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A N N U A L R E P O R T
2 02 0 FIN A N CI A L HI GHL I GH T S
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Fiscal Year(1)
Selected Consolidated Financial Data:
As reported
Total revenues
Income from operations(2)
Net income
Income per share
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share
Basic
Diluted
Supplemental Non-GAAP information(3)
EBITDA(4)
Adjusted EBITDA(5)
$ 103,325
$ 27,172
$ 13,435
$101,849
$ 27,976
$ 21,493
$ 104,201
$ 27,100
$ 2,630
$96,256
$26,280
$ 7,485
$ 100,449
$ 24,963
$ 6,096
$
$
3.19
3.19
$
$
5.13
5.09
$
$
0.63
0.62
$ 1.79
$ 1.78
$
$
1.38
1.37
4,216
4,216
4,187
4,220
4,181
4,221
4,172
4,206
4,430
4,463
$ 29,848
$ 29,964
$ 41,414
$ 30,399
$ 19,055
$ 29,115
$27,766
$28,348
$ 26,269
$ 27,155
(1) Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in March, which results in a 52- or 53-week year. The fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 was on the basis of a 52-week reporting period. The
fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 was on the basis of a 53-week reporting period. The fiscal years ended March 25, 2018, March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 were each on the basis
of a 52-week reporting period.
(2) Represents total revenues less (i) cost of sales; (ii) restaurant operating expenses; (iii) general and administrative expenses; (iv) depreciation and amortization and (v) Advertising fund expense.
(3) The Company has provided EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA that the Company believes will impact the comparability of its results of operations. The Company believes that EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors to assist in assessing and understanding the Company’s operating performance and underlying trends in the Company’s business
because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are (i) among the measures used by management in evaluating performance and (ii) are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and
other interested parties as a common performance measure. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under US GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to
net income or other measures of financial performance or liquidity in conformity with US GAAP. Additionally, our definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other
companies. Analysis of results and outlook on a non-US GAAP basis should be used as a complement to, and in conjunction with, data presented in accordance with US GAAP.
120000
120000
(4) EBITDA represents net income adjusted for the reversal of (i) interest expense; (ii) provision for income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization expense.
120000
(5) Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for the reversal of (i) gain on sale of property and equipment; (ii) loss on debt extinguishment in fiscal 2018; (iii) impairment charge
on long-lived assets in fiscal 2018; (iv) share-based compensation; (v) impairment charges on long-term investment in fiscal 2016; and (vi) amortization of bond premium on
available-for-sale securities in fiscal 2016.
30000
30000
30000
100000
100000
100000
80000
80000
80000
60000
60000
60000
40000
40000
40000
20000
20000
20000
0
0
25000
25000
25000
20000
20000
20000
Corporate Profile
Over one hundred years ago, Nathan’s began as a nickel hot dog stand on Coney Island in 1916 and, over the past
century, has become a much-loved “New York institution” that has evolved into a highly recognized brand
throughout the United States and the world.
10000
10000
15000
15000
10000
15000
5000
5000
Through our innovative points-of-distribution strategies, Nathan’s products are marketed within our restaurant
system and throughout a broad spectrum of other food-service and retail environments. Our programs provide for
the sale of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries and other famous favorites to retail and
0
’15
’15
’18
food-service locations nationwide and within eleven foreign territories and countries. In total, Nathan’s products
are marketed for sale in approximately 78,000 locations, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers and club
stores throughout the United States. Last year, over 700 million Nathan’s Famous hot dogs were sold.
0
’15
’15
5000
’16
’16
’17
’17
’19
’19
’19
’19
’17
’17
’18
’18
’18
’18
’16
’16
’16
’16
’15
’15
’17
’18
’19
’17
’19
0
0
Successful market penetration of our highly-recognized valued brand and products, through a wide variety of
distribution channels, continues to provide new and exciting growth opportunities.
Total Revenues
($ in millions)
Income From Operations(2)
($ in millions)
Adjusted EBITDA(5)
($ in millions)
$100.4
$100.4
$100.4
$96.3
$96.3
$96.3
$104.2
$104.2
$104.2
$101.8
$101.8
$101.8
$103.3
$103.3
$103.3
$26.3
$26.3
$26.3
$27.1
$27.1
$27.1
$28.0
$28.0
$28.0
$27.2
$27.2
$27.2
$25.0
$25.0
$25.0
$28.3
$28.3
$28.3
$29.1
$29.1
$29.1
$27.2
$27.2
$27.2
$30.4
$30.4
$30.4
$30.0
$30.0
$30.0
’16
’16
’16
’17
’17
’17
’18
’18
’18
’19
’19
’19
’20
’20
’20
’16
’16
’16
’17
’17
’17
’18
’18
’18
’19
’19
’19
’20
’20
’20
’16
’16
’16
’17
’17
’17
’18
’18
’18
’19
’19
’19
’20
’20
’20
SH A R EH O L DER ’ S L E T T ER
Fiscal 2020 represented another successful
year for Nathan’s Famous, with the Company
continuing the expansion of its business model
aimed at increasing the number and types of
distribution points for its signature products.
ERIC GATOFF
Chief Executive Officer
Through our brand-marketing and product-distribution
strategy, which has been the driving force behind the
Company’s success over the last two decades, we have
transformed a regional quick-service restaurant concept
into an internationally recognized brand with a wide vari-
ety of quality products sold through varied channels of
distribution. In addition to a restaurant system comprised
of 220 Company-owned and franchised units, our prod-
ucts are offered for sale at over 70,000 different retail and
foodservice locations throughout all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands
and 11 foreign countries. In the aggregate, more than 700
million Nathan’s Famous hot dogs were sold through all
channels of distribution last year.
With that said, we must recognize that the global Covid-
19 pandemic, the response to which did not significantly
impact our fiscal 2020 (which ended in March), will cer-
tainly impact various parts of our business in fiscal 2021.
While the focus of this letter will still be on our activities
and results for fiscal 2020, I will, to the best of my ability,
indicate the effects of the pandemic going forward.
Operational and Financial Results
On an overall basis, results for fiscal 2020 compared
to fiscal 2019 were as follows: (1) EBITDA1, a non-GAAP
financial measure, was $29.85 Million, a decrease of
27.9%; (2) pre-tax income was $18.0 Million, a decrease
of 38.7%; (3) net income was $13.44 Million, a decrease
of 37.5%; and (4) diluted earnings per share were $3.19, a
decrease of 37.3%.
However, fiscal 2019 included several unusual one-time
gains from the sale of property and equipment. Excluding
the effect of these items: (1) Adjusted EBITDA1, a non-
GAAP financial measure, of $29.96 Million, represented
a decrease of 1.4% as compared to fiscal 2019; and (2)
Income from operations was $27.17 million, a decrease of
2.9% as compared to fiscal 2019.
Product Licensing
Our licensing program, which consists primarily of the
sale of Nathan’s Famous branded consumer-packaged
goods through supermarkets, club stores and mass mer-
chandisers, is the largest part of our business today, both
from the perspective of profit contribution and points of
distribution. Overall, license royalties during fiscal 2020
increased 9.5% to $25.86 Million.
Our most significant licensing agreement is with Smithfield
Foods/John Morrell & Co., and covers the sale of our port-
folio of consumer-packaged and certain bulk-packaged
Nathan’s Famous hot dog products to retailers throughout
the United States. In fiscal 2020, royalties earned under this
agreement increased by 13% to $22.3 Million.
Other licenses in our licensing program include licenses
to sell at retail Nathan’s Famous Crinkle Cut French Fries,
Nathan’s Famous Beer Batter Onion Rings, mustards,
pickles, franks ’n blankets, mini bagel dogs and mozza-
rella sticks.
As it relates to the various shut-down responses to
Covid-19, this part of our business has been strong and
we expect that to continue while people are forced to or
chose to eat more at home.
The Branded Products Program
The Branded Products Program is our foodservice
sales program, which features the bulk sale of Nathan’s
Famous hot dogs to the food service industry. Our prod-
ucts are sold through the Branded Products Program
at over 14,000 points of distribution, to include several
large national and regional restaurant, movie theater and
convenience store chains, as well as thousands of other
locations including ballparks, arenas, amusement parks,
college campuses, hospitals, casinos, resorts and school
systems. Through the Branded Products Program, we do
business with all of the major foodservice distributors in
1 Please see definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year end March 29, 2020, included herein.
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
1
S H A R E H O L D E R ’ S L E T T E R ( c o n t i n u e d )
the United States, including SYSCO, US Foodservice, PFG
and McLane, as well as many regional distributors.
Fiscal 2020 was a challenging year for the Branded
Products Program, as trade discussions between the
United States and China drove beef commodity prices
much higher than what was anticipated. The unit volume
of products sold during the year fell only 2.1%, but due to
higher beef costs, income from operations fell by 25.4%
to $7.69 Million in the Branded Product Program segment.
As a significant component of this part of our business
is focused on venues where people congregate, such as
malls, sports stadiums and airports, we expect the results
from the Branded Products Program to be hurt going for-
ward, but to slowly recover as normal activity returns to
our economy.
Restaurant Operations
For fiscal 2020, our Restaurant Operations consisted of
4 Company-owned locations and 216 franchised units.
Revenues from Restaurant Operations in fiscal 2020
declined 1.3% to $17.5 Million.
In fiscal 2020, we undertook activities to re-position our
restaurant system, developing new, higher quality menu
items and modern prototypes and were preparing to roll
the results out just as Covid-19 hit. Although we remain
confident in the work we put in, we must wait for economic
normalcy to return to judge whether it will be successful.
Obviously, our existing restaurant operations will be
hampered in fiscal 2021 due to dining room shut-downs
and capacity limitations relating to Covid-19. In response,
we have pushed hard into the world of delivery, utilizing
“ghost” kitchens to make our menu available through var-
ious delivery services.
Brand Marketing
The Nathan’s Famous July 4th International Hot Dog
Eating Contest continues to be our most important mar-
keting initiative. As has been the case during each of the
last several years, we conducted several preliminary qual-
ifying contests at high profile locations throughout the
United States in advance of the July 4th contest. The main
event on July 4th, 2019 in Coney Island was once again
attended by more than 40,000 spectators and broadcast
to millions of viewers by ESPN. The great Joey Chestnut
won his 12th title by eating 71 hot dogs and buns in 10
minutes, while Miki Sudo won her 6th title in the women’s
contest by eating 31!
