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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Ruths Hospitality Group, Inc.ex31-1.htm
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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Ruths Hospitality Group, Inc.ex32-1.htm


 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2015

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                       to                      

 

Commission File Number 000-51485

 


 

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


   

Delaware

72-1060618

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

   

1030 W. Canton Avenue, Suite 100,

Winter Park, FL

32789

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

 

(407) 333-7440

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

None

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report

 


 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

       

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of October 26, 2015 was 35,007,990, which includes 1,140,082 shares of unvested restricted stock.

 



 

 
1

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     

 

 

Page 

Part I — Financial Information

3

     

Item 1

Financial Statements:

3

     

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014

3

     

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Thirteen and Thirty-nine Week Periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014

4

     

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Thirty-nine Week Periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014

5

     

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-nine Week Periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014

6

     

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

     

Item 2

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

16

     

Item 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

23

     

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

24

   

Part II — Other Information 

24

     

Item 1

Legal Proceedings

24

     

Item 1A

Risk Factors

24

     

Item 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

25

     

Item 3

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

25

     

Item 4

Mine Safety Disclosures

25

     

Item 5

Other Information

25

     

Item 6

Exhibits

25

     

Signatures

 

26

 

 

 
2

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—Unaudited

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

September 27,

   

December 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 2,792     $ 4,301  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 2015 - $756; 2014 - $760

    13,562       20,458  

Inventory

    7,065       7,206  

Assets held for sale

    250       15,119  

Prepaid expenses and other

    1,813       1,291  

Deferred income taxes

    3,458       3,775  

Total current assets

    28,940       52,150  
                 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 2015 - $123,934; 2014 - $114,708

    84,909       80,354  

Goodwill

    24,293       24,293  

Franchise rights

    32,418       32,418  

Trademarks

    118       118  

Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 2015 - $1,285; 2014 - $1,001

    2,397       2,476  

Deferred income taxes

    14,082       25,054  

Other assets

    1,322       1,704  

Total assets

  $ 188,479     $ 218,567  

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 9,600     $ 13,414  

Accrued payroll

    14,594       15,304  

Accrued expenses

    6,361       11,065  

Deferred revenue

    23,801       34,552  

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

    -       4,869  

Other current liabilities

    4,955       7,277  

Total current liabilities

    59,311       86,481  

Long-term debt

    5,000       13,000  

Deferred rent

    20,345       19,990  

Other liabilities

    2,606       2,785  

Total liabilities

    87,262       122,256  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

    -       -  

Shareholders' equity:

               

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 33,874,134 shares issued and outstanding at September 27, 2015; 34,333,858 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2014

    339       343  

Additional paid-in capital

    146,152       155,455  

Accumulated deficit

    (45,274 )     (59,487 )

Treasury stock, at cost; 71,950 shares at September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014

    -       -  

Total shareholders' equity

    101,217       96,311  

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 188,479     $ 218,567  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 
3

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations—Unaudited

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

13 Weeks Ended

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Revenues:

                               

Restaurant sales

  $ 75,249     $ 69,283     $ 253,085     $ 232,342  

Franchise income

    3,965       3,517       12,103       11,360  

Other operating income

    1,078       995       3,497       3,453  

Total revenues

    80,292       73,795       268,685       247,155  

Costs and expenses:

                               

Food and beverage costs

    23,709       22,165       77,971       73,661  

Restaurant operating expenses

    39,321       37,238       121,286       113,821  

Marketing and advertising

    2,312       1,990       6,352       5,658  

General and administrative costs

    7,442       5,352       21,334       17,424  

Depreciation and amortization expenses

    3,241       2,693       9,347       7,918  

Pre-opening costs

    112       395       627       924  

Total costs and expenses

    76,137       69,833       236,917       219,406  

Operating income

    4,155       3,962       31,768       27,749  

Other income (expense):

                               

Interest expense, net

    (188 )     (297 )     (588 )     (881 )

Other

    9       5       40       25  

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

    3,976       3,670       31,220       26,893  

Income tax expense

    1,338       1,472       10,145       9,038  

Income from continuing operations

    2,638       2,198       21,075       17,855  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

    (73 )     (9,496 )     (582 )     (9,385 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 2,565     $ (7,298 )   $ 20,493     $ 8,470  

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 0.08     $ 0.06     $ 0.62     $ 0.51  

Discontinued operations

    (0.00 )     (0.27 )     (0.02 )     (0.27 )

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $ 0.08     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.60     $ 0.24  

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 0.08     $ 0.06     $ 0.61     $ 0.51  

Discontinued operations

    (0.00 )     (0.27 )     (0.02 )     (0.27 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $ 0.08     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.59     $ 0.24  

Shares used in computing net income (loss) per common share:

                               

Basic

    33,989,364       34,925,592       34,183,137       35,047,458  

Diluted

    34,338,440       34,925,592       34,537,553       35,567,738  

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.06     $ 0.05     $ 0.18     $ 0.15  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 
4

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Unaudited

for the Thirty-nine Weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014

(Amounts in thousands)

 

   

Common Stock

   

Additional

   

Accumulated

   

Treasury Stock

   

Shareholders'

 
   

Shares

   

Value

   

Paid-in Capital

   

Deficit

   

Shares

   

Value

   

Equity

 
                                                         

Balance at December 28, 2014

    34,334     $ 343     $ 155,455     $ (59,487 )     72     $ -     $ 96,311  
                                                         

Net income

    -       -       -       20,493       -       -       20,493  
                                                         

Cash dividends

    -       -       -       (6,280 )     -       -       (6,280 )
                                                         

Repurchase of common stock

    (752 )     (7 )     (11,674 )     -       -       -       (11,681 )
                                                         

Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects

    293       3       (1,165 )     -       -       -       (1,162 )
                                                         

Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation

    -       -       703       -       -       -       703  
                                                         

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       2,833       -       -       -       2,833  

Balance at September 27, 2015

    33,874     $ 339     $ 146,152     $ (45,274 )     72     $ -     $ 101,217  
                                                         

Balance at December 29, 2013

    34,990     $ 350     $ 169,107     $ (68,804 )     72     $ -     $ 100,653  
                                                         

Net income

    -       -       -       8,470       -       -       8,470  
                                                         

Cash dividends

    -       -       -       (5,374 )     -       -       (5,374 )
                                                         

Repurchase of common stock

    (866 )     (9 )     (10,275 )     -       -       -       (10,284 )
                                                         

Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects

    544       5       (2,790 )     -       -       -       (2,784 )
                                                         

Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation

    -       -       1,666       -       -       -       1,666  
                                                         

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       2,071       -       -       -       2,071  

Balance at September 28, 2014

    34,668     $ 347     $ 159,778     $ (65,708 )     72     $ -     $ 94,417  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 
5

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Unaudited

(Amounts in thousands)

 

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net income

  $ 20,493     $ 8,470  

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    9,347       9,830  

Deferred income taxes

    11,289       (2,467 )

