and will replace almost all existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance, upon its effective date. The standard’s core principle is for companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 also enhances disclosures about revenue, provides guidance for transactions that were not addressed comprehensively in previous guidance, and improves guidance for multiple-element arrangements.  The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 (the first quarter of our fiscal year 2018).  We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 

-30-
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The discussion and analysis below for the Company should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes to such financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  The discussion below contains forward-looking statements which should be read in conjunction with the “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 

General:

 
Ruby Tuesday, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RTI,” the “Company,” “we” and/or “our”), owns and operates Ruby Tuesday® casual dining and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill® (“Lime Fresh”) fast casual restaurants.  As of March 3, 2015, we owned and operated 658, and franchised 79, Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  Ruby Tuesday restaurants can be found in 44 states, 13 foreign countries, and Guam.

As of March 3, 2015, there were 19 Company-owned and operated Lime Fresh restaurants, as well as seven domestic Lime Fresh restaurants operated by franchisees.

Overview and Strategies

The bar and grill segment of the casual dining industry in which we primarily operate is intensely competitive with respect to prices, services, convenience, locations, employees, advertising and promotion, and the types and quality of food.  We compete with other food service operations, including locally-owned restaurants, and other national and regional restaurant chains that offer similar types of services and products as we do.  We continue to believe there are opportunities to grow our business, strengthen our competitive position, enhance our profitability, and create value through the execution of the following strategies:

Enhancing Our Business Model
Over the past year, we made significant progress towards lowering our overall cost structure with identified reductions in cost of goods sold and selling, general, and administrative expenses.  In April 2014, we implemented a new labor management system to facilitate more efficient staffing that is contributing to lower labor costs.  Further, we are in the process of implementing enhanced business processes and capabilities, an inventory/food waste management system that should benefit our business model by reducing food waste and manager time on inventory management leading to a better guest experience and improved profitability.  We believe there is opportunity to further improve our business model with a continued focus on improving our restaurant level margins through the implementation of business technology platforms and through a continued focus on lowering our overall cost structure.
 
Enhance Sales and Margins Through Repositioning of Our Core Brand
We are in the process of executing a strategic brand transformation of the Ruby Tuesday concept which is designed to make our brand more energetic, affordable, and broadly appealing.  We believe the execution of this strategy provides opportunities for increased customer counts, same-restaurant sales growth, and increased shareholder value.  Our brand transformation is supported by four key pillars: food, service, atmosphere, and communication.

As part of our transformation strategy, we have taken what we believe to be meaningful steps to improve our food, customer experience, organizational capabilities, and business model.  We continue to transform our menu to be broadly appealing, approachable, and affordable by offering compelling value throughout the menu at a wide-range of price points.  Our intent is to incorporate guest feedback to continue to evolve our menu as well as to promote menu items that guests find highly satisfying.

Enhancing our service and atmosphere are also critical components of our brand transformation strategy.  As we introduced new menu and culinary platforms, we also simplified recipes and operational processes which we believe will result in better and more consistent food and service execution.  Further, in January 2015, we rolled-out a new service training platform which encourages our restaurant teams to provide a genuine, customized experience to our guests while also reinforcing techniques to build add-on sales for beverages, appetizers and desserts.  
 
 

-31-

To further enhance the atmosphere of our restaurants, we are currently developing a remodel plan which we expect to begin testing prototypes in fiscal 2016 to determine sales building potential, cost effectiveness, and return on investment.  We also introduced more casual and colorful new team uniforms and have evolved the menu design, both of which better reflect our brand personality.  We believe these combined changes will deliver an improved guest experience and create a more energetic dining atmosphere for our customers.

The fourth pillar of our brand transformation strategy is our communication and marketing programs.  The program is designed to reshape consumer perceptions of the Ruby Tuesday brand and enhance our Fresh American Grill positioning, by showcasing our brand personality in a fresh and energetic way, featuring compelling new food products, highlighting the freshness and variety of our Garden Bar, and effectively communicating value and affordability.  We continue to build key capabilities in our marketing organization, strengthen our culinary innovation pipeline, and become more efficient and cost-effective with our marketing spend.

The four key areas of menu, service, atmosphere, and communication will continue to be foundational drivers of our brand transformation and key to building a stronger business model.  We expect the culmination of the four pillars working fluidly in concert with each other with engaged restaurant and support teams will drive guest counts, sales and average check.
 
Strengthen our Balance Sheet to Facilitate Growth and Value Creation
Our objective over the next several years is to grow our net cash provided by operating activities which will provide us with funds that can be used to reinvest in our restaurants to support the business and to continue to reduce outstanding debt levels in order to improve our credit metrics to ensure adequate access to capital at reasonable rates while providing flexibility for overall business needs and economic conditions.  Our success in the key strategic initiatives outlined above should enable us to improve both our return on assets and return on equity, and to create additional shareholder value.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, we entered into a four-year $50.0 million revolving credit agreement (the “Senior Credit Facility”).  Our Senior Credit Facility, which is secured by substantially all of the shares of capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries, real property, improvements and fixtures of 49 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, and substantially all of the personal property of the Company and each of its present and future subsidiaries, was obtained to provide access to capital for general corporate purposes and provides us with more covenant flexibility than our previous revolving credit facility.  The Senior Credit Facility has a $35.0 million accordion feature which provides us with additional liquidity if needed.  Aside from the $12.5 million allocated to letters of credit issued primarily in conjunction with our insurance programs, the $50.0 million revolving Senior Credit Facility has remained undrawn.

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is based upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make subjective or complex judgments that may affect the reported financial condition and results of operations.  We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about 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.  We continually evaluate the information used to make these estimates as our business and the economic environment change.

 

-32-
 
Results of Operations:

 
The following is an overview of our results of operations for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015:

Net loss was $0.8 million for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 compared to a net loss of $7.3 million for the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.  Diluted loss per share for the fiscal quarter ended March 3, 2015 was $0.01 compared to a diluted loss per share of $0.12 for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year as a result of the decrease in net loss as discussed below.

During the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015:

·  
Same-restaurant sales* at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants decreased 0.3%, while same-restaurant sales at domestic franchise Ruby Tuesday restaurants increased 5.0%;
·  
Five Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants were closed;
·  
One franchised Ruby Tuesday restaurant was opened and three were closed;
·  
One Company-owned Lime Fresh restaurant was closed;
·  
One franchised Lime Fresh restaurant was closed;
·  
John Connelly was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer on December 29, 2014; and
·  
Scarlett A. May, our former Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, left the Company on December 12, 2014. **

Net loss was $7.5 million for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 compared to a net loss of $63.9 million for the same period of the previous fiscal year.  Diluted loss per share for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 was $0.12 compared to a diluted loss per share of $1.06 for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year as a result of the decrease in net loss as discussed below.