Through our relationship with John Morrell, a number
of other significant promotions, sweepstakes, social and
digital ad campaigns and mobile events were conducted
throughout the year in association with our retail prod-
ucts. Many of these activities are conducted with major
retailer tie-ins and all of them focus on consumer engage-
ment to create and reinforce brand affinity.
Returning Capital to Shareholders
The success of our current business model has allowed
us to return significant capital to our shareholders. Since
the early 2000s, we have repurchased more than 5.2 mil-
lion shares of our common stock. At an average price of
$15.93 per share, we reduced our outstanding share count
by more than 50%, creating significant value for all of our
shareholders.
In fiscal 2015, our capital return strategy shifted to div-
idends. At that time, and again in fiscal 2018, we paid
one-time special dividends to all of our shareholders.
Together, more than $137 Million, or $30 per share, was
returned to shareholders in a tax efficient manner through
special dividends. In Fiscal 2019, we declared and paid
the first regular quarterly dividend in the Company’s long
history — $0.25 per share per quarter, or $1.00 per share
for the fiscal year. In fiscal 2020, we raised that quarterly
dividend to $0.35 per share, or $1.40 for the fiscal year.
In all, between stock buybacks and cash dividends, a total
of approximately $230 Million has been returned to share-
holders over the last 19 years — more than 7 times greater
than the Company’s market capitalization of less than $30
Million at the beginning of those 19 years!
In Conclusion
Our focused strategies, creative approaches, and ever-
expanding opportunities should afford us with the ability
to continue to expose the Nathan’s Famous brand and
advance the sale of Nathan’s Famous products through a
broad variety of environments and distribution channels.
As we seek to continue to expand and pursue profitable,
new opportunities, we will retain our steadfast commit-
ment to quality and endeavor to serve our shareholders
responsibly. We remain extremely appreciative of your
continued support.
Eric Gatoff
Chief Executive Officer
2
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
2 0 2 0 F O R M 1 0 - K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
(cid:1409) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020
or
(cid:1407) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________to__________
Commission File No. 001-35962
NATHAN’S FAMOUS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
11-3166443
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
11753
(Zip Code)
516-338-8500
Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Global Market
Title of each class
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Trading Symbol(s)
NATH
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (cid:1407) No (cid:1409)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:1407) No (cid:1409)
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 (cid:1409) No (cid:1407)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such
files). Yes (cid:1409) No (cid:1407)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
(cid:1407)
(cid:1407)
Emerging growth company
(cid:1409)
(cid:1409)
(cid:1407)
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (cid:1407)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. (cid:1409)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes (cid:1407) No (cid:1409)
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business
day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter – September 27, 2019 - was approximately $205,542,000, which
value, solely for the purposes of this calculation excludes shares held by the registrant’s officers and directors. Such exclusion shall not be
deemed a determination by registrant that all such individuals are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.
As of June 5, 2020, there were outstanding 4,114,711 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE– The information required by Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated by
reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is expected to be filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 no later than 120 days after the conclusion of Nathan Famous, Inc.’s
fiscal year ended March 29, 2020.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Item 1.
Business. ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 1A. Risk Factors. ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. ....................................................................................................................... 32
Properties. .................................................................................................................................................... 33
Item 2.
Legal Proceedings. ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Item 3.
Mine Safety Disclosures. ............................................................................................................................. 33
Item 4.
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities. ................................................................................................................................................... 34
Selected Financial Data. .............................................................................................................................. 36
Item 6.
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. ..................... 39
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. .................................................................... 55
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. ........................................................................................... 56
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. .................... 56
Item 9.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. ............................................................................................................................. 57
Item 9B. Other Information. ....................................................................................................................................... 57
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. .......................................................................... 59
Executive Compensation. ............................................................................................................................ 59
Item 11.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. ... 59
Item 12.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. ............................................ 59
Item 13.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services. ..................................................................................................... 60
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. .............................................................................................. 61
Form 10-K Summary. .................................................................................................................................. 63
Signatures
Index to Financial Statements ...................................................................................................................................... F-1
i
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Forward-Looking Statements
PART I
This Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties.
You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believes”, “expects”, “projects”, “may”,
“would”, “should”, “seeks”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, “anticipates” or similar expressions that relate to our strategy,
plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures,
cash flows, growth rates and financial results or to our expectations regarding future industry trends are forward-looking
statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements
concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. These forward-looking statements are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual
results may differ materially from those that we expected. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our
operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions
are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for
us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K
are based upon information available to us on the date of this Form 10-K.
Item 1.
Business.
As used herein, unless we otherwise specify, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Nathan’s,” “Nathan’s Famous” and
the “Company” mean Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including NF Treacher’s Corp. References to the fiscal
2020 period mean the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 and references to the fiscal 2019 period mean the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2019. In addition, references to the “Notes”, “2025 Notes” or the “2025 Senior Secured Notes” refer to the
$150,000,000 6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and references to the “2020 Notes” or the “2020 Senior Secured
Notes” refer to the $135,000,000 10.000% Senior Secured Notes which were redeemed on November 16, 2017.
We are a leading branded licensor, wholesaler and retailer of products marketed under our Nathan’s Famous brand,
including our popular Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs. What began as a nickel hot dog stand on Coney Island in
1916 has evolved into a highly recognized brand throughout the United States and the world. Our innovative business model
seeks to maximize the points of distribution for and the consumption of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut
French fries and our other products across a wide-range of grocery retail and foodservice formats. Our products are currently
marketed for sale in approximately 78,000 locations, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers and club stores, selected
foodservice locations and our Company-owned and franchised restaurants throughout the United States and in eleven foreign
territories and countries. The Company considers itself to be in the foodservice industry, and has pursued co-branding
initiatives within other foodservice environments. Our major channels of distribution are as follows:
(cid:404) Our licensing program contracts with certain third parties to manufacture, distribute, market and sell a broad
variety of Nathan’s Famous branded products including our hot dogs, sausage and corned beef products, frozen
French fries and additional products through retail grocery channels and club stores throughout the United
States. As of March 29, 2020, packaged Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs continued to be sold in
approximately 64,000 supermarkets, mass merchandisers and club stores including Kroger, Publix, ShopRite,
Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club located in all 50 states. We earn revenue through
royalties on products sold by our licensees.
(cid:404) The Branded Product Program (“BPP”) provides foodservice operators in a variety of venues the opportunity
to capitalize on our Nathan’s Famous brand by marketing and selling certain Nathan’s Famous hot dog
products. We believe that the program has broad appeal to foodservice operators due to its flexibility to deliver
our products to a wide variety of distribution channels. In conjunction with the program, operators are granted
a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark, as well as Nathan’s point of purchase materials. Unlike our
licensing and franchise programs, we do not generate revenue from royalties, but rather by selling our hot dog
products either directly to foodservice operators or to various foodservice distributors who resell the products
to foodservice operators.
1
(cid:404) Operating quick-service restaurants featuring Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries,
and a variety of other menu offerings, which operate under the name “Nathan’s Famous,” the name first used
at our original Coney Island restaurant which opened in 1916.
(cid:404) Our franchised restaurant operations are comprised predominately of our Nathan’s Famous concept, which
features a menu consisting of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries and beverages
as well as other items. We earn royalties on restaurant sales at these franchise locations. In addition to our
traditional franchised restaurants, we enable approved foodservice operators to offer a Nathan’s Famous menu
of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries, proprietary toppings and a limited menu
of other Nathan’s products through our Branded Menu Program (“BMP”). We earn royalties on Nathan’s
products purchased by our BMP franchise operators.
We also own, through our subsidiary NF Treacher’s Corp., the Arthur Treacher’s brand and trademarks. We use the
Arthur Treacher’s brand, products and trademarks as a branded seafood menu-line extension for inclusion in certain Nathan’s
Famous restaurants. Currently, we operate six Arthur Treacher’s BMP locations.
Our brand is widely recognized by virtue of our long history and broad geographic footprint, which allows us to
enjoy high consumer awareness in the United States and abroad and the ability to grow in markets and channels where the
brand is known but has not yet achieved optimal market penetration. We believe that our highly visible brand and reputation
for high quality products have allowed us to expand our food offerings beyond our signature hot dogs and command a price
premium across our portfolio of products. Over time, we have expanded menu options so that our Company-owned restaurants
and franchisees can supplement their core menu of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries and
beverages with a variety of other quality menu choices. We have also developed a portfolio of licensed products for sale at
retail and grocery locations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a new method of distributing our
products through the use of “ghost kitchens”, whereby well-known restaurants will have the ability to market Nathan’s
products for pick-up or in the form of meal kits for at home preparation. We seek to maintain the same quality standard with
each of our supplemental menu items and licensed products as we do with our core hot dog and French fries menu. We intend
to continue to leverage our highly recognized global brand and iconic products to introduce new products into our existing
distribution network, open new points of distribution and grow our overall sales. We believe that there is great potential to
increase our sales by converting existing sales of non-branded products to Nathan’s branded products throughout the
foodservice industry.
In recent years, our primary focus has been to expand the market penetration of the Nathan’s Famous brand.
Specifically, we have sought to increase the number of points of brand representation and grow product sales throughout our
various channels of distribution. In this regard, we have concentrated our efforts on:
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
expanding our licensing programs for packaged Nathan’s Famous products through new product introductions
and geographic expansion;
expanding the number of foodservice locations and distributors participating in the Nathan’s Famous Branded
Product Program;
expanding the number of domestic franchised Nathan’s Famous restaurant units through the opening of new
and innovative types of locations, including the Branded Menu Program, as well as continuing to develop master
franchising programs in foreign countries; and
(cid:404)
continuing to profitably operate our iconic Company-owned restaurants, and opportunistically seek to invest in
Company-owned restaurant expansion.
During fiscal 2020, we sought to re-invigorate restaurant operations of both our Company-owned and franchised
restaurants which has led to a reduction in the number of franchised restaurants both domestically and internationally.
As of March 29, 2020:
(cid:404) our Nathan’s Famous restaurant system consisted of 216 franchised units and four Company-owned units
(including one seasonal unit) located in 21 states and nine foreign countries;
2
(cid:404) our Nathan’s Famous Branded Product Program distributes our Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs
throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the US Virgin Islands, Guam and
Mexico;
(cid:404) Nathan’s Famous packaged hot dogs and other products were offered for sale within approximately 64,000
supermarkets and club stores in all 50 states.