Non-cash interest expense

    315       315  

Loss on impairment

    -       15,295  

Amortization of below market lease

    -       97  

Stock-based compensation expense

    2,833       2,071  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Accounts receivable

    6,896       (208 )

Inventories

    141       501  

Prepaid expenses and other

    (521 )     593  

Other assets

    90       56  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    (9,912 )     (13,440 )

Deferred revenue

    (10,751 )     (7,039 )

Deferred rent

    355       (237 )

Other liabilities

    (1,070 )     (725 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    29,505       13,112  

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Acquisition of property and equipment

    (14,594 )     (11,775 )

Acquisition of franchise restaurant, net of cash acquired

    -       (2,800 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    -       140  

Proceeds from sale of Mitchell's Restaurants

    10,000       -  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (4,594 )     (14,435 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Principal borrowings on long-term debt

    26,000       25,000  

Principal repayments on long-term debt

    (34,000 )     (14,000 )

Repurchase of common stock

    (11,681 )     (10,284 )

Tax payments from the vesting of restricted stock and option exercises

    (1,392 )     (2,948 )

Excess tax benefits from stock compensation

    703       1,666  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    230       163  

Cash dividend payments

    (6,280 )     (5,374 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (26,420 )     (5,777 )

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,509 )     (7,100 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    4,301       10,586  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 2,792     $ 3,486  

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

               

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest, net of capitalized interest

  $ 276     $ 492  

Income taxes

  $ 114     $ 2,070  

Noncash investing and financing activities:

               

Accrual-based acquisition of property and equipment

  $ 861     $ 1,449  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

 
6

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Unaudited

 

(1) The Company and Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) as of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a leading restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. operates Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and sells franchise rights to Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisees giving the franchisees the exclusive right to operate similar restaurants in a particular area designated in the franchise agreement. As of September 27, 2015, there were 146 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, including 66 Company-owned restaurants, one restaurant operating under a management agreement and 79 franchisee-owned restaurants, including 20 international franchisee-owned restaurants in Aruba, Canada, China, Hong Kong, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. All Company owned restaurants are located in the United States. In February 2015, the Company opened a new Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant in St. Petersburg, FL. New franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants opened in Ann Arbor, MI and Charleston, SC in May 2015.

 

As of December 28, 2014, the Company also operated eighteen Mitchell’s Fish Markets and three Mitchell’s/Cameron’s Steakhouse restaurants (collectively, the Mitchell’s Restaurants), located primarily in the Midwest and Florida. On January 21, 2015, the Company sold the Mitchell’s Restaurants to a third party (see Note 2). For financial reporting purposes, the Mitchell’s Restaurants are classified as a discontinued operation for all periods presented and, as of December 28, 2014, the assets are classified as held for sale.

 

The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. The interim results of operations for the periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014.

 

The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal quarters ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 each contained thirteen weeks and are referred to herein as the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 and the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, respectively. Fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are both 52-week years.

 

Estimates

 

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reporting of revenue and expenses during the periods to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amounts of property and equipment, goodwill, franchise rights, and obligations related to gift cards, incentive compensation, workers’ compensation and medical insurance. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Most significantly, the results of the Mitchell’s Restaurants have been reclassified as a discontinued operation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income.

 

 
7

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements for Future Application

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles when it becomes effective. The new standard was originally effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. In July 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposal for a one year deferral of the effective date. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

 

The FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” in April 2015, which requires entities to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts. Entities will no longer record the cost of issuing debt as a separate asset, except when the cost is incurred before receipt of the funding from the associated debt liability. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. On August 18, 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting,” (ASU 2015-15), which addresses the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. ASU 2015-15 states that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are outstanding borrowings under that line-of-credit arrangement. The Company’s current financial statement presentation of debt issuance costs is consistent with the guidance in ASU 2015-15, so no material change in the Company’s financial reporting is expected from the recent debt issuance cost standards.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40).” The pronouncement was issued to provide guidance concerning accounting for fees in a cloud computing arrangement. The pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-05 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330).” The pronouncement was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory and changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

(2) Mitchell’s Restaurants  

 

In November 2014, the Company, Landry’s, Inc. and Mitchell’s Entertainment, Inc., an affiliate of Landry’s Inc. (together with Landry’s Inc., Landry’s), entered into an asset purchase agreement (the Agreement). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to sell the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets to Landry’s for $10 million. The sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants closed on January 21, 2015. The assets sold consisted primarily of leasehold interests, leasehold improvements, restaurant equipment and furnishings, inventory, and related intangible assets, including brand names and trademarks associated with the 21 Mitchell’s Restaurants. The assets and related liabilities of the Mitchell’s Restaurants are classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2014. The results of operations, impairment charges and loss on assets held for sale have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. No amounts for shared general and administrative costs or interest expense were allocated to discontinued operations. Substantially all direct cash flows related to operating these restaurants were eliminated on the closing date of the sale. The Company’s continuing involvement was limited to the provision of transition services for four months with minimal impact on cash flows.

 

Under the terms of the Agreement, Landry’s assumed the Mitchell’s Restaurants’ facility lease obligations and the Company will reimburse Landry’s for gift cards that were sold prior to the closing date and are used at the Mitchell’s Restaurants during the eighteen months following the closing date. In the Agreement, the Company and Landry’s made customary representations and warranties and agreed to customary covenants relating to the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants, including covenants that for eighteen months following the closing date, neither the Company nor Landry’s will knowingly solicit or employ, or seek to solicit or employ, certain key employees of the other party, subject to certain limited exceptions. Landry’s offered employment to substantially all of the employees of the Mitchell’s Restaurants. The Company and Landry’s agreed to indemnify each other for losses arising from certain breaches of the Agreement and for certain other liabilities.

 

 
8

 

 

The Company guaranteed Landry’s lease obligations aggregating $38.4 million under nine of the Mitchell’s Restaurants’ leases. The Company did not record a financial accounting liability for the lease guarantees, because the likelihood of Landry’s defaulting on the lease agreements was deemed to be remote. Landry’s also indemnified the Company in the event of a default under any of the leases. The Company did record a $250 thousand liability for its letter of credit obligation related to one of the leases.

 

The following summarizes the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities associated with the Mitchell’s Restaurants which are classified as held for sale (in thousands):

 

   

September 27,

   

December 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Inventory

  $ -     $ 952  

Property and equipment, net

    -       8,775  

Trademarks

    -       2,847  

Other intangibles

    250       2,545  

Total assets held for sale

  $ 250     $ 15,119  
                 

Deferred rent liability

  $ -     $ 4,869  

Total liabilities associated with assets held for sale

  $ -     $ 4,869  

 

 

As of September 27, 2015, the Company owned a liquor license related to the Mitchell’s Restaurants, which is classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 27, 2015.