During the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015:

·  
Same-restaurant sales* at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants were flat as compared to the prior year, while same-restaurant sales at domestic franchise Ruby Tuesday restaurants increased 6.2%;
·  
One Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants was opened and 11 were closed;
·  
Six franchised Ruby Tuesday restaurants were opened and six were closed;
·  
One Company-owned Lime Fresh restaurant was closed;
·  
Two franchised Lime Fresh restaurant were open and one was closed;
·  
John Connelly was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer on December 29, 2014;
·  
Scarlett A. May, our former Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, left the Company on December 12, 2014; **
·  
Michael O. Moore stepped down as our Chief Financial Officer on June 26, 2014 and Jill M. Golder was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer on the same date.  Mr. Moore left the Company on August 4, 2014; and
·  
Jeffrey C. Wood, our former Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, left the Company on July 24, 2014.

* We define same-restaurant sales as a year-over-year comparison of sales volumes for restaurants that, in the current year have been open at least 18 months, in order to remove the impact of new openings in comparing the operations of existing restaurants.

** Rhonda Parish was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer on March 16, 2015.

 

-33-
The following table sets forth selected restaurant operating data as a percentage of total revenue, except where otherwise noted, for the periods indicated.  All information is derived from our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3,
 
March 4,
 
March 3,
 
March 4,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
                       
       Restaurant sales and operating revenue
99
.5%
 
99
.5%
 
99
.4%
 
99
.5%
 
       Franchise revenue
0
.5
 
0
.5
 
0
.6
 
0
.5
 
           Total revenue
100
.0
 
100
.0
 
100
.0
 
100
.0
 
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
       Cost of goods sold (1)
27
.4
 
27
.5
 
27
.2
 
27
.8
 
       Payroll and related costs (1)
34
.0
 
34
.5
 
34
.7
 
35
.2
 
       Other restaurant operating costs (1)
21
.6
 
21
.8
 
22
.0
 
23
.0
 
       Depreciation (1)
4
.4
 
4
.5
 
4
.6
 
4
.8
 
       Selling, general and administrative, net
10
.1
 
11
.3
 
10
.5
 
12
.5
 
       Closures and impairments, net
1
.4
 
1
.3
 
0
.8
 
3
.0
 
       Trademark impairment
 
 
0
.3
   
 
0
.1
 
       Interest expense, net
1
.9
 
2
.0
 
2
.0
 
2
.2
 
       Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
   
   
 
0
.1
 
Loss from continuing operations before
                       
   income taxes
(0
.3)
 
(2
.8)
 
(1
.3)
 
(8
.3)
 
Benefit for income taxes from continuing
                       
   operations
 
 
(0
.3)
 
(0
.4)
 
(0
.9)
 
Loss from continuing operations
(0
.3)
 
(2
.5)
 
(0
.9)
 
(7
.4)
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
   
   
 –
   
 –
 
Net loss
(0
.3)%
 
(2
.5)%
 
(0
.9)%
 
(7
.4)%
 
 
(1)     As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue.
 
The following table shows Company-owned Ruby Tuesday and Lime Fresh concept restaurant activity for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014.
 
 
Ruby
 Tuesday
   
Lime
Fresh
   
 
Total
 
13 weeks ended March 3, 2015
 
             
     Beginning number
663
   
20
   
683
 
     Opened
   
   
 
     Closed
(5)
 
(1)
 
(6)
     Ending number
658
   
19
   
677
 
                 
39 weeks ended March 3, 2015
 
             
     Beginning number
668
   
20
   
688
 
     Opened
1
   
   
1
 
     Closed
(11)
 
(1)
 
(12)
     Ending number
658
   
19
   
677
 
                 
13 weeks ended March 4, 2014
 
             
     Beginning number
703
   
21
   
724
 
     Opened
   
   
 
     Closed
(24)
 
(1)
 
(25)
     Ending number
679
   
20
   
699
 
                 
39 weeks ended March 4, 2014
 
             
     Beginning number
706
   
18
   
724
 
     Opened
   
4
   
4
 
     Closed
(27)
 
(2)
 
(29)
     Ending number
679
   
20
   
699
 
 
 

-34-
The following table shows franchised Ruby Tuesday and Lime Fresh concept restaurant activity for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014.
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
March 3,
2015
 
March 4,
2014
 
March 3,
2015
 
March 4,
2014
Ruby Tuesday
             
       Beginning number
81
 
76
 
79
 
77
          Opened
  1
 
  2
 
  6
 
  4
          Closed
 (3)
 
  (2)
 
  (6)
 
  (5)
       Ending number
79
 
76
 
79
 
76
 
Lime Fresh
             
       Beginning number
  8
 
  8
 
  6
 
  6
          Opened
 –
 
  –
 
  2
 
  2
          Closed
  (1)
 
  –
 
  (1)
 
  –
       Ending number
  7
 
  8
 
  7
 
  8

Revenue

Restaurant sales and operating revenue by concept for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 was as follows (in thousands):

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
Restaurant sales and operating revenues:
               
   Ruby Tuesday concept
$ 279,798   $ 289,335   $ 810,888   $ 841,392  
   Lime Fresh concept
  4,594     4,629     14,167     15,383  
      Total
$ 284,392   $ 293,964   $ 825,055   $ 856,775  

The Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant sales and operating revenue for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 decreased 3.3% to $279.8 million compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.  This decrease is primarily a result of restaurant closings since the same quarter of the prior fiscal year coupled with a 0.3% decrease in same-restaurant sales at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  The decrease in Ruby Tuesday concept same-restaurant sales is attributable to a 1.0% decrease in customer traffic offset by a 0.7% increase in net check.

The Lime Fresh concept restaurant sales and operating revenue totaled $4.6 million for both the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014.

The Ruby Tuesday concept restaurant sales and operating revenue for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 decreased 3.6% to $810.9 million compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year.  This decrease is primarily a result of restaurant closings since the same period of the prior fiscal year.

The Lime Fresh concept restaurant sales and operating revenue for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 decreased 7.2% to $14.2 million compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year.  This decrease is primarily a result of a restaurant closing in the prior fiscal year coupled with lower sales at certain other Lime Fresh open restaurants.