Our revenues are generated primarily from sales of products sold through our Branded Product Program and within
our Company-owned restaurants, as well as royalties from our retail licensing activities and the royalties, fees and other sums
we earn from our restaurant franchising activities.
We plan to expand the scope and market penetration of our Branded Product Program, further develop the restaurant
operations of existing Nathan’s Famous franchised and Company-owned outlets, open new Nathan’s Famous franchised
outlets in traditional or captive market environments and expand the Nathan’s Famous retail licensing programs. We also
plan to further expand our international presence through our franchise, and retail licensing programs. We may also selectively
consider opening new Company-owned restaurants.
We were incorporated in Delaware on July 10, 1992 under the name “Nathan’s Famous Holding Corporation” to act
as the parent of a Delaware corporation then-known as Nathan’s Famous, Inc. On December 15, 1992, we changed our name
to Nathan’s Famous, Inc., and our Delaware subsidiary changed its name to Nathan’s Famous Operating Corp. The Delaware
subsidiary was organized in October 1989 in connection with its re-incorporation in Delaware from that of a New York
corporation named “Nathan’s Famous, Inc.” The New York Nathan’s was incorporated on July 10, 1925, as a successor to
the sole-proprietorship that opened the first Nathan’s restaurant in Coney Island in 1916. On July 23, 1987, Equicor Group,
Ltd. merged with and into the New York Nathan’s in a “going private” transaction. The New York Nathan’s, the Delaware
subsidiary and Equicor may all be deemed to be our predecessors.
Restaurant Operations
Since the implementation of “stay-at-home” and dining room closure orders in mid-March, 2020 due to the rapidly
evolving COVID-19 outbreak, operations at our Company-owned restaurants and our franchisees' restaurants have been
disrupted. Three of our four Company-owned restaurants have been open and only offering food through take-out and delivery
as we are prohibited from offering dine-in seating and service at our restaurants. Our seasonal location on the Coney Island
Boardwalk opened on May 15, 2020, observing the same cautions and restrictions. The majority of our franchised locations
have been temporarily closed due to their locations in venues that are closed (such as shopping malls and movie theaters) or
venues operating at significantly reduced traffic (such as airports and highway travel plazas). Such closures and disruptions
have materially impacted revenues at our Company-owned restaurants with significant declines since the middle of March
2020, as compared to the same period last year. We are principally focused on the well-being and safety of our guests,
franchisees, restaurant associates and all other employees. Since the situation around the COVID-19 virus is constantly
changing, we may implement additional measures to ensure the safety of our team members and guests over time.
Currently, our restaurant operations are comprised of 31 Nathan’s Famous restaurants, which have been co-branded
with Arthur Treacher’s or Kenny Rogers Roasters menu items in 30 and one unit, respectively.
Nathan’s Famous Concept and Menus
Our Nathan’s Famous concept is scalable, offering a wide range of facility designs and sizes, suitable to a vast
variety of locations, featuring a core menu consisting of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries and
beverages. Nathan’s menu is designed to take advantage of site-specific market opportunities by adding complementary food
items to the core menu. The Nathan’s concept is suitable to stand-alone or can be co-branded with other nationally recognized
brands.
Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs are flavored with its secret blend of spices provided by Ida Handwerker in
1916, which historically have distinguished Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs. Our hot dogs are prepared and served
in accordance with procedures which have not varied significantly since our inception over 100 years ago in our Company-
owned and franchised restaurants. Our signature crinkle-cut French fries, cooked in 100% trans-fat-free oil, are featured at
each Nathan’s restaurant. We believe the majority of sales in our Company-owned units consist of Nathan’s World Famous
Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries and beverages.
3
Individual Nathan’s restaurants supplement their core menu of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut
French fries and beverages with a variety of other quality menu choices including: char-grilled hamburgers, crispy chicken
tenders, crispy chicken and char-grilled chicken sandwiches, Philly cheese steaks, selected seafood items, a breakfast menu
and assorted desserts and snacks. We have historically used the Arthur Treacher’s brand, products and trademarks as a
branded seafood menu-line extension for inclusion in certain Nathan’s Famous restaurants. While the number of supplemental
menu items carried varies with the size of the unit, the specific supplemental menus chosen are tailored to local food
preferences and market conditions. Each supplemental menu option consists of a number of variations; for example, the
hamburger menu may include char-grilled bacon cheeseburgers, double-burgers and super cheeseburgers. We seek to
maintain the same quality standard with each of Nathan’s supplemental menus as we do with Nathans’ core hot dog and
French fries menu. Thus, for example, hamburgers and sandwiches are prepared to order and not pre-wrapped or kept warm
under lights. Nathan’s also has a “Kids Meal” program in which various menu alternatives are combined with toys designed
to appeal to the children’s market. Soft drinks, iced tea, coffee and old fashioned lemonade and orangeade are also offered.
The Company continually evaluates new products. In the course of its evaluations, the Company seeks to respond to changing
consumer trends and preferences. A key strategy of the restaurant re-invigoration throughout fiscal 2020 was to significantly
improve the quality of our menu. We have introduced a number of new items, including fresh 6 oz. hamburgers, Pat LaFreida
pastrami, shakes and a new line of chicken products.
Nathan’s restaurant designs are available in a range of sizes from 300 to 4,000 square feet. We have also developed
various Nathan’s carts, kiosks, mobile food carts, trucks and modular units. Our smaller units may not have customer seating
areas, although they may often share seating areas with other fast food or quick service outlets in food court settings. Other
units generally provide seating for 45 to 125 customers. Carts, trucks, kiosks and modular units generally carry only the core
menu. This menu is supplemented by a number of other menu selections in our other restaurant types.
We believe that Nathan’s carts, kiosks, modular units and food court designs are particularly well-suited for
placement in non-traditional sites, such as airports, travel plazas, stadiums, schools, convenience stores, entertainment
facilities, military facilities, business and industry foodservice, within larger retail operations and other captive markets. Many
of these settings may also be appropriate for our expanding Branded Menu Program or Branded Product Program. All of
these units feature the Nathan’s logo and utilize a contemporary design.
Franchise Operations
At March 29, 2020, our Nathan’s franchise system, including our Branded Menu Program, consisted of 216 units
operating in 21 states and nine foreign countries.
Our franchise system includes among its 60 franchisees such well-known companies as HMS Host, Gourmet Dining
Services, Inc., CulinArt, National Amusements, Inc., Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, and Bruster’s Real Ice
Cream. We continue to market our franchising programs to larger, experienced and successful operators with the financial
and business capability to develop multiple franchise units, as well as to individual owner-operators with evidence of
restaurant management experience, net worth and sufficient capital.
During the fiscal 2020 period, no single franchisee accounted for over 10% of our consolidated revenue. At March
29, 2020, HMS Host operated 11 franchised outlets, including three units at airports, seven units within highway travel plazas
and one unit within a mall. Additionally, at March 29, 2020, (i) HMS Host operated approximately 47 locations featuring
Nathan’s products pursuant to our Branded Product Program, (ii) 23 mobile carts were registered to operate in New York,
NY, and (iii) 15 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream shops were selling Nathan’s products under our Branded Menu Program.
4
Nathan’s Standard Franchise Program
Franchisees are required to execute a standard franchise agreement prior to opening each Nathan’s Famous unit. Our
current standard Nathan’s Famous franchise agreement provides for, among other things, a one-time $30,000 franchise fee
payable upon execution of the agreement, a monthly royalty payment based on 5.5% of restaurant sales and the expenditure
of up to 2.0% of restaurant sales on advertising. We may offer alternatives to the standard franchise agreement, having to do
with franchise royalties, fees or advertising requirements. The initial term of the typical franchise agreement is 20 years, with
a 15-year renewal option by the franchisee, subject to conditions contained in the franchise agreement.
Franchisees are approved on the basis of their business background, evidence of restaurant management experience,
net worth and capital available for investment in relation to the proposed scope of the development agreement.
We provide numerous support services to our Nathan’s Famous franchisees. We assist in and approve all site
selections. Thereafter, we provide architectural plans suitable for restaurants of varying sizes and configurations for use in
food court, in-line and free-standing locations. We also assist in establishing building design specifications, reviewing
construction compliance, equipping the restaurant and providing appropriate menus to coordinate with the restaurant design
and location selected by the franchisee. We typically do not sell food, equipment or supplies to our standard franchisees.
We offer various management-training courses for management personnel of Company-owned and franchised
Nathan’s Famous restaurants. A restaurant manager from each restaurant must successfully complete our mandated
management-training program. We also offer additional operations and general management training courses for all restaurant
managers and other managers with supervisory responsibilities. We provide standard manuals to each franchisee covering
training and operations, products and equipment and local marketing programs. We also provide ongoing advice and
assistance to franchisees. We meet with our franchisees to discuss upcoming marketing events, menu development and other
topics, each of which is designed to provide individual restaurant and system-wide benefits.
Franchised restaurants are required to be operated in accordance with uniform operating standards and specifications
relating to the selection, quality and preparation of menu items, signage, decor, equipment, uniforms, suppliers, maintenance
and cleanliness of premises and customer service. All standards and specifications are developed by us to be applied on a
system-wide basis. We regularly monitor franchisee operations and inspect restaurants. Franchisees are required to furnish
us with monthly sales or operating reports which assist us in monitoring the franchisee’s compliance with its franchise
agreement. We make both announced and unannounced inspections of restaurants to ensure that our practices and procedures
are followed. We have the right to terminate a franchise if a franchisee does not operate and maintain a restaurant in
accordance with the requirements of its franchise agreement, including for non-payment of royalties, sale of unauthorized
products, bankruptcy or conviction of a felony. During the fiscal 2020 period, franchisees opened 16 new Nathan’s Famous
franchised units in the United States (including three Branded Menu Program units), and five units internationally.
A franchisee who desires to open multiple units in a specific territory within the United States may enter into an area
development agreement under which we would expect to receive an area development fee based upon the number of proposed
units which the franchisee is authorized to open. With respect to our international development, we generally grant exclusive
territorial rights in foreign countries for the development of Nathan’s units based upon compliance with a predetermined
development schedule. Additionally, we may further grant exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights in foreign
countries, and we may require an exclusivity fee to be conveyed for such exclusive rights.