 

(3) Discontinued Operations

 

The Company accounts for its closed restaurants in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” As of December 29, 2014, the Company adopted ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 requires that an entity report as a discontinued operation only a disposal that represents a strategic shift in operations that has a major effect on its operations and financial results. Therefore, individual restaurants which are closed after December 28, 2014 will not be classified as discontinued operations. Prior to the Company’s adoption of ASU 2014-08, when a restaurant was closed or the restaurant was either held for sale or abandoned, the restaurant’s operations were eliminated from the ongoing operations. Accordingly, the operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, are presented as discontinued operations and prior period operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, were reclassified. For the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, all restaurant sales, direct costs and expenses and income taxes attributable to restaurants classified as discontinued operations have been aggregated to a single caption entitled loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

   

13 Weeks Ended

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Revenues

                               

Mitchell's Restaurants

  $ -     $ 17,648     $ 4,343     $ 55,544  

Other Restaurants

    -       700       (3 )     3,386  

Total revenues

    -       18,348       4,340       58,930  
                                 

Costs and expenses

                               

Recurring costs and expenses

                               

Mitchell's Restaurants

    90       18,124       5,227       55,970  

Other Restaurants

    34       885       148       4,040  

Impairment losses

                               

Mitchell's Restaurants

    -       15,295       -       15,295  

Other Restaurants

    -       -       -       -  

Total costs and expenses

    124       34,304       5,375       75,305  
                                 

Loss before income taxes

    (124 )     (15,956 )     (1,035 )     (16,375 )
                                 

Income tax benefit

    (51 )     (6,460 )     (453 )     (6,990 )
                                 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

  $ (73 )   $ (9,496 )   $ (582 )   $ (9,385 )

 

 
9

 

 

In addition to the Mitchell’s Restaurants, discontinued operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 also includes the results of other closed restaurants. Due to an expiring lease term, the Company closed the Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Kansas City, MO in March 2014 after seventeen years of operation. As the closing of this restaurant coincided with the termination of the lease agreement, the Company did not incur significant expenses related to the closing of this location. Due to local market conditions and disappointing financial results, the Company negotiated early terminations of the facility leases for the Stamford, CT Mitchell’s Fish Market restaurant, which closed in March 2014, and the Providence, RI Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant, which closed in September 2014.

 

Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Except for the receipt of $10 million for the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we do not anticipate that the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants or any of our closed restaurants reported as discontinued operations will have a material impact on the Company’s cash flow during fiscal year 2015.

 

(4) Long-term Debt

 

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

 

   

September 27,

   

December 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Senior Credit Facility:

               

Revolving credit facility

  $ 5,000     $ 13,000  

Less current maturities

    -       -  
    $ 5,000     $ 13,000  

 

As of September 27, 2015, the Company had $5.0 million of outstanding indebtedness under its senior credit facility with approximately $90.8 million of borrowings available, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4.2 million. As of September 27, 2015, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding indebtedness was 2.3%. In addition, the fees on the Company’s unused senior credit facility and outstanding letters of credit were 0.2% and 2.1%, respectively.

 

 
10

 

 

On February 14, 2012, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, as administrative agent, and certain other lenders (the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement allows for loan advances plus outstanding letters of credit of up to $100 million to be outstanding at any time that the conditions for borrowings are met. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement sets the interest rates applicable to borrowings based on the Company’s actual leverage ratio, ranging (a) from 2.00% to 2.75% above the applicable LIBOR rate or (b) at the Company’s option, from 1.00% to 1.75% above the applicable base rate.

 

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary covenants and restrictions, including, but not limited to: (1) prohibitions on incurring additional indebtedness and from guaranteeing obligations of others; (2) prohibitions on creating, incurring, assuming or permitting to exist any lien on or with respect to any property or asset; (3) limitations on the Company’s ability to enter into joint ventures, acquisitions, and other investments; (4) prohibitions on directly or indirectly creating or becoming liable with respect to certain contingent liabilities; and (5) restrictions on directly or indirectly declaring, ordering, paying, or making any restricted junior payments. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25:1.00 and the maximum leverage ratio of 2.50:1.00. The agreement was amended in May 2013 to reset the limit applicable to junior stock payments, which include both cash dividend payments and repurchase of common and preferred stock. Junior stock payments made subsequent to December 30, 2012 through the end of the agreement are limited to $100 million; $44.8 million of such payments had been made as of September 27, 2015. The Company’s obligations under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of its existing and future subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of its assets and a pledge of the capital stock of its subsidiaries. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes customary events of default. As of September 27, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

 

(5) Shareholders’ Equity

 

In May 2013, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program. Under the program, the Company was authorized from time to time to purchase up to $30 million of its outstanding common stock. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014, 866,410 shares were repurchased at an aggregate cost of $10.3 million, or an average cost of $11.87 per share. The share repurchases were made in the open market at the Company’s discretion, within pricing parameters set by the Board of Directors.

 

On November 17, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of outstanding common stock from time to time in the open market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending on share price, market conditions and other factors. The new share repurchase program replaced the Company’s previous share repurchase program announced in May 2013, which was terminated. The new share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares, and has no termination date. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, 752,438 shares were repurchased under this new program at an aggregate cost of $11.7 million, or an average cost of $15.52 per share. As of September 27, 2015, $33.2 million remained available for future purchases under the new program. Share repurchases under both programs were accounted for under the cost method and all repurchased shares were retired and cancelled. The excess of the purchase price over the par value of the shares was recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends during the periods presented (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

Declaration Date

 

Dividend per Share

 

Record Date

 

Total Amount

 

Payment Date

                     

Fiscal Year 2015:

                   

February 13, 2015

  $ 0.06  

February 26, 2015

  $ 2,082  

March 12, 2015

April 21, 2015

  $ 0.06  

May 14, 2015

  $ 2,090  

May 28, 2015

July 22, 2015

  $ 0.06  

August 13, 2015

  $ 2,108  

August 27, 2015

                     

Fiscal Year 2014:

                   

February 21, 2014

  $ 0.05  

March 13, 2014

  $ 1,798  

March 27, 2014

April 22, 2014

  $ 0.05  

May 15, 2014

  $ 1,798  

May 29, 2014

July 23, 2014

  $ 0.05  

August 14, 2014

  $ 1,778  

August 28, 2014

 

Subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per common and restricted share, or approximately $2.1 million in the aggregate based on the number of shares currently outstanding, payable on December 3, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 19, 2015.

 

 
11

 

 

Outstanding unvested restricted stock is not included in common stock outstanding amounts. Restricted stock outstanding as of September 27, 2015 aggregated 1,140,082 shares.

 

(6) Fair Value Measurements

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to their short duration. Borrowings classified as long-term debt as of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 have variable interest rates that reflect currently available terms and conditions for similar debt. The carrying amount of this debt is a reasonable estimate of its fair value (Level 2).

 

As of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company had no assets or liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” FASB ASC Topic 820, except for the Mitchell’s Restaurants assets held for sale using a market approach valuation method (Level 3).