Included within total revenues above for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 was franchise revenue as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
Franchise revenue
$ 1,521     $ 1,588     $ 4,699     $ 4,660  

Franchise revenue for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 decreased 4.2% to $1.5 million compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.  Franchise revenue is predominately comprised of domestic and international franchise royalties, which totaled $1.5 million for both 13-week periods ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014.
 
Franchise revenue for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 increased 0.8% to $4.7 million compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.  Franchise revenue is predominately comprised of domestic and international franchise royalties, which totaled $4.5 million for both 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014.

 

-35-
 
Segment Profit/(Loss)

Our President and Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, with the assistance of our senior management, reviews discrete financial information for both the Ruby Tuesday and Lime Fresh restaurant concepts to assess performance and allocate resources.  We consider the Ruby Tuesday and Lime Fresh concepts to be our reportable segments as we do not believe they have similar economic and other characteristics to be aggregated into a single reportable segment.  Segment profit/(loss) by reportable segment for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
Segment profit/(loss):
               
   Ruby Tuesday concept
$ 28,307   $ 24,139   $ 79,152   $ 34,860  
   Lime Fresh concept
  133     1     (1,347 )   (4,236 )
      Total segment profit
$ 28,440   $ 24,140   $ 77,805   $ 30,624  

Segment profit for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 for the Ruby Tuesday concept increased $4.2 million to $28.3 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 due primarily to decreases in advertising expense of $4.3 million as a result of reduced television advertising and improvements in cost of goods sold, payroll and related costs, and other restaurant operating costs due to initiatives discussed later within this MD&A.  These were partially offset by a 0.3% decrease in same-restaurant sales at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants discussed above.

Segment profit for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 for the Lime Fresh concept increased $0.1 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 to $0.1 million due primarily to improvements in cost of goods sold, payroll and related costs, and other restaurant operating costs due to initiatives discussed later within this MD&A, which was partially offset by higher closures and impairments expense of $0.3 million due to favorable lease reserve adjustments in the prior year.

Segment profit for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 for the Ruby Tuesday concept increased $44.3 million to $79.2 million compared to the same period of fiscal year 2014 due primarily to improvements in cost of goods sold, payroll and related costs, and other restaurant operating costs due to initiatives discussed later within this MD&A, and decreases in closures and impairments expense of $18.0 million and advertising expense of $15.2 million.  The reduction in closures and impairments expense compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year is primarily attributable to a decrease of impairments in connection with open restaurants with deteriorating operational performance ($9.5 million), early restaurant closures ($4.4 million), and upcoming lease terminations ($1.4 million) as prior fiscal year same-restaurant sales were down 7.2% and we closed 24 Ruby Tuesday restaurants during the third quarter of the prior fiscal year.  The reduction in advertising spending relates to reduced cable and television advertising.

Segment losses for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 for the Lime Fresh concept decreased $2.9 million compared to the same period of fiscal year 2014 to $1.3 million due primarily to decreases in closures and impairments expense of $1.9 million as the prior fiscal year Lime Fresh segment losses included lease reserve charges related to four undeveloped sites for which management decided to forego restaurant development and a lease reserve charge on a Lime Fresh restaurant contracted to be sold.  This was coupled with improvements in cost of goods sold, payroll and related costs, and other restaurant operating costs due to initiatives discussed later within this MD&A.

 

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The following is a reconciliation of segment profit to loss from continuing operations before taxes for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 (in thousands):

 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
March 3, 2015
 
March 4, 2014
 
Segment profit
$ 28,440   $ 24,140   $ 77,805   $ 30,624  
Less:
                       
   Depreciation and amortization
  (12,961 )   (13,912 )   (39,319 )   (43,384 )
   Unallocated general and
                       
     administrative expenses
  (10,777 )   (11,551 )   (31,562 )   (37,208 )
   Preopening expenses
  (50 )       (253 )   (395 )
   Trademark impairment
      (855 )       (855 )
   Interest expense, net
  (5,446 )   (5,967 )   (16,783 )   (19,340 )
   Other expense, net
  (87 )   (55 )   (706 )   (1,341 )
Loss from continuing operations
                       
     before income taxes
$ (881 ) $ (8,200 ) $ (10,818 ) $ (71,899 )

Pre-tax Loss from Continuing Operations

Pre-tax loss from continuing operations was $0.9 million for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 compared to $8.2 million for the corresponding quarter of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease in pre-tax loss is due to decreases, as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue or total revenue, as appropriate, of cost of goods sold, payroll and related costs, other restaurant operating costs, depreciation, and selling general, and administrative, net, as well as lower trademark impairment charges ($0.9 million) and interest expense ($0.5 million).  These were partially offset by a decrease in same-restaurant sales of 0.3% at Company-owned Ruby Tuesday restaurants and higher closures and impairments expense ($0.2 million).

Pre-tax loss from continuing operations was $10.8 million for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 compared to $71.9 million for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease in pre-tax loss is due to lower closures and impairments expense ($19.4 million) and interest expense ($2.6 million) and decreases, as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue or total revenue, as appropriate, of cost of goods sold, payroll and related costs, other restaurant operating costs, depreciation, and selling, general, and administrative, net.

In the paragraphs that follow, we discuss in more detail the components of the decrease in pre-tax loss from continuing operations for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the comparable periods in the prior fiscal year.  Because a significant portion of the costs recorded in the cost of goods sold, payroll and related costs, other restaurant operating costs, and depreciation categories are either variable or highly correlative with the number of restaurants we operate, we evaluate our trends by comparing the costs as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, as well as the absolute dollar change, to the comparable prior fiscal year period.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold decreased $3.2 million (3.9%) to $77.8 million for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015, over the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, cost of goods sold decreased from 27.5% to 27.4%.

Cost of goods sold decreased $14.0 million (5.9%) to $224.6 million for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, over the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, cost of goods sold decreased from 27.8% to 27.2%.

The absolute dollar decrease in cost of goods sold for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 was the result of restaurant closures and cost savings on certain products as a result of renegotiated contracts with certain vendors since the same periods of fiscal year 2014.  These were partially offset by price increases on beef, seafood, poultry, and certain other products since the same periods of the prior fiscal year.
 
As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, the decrease in cost of goods sold for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 is primarily the result of renegotiated contracts with certain vendors since the same periods of fiscal year 2014.
 
 

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Payroll and Related Costs

Payroll and related costs decreased $4.7 million (4.6%) to $96.7 million for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, payroll and related costs decreased from 34.5% to 34.0%.

Payroll and related costs decreased $15.1 million (5.0%) to $286.5 million for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, payroll and related costs decreased from 35.2% to 34.7%.