Nathan’s Branded Menu Program
Our Nathan’s Famous Branded Menu Program enables qualified foodservice operators to offer a Nathan’s Famous
menu of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French fries, proprietary toppings, and a limited menu of other
Nathan’s products. Under the Branded Menu Program, the operator may use the Nathan’s Famous trademarks on signage and
as part of its menu boards. Additionally, the operator may use Nathan’s Famous paper goods and point of sale marketing
materials. Nathan’s also provides architectural and design services, training and operation manuals in conjunction with this
program. The operator provides Nathan’s with a fee and is required to sign a 10-year agreement. Nathan’s does not collect a
royalty based on the operator’s sales and the operator is not required to report sales to Nathan’s as required by the standard
franchise arrangements. Instead, the Branded Menu Program operator is required to purchase products from Nathan’s
approved distributors and we earn our royalties from such purchases.
5
Arthur Treacher’s
Arthur Treacher’s Fish-n-Chips, Inc. was originally founded in 1969. Arthur Treacher’s main product is its “Original
Fish-n-Chips,” consisting of fish fillets coated with a special batter prepared under a proprietary formula, deep-fried golden
brown, and served with English-style chips and corn meal “hush puppies.” Full menu restaurants emphasize the preparation
and sale of batter-dipped fried seafood and chicken dishes served in a quick-service environment.
We are the sole owner of all rights to the Arthur Treacher’s brand and the exclusive franchisor of the Arthur
Treacher’s restaurant system (subject to a limited license granted to PAT Franchise Systems, Inc. (“PFSI”)) in Indiana,
Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, (“the PFSI Markets”). Pursuant to the license, PFSI has no obligation to pay fees or
royalties to us in connection with its use of the Arthur Treacher’s intellectual property within the PFSI Markets. As a result
of PFSI’s failure to satisfy the Development Schedules for each of the territories, all future development rights have reverted
to Nathan’s.
As of March 29, 2020, Arthur Treacher’s, as a co-brand, was included within 30 Nathan’s Famous restaurants. Our
primary intention was to continue including co-branded Arthur Treacher’s operations within our Nathan’s Famous restaurants
and explore alternative distribution channels for Arthur Treacher’s products. We may seek to expand the opportunity for an
Arthur Treacher’s Branded Menu Program in the future. Currently we operate six Arthur Treacher’s BMP locations.
Kenny Rogers Roasters
We have the right to use the Kenny Rogers Roasters trademarks for the continued sale of the Kenny Rogers Roasters
products in the Nathan’s Famous restaurants existing at April 23, 2008, where the Kenny Rogers products had already been
introduced. As of March 29, 2020, the Kenny Rogers brand was being sold within one Nathan’s restaurant.
Company-owned Nathan’s Restaurant Operations
As of March 29, 2020, we operated four Company-owned Nathan’s units, including one seasonal location, in New
York. Three of our four Company-owned restaurants have been open with limited operations resulting from restrictions due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our seasonal location on the Coney Island Boardwalk opened on May 15, 2020, observing the
same cautions and restrictions. Since 2012, we have invested significantly in our Company-owned restaurants. In March
2012, we relocated our seasonal Coney Island Boardwalk restaurant to a more prominent location. Our Coney Island flagship
location was rebuilt and re-opened on May 20, 2013 after suffering severe damage as a result of Superstorm Sandy on October
29, 2012. Our Yonkers location was down-sized, relocated and re-opened on November 18, 2013 pursuant to its new lease,
and our Oceanside restaurant was also relocated and downsized and re-opened on March 25, 2015. Three of our Company-
owned restaurants range in size from approximately 2,650 square feet to 10,000 square feet and have seating to accommodate
between 60 and 125 customers. These restaurants are open seven days a week on a year-round basis and are designed to
appeal to consumers of all ages. We have established high standards for food quality, cleanliness, and service at our
restaurants and regularly monitor the operations of our restaurants to ensure adherence to these standards. We completed the
sale of the Company-owned restaurant, including the real estate, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY in October 2018. The Company
continued operating the restaurant under a Surrender Agreement with the purchaser until January 2019.
Two of our Company-owned restaurants have contemporary service areas, seating, signage, and general decor. Our
Coney Island restaurant, which first opened in 1916, remains unique in its presentation and operations.
Our Company-owned restaurants typically carry a broader selection of menu items than our franchise restaurants
and generally attain sales levels higher than the average of our newer franchise restaurants. The non-core menu items at the
Company-owned restaurants, tend to have lower margins than the core menu.
6
International Development
As of March 29, 2020, Nathan’s Famous franchisees operated 27 units in nine foreign countries.
During fiscal 2020 our franchisees opened five new units internationally. Our existing franchisees opened one unit
each in Australia, the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, Panama and the Dominican Republic.
We may seek to continue granting exclusive territorial rights for franchising and for the manufacturing and
distribution rights in foreign countries, and we expect to require that an exclusivity fee be conveyed for these rights. We plan
to develop the restaurant franchising system internationally through the use of master franchising agreements based upon
individual or combined use of our existing restaurant concepts and for the distribution of Nathan’s products.
Following is a summary of our international operations for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31,
2019: See Item 1A-“Risk Factors.”
Total revenue .................................................................. $
Gross profit (a) ............................................................... $
2020
4,872,000 $
1,962,000 $
2019
3,978,000
1,403,000
March 29,
March 31,
(a) Gross profit represents the difference between revenue and cost of sales.
Location Summary
The following table shows the number of our Company-owned and franchised units in operation at March 29, 2020
and their geographical distribution:
Company
Domestic Locations
Arizona ............................................
California ........................................
Connecticut .....................................
Florida .............................................
Georgia ............................................
Illinois .............................................
Kentucky .........................................
Maryland .........................................
Massachusetts ..................................
Missouri ..........................................
Nevada ............................................
New Jersey ......................................
New York ........................................
North Carolina .................................
Ohio .................................................
Pennsylvania ...................................
Rhode Island ...................................
South Carolina .................................
Texas ...............................................
Virginia ...........................................
West Virginia ..................................
Domestic Subtotal ...........................
Franchise (1)
1
1
5
21
7
1
3
3
6
1
9
24
82
2
3
9
2
5
1
2
1
189
Total (1)
1
1
5
21
7
1
3
3
6
1
9
24
86
2
3
9
2
5
1
2
1
193
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
7
International Locations
Company
Franchise (1)
Total (1)
Dominican Republic ........................
Egypt ...............................................
Jamaica ............................................
Kazakhstan ......................................
Malaysia ..........................................
Panama ............................................
Philippines .......................................
Spain ...............................................
United Kingdom ..............................
International Subtotal ......................
Grand Total .....................................
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
6
1
2
4
4
4
3
1
2
27
216
6
1
2
4
4
4
3
1
2
27
220
(1) Amounts include 94 units operated pursuant to our Nathan’s and Arthur Treacher’s
Branded Menu Programs. Units operating pursuant to our Branded Product Program
are excluded.
Branded Product Program
Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and implementation of “stay-at-home” and dining room closure orders
in mid-March, 2020, operations at many of our Branded Product Program accounts have been severely hampered as many of
our customers operate in venues that are currently closed and may be slow to reopen, such as professional sports venues,
amusement parks, shopping malls and movie theaters.
Through the Branded Product Program, Nathan’s provides qualified foodservice operators in a variety of venues the
opportunity to capitalize on Nathan’s valued brand by marketing and selling primarily Nathan’s Famous hot dog products.
We believe that the program is unique in its flexibility and broad appeal. Hot dogs are offered in a variety of sizes and
additional specialty products are available to satisfy consumer needs. In conjunction with the program, the operators are
granted a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark, as well as Nathan’s point of purchase materials. We earn income
by selling our products either directly to the end users or to various foodservice distributors who resell the products to specific
operators.
As of March 29, 2020, the Branded Product Program distributed product in all 50 states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Mexico. During the fiscal 2020 period, we continued to open many
new locations offering Nathan’s branded products. Pursuant to the Branded Product Program, Nathan’s World Famous Beef
Hot Dogs are being offered in national restaurant chains such as Auntie Anne’s, Hot Dog On A Stick, Johnny Rockets,
national movie theater chains such as Regal Entertainment and National Amusements, casino hotels such as Foxwoods Casino
in Connecticut, the Grand Casino in Minnesota and convenience store chains such as Race Trac, Holiday Station stores, and
the Cinemex movie chain in Mexico. The Branded Products Program also distributes product in professional sports arenas
with Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs now being served in stadiums and arenas that host the New York Yankees, New
York Mets, Brooklyn Nets, New York Islanders, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies and Green Bay Packers.
Additionally, our products are offered in numerous other foodservice operations including cafeterias, snack bars and
vending machines located in many different types of foodservice outlets and venues, including airports, highway travel plazas,
colleges and universities, gas and convenience stores, military installations and Veteran’s Administration hospitals
throughout the United States.
Once business as usual can resume, Nathan’s expects to continue to seek out and evaluate a variety of alternative
environments designed to maximize the value of our Branded Product Program.
Expansion Program
We expect that our retail licensing program will resume its growth once the COVID-19 crisis subsides, centered
around our licensing program with John Morrell & Co. John Morrell & Co. brings superior sales and marketing resources to
our brand through its national scale, broad distribution platform, strong retail relationships and research and development
infrastructure capable of developing and introducing attractive new products. As a result of our partnership with John Morrell
& Co., we expect Nathan’s Famous products to resume penetrating the grocery, mass merchandising and club channels by
expanding points of distribution in targeted, underpenetrated regions and through the development of new products. John
8
Morrell & Co. expects to leverage this relationship with continued full-scale marketing efforts, both inside and outside of
stores, highlighted by exciting customer events and brand representation and support of the Hot Dog Eating Contest.
We expect to resume the growth of our Branded Product Program once the COVID-19 crisis subsides, through the
addition of new points of sale. We believe that the flexible design of the Branded Product Program makes it well-suited for
sales to all segments of the broad foodservice industry. We intend to keep targeting sales to a broad line of food distributors,
which we believe complements our continuing focus on sales to various foodservice retailers. We continue to believe that as
consumers look to assure confidence in the quality of the food that they purchase, there is great potential to increase our sales
by converting existing sales of non-branded products to Nathan’s branded products throughout the foodservice industry.