 

(7) Segment Information

 

Previously, the Company provided financial information for three operating segments: the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment, the Company-owned fish market restaurant segment and the franchise operations segment. As a consequence of the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants, management has determined that the Company has two reportable segments – the Company-owned steakhouse segment and the franchise operations segment. Previously reported segment information has been revised to exclude the Mitchell’s Restaurants. The Company does not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue.

 

The Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, all of which are located in North America, operate within the full-service dining industry, providing similar products to similar customers. Revenues are derived principally from food and beverage sales. As of September 27, 2015, (i) the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment included 66 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and one Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant operating under a management agreement and (ii) the franchise operations segment included 79 franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants. Segment profits for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segments equal segment revenues less segment expenses. Segment revenues for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurants include restaurant sales, management agreement income and other restaurant income. Gift card breakage revenue is not allocated to operating segments. Not all operating expenses are allocated to operating segments. Segment expenses for the Company-owned steakhouse segment include food and beverage costs and restaurant operating expenses.  No other operating costs are allocated to the segments for the purpose of determining segment profits because such costs are not directly related to the operation of individual restaurants. The accounting policies applicable to each segment are consistent with the policies used to prepare the consolidated financial statements. The profit of the franchise operations segment equals franchise income, which consists of franchise royalty fees and franchise opening fees. No costs are allocated to the franchise operations segment.

 

 
12

 

 

Segment information related to the Company’s two reportable business segments follows (in thousands):

 

 

   

13 Weeks Ended

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Revenues:

                               

Company-owned steakhouse restaurants

  $ 75,815     $ 69,674     $ 254,819     $ 234,441  

Franchise operations

    3,965       3,517       12,103       11,360  

Unallocated other revenue and revenue discounts, net

    512       604       1,763       1,354  

Total revenues

  $ 80,292     $ 73,795     $ 268,685     $ 247,155  
                                 

Segment profits:

                               

Company-owned steakhouse restaurants

  $ 12,785     $ 10,271     $ 55,562     $ 46,959  

Franchise operations

    3,965       3,517       12,103       11,360  

Total segment profit

    16,750       13,788       67,665       58,319  
                                 

Unallocated operating income

    512       604       1,763       1,354  

Marketing and advertising expenses

    (2,312 )     (1,990 )     (6,352 )     (5,658 )

General and administrative costs

    (7,442 )     (5,352 )     (21,334 )     (17,424 )

Depreciation and amortization expenses

    (3,241 )     (2,693 )     (9,347 )     (7,918 )

Pre-opening costs

    (112 )     (395 )     (627 )     (924 )

Interest expense, net

    (188 )     (297 )     (588 )     (881 )

Other income

    9       5       40       25  

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

  $ 3,976     $ 3,670     $ 31,220     $ 26,893  
                                 

Capital expenditures:

                               

Company-owned steakhouse restaurants

  $ 6,376     $ 4,728     $ 13,646     $ 9,563  

Corporate assets

    97       112       723       1,013  

Mitchell's Restaurants

    -       573       225       1,199  

Total capital expenditures

  $ 6,473     $ 5,413     $ 14,594     $ 11,775  

 

   

September 27,

   

December 28,

                 
   

2015

   

2014

                 
                                 

Total assets:

                               

Company-owned steakhouse restaurants

  $ 155,146     $ 155,757                  

Franchise operations

    1,910       2,151                  

Corporate assets - unallocated

    13,633       16,711                  

Deferred income taxes - unallocated

    17,540       28,829                  

Mitchell's Restaurants

    250       15,119                  

Total assets

  $ 188,479     $ 218,567                  

 

(8) Stock-Based Employee Compensation

 

Under the Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, at September 27, 2015, there were 265,448 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding options, 1,140,082 currently outstanding restricted stock awards and 2,099,854 shares available for future grants. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, the Company issued 883,662 restricted stock awards to directors, officers and other employees of the Company. Of the 883,662 restricted stock awards issued during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, 104,567 shares will vest pro rata over three annual service periods through March 9, 2018, 54,095 will vest upon completion of a two-year service period on March 9, 2017, 100,000 shares will vest pro rata over three annual service periods through June 15, 2018, 325,000 will vest at 25% annually with the first vesting date occurring on June 15, 2018 and ending June 15, 2021 and 300,000 will vest at 25% annually with the first vesting date occurring on June 30, 2017 and ending June 30, 2020. Total stock compensation expense recognized during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 was $2.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

 

 
13

 

 

(9) Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense differs from amounts computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes as follows:

 

 

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Income tax expense at statutory rates

    35.0 %     35.0 %

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

               

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

    4.5 %     4.5 %

Federal employment tax credits

    (7.2 %)     (7.4 %)

Other

    0.2 %     1.5 %
                 

Effective tax rate

    32.5 %     33.6 %

 

 

The Company utilizes the federal FICA tip credit to reduce its periodic federal income tax expense. A restaurant company employer may claim a credit against the company’s federal income taxes for FICA taxes paid on certain tip wages (the FICA tip credit). The credit against income tax liability is for the full amount of eligible FICA taxes. Employers cannot deduct from taxable income the amount of FICA taxes taken into account in determining the credit.

 

Income taxes applicable to discontinued operations are comprised of (a) taxes calculated at the composite federal and state statutory tax rate times the pre-tax loss plus (b) the FICA tip credit benefit attributable to the restaurant sales of the Mitchell’s Restaurants. A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate applicable to discontinued operations for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 follows:

 

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Income tax expense at statutory rates

  $ (362 )   $ (5,731 )

Decrease in income taxes resulting from:

               

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

    (47 )     (737 )

Other, primarily federal FICA tip credit net benefit

    (44 )     (522 )
    $ (453 )   $ (6,990 )
                 

Effective tax rate

    43.7 %     42.7 %

 

 

The Company files consolidated and separate income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction and many state jurisdictions, respectively. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal or state income tax examinations for years before 2010.

 

 
14

 

 

 

(10) Earnings Per Share

 

 The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share (amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 

   

13 Weeks Ended

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
                                 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 
                                 

Income from continuing operations

  $ 2,638     $ 2,198     $ 21,075     $ 17,855  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

    (73 )     (9,496 )     (582 )     (9,385 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 2,565     (7,298 )   $ 20,493     $ 8,470  

Shares:

                               

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

    33,989,364       34,925,592       34,183,137       35,047,458  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

    34,338,440       34,925,592       34,537,553       35,567,738  
                                 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 0.08     $ 0.06     $ 0.62     $ 0.51  

Discontinued operations

    (0.00 )     (0.27 )     (0.02 )     (0.27 )

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

  $ 0.08     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.60     $ 0.24  
                                 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 0.08     $ 0.06     $ 0.61     $ 0.51  

Discontinued operations

    (0.00 )     (0.27 )     (0.02 )     (0.27 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

  $ 0.08     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.59     $ 0.24  

 

Diluted earnings per share for the third quarters of fiscal year 2015 and 2014 excludes stock options and restricted shares of 33,853 and 182,515, respectively, which were outstanding during the period but were anti-dilutive. The weighted average exercise prices of the anti-dilutive stock options for third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 were $18.92 per share and $18.70 per share, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 also excludes stock options and restricted shares of 379,814, which were anti-dilutive due to the loss for the fiscal quarter. Diluted earnings per share for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 excludes stock options and restricted shares of 65,367 and 157,373, respectively, which were outstanding during the period but were anti-dilutive. The weighted average exercise prices of the anti-dilutive stock options for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 were $18.77 per share and $18.70 per share, respectively.