The absolute dollar decrease in payroll and related costs for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015 was primarily due to restaurant closures, decreases in hourly labor as a result of scheduling improvements with the rollout of a new labor forecasting system in our restaurants, and lower management labor.

The absolute dollar decrease in payroll and related costs for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015 was primarily due to the same reasons as discussed above for the 13-week period, which were partially offset by higher health insurance costs as a result of unfavorable claims experience and higher bonus expense as more restaurants achieved the performance goals as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year.

As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, the decrease in payroll and related costs for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015 was primarily the result of decreased hourly and management labor due to reasons as discussed above.

As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, the decrease in payroll and related costs for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 was primarily the result of decreased hourly and management labor due to reasons as discussed above, offset by higher health insurance costs.

Other Restaurant Operating Costs

Other restaurant operating costs decreased $2.6 million (4.1%) to $61.5 million for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, these costs decreased from 21.8% to 21.6%.

For the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015, the decrease in other restaurant operating costs related to the following (in thousands):

Legal
  $ 1,580  
Utilities
    1,186  
Other increases, net
    (133 )
Net decrease
  $ 2,633  

In both absolute dollars and as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015, the decrease was a result of reduced legal costs related to pending litigation and lower utilities due primarily to restaurant closures since the same period of the prior fiscal year.

Other restaurant operating costs decreased $15.6 million (7.9%) to $181.4 million for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, these costs decreased from 23.0% to 22.0%.

For the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, the decrease in other restaurant operating costs related to the following (in thousands):

Repairs
  $ 5,853  
Utilities
    2,993  
Legal
    1,856  
Rent and leasing
    1,519  
Gift card breakage
    1,084  
Business interruption recoveries
    1,050  
Other decreases, net
    1,205  
Net decrease
  $ 15,560  
 
 

-38-
 
In both absolute dollars and as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015, the decrease was a result of reduced building repairs, utilities, and rent and leasing due primarily to restaurant closures since the same period of the prior fiscal year, lower legal costs related to pending litigation, higher gift card breakage income, and business interruption recoveries related to claims collected for certain of our restaurants in the Gulf Coast area.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense decreased $0.9 million (6.9%) to $12.4 million for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, depreciation expense decreased from 4.5% to 4.4%.

Depreciation expense decreased $3.9 million (9.3%) to $37.6 million for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.  As a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, depreciation expense decreased from 4.8% to 4.6%.

In terms of absolute dollars and as a percentage of restaurant sales and operating revenue, the decrease for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 is due primarily to assets that became fully depreciated since the same periods of the prior fiscal year coupled with restaurant closures.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Net

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net decreased $4.4 million (13.2%) to $28.9 million for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net decreased $20.2 million (18.9%) to $87.1 million for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.

The decrease for the 13- and 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 is due to lower advertising costs ($4.3 million and $15.4 million, respectively), primarily as a result of decreased television advertising, and a reduction in general and administrative costs ($0.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively) due to lower management labor from reductions in staffing, a decrease in consulting fees, and, for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, lower legal fees.  The decrease in overall television advertising is attributable to management’s desire to spend marketing dollars more efficiently, with an increased focus on supporting our national cable television advertising with print and electronic promotions.  These were partially offset by higher accruals for support center bonus.
 
Closures and Impairments

Closures and impairments increased $0.2 million to $4.0 million for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  The increase for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015 is primarily due to higher property impairment charges ($0.7 million), increased closed restaurant lease reserve expense ($0.1 million), and lower gains on the sale of surplus properties ($0.1 million), which were partially offset by decreased other closing costs ($0.7 million).

Closures and impairments decreased $19.4 million to $6.5 million for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015 is primarily due to lower property impairment charges ($14.3 million), closed restaurant lease reserve expense ($3.4 million), and other closing costs ($0.7 million) coupled with higher gains on the sale of surplus properties ($1.0 million).

The increase for the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015 is primarily due to higher property impairment charges attributable to open Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants experiencing deteriorating operational performance.  The decrease for the 39-week periods ended March 3, 2015 is primarily due to lower property impairment charges as the same periods of the prior fiscal year included, among other charges, impairments of $12.5 million attributable to open Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants experiencing deteriorating operational performance, and $4.4 million related to early restaurant closures.  Prior fiscal year same-restaurant sales for Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants were down 1.9% and 7.2% for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, respectively.  The prior fiscal year charges were also due to a plan we announced to close approximately 30 Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants by the end of fiscal year 2014.  
 
 

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See Note I to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our closures and impairment charges recorded during the first three quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014.
 
At March 3, 2015, we had 48 restaurants that had been open for more than six full quarters with rolling 12-month negative cash flows of which 31 have been impaired to salvage value.  Charges totaling $3.0 million were recorded for three open Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants impaired to salvage during the 13-week period ended March 3, 2015.  Of the 17 which remained, we reviewed the plans to improve cash flows at each of the restaurants and determined that no impairment was necessary.  The remaining net book value of these 17 restaurants, five of which are located on owned properties, was $16.4 million at March 3, 2015.

Should cash flows at these 17 cash flow negative and other cash flow declining restaurants not improve within a reasonable period of time, further impairment charges are possible.  Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, closure costs, salvage value, and sublease income.  Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from our estimates.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net decreased $0.5 million to $5.4 million for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year, primarily due to lower interest expense on our Senior Notes due to repurchases and the early payoff of certain mortgage loans since the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.  Interest expense, net decreased $2.6 million to $16.8 million for the 39-week period ended March 3, 2015, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year, primarily for the same reasons mentioned above.

Benefit for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations

Under Accounting Standards Codification 740 (“ASC 740”), companies are required to apply their estimated annual tax rate on a year-to-date basis in each interim period.  Under ASC 740, companies should not apply the estimated annual tax rate to interim financial results if the estimated annual tax rate is not reliably predictable.  In this situation, the interim tax rate should be based on the actual year-to-date results.  Due to changes in our projections, which have fluctuated as we work through our brand repositioning, a reliable projection of our annual effective rate has been difficult to determine.  As such, we recorded a tax provision for the 39 weeks ended March3, 2015 based on the actual year-to-date results, in accordance with ASC 740.

We regularly evaluate the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets by assessing whether it is more likely than not that we will realize the deferred tax assets in the future.  A valuation allowance assessment is performed each reporting period, with any additions or adjustments reflected in earnings in the period of assessment.  In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets for each jurisdiction.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, we concluded that objective and subjective positive evidence outweighed negative evidence, and it was more likely than not that we would realize all of our federal and most of our state deferred tax assets, except for loss carryforwards in certain states that have had cumulative losses and/or relatively short carryforward periods and annual limits of loss carryforward that is available for use to offset future taxable income.   During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, we recorded a valuation allowance following the conclusion that the negative evidence outweighed the positive evidence. 