We will seek to market our franchise restaurant program to large, experienced and successful operators with the
financial and business capability to develop multiple franchise units, as well as to individual owner-operators with evidence
of restaurant management experience, net worth and sufficient capital.
We also expect to re-commence opening Nathan’s Famous franchised units once the COVID-19 crisis subsides,
expanding product distribution through various means such as branded products and retail licensing arrangements, developing
master franchising programs in foreign countries both within our restaurant system and as a separate Branded Menu Program.
We may selectively consider opening new Company-owned Nathan’s units on an opportunistic basis. We may consider new
opportunities in both traditional and captive market settings.
We believe that our international development efforts will continue to garner a variety of interest as a result of the
unique product distribution opportunities that we offer. Because of the scalability of our concept and menu offerings, we
believe that there are also opportunities to co-brand our restaurant concept and/or menu items with other restaurant concepts
internationally. We believe that in addition to restaurant franchising, we could further increase revenues by continuing to
offer master development agreements to qualified persons or entities allowing for the operation of franchised restaurants,
sub-franchising of restaurants to others, licensing the manufacture of our signature products, selling our signature products
through supermarkets or other retail venues and further developing our Branded Product Program. Qualified persons or
entities must have satisfactory foodservice experience managing multiple units, the appropriate infrastructure and the
necessary financial resources to support the anticipated development of the business.
Co-branding
We believe that there is a continuing opportunity for co-branding of our restaurant concept and/or menu items with
other restaurant concepts, as well as within our restaurant system as new franchise opportunities are developed. Franchisees
that have co-branded a Nathan’s Famous restaurant with our other brands received a then-current Uniform Franchise Offering
Circular (“UFOC”) or Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”) and executed a participation agreement as a rider to their
franchise agreement. We initially implemented our co-branding strategy within the Nathan’s Famous restaurant system by
adding the Arthur Treacher’s and Kenny Rogers Roasters brands into Nathan’s Famous restaurants. Upon the sale of Kenny
Rogers Roasters in April 2008, we discontinued co-branding that brand within new restaurants in the Nathan’s Famous
system. We continue to support our co-branded Arthur Treacher’s franchisees.
Licensing Program
Pursuant to an Agreement expiring in March 2032, John Morrell & Co., a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc., has
been granted, among other things, (i) the exclusive right and obligation to manufacture, distribute, market and sell “Nathan’s
Famous” branded hot dog, sausage and corned beef products in refrigerated consumer packages to be resold through retail
channels (e.g., supermarkets, groceries, mass merchandisers and club stores) within the United States, (ii) a right of first offer
to license any other “Nathan’s Famous” branded refrigerated meat products in consumer packages to be resold through retail
channels within the United States, on terms to be negotiated in good faith, (iii) the right and obligation to manufacture
“Nathan’s Famous” branded hot dog and sausage products in bulk for use in the food service industry within the United
States, and (iv) the non-exclusive right and obligation to supply “Nathan’s Famous” natural casing and skinless hot dogs in
bulk for use in the “Nathan’s Famous” restaurant system within the United States. The Agreement provides for royalties on
packaged products sold to supermarkets, club stores and grocery stores, payable on a monthly basis to the Company equal to
10.8% of net sales, subject to minimum annual guaranteed royalties of at least $10 million in the first year of the term and
which minimum guaranteed royalties increase annually throughout the term. Nathan’s earned royalties of approximately
$22,307,000 in fiscal 2020 and $19,733,000 in fiscal 2019 representing 21.6% and 19.4% of total revenues, respectively. We
believe our future operating results will continue to be substantially impacted by the terms and conditions of the agreement
with John Morrell & Co., but there can be no assurance thereof (See Item 1A - “Risk Factors”). Since 2002, John Morrell &
Co. has licensed from us the right to manufacture and sell branded hot dogs and sausages to selected foodservice
accounts. Pursuant to this arrangement, we earned royalties of $1,373,000 and $1,538,000 during the fiscal 2020 and 2019
9
period, respectively. The majority of these royalties were earned from one company. As of March 29, 2020 packaged
Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs continued to be sold in approximately 64,000 supermarkets, mass merchandisers and
club stores including Kroger, Publix, ShopRite, Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club located in
all 50 states. We believe that the overall exposure of the brand and opportunity for consumers to enjoy the Nathan’s World
Famous Beef Hot Dog in their homes helps promote “Nathan’s Famous” restaurant patronage. Royalties earned from this
agreement were approximately 91.6% of our fiscal 2020 period license revenues.
We license the manufacture of the proprietary spices which are used to produce Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot
Dogs to Saratoga Specialties. During fiscal 2020 and 2019, we earned $1,102,000 and $1,091,000, respectively, from this
license. Through this agreement, we control the manufacture of all Nathan’s hot dogs.
During fiscal 2020, our licensee Lamb Weston, Inc., continued to produce and distribute Nathan’s Famous frozen
French fries and onion rings for retail sale pursuant to a license agreement. These products were distributed within 36 states,
primarily on the East Coast and in the South-West and West Coast during fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2020 and 2019, we earned
royalties of $719,000 and $586,000, respectively, under this agreement. For the contract year ended in July 2019, we earned
royalties of $203,000 in excess of the annual minimum. Lamb Weston, Inc. continues to seek to further expand its market
penetration in the Eastern United States and in the Mid-West. Lamb Weston, Inc. exercised its third option to extend the
license agreement through July 2023, pursuant to which the minimum royalties will increase 4% annually.
During fiscal 2020, we transferred the license to manufacture and sell miniature bagel dogs, franks-in-a-blanket and
other hors d’oeuvres through club stores, supermarkets and other retail food stores to an existing licensee. Royalties earned
under their agreements were approximately $10,000 during fiscal 2020 and $271,000 during fiscal 2019.
We also have licensing agreements with Hermann Pickle Packers, Inc., Gold Pure Food Products Co., Inc. and
others. These companies licensed the “Nathan’s Famous” name for the manufacture and sale of various products including
mustard, salsa, sauerkraut and pickles. These products have been distributed on a limited basis. Fees and royalties earned
from all of these products were approximately $341,000 during fiscal 2020 and $328,000 during fiscal 2019.
Effective May 14, 2019 Inventure Foods, Inc., pursuant to the terms of the license agreement, exercised its right to
terminate the agreement for the manufacture and sale of Nathan’s branded potato chips and other salty snack products. No
royalties were earned under this agreement during the fiscal 2020 period and approximately $68,000 were earned during
fiscal 2019.
Provisions and Supplies
Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs are primarily manufactured by John Morrell & Co. for sale by our Branded
Product Program, our restaurant system, and at retail. John Morrell & Co. and other hot dog manufacturers supply the hot
dogs for our Company-operated and franchise-operated restaurants. All hot dogs are manufactured in accordance with
Nathan’s recipes, quality standards and proprietary spice formulations. Nathan’s believes that it has reliable sources of supply;
however, in the event of any significant disruption in supply, management believes that alternative sources of supply are
available. (See Item 1A- “Risk Factors”). Saratoga Specialties produces Nathan’s proprietary spice formulations and we have,
in the past, engaged Newly Weds Foods, Inc. as an alternative source of supply. Our frozen crinkle-cut French fries have
been produced primarily by Lamb Weston, Inc. McCain Foods USA is a secondary source of supply of our frozen French
fries for our restaurant system.
During fiscal 2020 McCain Foods USA provided approximately 12% of our frozen crinkle-cut French fries. Most
other Company provisions are purchased from multiple sources to prevent disruption in supply and to obtain competitive
prices. We approve all products and product specifications. We negotiate directly with our suppliers on behalf of the entire
system for all primary food ingredients and beverage products sold in the restaurants in an effort to ensure adequate supply
of high quality items at competitive prices.
We currently utilize a cooperative distribution system pursuant to an agreement with UniPro Foodservice, Inc., the
Multi-Unit Group, which is comprised of institutional food and non-food distributors organized to procure, distribute and
market food service and non-food merchandise for the distribution needs of our domestic restaurant system. The initial term
of the agreement is for five (5) years, through November 15, 2022 and continuing for two successive one year renewal periods
upon mutual consent. Our former distribution agreement with US Foodservice, Inc. expired on July 31, 2018. We believe this
new arrangement allows for more flexibility in expanding into new markets throughout the U.S., as well as proves to be more
cost efficient for our current franchisees. The strategic distribution partners under this new agreement include: DiCarlo
Distributors, Inc., Tapia Brothers Co., Cheney Brothers, Inc., Feesers, Inc., Lipari Foods, LLC and Chain Distribution
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Services LLC. Our branded products are delivered to our ultimate customers throughout the country by numerous distributors,
including US Foodservice, Inc., SYSCO Corporation, Vistar / PFG, McLane and DOT Foods.
Marketing, Promotion and Advertising
Nathan’s believes that an integral part of its brand marketing strategy is to continue to build brand awareness through
its complimentary points of distribution strategy of selling its signature products through restaurants, the Branded Product
Program, the Branded Menu Program, and within supermarkets and club stores. We believe that as we continue to build brand
awareness and expand our reputation for quality and value, we seek to grow existing markets and expand in new markets.
The Nathan’s Famous brand continues to enjoy tremendous exposure and awareness from our Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating
Contests. In 2019, we held regional contests in certain Major League Baseball stadiums, such as Marlins Park, Miami, FL,
Coors Field, Denver, CO, the Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, Ohio, Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO, as well as in theme
parks and fairs throughout the U.S. In 2020 due to the Coronavirus COVID-19, pandemic, all scheduled preliminary contests
have been canceled. It is currently our desire to host our annual Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th, 2020 which would be
broadcast on ESPN. We are currently seeking to determine the safest way in which to hold the contest. We expect to be able
to first host the women’s contest and then the men’s contest whereby the top ranked five men and top ranked five women
would compete. ESPN has aired our July 4th Hoy Dog Eating Championship Contest since 2004.
Nathan’s Famous continues to look to sports sponsorships as a strategic marketing opportunity to further brand
recognition. In addition to the branded signage opportunity, Nathan’s sells its Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dog and
crinkle-cut French fries. In many venues, Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs and crinkle-cut French fries are currently
sold at Nathan’s concession stands and as menu items that are served in suites and throughout premium seating areas.