 

(11) Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is subject to various claims, possible legal actions and other matters arising in the normal course of business. Management does not expect disposition of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred.

 

The legislation and regulations related to tax and unclaimed property matters are complex and subject to varying interpretations by both government authorities and taxpayers. The Company remits a variety of taxes and fees to various governmental authorities, including excise taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, and payroll taxes. The taxes and fees remitted by the Company are subject to review and audit by the applicable governmental authorities which could assert claims for additional assessments. Although management believes that the tax positions are reasonable and consequently there are no accrued liabilities for claims which may be asserted, various taxing authorities may challenge certain of the positions taken by the Company which may result in additional liability for taxes and interest. These tax positions are reviewed periodically based on the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, the conclusion of tax audits, the identification of new tax contingencies, or the rendering of relevant court decisions. An unfavorable resolution of assessments by a governmental authority could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

 

The Company is subject to unclaimed or abandoned property (escheat) laws which require the Company to turn over to certain state governmental authorities the property of others held by the Company that has been unclaimed for specified periods of time. The Company is subject to audit by individual U.S. states with regard to its escheatment practices.

 

 
15

 

 

The Company sells a considerable number of gift cards, which are issued and administered by a third party gift card issuer and service provider, consistent with common retail industry practice. The third party gift card issuer is paid a net fee for its services by the Company. The third party gift card issuer and service provider, as well as a number of other restaurant companies, retailers and gift card issuers, were named as defendants in an action filed under seal in June 2013 by William French on behalf of the State of Delaware in the Superior Court of Delaware in and for New Castle County alleging violations of Delaware law. The filing was unsealed in March 2014. The complaint alleges that approximately $30 million with respect to unused gift cards should be escheated by the Company to the State of Delaware and seeks interest and penalties, attorneys’ fees and costs, and an injunction against alleged future violations of Delaware’s unclaimed property laws. The Company has not yet been served with the complaint. The Company believes that it is in compliance with Delaware’s unclaimed property laws and intends to defend its position vigorously if served. To protect its interests, the Company has joined in a notice to remove the case to federal district court, which was filed in May 2014, and a motion to dismiss filed by all defendants in June 2014. In December 2014, the case was remanded back to Superior Court of Delaware. After the remand, the motion to dismiss was refiled in Delaware Superior Court and is currently pending.

 

The Company currently buys a majority of its beef from two suppliers. Although there are a limited number of beef suppliers, management believes that other suppliers could provide similar product on comparable terms. A change in suppliers, however, could cause supply shortages and a possible loss of sales, which would affect operating results adversely.

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect, when made, the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements frequently are identified by the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “targeting,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” or other similar words and phrases. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company’s objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected, implied or anticipated by the Company’s forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include: reductions in the availability of, or increases in the cost of, USDA Prime grade beef, fish and other food items; changes in economic conditions and general trends; the loss of key management personnel; the effect of market volatility on the Company’s stock price; health concerns about beef or other food products; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; changes in consumer preferences or discretionary spending; labor shortages or increases in labor costs; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to Company employees, the sale or preparation of food, the sale of alcoholic beverages and the opening of new restaurants; harmful actions taken by the Company’s franchisees; a material failure, interruption or security breach of the Company’s information technology network; repeal or reduction of the federal FICA tip credit; unexpected expenses incurred as a result of the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants; the Company’s ability to protect its name and logo and other proprietary information; an impairment in the financial statement carrying value of our goodwill, other intangible assets or property; the impact of litigation; the restrictions imposed by the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement; and changes in, or the discontinuation of, the Company’s quarterly cash dividend payments or share repurchase program. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. You should not assume that material events subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have not occurred.

 

Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this report to the “Company,” “Ruth’s,” “we,” “us”, “our” or similar words are to Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a Delaware corporation formerly known as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc., and was founded in 1965.

 

Overview

 

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a leading restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. operates Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and sells franchise rights to Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisees giving the franchisees the exclusive right to operate similar restaurants in a particular area designated in the franchise agreement. As of September 27, 2015, there were 146 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, including 66 Company-owned restaurants, one restaurant operating under a management agreement and 79 franchisee-owned restaurants.

 

 
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As of December 28, 2014, we also operated eighteen Mitchell’s Fish Markets and three Mitchell’s/Cameron’s Steakhouse restaurants (collectively, the Mitchell’s Restaurants), located primarily in the Midwest and Florida. On January 21, 2015, we sold the Mitchell’s Restaurants to a third party for $10 million. The assets sold consisted primarily of leasehold interests, leasehold improvements, restaurant equipment and furnishings, inventory, and related intangible assets, including brand names and trademarks associated with the 21 Mitchell’s Restaurants. For financial reporting purposes, the Mitchell’s Restaurants are classified as a discontinued operation for all periods presented and, as of December 28, 2014, the assets were classified as held for sale.

 

During 2015, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The Ruth’s Chris menu features a broad selection of high-quality USDA Prime- and Choice-grade steaks and other premium offerings served in Ruth’s Chris’ signature fashion—“sizzling” and topped with butter—complemented by other traditional menu items inspired by our New Orleans heritage. The Ruth’s Chris restaurants reflect the 50 year commitment to the core values instilled by our founder, Ruth Fertel, of caring for our guests by delivering the highest quality food, beverages and service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

 

All Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants are located in the United States. The franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants include 20 international franchisee-owned restaurants in Aruba, Canada, China, Hong Kong, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. In February 2015, we opened a new Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant in St. Petersburg, FL, and a new Company-owned restaurant is expected to open in Dallas, TX in our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015. New franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants opened in Ann Arbor, MI and Charleston, SC in May 2015. We opened three new Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants in 2014 – one in Denver, CO in January, one in Gaithersburg, MD in October, and one in Marina del Rey, CA in November. In February 2014, we acquired the franchisee-owned restaurant located in Austin, TX. Three new franchisee-owned restaurants opened in 2014 – one in Boise, ID in February, one in Panama City, Panama in September and one in Taipei, Taiwan in December. Due to an expiring lease term, we closed the Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Kansas City, MO in March 2014 after seventeen years of operation. Due to local market conditions and disappointing financial results, we negotiated an early termination of the facility lease for the Providence, RI Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant, which closed in September 2014.