We recorded a tax benefit from continuing operations of $0.1 million and $3.3 million during the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, respectively, compared to a tax benefit from continuing operations of $0.8 million and $7.9 million during the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, respectively.  Included in our $3.3 million tax benefit from continuing operations for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 was a benefit of $3.2 million recorded during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 representing an immaterial prior period correction to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

 

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Discontinued Operations

In an effort to focus primarily on the sales turnaround of our core Ruby Tuesday concept and secondly, to improve the financial performance of our Lime Fresh concept, we completed the closure of our Marlin & Ray’s, Wok Hay, and Truffles restaurants during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.  We have classified the results of operations of our Company-owned Marlin & Ray’s, Wok Hay, and Truffles concepts as discontinued operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014.  The results of operations of our discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):

   
Thirteen
weeks ended
   
Thirty-nine
 weeks ended
 
   
March 4, 
2014
   
March 4,
 2014
 
Restaurant sales and operating revenue
  $       $  –    
Income before income taxes
  $  77       $  2    
Benefit for income taxes
    (9 )        (95 )  
Income from discontinued operations
  $  86       $  97    

 
Liquidity and Capital Resources: 

 
Cash and cash equivalents increased/(decreased) by $9.9 million and $(8.4) million during the first 39 weeks of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
 
March 3,
 
March 4,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 27,427     $ 29,154  
Cash used by investing activities
    (10,260 )     (5,129 )
Cash used by financing activities
    (7,272 )     (32,458 )
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,895     $ (8,433 )

Operating Activities

Our cash provided by operations is generally derived from cash receipts generated by our restaurant customers and franchisees.  Substantially all of the $825.1 million and $856.8 million of restaurant sales and operating revenue disclosed in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014, respectively, was received in cash either at the point of sale or within two to four days (when our customers paid with debit or credit cards).  Our primary uses of cash for operating activities are food and beverage purchases, payroll and benefit costs, restaurant operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and marketing, a significant portion of which are incurred and paid in the same period.

Cash provided by operating activities for the first 39 weeks of fiscal year 2015 decreased $1.7 million from the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year to $27.4 million.  The decrease is primarily the result of decreases in accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities due to the timing of payments (approximately $21.1 million) and higher amounts spent to acquire inventory (approximately $9.9 million) due primarily to the bulk purchase of lobster during our second quarter of fiscal year 2015.  These were partially offset by higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”) due in part to restaurant-level cost improvements, reductions in amounts spent on media advertising (approximately $9.2 million), and lower cash paid for interest ($2.0 million) due to the prepayment of certain of our mortgage obligations and other principal payments on our debt since the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

Our working capital and current ratio as of March 3, 2015 were $4.7 million and 1.0:1, respectively.  While we typically carry current liabilities in excess of current assets as is common in the restaurant industry, we have grown our cash accounts since year end and simultaneously reduced our accounts payable.

 

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Investing Activities

We require capital principally for the maintenance and upkeep of our existing restaurants, limited new restaurant construction, investments in technology, equipment, remodeling of existing restaurants, and on occasion for the acquisition of franchisees or other restaurant concepts.  Property and equipment expenditures purchased with internally generated cash flows for the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 and March 4, 2014 were $21.1 million and $22.6 million, respectively.

During the 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014, we completed sale-leaseback transactions of the land and buildings for three Company-owned Ruby Tuesday concept restaurants for gross cash proceeds of $5.9 million, exclusive of transaction costs of approximately $0.3 million.  Equipment was not included.  Net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transactions were used for general corporate purposes, including debt payments.

Capital expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year are projected to be approximately $6.9 million to $10.9 million.  We intend to fund our investing activities with cash currently on hand, cash provided by operations, or borrowings on the Senior Credit Facility.

Financing Activities

Historically our primary sources of cash have been operating activities and refranchising transactions.  When these alone have not provided sufficient funds for both our capital and other needs, we have obtained funds through the issuance of indebtedness or through the issuance of additional shares of common stock.  Our current borrowings and credit facilities are described below.

On May 14, 2012, we entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as trustee, governing the Company’s $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior notes due 2020 (the “Senior Notes”).  The Senior Notes were issued at a discount of $3.7 million, which is being amortized using the effective interest method over the eight-year term of the notes.

The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.  They rank equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any of our future subordinated indebtedness.  The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all of our secured debt, including borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt and structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of our existing and future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes.

Interest on the Senior Notes is calculated at 7.625% per annum, payable semiannually on each May 15 and November 15 to holders of record on the May 1 or November 1 immediately preceding the interest payment date.  Accrued interest on the Senior Notes and our other long-term debt and capital lease obligations is included in Accrued liabilities – Rent and other in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Senior Notes mature on May 15, 2020.

At any time prior to May 15, 2016, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus an applicable “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest.  At any time on or after May 15, 2016, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.  At any time prior to May 15, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the Senior Notes from the proceeds of certain equity offerings.  There is no sinking fund for the Senior Notes.

The Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (ii) declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to stockholders; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; (v) merge or consolidate, or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of their assets; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (vii) sell or transfer certain assets.  The Indenture also restricts the declaration and payment of a dividend or other distribution on, and/or repurchase by RTI in respect of, its outstanding common stock at any time and from time to time in an amount not to exceed $50.0 million in the aggregate.  These covenants are subject to a number of important
 
 

-42-
 
exceptions and qualifications, as described in the Indenture, and certain covenants will not apply at any time when the Senior Notes are rated investment grade by the Rating Agencies, as defined in the Indenture.  The Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately.

On December 3, 2013, we entered into the Senior Credit Facility under which we may borrow up to $50.0 million with the option, subject to certain conditions, to increase the facility by up to $35.0 million.  The Senior Credit Facility, which was obtained to provide access to capital for general corporate purposes, replaced a previous five-year $200.0 million credit facility that was set to expire in December 2015.  The terms of the Senior Credit Facility provide for a $25.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit.

Under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility, interest rates charged on borrowings can vary depending on the interest rate option we choose to utilize.  Our options for the rate are a Base Rate or LIBOR, plus an applicable margin.  The Base Rate is defined as the highest of the issuing bank’s prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, or the Adjusted LIBO rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) plus 1.0%.  The applicable margin for the LIBOR rate-based option is a percentage ranging from 2.50% to 3.50% and for the Base Rate option is a percentage ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%.  We pay commitment fees quarterly ranging from 0.40% to 0.75% on the unused portion of the Senior Credit Facility.