Nathans’ current sports sponsorships include:
(cid:404) Professional Baseball: Yankee Stadium – New York Yankees, Citi Field – New York Mets; Marlins Park –
Miami Marlins; Coors Field – Colorado Rockies; and
(cid:404) Professional Basketball and Hockey: The Barclays Center – Brooklyn Nets and NY Islanders; the Nassau
Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum; and
(cid:404) Professional Football: AT&T Stadium – Dallas Cowboys; Lambeau Field – Green Bay Packers.
We believe that the Company’s overall sales and exposure have also been complemented by the sales of Nathan’s
World Famous Beef Hot Dogs and other Nathan’s products through the publicity generated by our Hot Dog Eating Contests
and our affiliation with a number of high profile sports arenas. In addition to marketing our products at these venues, the
Nathan’s Famous brand has also been televised regionally, nationally and internationally.
We maintain an advertising fund for local, regional and national advertising under the Nathan’s Famous Systems,
Inc. Franchise Agreement. Nathan’s Famous franchisees are generally required to spend on local marketing activities or
contribute to the advertising fund up to 2.0% of restaurant sales for advertising and promotion. Franchisee contributions to
the advertising fund for national marketing support are generally based upon the type of restaurant and its location. The
difference, if any, between 2.0% and the contribution to the advertising fund are to be expended on local programs approved
by us as to form, content and method of dissemination. Certain franchisees, including those operating pursuant to our Branded
Menu Program were not obligated to contribute to the advertising fund during fiscal 2020. Vendors that supply products to
the Company and our restaurant system also contribute to the advertising fund based upon purchases made by our franchisees
and at Company-owned restaurants.
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Throughout fiscal 2020, Nathan’s primary restaurant marketing emphasis focused on system-wide limited time
promotional offerings delivering menu variety to our customers. Those limited time offers worked in conjunction with local
store marketing efforts supporting restaurants on a case by case basis. We anticipate these efforts and tactics to support the
restaurant system will continue in fiscal 2021.
Nathan’s marketing efforts also include the use of free-standing inserts (“FSIs”) delivering a menu variety branded
message, as well as money-saving coupons. FSIs are dropped in newspapers surrounding clusters of Nathan’s restaurants in
the tri-state area and in Florida. Our FSIs cost effectively target nearly 6 million households per drop, immediately generating
traffic in our restaurants.
From a media point of view, Nathan’s marketing efforts include employing an “always on” social media strategy to
support the brand and franchise operations through our centralized brand presence. The social media objectives include
increasing our reach among our core customer base, while building awareness and community of the engaged younger
generation. Another objective of our social media efforts includes driving foot traffic and sales through geo-targeting
restaurant campaigns.
The objective of our Branded Product Program has historically been to seek to provide our foodservice operator
customers with value-added, high quality products supported with meaningful point of sale materials and other forms of
operational support.
During fiscal 2020, Nathan’s marketing efforts for the Branded Product Program concentrated primarily on
participation in national industry trade shows, and regional, local distributor trade events. We have also advertised our
products in distributor and trade periodicals and initiated distributor sales incentive contests. Most of the sales of new
restaurant franchises to franchisees are achieved through the direct effort of Company personnel. New arrangements with
Branded Product Program points of sale are achieved through the combined efforts of Company personnel and a network of
foodservice brokers and distributors who also are responsible for direct sales to national, regional and “street” accounts.
During the fiscal year ending March 28, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”), we may seek to further expand our internal marketing
resources along with our network of foodservice brokers and distributors. We may attempt to emphasize specific venues as
we expand our broker network, focus management and broker responsibilities on a regional basis and expand the use of sales
incentive programs. We are currently continuing the process of upgrading our social media platforms by enhancing our
corporate website and Facebook page and expanding the use of Twitter.
Government Regulation
We are subject to Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) regulation and several states’ laws that regulate the offer and
sale of franchises. We are also subject to a number of state laws which regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-
franchisee relationship.
The FTC’s “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising
and Business Opportunity Ventures” (the “FTC Rule”) requires us to disclose certain information to prospective franchisees.
Fifteen states, including New York, also require similar disclosure. While the FTC Rule does not require registration or filing
of the disclosure document, 14 states require franchisors to register the disclosure document (or obtain exemptions from that
requirement) before offering or selling a franchise. The laws of 17 other states require some form of registration (or a
determination that a company is exempt or otherwise not required to register) under “business opportunity” laws, which
sometimes apply to franchisors such as the Company. These laws have not precluded us from seeking franchisees in any
given area.
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Laws that regulate one or another aspect of the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in 24 states as well
as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These laws regulate the franchise relationship by, for example, requiring the
franchisor to deal with its franchisees in good faith, prohibiting interference with the right of free association among
franchisees, limiting the imposition of standards of performance on a franchisee, and regulating discrimination among
franchisees. Although these laws may also restrict a franchisor in the termination of a franchise agreement by, for example,
requiring “good cause” to exist as a basis for the termination, advance notice to the franchisee of the termination, an
opportunity to cure a default, and repurchase of inventory or other compensation, these provisions have not had a significant
effect on our operations. Our international franchise operations are subject to franchise-related and other laws in the
jurisdictions in which our franchisees operate. These laws in the U.S. and overseas have not precluded us from enforcing the
terms of our franchise agreements, and we do not believe that these laws are likely to significantly affect our operations.
We are not aware of any pending franchise legislation in the U.S. that we believe is likely to significantly affect our
operations.
Each Company-owned and franchised restaurant is subject to regulation as to operational matters by federal agencies
and to licensing and regulation by state and local health, sanitation, safety, fire and other departments.
We are subject to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and various other federal and state laws that govern minimum
wages, overtime, working conditions, mandatory benefits, health insurance, and other matters. Other regulatory
interpretations (such as the NLRB’s review of joint employment standards under the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor
Department’s review of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the SBA’s review of independence standards applicable to reviewing
franchisee loan applications, etc.) may have an impact on our overall business as well, although we do not believe that these
will significantly affect our operations.
We are also subject to federal and state environmental regulations, which have not had a material effect on our
operations. More stringent and varied requirements of local governmental bodies with respect to zoning, land use and
environmental factors could delay or prevent development of new restaurants in particular locations. In addition, the Federal
Americans with Disabilities Act applies with respect to the design, construction and renovation of all restaurants in the United
States.
Each company that manufactures, supplies or sells our products is subject to regulation by federal agencies and to
licensing and regulation by state and local health, sanitation, safety and other departments.
In 2020, various governmental bodies in the US have addressed the spread of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”)
by imposing limitations on business operations or recommending that residents adopt stringent “social distancing” measures.
Those formal and informal restraints, as well as consumer behavior and other factors (such as supply chain issues) may have
a material impact on our ability to operate our business at least while those restrictions are in effect, which may possibly have
a longer-term impact on our business and the demand for our products and restaurant services.
We are also subject to the requirement that our restaurants post certain calorie content information for standard menu
items, pursuant to Section 4205 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Some of our restaurants are subject
to similar requirements that are imposed by certain localities around the country.
Alcoholic beverage control regulations require each restaurant that sells such products to apply to a state authority
and, in certain locations, county and municipal authorities, for a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises.
Typically, licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage
control regulations relate to numerous aspects of the daily operations of the restaurants, including minimum age of customers
and employees, hours of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing
of alcoholic beverages. Three of our Company-owned restaurants offer beer or wine coolers for sale. Each of these restaurants
has current alcoholic beverage licenses permitting the sale of these beverages. We have never had an alcoholic beverage
license revoked.
We may be subject in certain states to “dram-shop” statutes, which generally provide a person injured by an
intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment which wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to such
person. We carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance and have never
been named as a defendant in a lawsuit involving “dram-shop” statutes.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, and rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Nasdaq Stock Market have imposed substantial regulations and disclosure
requirements in the areas of corporate governance (including director independence, director selection and audit, corporate
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governance and compensation committee responsibilities), equity compensation plans, auditor independence, pre-approval
of auditor fees and services and disclosure and internal control procedures. We are committed to industry best practices in
these areas.
We believe that we operate in substantial compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing our operations,
including the FTC Rule and state franchise laws.
Employees
At March 29, 2020, we had 120 employees, 43 of whom were corporate management and administrative employees,
18 of whom were restaurant managers and 59 of whom were hourly full-time and part-time foodservice employees. We
generally employ approximately 300-400 seasonal employees during the summer months. Foodservice employees at two
Company-owned locations are currently represented by Local 1102 RWSDU UFCW AFL-CIO, CLC, Retail, Wholesale and
Department Store Union, under an agreement that expires on June 30, 2020. Employees at a third location are represented by
the same union pursuant to a different agreement that expires November 30, 2022. We consider our employee relations to be
good and have not suffered any strike or work stoppage for more than 46 years.
We provide a training program for managers and assistant managers of our Company-owned and new franchised
restaurants. Hourly food workers are trained on site by managers and crew trainers following Company practices and
procedures outlined in our operating manuals.
Trademarks
We hold trademark and/or service mark registrations for NATHAN’S, NATHAN’S FAMOUS, NATHAN’S
FAMOUS and design, NATHAN’S and Coney Island design, SINCE 1916 NATHAN’S FAMOUS and design, SINCE 1916
NATHAN’S FAMOUS, INC. and design, THE ORIGINAL SINCE 1916 NATHAN’S FAMOUS and design, SINCE 1916
NATHAN’S FAMOUS THIS IS THE ORIGINAL, THE ORIGINAL NATHAN’S FAMOUS, THE ORIGINAL
NATHAN’S FAMOUS 100TH ANNIVERSARY and design in color, SINCE 1916 NATHAN’S FAMOUS and hot dog
design in color, SINCE 1916 NATHAN’S FAMOUS and hot dog, fries and drink design in color, and NATHAN’S FAMOUS
EXPRESS within the United States, with some of these marks holding corresponding foreign trademark and service mark
registrations in 80 international jurisdictions, including Canada and China. We also hold various package design registrations
and other related marks, FRANKSTERS, FROM A HOT DOG TO AN INTERNATIONAL HABIT, and MORE THAN
JUST THE BEST HOT DOG! and design, for restaurant services and some food items.