 

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, our first and fourth quarters have tended to be the strongest revenue quarters due largely to the year-end holiday season and the popularity of dining out during the fall and winter months. Consequently, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular period may decrease.

 

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 provides additional information about our business, operations and financial condition.

 

 
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 Results of Operations

 

The table below sets forth certain operating data expressed as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated, except as otherwise noted. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected in the future.

 

 

   

13 Weeks Ended

   

39 Weeks Ended

 
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Revenues:

                               

Restaurant sales

    93.7 %     93.9 %     94.2 %     94.0 %

Franchise income

    4.9 %     4.8 %     4.5 %     4.6 %

Other operating income

    1.3 %     1.3 %     1.3 %     1.4 %

Total revenues

    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Food and beverage costs (percentage of restaurant sales)

    31.5 %     32.0 %     30.8 %     31.7 %

Restaurant operating expenses (percentage of restaurant sales)

    52.3 %     53.7 %     47.9 %     49.0 %

Marketing and advertising

    2.9 %     2.7 %     2.4 %     2.3 %

General and administrative costs

    9.3 %     7.3 %     7.9 %     7.0 %

Depreciation and amortization expenses

    4.0 %     3.6 %     3.5 %     3.2 %

Pre-opening costs

    0.1 %     0.5 %     0.2 %     0.4 %

Total costs and expenses

    94.8 %     94.6 %     88.2 %     88.8 %

Operating income

    5.2 %     5.4 %     11.8 %     11.2 %
                                 

Other income (expense):

                               

Interest expense, net

    (0.2 %)     (0.4 %)     (0.2 %)     (0.4 %)

Other

    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

    5.0 %     5.0 %     11.6 %     10.9 %

Income tax expense

    1.7 %     2.0 %     3.8 %     3.7 %

Income from continuing operations

    3.3 %     3.0 %     7.8 %     7.2 %

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

    (0.1 %)     (12.9 %)     (0.2 %)     (3.8 %)

Net income (loss)

    3.2 %     (9.9 %)     7.6 %     3.4 %

 

Third Quarter Ended September 27, 2015 (13 Weeks) Compared to Third Quarter Ended September 28, 2014 (13 Weeks)

 

Overview. Operating income increased by $193 thousand, or 4.9%, to $4.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was favorably impacted by a $6.0 million increase in restaurant sales, offset by a $1.5 million increase in food and beverage costs, a $2.1 million increase in restaurant operating expenses and a $2.1 million increase in general and administrative costs. Income from continuing operations increased from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 by $440 thousand to $2.6 million. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 by $9.9 million to $2.6 million. The loss for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 includes the $9.3 million after-tax impact of the impairment loss on Mitchell’s Restaurants. The results of operations and impairment charges for the Mitchell’s Restaurants have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Segment Profits. Segment profitability information is presented in Note 7 to the financial statements. Not all operating expenses are allocated to operating segments. The Ruth’s Chris Steak House Company-owned restaurants, which are all located in the United States, are managed as an operating segment. The Ruth’s Chris concept operates within the full-service dining industry, providing similar products to similar customers. The franchise operations are reported as a separate operating segment. No costs are allocated to the franchise operations segment. Segment profits for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment increased by $2.5 million to $12.8 million from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase was driven by a $6.1 million increase in revenues, which exceeded the increase in segment operating expenses. Franchise income in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased by $448 thousand to $4.0 million from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

 

 
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Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased by $6.0 million, or 8.6%, to $75.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase was attributable to a $2.2 million increase in Company-owned comparable sales and $3.8 million in restaurant sales at new restaurants. Excluding discontinued operations, total operating weeks during the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased to 858 from 819 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Company-owned comparable restaurant sales increased 3.3%, driven by an average check increase of 3.8% partially offset by an entrée decrease of 0.5%.

 

Franchise Income. Franchise income in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased $448 thousand, or 12.7%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The majority of the increase during the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was due to new franchise restaurants that opened since September 2014. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 there was also a $186 thousand recovery of franchise royalties from prior periods.

 

Other Operating Income. Other operating income in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was relatively unchanged compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Other operating income includes gift card breakage revenue, our share of income from a managed restaurant and miscellaneous restaurant income.

 

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs increased $1.5 million, or 7.0%, to $23.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 31.5% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from 32.0% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to a 3.8% increase in the average check partially offset by a 3.1% increase in beef costs.

 

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $2.1 million, or 5.6%, to $39.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased to 52.3% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from 53.7% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily attributable to lower healthcare claims.

 

Marketing and Advertising. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $322 thousand to $2.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase in marketing and advertising expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was primarily attributable to a planned increase in advertising spending.

 

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased $2.1 million to $7.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily attributable to performance-based compensation and an increase in stock based compensation.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $548 thousand to $3.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 primarily due to depreciation on new restaurant assets placed in service within the last twelve months.

 

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs were $112 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 primarily due to the planned opening of the Dallas, TX Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015. Pre-opening costs were $395 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 primarily due to two new Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants that opened in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $109 thousand to $188 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 from the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in expense was primarily due to a lower average debt balance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015.

 

Income Tax Expense. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, we recognized income tax expense of $1.3 million. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, we recognized income tax expense of $1.5 million. The effective tax rate, including the impact of discrete items, decreased to 33.7% for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 compared to 40.1% for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to unfavorable discrete items recognized in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Fiscal year 2015 discrete items and other unexpected changes impacting annual tax financial accounting tax expense may cause the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2015 to differ from the effective tax rate for the third quarter.

 

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations of $2.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased by $440 thousand compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 due to the factors noted above.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of income taxes. Loss from discontinued operation, net of income taxes, for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was $73 thousand compared to $9.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The $9.5 million loss recognized in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 was primarily due to a $9.3 million net of tax loss on impairment recognized on the Mitchell’s Restaurants.

 

 
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Net Income (Loss). Net income was $2.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 and increased by $9.9 million compared to a loss of $7.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The increase was largely attributable to the factors noted above.

 

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Compared to Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014

 

Overview. Operating income increased $4.0 million, or 14.5%, to $31.8 million for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. Operating income for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 was favorably impacted by a $20.7 million increase in restaurant sales, offset by a $4.3 million increase in food and beverage costs, a $7.5 million increase in restaurant operating expenses and a $3.9 million increase in general and administrative costs. Income from continuing operations increased from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 by $3.2 million to $21.1 million. Net income for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 increased from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 by $12.0 million to $20.5 million. The loss for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 includes the $9.3 million after-tax impact of the impairment loss on Mitchell’s Restaurants. The results of operations and impairment charges for the Mitchell’s Restaurants have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Segment Profits. Segment profits for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment increased by $8.6 million to $55.6 million from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase was driven by a $20.4 million increase in revenues, which exceeded the increase in segment operating expenses. Franchise income increased $743 thousand in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 to $12.1 million from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014.