As security for the Senior Credit Facility, we granted the lenders liens and security interests in substantially all of the shares of capital stock of the Company and each of our present and future subsidiaries, substantially all of the personal property of the Company and each of our present and future subsidiaries, and the real property, improvements, and fixtures of 49 Ruby Tuesday restaurants.  The real property, improvements, and fixtures of the 49 restaurants pledged as collateral appraised at $101.4 million at the time of the transaction and have a March 3, 2015 net book value of $79.5 million.

Under the Senior Credit Facility, we had no borrowings outstanding at March 3, 2015.  After consideration of letters of credit outstanding, we had $37.5 million available under the Senior Credit Facility as of March 3, 2015.

The Senior Credit Facility contains a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to incur liens, engage in mergers or other fundamental changes, make acquisitions, investments, loans and advances, pay dividends or other distributions, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, enter into burdensome agreements or certain hedging agreements, amend organizational documents, change accounting practices, incur additional indebtedness and prepay other indebtedness.  Under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility we are allowed, under certain circumstances, to repurchase up to $20.0 million of the Senior Notes in any fiscal year.  We did not repurchase any of the Senior Notes during the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015.  The balance on the Senior Notes was $215.0 million at March 3, 2015.

In addition, under the Senior Credit Facility, we are required to comply with financial covenants relating to the maintenance of a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.  The terms of the Senior Credit Facility require us to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of no more than 4.85 to 1.0 and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.35 to 1.0 for the quarter ended March 3, 2015.  The minimum required ratios fluctuate thereafter as provided in the Senior Credit Facility.

The Senior Credit Facility terminates no later than December 3, 2017.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the loan commitments, accelerate all loans and exercise any of their rights under the Senior Credit Facility and any ancillary loan documents.

On December 3, 2013, in connection with our entry into the Senior Credit Facility, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into loan modification agreements (the “Loan Modification Agreements”) with certain mortgage lenders to, among other things, provide waivers and consents under certain of our mortgage loan obligations to enter into the Senior Credit Facility.  The Loan Modification Agreements also, among other things, amend certain financial reporting requirements under the specified loans and modify and/or provide for certain financial covenants for the specified loans, including the minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and the minimum adjusted total debt to EBITDAR ratio.
 
As discussed further within the Covenant Compliance section of this MD&A, we were in compliance with our maximum leverage ratio and our minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as of March 3, 2015.
 
 

-43-
 
Our $37.8 million in mortgage loan obligations as of March 3, 2015 consists of various loans acquired upon franchise acquisitions.  These loans, which mature between June 2016 and November 2022, have balances which range from $0.2 million to $7.4 million and interest rates of 7.60% to 10.92%.  Many of the properties acquired from franchisees collateralize the loans outstanding.

During the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, we prepaid and retired three mortgage loan obligations with an aggregate balance of $3.9 million using cash on hand.  Additionally, we paid $0.4 million in prepayment premiums in connection with the retirement of these obligations.

During the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015, we repurchased an insignificant number of shares of our common stock at a cost of $0.1 million.  As of March 3, 2015, the total number of remaining shares authorized to be repurchased was 11.8 million.  We spent $0.6 million to repurchase 0.1 million shares of RTI common stock during the 39 weeks ended March 4, 2014.

During the remainder of fiscal year 2015, we expect to fund operations, capital expansion, and any other investments from cash currently on hand, operating cash flows, or our Senior Credit Facility.

Covenant Compliance

Under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility, we are required to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other financial condition tests and covenants.  The financial ratios include maximum funded debt and minimum fixed charge coverage covenants.  While as of March 3, 2015 we were in compliance with the financial ratios contained in our Senior Credit Facility, our continued ability to meet those financial ratios, tests, and covenants can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios, tests, and covenants.

Maximum Funded Debt Covenant
Our maximum funded debt covenant is an Adjusted Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR ratio.  Adjusted Total Debt, as defined in our covenants, includes items both on-balance sheet (debt and capital lease obligations) and off-balance sheet (such as the present value of leases, letters of credit and guarantees).  Consolidated EBITDAR is consolidated net loss (for the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries) plus interest charges, income tax, depreciation, amortization, rent and other non-cash charges.  Among other charges, we have reflected share-based compensation, asset impairment and bad debt expense, as non-cash.

Consolidated EBITDAR and Adjusted Total Debt are not presentations made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and, as such, should not be considered a measure of financial performance or condition, liquidity or profitability.  They also should not be considered alternatives to GAAP-based net income or balance sheet amounts or operating cash flows or indicators of the amount of free cash flow available for discretionary use by management, as Consolidated EBITDAR does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments or debt service requirements and Adjusted Total Debt includes certain off-balance sheet items.  Further, because not all companies use identical calculations, amounts reflected by RTI as Consolidated EBITDAR or Adjusted Total Debt may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.  We believe the information shown below is relevant as it presents the amounts used to calculate covenants which are provided to our lenders.  Non-compliance with our debt covenants could result in the requirement to immediately repay all amounts outstanding under such agreements.

 

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The following is a reconciliation of our total long-term debt and capital leases, which are GAAP-based, to Adjusted Total Debt as defined in our bank covenants (in thousands):

   
March 3, 2015
 
Current portion of long-term debt, including capital leases
  $ 4,558  
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities
    246,751  
Total long-term debt and capital leases
    251,309  
Present value of operating leases*
    204,536  
Letters of credit*
    12,502  
Unrestricted cash in excess of $10.0 million
    (51,051 )
Unamortized discount of senior unsecured notes
    2,250  
Unamortized premium of mortgage loan obligations
    (519 )
Adjusted Total Debt
  $ 419,027  
 
 * Non-GAAP measure.  See below for discussion regarding reconciliation to GAAP-based amounts.
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of net loss, which is a GAAP-based measure of our operating results, to Consolidated EBITDAR as defined in our bank covenants (in thousands):
 
   
Twelve Months
 
   
Ended
 
   
March 3, 2015
 
Net loss
  $ (7,891 )
Rent expense
    53,752  
Depreciation
    50,978  
Interest expense
    22,425  
Asset impairments
    10,030  
Share-based compensation expense
    7,175  
Amortization of intangibles
    2,304  
Other
    1,406  
Restaurant closing costs
    1,403  
Restructuring costs
    625  
Income taxes
    (147 )
Non-cash accruals
    (1,371 )
Consolidated EBITDAR
  $ 140,689  
         
Adjusted Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR – Actual
    2.98 x
Maximum allowed per covenant (1)
    4.85 x

(1) For the quarter ending June 2, 2015, the Senior Credit Facility requires us to maintain a maximum Adjusted Total Debt to EBITDAR ratio of less than or equal to 4.75x.  For fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, the maximum Adjusted Total Debt to EBITDAR ratio fluctuates as provided in Article VII of the Senior Credit Facility.