We hold trademark and/or service mark registrations for the marks ARTHUR TREACHER’S (stylized), ARTHUR
TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS (stylized), KRUNCH PUP and ORIGINAL within the United States. We hold service mark
registrations for ARTHUR TREACHER’S in China and Japan. We also hold service mark registrations for ARTHUR
TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS in Canada, ARTHUR TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS and design in Canada and Mexico,
and ARTHUR TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS and design in Colombia, Costa Rica, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore and the
United Arab Emirates.
Our trademark and service mark registrations were granted and expire on various dates. We believe that these
trademarks and service marks provide significant value to us and are an important factor in the marketing of our products and
services. We believe that we do not infringe on the trademarks or other intellectual property rights of any third parties. We
also have licenses to use the Kenny Rogers trademarks and service marks in the then-existing Nathan’s restaurants existing
on April 23, 2008.
Seasonality
Our routine business pattern is affected by seasonal fluctuations, including the effects of weather and economic
conditions. Historically, sales from our Company-owned locations, principally at Coney Island, and franchised restaurants
from which franchise royalties are earned and the Company’s earnings have been highest during our first two fiscal quarters,
with the fourth fiscal quarter typically representing the slowest period. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable
to predict the magnitude of the seasonal affect of summer 2020 on fiscal 2021 results. Routine seasonality is primarily
attributable to weather conditions in the marketplace for our Company-owned and franchised Nathan’s restaurants, which is
principally the Northeast. Additionally, revenues from our Branded Product Program and retail licensing program generally
follow similar seasonal fluctuations, although not to the same degree. We believe that future revenues and profits will continue
to be highest during our first two fiscal quarters, with the fourth fiscal quarter representing the slowest period.
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Competition
The fast food restaurant industry is highly competitive and can be significantly affected by many factors, including
changes in local, regional or national economic conditions, changes in consumer tastes, consumer concerns about the
nutritional quality of quick-service food, as well as the increases in and the locations of, competing restaurants.
Our restaurant system competes with numerous restaurants and drive-in units operating on both a national and local
basis, including major national chains with greater financial and other resources than ours. We also compete with local
restaurants and diners on the basis of menu diversity, food quality, price, size, site location and name recognition. There is
also active competition for management personnel, as well as for suitable commercial sites for owned or franchised
restaurants.
We believe that our emphasis on our signature products and the reputation of these products for taste and quality set
us apart from our major competitors. Many fast food companies have adopted “value pricing” and/or deep discount strategies.
Nathan’s markets our own form of “value pricing,” selling combinations of different menu items for a total price lower than
the usual sale price of the individual items and other forms of price sensitive promotions. Our value pricing strategy may
offer multi-sized alternatives to our value-priced combo meals.
We also compete with many restaurant franchisors and other business concepts for the sale of franchises to qualified
and financially capable franchisees.
Our Branded Product Program competes directly with a variety of other nationally-recognized hot dog companies
and other food companies; many of these entities have significantly greater resources than we do. Our products primarily
compete based upon price, quality and value to the foodservice operator and consumer. We believe that Nathan’s reputation
for superior quality, along with the ability to provide operational support to the foodservice operator, provides Nathan’s with
a competitive advantage.
Our retail licensing program for the sale of packaged foods within supermarkets competes primarily on the basis of
reputation, flavor, quality and price. In most cases, we compete against other nationally-recognized brands that may have
significantly greater resources than those at our disposal.
Available Information
We file reports with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current
Reports on Form 8-K and a proxy statement on Schedule 14A. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about issuers such as us that file electronically with
the SEC.
In addition, electronic copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports
on Form 8-K, proxy statement on Schedule 14A and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a)
or 15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”) are available free of charge on our
website, www.nathansfamous.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish
it to, the SEC. The reference to our website address and the SEC website address do not constitute incorporation by reference
of the information contained on the website and should not be considered part of this document.
The Board of Directors has also adopted, and we have posted in the Investor Relations section of our website, written
Charters for each of the Board’s standing committees. We will provide without charge a copy of the Charter of any standing
committee of the Board upon a stockholder’s request to us at Nathan’s Famous, Inc., One Jericho Plaza, Second Floor - Wing
A, Jericho, NY 11753, Attention: Secretary.
For financial information regarding our results of operations, please see our consolidated financial statements
beginning on page F-1.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our business is subject to various risks. Certain risks are specific to each way we do business, such as through
Company-owned restaurants, franchised restaurants, branded products and retail, while other risks, such as health-related or
economic risks, may affect all of the ways that we do business.
Investors should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this Form 10-K, including the following risk
factors, before deciding to invest in any of the Company’s securities. The following risk factors are not exhaustive. Additional
risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company may also adversely impact its business. The Company’s business,
financial condition, results of operations or prospects could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. In that
case, the trading price of the Company’s common stock could decline. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s results could materially differ from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks it faces described below and elsewhere. See
“Forward-Looking Statements” above.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19 virus) pandemic may disrupt
our business, which could materially affect our operations and results of operations.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks such as the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19 virus) pandemic, have and may
continue to impact customer traffic at company-owned and franchised restaurants, may make it more difficult to staff our
company-owned and restaurants of our franchisees, may affect sales and profits from our Branded Product Program as many
of our customers operate in venues that are currently closed and may be slow to reopen, such as professional sports venues,
amusement parks, shopping malls and movie theaters, and, in more severe cases, may cause a temporary inability to obtain
supplies, increase commodity costs or continue to cause full and partial closures of our affected company-owned and
franchised restaurants, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. The Company and its franchisees have implemented
closures, modified hours or reductions in on-site staff, resulting in cancelled shifts for some of the restaurant employees.
These changes and any additional changes may materially adversely affect our business or results of operations, and may
impact our liquidity or financial condition, particularly if these changes are in place for a significant amount of time. In
addition, our operations could be disrupted if any of our employees or employees of the Company's franchisees, suppliers
and business partners were or are suspected of having COVID-19 or other illnesses since this could require the Company, its
franchisees, its suppliers or its business partners to quarantine some or all such employees, close and disinfect restaurant and
other facilities or, in the case of our suppliers, delay in delivering the Company's products . If a significant percentage of the
Company's workforce or the workforce of our franchisees, our suppliers and business partners are unable to work, including
because of illness or travel or government restrictions in connection with pandemics or disease outbreaks (including the
current COVID-19 pandemic), the Company's operations may be negatively impacted, potentially materially adversely
affecting the Company's business, liquidity, financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, such viruses may be
transmitted through human contact, and the risk of contracting viruses has caused and could continue to cause employees or
guests to avoid gathering in public places, which has had, and could further have, adverse effects on restaurant and other
guest traffic or the ability to adequately staff restaurants. The Company could also be adversely affected if government
authorities continue to impose restrictions on public gatherings, human interactions, operations of restaurants or mandatory
closures, seek voluntary closures, restrict hours of operations or impose curfews, restrict the import or export of products or
if suppliers issue mass recalls of products. Currently, several states and municipalities in the U.S. and abroad have temporarily
suspended the operation of dining in at restaurants and instituted restrictions on public gatherings in light of COVID-19 which
has caused venues such as professional sports venues, amusement parks, shopping malls and movie theaters to close
temporarily. Additional regulation or requirements with respect to the compensation of the Company's employees and the
employees of our franchisees and business partners could also have an adverse effect on the Company's business. The
implementation of such measures and if the virus or other disease continues to spread significantly, the perceived risk of
infection or health risk may adversely affect the Company's business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
16
Our licensing revenue and overall profitability is substantially dependent on our agreement with John Morrell &
Co. and the loss or a significant reduction of this revenue would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations.
We earned license royalties from John Morrell of approximately $23,680,000 in fiscal 2020 and approximately
$21,271,000 in fiscal 2019 representing 22.9% and 20.9% of total revenues, respectively. As a result of our agreement with
John Morrell, we expect that most of our license revenues will be earned from John Morrell for the foreseeable future. In
addition, the reduction in our adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure (see Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-
GAAP measures on page 41 of this report)) from $30.4 million in fiscal 2019 to $30.0 million in fiscal 2020 and income from
operations from $28.0 million in fiscal 2019 to $27.2 million in fiscal 2020 was partially mitigated due to the increase in
license royalties earned from John Morrell. While our agreement with John Morrell expires in 2032, John Morrell’s BPP
foodservice business is weighted towards one high volume user who has not sold product pursuant to a formal
agreement. Accordingly, in the event that (i) John Morrell or its customers experience financial difficulties, (ii) there is a
disruption or termination of the John Morrell Agreement or (iii) there is a significant decrease in our revenue from John
Morrell, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
A significant amount of our Branded Product Program (“BPP”) revenue is from a small number of BPP
accounts. The loss of any one or more of those BPP accounts could harm our profitability and operating results.
For the fiscal 2020 period, approximately 77% of our BPP business is from six accounts, including two accounts
each representing approximately 21% of the BPP business, with which we have relatively short-term contracts. In the event
that these BPP customers experience financial difficulties or, upon the expiration of their existing agreements are not willing
to do business with us in the future on terms acceptable to management, there could be a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
Increases in the cost of food and paper products could harm our profitability and operating results.
The cost of the food and paper products we use depends on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our
control. Food and paper products typically represent approximately 25% to 30% of our cost of restaurant sales. We purchase
large quantities of beef and our beef costs in the United States represent approximately 80% to 90% of our food costs. The
market for beef is particularly volatile and is subject to significant price fluctuations due to seasonal shifts, climate conditions,
industry demand and other factors beyond our control. Between April 2018 and March 2020, beef prices traded within a range
of + or - 10%. Beef prices were lower between October 2018 and March 2019 as compared to the period between October
2019 and March 2020. Our average cost of hot dogs between October 2019 and March 2020 was approximately 11.4% higher
than the period between October 2018 and March 2019. As such, our market price for hot dogs during our fiscal 2020 period
was approximately 6.7% higher than the fiscal 2019 period.
We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products
during fiscal 2021. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of
operations. If the price of beef or other food products that we use in our operations significantly increases, or tariffs are
imposed, particularly in the BPP, and we choose not to pass, or cannot pass, these increases on to our customers, our operating
margins will decrease and such decrease in operating margins could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations or financial condition.