 

Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased by $20.7 million, or 8.9%, to $253.1 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase was attributable to a $7.7 million increase in Company-owned comparable restaurant sales and $13.0 million in restaurant sales at new restaurants. Excluding discontinued operations, total operating weeks for all brands during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 increased to 2,568 from 2,447 in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. Company-owned comparable restaurant sales increased 3.4%, driven by an average check increase of 3.5% partially offset by an entrée decrease of 0.1%.

 

Franchise Income. Franchise income in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 increased $743 thousand compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase was primarily due to new franchise restaurants that opened since September 2014. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 there was also a $186 thousand recovery of franchise royalties from prior periods.

 

Other Operating Income. Other operating income in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 was relatively unchanged compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. Other operating income includes gift card breakage revenue, our share of income from a managed restaurant and miscellaneous restaurant income.

 

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs increased $4.3 million, or 5.9%, to $78.0 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. As a percentage of restaurant sales, food and beverage costs decreased to 30.8% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from 31.7% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily due to a 3.5% increase in average check without a corresponding increase in costs.

 

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $7.5 million, or 6.6%, to $121.3 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. Restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased to 47.9% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from 49.0% in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily attributable to lower healthcare claims.

 

Marketing and Advertising. Marketing and advertising expenses increased $694 thousand to $6.4 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase in marketing and advertising expenses in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2015 was primarily attributable to a planned increase in advertising spending. Marketing and advertising expenses as a percentage of revenue in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 were relatively unchanged compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014.

 

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased $3.9 million to $21.3 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily attributable to performance-based compensation and an increase in executive compensation.

 

 
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Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.4 million to $9.3 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 primarily due to depreciation on new restaurant assets placed in service within the last twelve months.

 

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs were $627 thousand in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 primarily due to the opening of the St. Petersburg, FL Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant and the planned opening of the Dallas, TX Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015. Pre-opening costs were $924 thousand in the first thirty-nine weeks fiscal year 2014 primarily due to the opening of three new Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants in fiscal year 2014.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $293 thousand to $588 thousand in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 from the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The decrease in expense was primarily due to a lower average debt balance during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015.

 

Income Tax Expense. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, we recognized income tax expense of $10.1 million. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014, we recognized income tax expense of $9.0 million. The effective tax rate, including the impact of discrete items, decreased to 32.5% for the first thirty-nine weeks fiscal year 2015 compared to 33.6% for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to a decrease in the recognition of unfavorable discrete income tax items during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. Fiscal year 2015 discrete items and other unexpected changes impacting annual tax financial accounting tax expense may cause the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2015 to differ from the effective tax rate for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015.

 

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations of $21.1 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 increased by $3.2 million compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 due to the factors noted above.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of income taxes. Loss from discontinued operation, net of income taxes, for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 was $582 thousand compared with a loss of $9.4 million during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The loss in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 was primarily attributable to the Mitchell’s Restaurants. The loss for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 includes the $9.3 million after-tax impact of the impairment loss on Mitchell’s Restaurants.

 

Net Income. Net income was $20.5 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 and increased by $12.0 million compared to $8.5 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014. The increase was largely attributable to the factors noted above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview

 

Our principal sources of cash during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 were net cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets and borrowings under our $100 million senior credit facility. Our principal uses of cash during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 were for capital expenditures, principal repayments under our $100 million senior credit facility, common stock repurchases and dividend payments.

 

Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Except for the receipt of $10 million cash for the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, we do not anticipate that the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants or any of our closed restaurants reported in discontinued operations will have a material impact on the Company’s cash flow during fiscal year 2015.

 

During November 2014, a new share repurchase program was approved by our Board of Directors under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of outstanding common stock from time to time. The new share repurchase program replaced the previous share repurchase program announced in May 2013, which has been terminated. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, 752,438 shares were repurchased under the repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $11.7 million or an average cost of $15.52 per share. All repurchased shares were retired and cancelled. As of September 27, 2015, $33.2 million remained available for future purchases under the new program.

 

 
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During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, we commenced paying quarterly cash dividends to holders of common and restricted stock. We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, or $2.1 million in the aggregate, during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal year 2015. On October 30, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, or approximately $2.1 million in the aggregate, to be paid on December 3, 2015 to common and restricted stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 19, 2015. Future dividends will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors. 

 

We have decreased borrowing under our senior credit facility by $8.0 million since the end of fiscal year 2014. As of September 27, 2015, we had $5.0 million of outstanding indebtedness under our senior credit facility with approximately $90.8 million of borrowings available, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4.2 million. As of September 27, 2015, the weighted average interest rate on our outstanding indebtedness was 2.3%. In addition, the fees on our unused senior credit facility and outstanding letters of credit were 0.2% and 2.1%, respectively.

 

We amended our senior credit agreement in May 2013 to reset the limit applicable to junior stock payments, which include both cash dividend payments and repurchases of common and preferred stock. As a result of the amendment, we are permitted to make up to $100 million in junior stock payments subsequent to December 30, 2012 through the end of the agreement; $44.8 million of such payments had been made as of September 27, 2015. As of September 27, 2015, we were in compliance with all the covenants under our senior credit facility.

 

We believe that our cash flow from operations coupled with our borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility should provide us with adequate liquidity for the next 12 months. We anticipate capital expenditures for fiscal year 2015 will total approximately $19.0 million to $21.0 million.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

The following table presents a summary of our net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands):

 

   

39 Weeks Ended

         
   

September 27,

   

September 28,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

               

Operating activities

  $ 29,505     $ 13,112  

Investing activities

    (4,594 )     (14,435 )

Financing activities

    (26,420 )     (5,777 )

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  $ (1,509 )   $ (7,100 )

 

 

Operating Activities. Operating cash inflows pertain primarily to restaurant sales and franchise income. Operating cash outflows pertain primarily to expenditures for food and beverages, restaurant operating expenses, marketing and advertising and general and administrative costs. Operating activities provided cash flow during the first thirty-nine weeks of both fiscal years 2015 and 2014 primarily because operating revenues exceeded cash-based expenses.

 

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities aggregated $4.6 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 compared with $14.4 million cash used in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 primarily due to receipt of $10 million from the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets. Investing cash outflows during the first thirty-nine weeks of both fiscal years 2015 and 2014 pertained primarily to capital expenditure projects. Cash used in investing projects during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015 pertained to $8.6 million for restaurant remodel projects and $5.7 million for new restaurants. Cash used in investing activities during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014 pertained to $5.0 million for restaurant remodel projects, $5.8 million for leasehold improvements at a new Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant and $2.8 million for the acquisition of the Austin, TX Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurant from an owner franchisee.