 

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Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage
Our fixed charge coverage ratio compares Consolidated EBITDAR (as discussed above) to interest and cash-based rents.

The following shows our computation of our fixed charge coverage ratio (in thousands):

 
Twelve Months
 
 
Ended
 
 
March 3, 2015
 
Consolidated EBITDAR
  $ 140,689  
         
Interest*
  $ 20,606  
Cash rents*
    52,086  
Total
  $ 72,692  

* Non-GAAP measure.  See below for discussion regarding reconciliation to GAAP-based amounts.

Fixed Charge Covenant – Actual
 
1.94x
 
Minimum allowed per covenant (2)
 
1.35x
 

(2) For the quarter ending June 2, 2015, the Senior Credit Facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than or equal to 1.40x.  For fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio fluctuates as provided in Article VII of the Senior Credit Facility.

Non-GAAP Amounts Used in Debt Covenant Calculations
As previously discussed, we use various non-GAAP amounts in our Adjusted Total Debt, Consolidated EBITDAR, and Fixed Charge covenant calculations.  Two of the amounts presented in the Adjusted Total Debt calculation, the present value of operating leases and letters of credit, are off-balance sheet and there is no corresponding amount presented in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio requires interest to be included in the denominator.  The amount we reflect for interest in the denominator of this calculation ($20.6 million on a rolling 12 month basis) differs from interest expense determined in accordance with GAAP ($22.4 million) because of three adjustments we make.  As shown below, we exclude brokerage fees, prepayment penalties, and the amortization of loan fees and fair market value adjustments.  While these items are reflected as interest expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, they do not require on-going cash payments for servicing and therefore are not impacted by future Consolidated EBITDAR.  The table below reconciles debt covenant interest for the preceding 12 months to GAAP interest for the same time period (amounts in thousands):

Interest
  $ 20,606  
Brokerage fees
    1,392  
Prepayment penalties
    370  
Amortization of loan fees and fair market
       
   value adjustments
    57  
GAAP-based interest expense
  $ 22,425  

Our Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio also allows for recurring cash rents to be included in the denominator.  Cash rents ($52.1 million on a rolling 12 month basis) differ from rents determined in accordance with GAAP ($54.0 million) by the following (amounts in thousands):

Cash rents
  $ 52,086  
Change in rent accruals
    472  
Rent settlement payments
    1,487  
GAAP-based rent expense*
  $ 54,045  

* Rent expense of $0.3 million is included within Restaurant closing costs in the preceding Consolidated EBITDAR table.

 

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Significant Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Long-term financial obligations were as follows as of March 3, 2015 (in thousands):

   
Payments Due By Period
 
         
Less than
     1-3      3-5    
More than 5
 
   
Total
   
1 year
   
years
   
years
   
years
 
Notes payable and other
   long-term debt, including
                                 
   current maturities (a)
  $ 38,040     $ 4,722     $ 19,511     $ 9,456     $ 4,351  
Senior unsecured notes (a)
    215,000                         215,000  
Interest (b)
    100,381       19,331       36,672       34,415       9,963  
Operating leases (c)
    350,276       47,214       84,922       70,372       147,768  
Purchase obligations (d)
    79,475       48,773       24,352       4,734       1,616  
Pension obligations (e)
    31,033       2,886       4,939       4,717       18,491  
   Total (f)
  $ 814,205     $ 122,926     $ 170,396     $ 123,694     $ 397,189  

(a)  
See Note H to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(b)  
Amounts represent contractual interest payments on our fixed-rate debt instruments.  Interest payments on our variable-rate notes payable with balances of $1.3 million as of March 3, 2015 have been excluded from the amounts shown above, primarily because the balances outstanding can fluctuate monthly.  Additionally, the amounts shown above include interest payments on the Senior Notes at the current interest rate of 7.625%.
(c)  
This amount includes operating leases totaling $2.9 million for which sublease income from franchisees or others is expected.  Certain of these leases obligate us to pay maintenance costs, utilities, real estate taxes, and insurance, which are excluded from the amounts shown above.  See Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(d)  
The amounts for purchase obligations include cash commitments under contract for food items and supplies, advertising, utility contracts, and other miscellaneous commitments.
(e)  
See Note J to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(f)  
This amount excludes $3.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits due to the uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with such obligations.
 
Commercial Commitments as of March 3, 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Payments Due By Period
   
Less than
   1-3   3-5
More than 5
 
Total
1 year
   years
years
years
Letters of credit
  $ 12,502     $ 12,502      $       $       $    
Divestiture guarantees
    5,610       1,012       1,822       1,688       1,088  
Lease guarantees
    1,432       269        543       458       162  
   Total
  $ 19,544     $ 13,783      $  2,365     $ 2,146     $ 1,250  

At March 3, 2015, we had divestiture guarantees, which arose in fiscal 1996, when our shareholders approved the distribution of our family dining restaurant business (Morrison Fresh Cooking, Inc., “MFC”) and our health care food and nutrition services business (Morrison Health Care, Inc., “MHC”).  Subsequent to that date Piccadilly Cafeterias, Inc. (“Piccadilly”) acquired MFC and Compass Group (“Compass”) acquired MHC. As agreed upon at the time of the distribution, we have been contingently liable for payments to MFC and MHC employees retiring under MFC’s and MHC’s versions of the Management Retirement Plan and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan (the two non-qualified defined benefit plans) for the accrued benefits earned by those participants as of March 1996.

We estimated our divestiture guarantees at March 3, 2015 to be $5.2 million for employee benefit plans (all of which resides with MHC following Piccadilly’s bankruptcy in fiscal year 2004).  We believe the likelihood of being required to make payments for MHC’s portion to be remote due to the size and financial strength of MHC and Compass.

 

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As of March 3, 2015, we are the guarantor of two third-party leases associated with closed concept restaurants.  Lease guarantee amounts in the table above represent lease payments for which we are contingently liable.  While we believe that the likelihood of being required to make these lease payments is remote, we recorded a guarantee liability of $0.1 million in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at both March 3, 2015 and June 3, 2014.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During Fiscal Year 2015
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”).  The guidance requires an entity to present its deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward net of unrecognized tax benefits when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law, which would be based on facts and circumstances as of the balance sheet reporting date and would not consider future events.  Gross presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit will still be required in the notes to the financial statements.  We adopted ASU 2013-11 on a prospective basis during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.  The adoption of this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 resulted in a reclassification of $5.0 million of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits against our deferred tax assets.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”).  The guidance requires an entity to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances.  The guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter (our fiscal year 2017).  Early application is permitted.  We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 is a jointly converged standard between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board, and will replace almost all existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance, upon its effective date. The standard’s core principle is for companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 also enhances disclosures about revenue, provides guidance for transactions that were not addressed comprehensively in previous guidance, and improves guidance for multiple-element arrangements.  The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 (the first quarter of our fiscal year 2018).  We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Known Events, Uncertainties and Trends: 


Financial Strategy and Stock Repurchase Plan
Cash and cash equivalents as of March 3, 2015 has increased to $61.2 million.  Our overall goal is to invest in our brand and to strengthen our balance sheet to improve credit metrics.  As such, our first priority is to ensure that we have adequate cash levels to run the business and internally fund our capital expenditures.  Our second priority would be to reduce our outstanding debt to help improve our credit metrics with the goal of improved flexibility and access to capital at reasonable rates.  Lastly, we would consider share repurchase within the limitations of our debt covenants to return capital to shareholders.  Any of these actions, in any particular period and the actual amount thereof, remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that any such actions will be taken in the future.

 

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Repurchases of Senior Notes
We are allowed under the terms of the Senior Credit Facility to repurchase, in any fiscal year, up to $20.0 million of indebtedness to various holders of the Senior Notes.  We did not repurchase any of the Senior Notes during the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015.  As of the date of this filing, we may repurchase $20.0 million of the Senior Notes during the remainder of fiscal year 2015.  Any future repurchases of the Senior Notes, if any, will be funded with available cash on hand.

Dividends
During fiscal 1997, our Board of Directors approved a dividend policy as an additional means of returning capital to our shareholders.  No dividends were declared or paid during the 39 weeks ended March 3, 2015 or March 4, 2014.  The payment of a dividend in any particular period and the actual amount thereof remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that dividends will be paid in the future.
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates and changes in commodity prices. The interest rate charged on our Senior Credit Facility can vary based on the interest rate option we choose to utilize. Our options for the rate are LIBOR or a Base Rate plus an applicable margin. The Base Rate is defined as the highest of the issuing bank’s prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, or the Adjusted LIBO rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) plus 1.0%. The applicable margin for the LIBOR rate-based option is a percentage ranging from 2.50% to 3.50% and for the Base Rate option is a percentage ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%.  As of March 3, 2015, the total amount of outstanding debt subject to interest rate fluctuations was $1.3 million. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in short-term interest rates would result in an increase or decrease in interest expense of an insignificant amount per year, assuming a consistent capital structure.

Many of the ingredients used in the products we sell in our restaurants are commodities that are subject to unpredictable price volatility.  This volatility may be due to factors outside our control such as weather and seasonality.  We attempt to minimize the effect of price volatility by negotiating fixed price contracts for the supply of key ingredients.  Historically, and subject to competitive market conditions, we have been able to mitigate the negative impact of price volatility through adjustments to average check or menu mix.
 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 3, 2015.

Changes in Internal Control
During the fiscal quarter ended March 3, 2015, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
 
We are presently, and from time to time, subject to pending claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims relating to injury or wrongful death under “dram shop” laws, workers’ compensation and employment matters, claims relating to lease and contractual obligations, and claims from customers alleging illness or injury.  We provide reserves for such claims when payment is probable and estimable in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  At this time, in the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operations, financial position, or cash flows.  See Note N to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our legal proceedings as of March 3, 2015.
 
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
 
Information regarding risk factors appears in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 3, 2014 in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.  There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
 
The following table includes information regarding purchases of our common stock made by us during the third quarter ended March 3, 2015:
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
   
Total number
   
Average
   
Total number of shares
   
Maximum number of shares
 
   
of shares
   
price paid
   
purchased as part of publicly
   
that may yet be purchased
 
Period
 
purchased (1)
   
per share
   
announced plans or programs (1)
   
under the plans or programs (2)
 
                         
Month #1
                       
(December 3 to January 6)
    2,209     $ 8.21       2,209       11,764,096  
Month #2
                               
(January 7 to February 3)
                      11,764,096  
Month #3
                               
(February 4 to March 3)
                      11,764,096  
Total
    2,209     $ 8.21       2,209          
 
(1) No shares were repurchased other than through our publicly-announced repurchase programs and authorizations during the third quarter of our year ending June 2, 2015.
 
 
(2) As of March 3, 2015, 11.8 million shares remained available for purchase under existing programs, which consists of 1.8 million shares remaining under a July 11, 2007 authorization by the Board of Directors to repurchase 6.5 million shares and a January 8, 2013 authorization by the Board of Directors, not yet begun, to repurchase 10.0 million shares.  The timing, price, quantity, and manner of the purchases to be made are at the discretion of management upon instruction from the Board of Directors, depending upon market conditions.  The repurchase of shares in any particular future period and the actual amount thereof remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that shares will be repurchased in the future.
 
 
 

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None.
 
 
Not applicable.
 
 
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees.  A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website, free of charge.  The Internet address for our website is www.rubytuesday.com, and the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be found from our main webpage by clicking first on “Investors” and then on “Corporate Governance” and next on “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.”  We are not including the information contained on or available through our web site as a part of, or incorporating such information into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this code of ethics by posting such information on our website, on the webpage found by clicking through to “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” as specified above.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 

 
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
 
 Exhibit No.
 
10
.1
  Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated April 8, 2015).
 
       
10
.2
  Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 2015 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
 
       
12
.1
  Statement regarding computation of Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
       
31
.1
  Certification of  Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
       
31
.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
       
32
.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
 
   
      Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
       
32
.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
 
   
      Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
       
10
1.INS
  XBRL Instance Document.
 
       
10
1.SCH
  XBRL Schema Document.
 
       
10
1.CAL
  XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
       
10
1.DEF
  XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
 
       
10
1.LAB
  XBRL Labels Linkbase Document.
 
       
10
1.PRE
  XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
       
 
 

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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.
 
 
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
Date: April 13, 2015
 
 BY: /s/ JILL M. GOLDER
——————————————
Jill M. Golder
Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: April 13, 2015
 
 BY: /s/ FRANKLIN E. SOUTHALL, JR.
—————————————————
Franklin E. Southall, Jr.
Vice President – Corporate Controller and
Principal Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 

 

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