 

Financing Activities. Financing activities used cash during the first thirty-nine weeks of both fiscal years 2015 and 2014. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, we: reduced the debt outstanding under our senior credit facility by $8.0 million; used $11.7 million to repurchase common stock; paid $1.4 million in employee taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options; and paid dividends of $6.3 million. We paid $1.4 million in taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options because some recipients elected to satisfy their individual minimum tax withholding obligations by having us withhold a number of vested shares of restricted stock and/or a number of shares otherwise issuable pursuant to stock options. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2014, we: increased the debt outstanding under our senior credit facility by $11.0 million to fund operations and capital expenditures; used $10.3 million to repurchase common stock; paid $2.9 million in taxes related to stock based compensation; and paid dividends of $5.4 million.

 

 
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of September 27, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 includes a summary of the critical accounting policies and estimates that we believe are the most important to aid in the understanding our financial results. There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies and estimates that impacted our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015.

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect the fair market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely, for variable rate debt, including borrowings under the Company’s senior credit facility, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value of such debt, but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. At September 27, 2015, the Company had $5.0 million invariable rate debt outstanding. The Company currently does not use financial instruments to hedge its risk to market fluctuations in interest rates. Ceteris paribus, a hypothetical immediate one percentage point change in interest rates would be expected to have an impact on pre-tax earnings and cash flows for fiscal year 2015 of less than $100 thousand.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

The Company believes that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates do not present a material risk to its operations due to the relatively small amount of franchise income it receives from outside the U.S. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, franchise income attributable to international locations was approximately $2.3 million in each year.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market price fluctuations in beef and other food product prices, which in the past have been volatile and have impacted the Company’s food and beverage costs. As the Company typically sets its menu prices in advance of its beef and other food product purchases, the Company cannot quickly react to changing costs of beef and other food items. To the extent that the Company is unable to pass the increased costs on to its guests through price increases, the Company’s results of operations would be adversely affected. As of September 27, 2015, the Company had not negotiated set pricing for any of its beef requirements for the remainder of fiscal year 2015. The market for USDA Prime grade beef is particularly volatile. If prices increase, or the supply of beef is reduced, operating margin could be materially adversely affected. Ceteris paribus, a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in beef prices would have an approximate impact on pre-tax earnings ranging from $1.0 million to $1.5 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2015.

 

From time to time, the Company enters into purchase price agreements for other lower-volume food products, including seafood. In the past, certain types of seafood have experienced fluctuations in availability. Seafood is also subject to fluctuations in price based on availability, which is often seasonal. If certain types of seafood are unavailable, or if the Company’s costs increase, the Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Effects of Healthcare Inflation

 

The Company is exposed to market price fluctuations related to the cost of providing healthcare to its employees. Claim trends are predicted to outpace inflation throughout the upcoming year. Pharmacy costs are also rising in excess of general and medical cost inflation. If prices increase, or the Company experiences significantly more claims, operating margin could be materially adversely affected. Ceretis paribus, a hypothetical 10% fluctuation in healthcare costs would have an approximate impact on pre-tax earnings of approximately $250 thousand for the remainder of 2015.

 

Effects of Inflation

 

The Company believes that general inflation, excluding increases in food and employee health plan costs, has not had a material impact on its results of operations in recent years. Additionally, increases in statutory minimum wage rates may increase our operating costs. During 2014 and 2015, governmental entities acted to increase minimum wage rates in several states where Company-owned restaurants are located. The increased minimum wage rates are expected to increase employee compensation and related taxes by approximately $800 thousand in fiscal year 2015 compared to fiscal year 2014. Also, the U.S. government may consider legislation to increase the federal minimum wage rate, which, if enacted, would further increase employee compensation and related taxes.

 

 
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ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of September 27, 2015. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 27, 2015 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2015, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that in the Company’s judgment has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. While litigation is subject to uncertainties and the outcome of litigated matters is not predictable with assurance, the Company is not aware of any legal proceedings pending or threatened against it that it expects to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company sells a considerable number of gift cards, which are issued and administered by a third party gift card issuer and service provider, consistent with common retail industry practice. The third party gift card issuer is paid a net fee for its services by the Company. The third party gift card issuer and service provider, as well as a number of other restaurant companies, retailers and gift card issuers, were named as defendants in an action filed under seal in June 2013 by William French on behalf of the State of Delaware in the Superior Court of Delaware in and for New Castle County alleging violations of Delaware law. The filing was unsealed in March 2014. The complaint alleges that approximately $30 million with respect to unused gift cards should be escheated by the Company to the State of Delaware and seeks interest and penalties, attorneys’ fees and costs, and an injunction against alleged future violations of Delaware’s unclaimed property laws. The Company has not yet been served with the complaint. The Company believes that it is in compliance with Delaware’s unclaimed property laws and intends to defend its position vigorously if served. To protect its interests, the Company has joined in a notice to remove the case to federal district court, which was filed in May 2014, and a motion to dismiss filed by all defendants in June 2014. In December 2014, the case was remanded back to Superior Court of Delaware. After the remand, the motion to dismiss was refiled in Delaware Superior Court and is currently pending.

 

ITEM  1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes in the risk factors included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. The impact of circumstances and events described in such risk factors could result in significant adverse effects on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

 
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ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Stock repurchase activity during the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2015 was as follows:

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

   

Average Price Paid per Share

   

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program

   

Maximum Dollar Value that May Yet be Purchased under the Program (1) – Dollars in thousands

 
                                 

June 29, 2015 to August 2, 2015

    272,809     $ 15.99       272,809     $ 35,253  

August 3, 2015 to August 30, 2015

    71,600     $ 15.98       71,600     $ 34,109  

August 31, 2015 to September 27, 2015

    57,280     $ 15.98       57,280     $ 33,194  

Totals for the fiscal quarter

    401,689     $ 15.99       401,689     $ 33,194  

 

On November 17, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a new share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of outstanding common stock from time to time in the open market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise (including, without limitation, the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans), depending on share price, market conditions and other factors. The new share repurchase program replaced the Company’s previous share repurchase program announced in May 2013, which was terminated. The previous share repurchase program had permitted the repurchase of up to $30 million of outstanding common stock, of which approximately $19 million remained unused upon its termination. The new share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares, and has no termination date. The Company intends to conduct any open market share repurchase activities in compliance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. During the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2015, 401,689 shares were repurchased via open market transactions at an aggregate cash cost of $6.4 million. During the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2014, 325,220 shares were repurchased via open market transactions at an aggregate cash cost of $3.5 million. The repurchased shares were cancelled. As of September 27, 2015, $33.2 million remained available for further purchases under the new program.

 

ITEM  3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM  4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

None.

 

 ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM  6.

EXHIBITS

 

3.1   Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report filed on June 3, 2015).

 

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 Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 


 

 
25

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL

 

 

 

Michael P. O’Donnell

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board,

President and Chief

Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ ARNE G. HAAK

 

 

 

Arne G. Haak

 

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality

Group, Inc. (Principal Financial Officer)

 

       
       

Date: October 30, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

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