Fluctuations in weather, supply and demand and economic conditions could adversely affect the cost, availability
and quality of some of our critical products, including beef. Our inability to obtain requisite quantities of high-quality
ingredients would adversely affect our ability to provide the menu items that are central to our business, and the highly
competitive nature of our industry may limit our ability to pass through increased costs to our customers. Continuing increases
in the cost of fuel would increase the distribution costs of our prime products thereby increasing the food and paper cost to
us and to our franchisees, thus negatively affecting profitability.
From time to time, we have sought to lock in the cost of a portion of our beef purchases by entering into various
commitments to purchase hot dogs during certain periods in an effort to ensure supply of product at a fixed cost of product.
However, we may be unable to enter into similar purchase commitments in the future. In addition, we do not have the ability
to effectively hedge all of our beef purchases using futures or forward contracts without incurring undue financial cost and
risk.
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John Morrell currently has three manufacturing facilities producing different Nathan’s products and a long-
term significant interruption of a primary facility could potentially disrupt our operations.
Our primary manufacturer of our hot dogs, Smithfield Foods, has recently announced the closure of four of its plants
due to COVID-19. The only plant closure that has any relationship to our operations is the Sioux Falls, IA plant which has
reopened and is increasing its capacity as their workers return to work. A second plant that produces our products in
Springdale, OH had never closed, although it has been operating at reduced capacity until the labor force returns to work. In
the event the Smithfield Foods plants take longer to reach full capacity, we do not anticipate that the rapidly evolving COVID-
19 outbreak will have a material adverse effect on our supply of hot dogs over the next several months.
John Morrell currently has three manufacturing facilities producing different Nathan’s products. A temporary
closure of any of the three plants could potentially cause a temporary disruption to our source of supply, potentially causing
some or all of certain shipments to customers to be delayed. A longer-term significant interruption at any of these production
facilities, whether as a result of a natural disaster or other causes, could significantly impair our ability to operate our business
on a day-to-day basis while John Morrell determines how to make up for any lost production capabilities, during which time
we may not be able to secure sufficient alternative sources of supply on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, a long-term
disruption in supply to our customers could cause our customers to determine not to purchase some or all of their hot dogs
from us in the future, which in turn would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, a supply disruption or other events might affect our brand in the eyes of consumers and the retail trade, which
damage might negatively impact our overall business in general, which could result in a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations or financial condition.
The loss of one or more of our key suppliers could lead to supply disruptions, increased costs and lower operating
results.
We have historically relied on one supplier for the majority of our hot dogs and another supplier for a majority of
our supply of frozen French fries for our restaurant system. An interruption in the supply of product from either of these
suppliers without our obtaining an alternative source of supply on comparable terms could lead to supply disruptions,
increased costs and lower operating results.
We have an agreement with a secondary hot dog manufacturer that continues to also supply natural casing hot dogs
for our restaurant business. Additionally, a majority of the frozen crinkle-cut French fries sold through our franchised
restaurants have been obtained from one supplier. Since fiscal 2013, we have had a relationship with a secondary source of
supply of our frozen French fries for our restaurant system.
In the event that the hot dog or French fry suppliers are unable to fulfill our requirements for any reason, including
due to a significant interruption in its manufacturing operations, whether as a result of a natural disaster or for other reasons,
such interruption could significantly impair our ability to operate our business on a day-to-day basis.
In the event that we are unable to find one or more alternative suppliers of hot dogs or French fries on a timely basis,
there could be a disruption in the supply of product to Company-owned restaurants, franchised restaurants and BPP accounts,
which would damage our business, our franchisees and our BPP customers and, in turn, negatively impact our financial
results. In addition, any gap in supply to retail customers would result in lost royalty payments to us, which could have a
significant adverse financial impact on our results of operations. Furthermore, any gap in supply to retail customers may
damage our brand in the eyes of consumers and the retail trade, which damage might negatively impact our overall business
in general and impair our ability to continue our retail licensing program.
Additionally, there is no assurance that any supplemental sources of supply would be capable of meeting our
specifications and quality standards on a timely and consistent basis or that the financial terms of such supply arrangement
will be as favorable as our present terms with our hot dog or French fry supplier, as the case may be.
Any of the foregoing occurrences may cause disruptions in the supply of our hot dog or French fry products, as the
case may be, damage our franchisees and our BPP customers, adversely impact our financial results and/or damage our brand.
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Our earnings and business growth strategy depend in large part on the success of our product licensees and
product manufacturers. Our reputation and the reputation of our brand may be harmed by actions taken by our product
licensees or product manufacturers that are otherwise outside of our control.
A significant portion of our earnings has come from royalties paid by our product licensees, such as John Morrell &
Co., Saratoga Food Specialties, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Morrell & Co., and Lamb Weston, Inc. Although
our agreements with these licensees contain numerous controls and safeguards, and we monitor the operations of our product
licensees, our licensees are independent contractors, and their employees are not our employees. Accordingly, we cannot
necessarily control the performance of our licensees under their license agreements, including without limitation, the
licensee’s continued best efforts to manufacture our products for retail distribution and our foodservice businesses, timely
delivery of the licensed products, market the licensed products and assure the quality of the licensed products produced and/or
sold by a product licensee. Any shortcoming in the quality, quantity and/or timely delivery of a licensed product is likely to
be attributed by consumers to an entire brand’s reputation, potentially adversely affecting our business, results of operations
and financial condition. In addition, a licensee’s failure to effectively market the licensed products may result in decreased
sales, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Also, to the extent that the
terms and conditions of any of these license agreements change or we change any of our product licensees, our business,
results of operations and financial condition could be materially affected.
The quick-service restaurant business is highly competitive, and that competition could lower revenues, margins
and market share.
The quick-service restaurant business of the foodservice industry is intensely competitive regarding price, service,
location, personnel and type and quality of food. We and our franchisees compete with international, national, regional and
local retailers primarily through the quality, variety and value perception of food products offered. Other key competitive
factors include the number and location of restaurants, quality and speed of service, attractiveness of facilities, effectiveness
of advertising and marketing programs, and new product development. We anticipate competition will continue to focus on
convenience and pricing. Many of our competitors have substantially larger marketing budgets, which may provide them
with a competitive advantage. Changes in pricing or other marketing strategies by these competitors can have an adverse
impact on our sales, earnings and growth. For example, many of those competitors have adopted “value pricing” strategies
intended to lure customers away from other companies, including our Company. Consequently, these strategies could have
the effect of drawing customers away from companies which do not engage in discount pricing and could also negatively
impact the operating margins of competitors which attempt to match their competitors’ price reductions. Extensive price
discounting in the quick-service restaurant business could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
In addition, we and our franchisees compete within the foodservice market and the quick-service restaurant business
not only for customers but also for management and hourly employees and qualified franchisees. If we are unable to maintain
our competitive position, we could experience downward pressure on prices, lower demand for products, reduced margins,
the inability to take advantage of new business opportunities and the loss of market share.
Recent changes to minimum wage rates have increased our labor costs.
We must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act and various federal and state laws governing minimum
wages. Increases in the minimum wage and labor regulations have increased our labor costs. New York State passed
legislation increasing the minimum hourly wage for fast food workers of restaurant chains with 30 or more locations
nationwide which over a period of time will increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour. The first increase from this law
took effect beginning December 31, 2015 and was fully phased in by December 31, 2018 in New York City, where we operate
two Company-owned restaurants and by December 31, 2021 throughout the rest of New York State which impacts the labor
costs at our two remaining Company-owned restaurants and our franchised restaurants that operate in New York State. The
impact of the New York minimum wage increases on our business amounted to a 12.3% average salary increase in 2016 and
approximately an 11.0% average salary increase in 2017 for our employees that were affected. The increases that took effect
on December 31, 2017 increased the hourly wage by 11.4% for the employees that were affected in 2018. The increases that
took effect on December 31, 2018 increased the hourly wage by 11.1% in New York City and 8.5% elsewhere for the
employees that were affected in 2019. We also expect that the increase that took effect on December 31, 2019 will increase
the hourly wage by 7.8% outside of New York City for employees that are affected in 2020. On December 31, 2020, the
minimum wage will increase by an additional 5.5% to $14.50 per hour. In addition, the federal government and a number of
other states are evaluating various proposals to increase their respective minimum wage. As minimum wage rates increase,
we may need to increase not only the wages of our minimum wage employees but also the wages paid to employees at wage
rates that are above minimum wage. Additionally, as a result, we anticipate that our labor costs will continue to increase. If
we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases, our margins and profitability as well as the profitability
and margins of our franchisees will be adversely impacted which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
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of operations or financial condition. Our business could be further negatively impacted if the decrease in margins for our
franchisees results in the potential loss of new franchisees or the closing of a significant number of existing franchised
restaurants.
Increases in labor costs due to new regulations or labor shortages could slow our growth or harm our business.
In addition to minimum wage increases, in the past several years, state and local governments have enacted
legislation which increased labor costs. For instance, effective November 27, 2017, the City of New York enacted Fair Work
Week Legislation. A key component of this legislation is a requirement that fast food restaurants schedule their workers at
least two weeks in advance or pay employees between $10 to $75 per scheduling change, depending on the situation. Due to
Nathan’s dependency on weather conditions at our two Coney Island locations during the summer, we are unable to determine
the potential impact on our results of operations, which could be material. We have estimated that the daily penalty could
amount to as much as $10,000 per day during the height of the summer season for these two restaurants. Continued increases
in our labor costs as a result of this or other new legislation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Moreover, our success depends in part upon our ability and the ability of our franchisees to continue to attract,
motivate and retain regional, operational and restaurant general managers with the qualifications to succeed in our industry
and the motivation to apply our core service philosophy. If we or our franchisees are unable to continue to recruit and retain
sufficiently qualified managers or to motivate our employees to achieve sustained high service levels, our business and our
growth could be adversely affected. Competition for these employees could require the payment of higher wages that could
result in higher labor costs.
Changes in the U.S. healthcare system could increase our cost of doing business.
In March 2010, the federal government passed legislation to reform the U.S. health care system. As part of the plan,
employers are expected to provide their employees with minimum levels of healthcare coverage or incur certain financial
penalties. Our workforce includes numerous part-time workers, which may increase our health care costs and expose us to
certain excise taxes, in the event that healthcare is offered to less than 95% of our full-time employees, as defined by the
legislation. Additionally, some states and localities have passed state and local laws mandating the provision of certain levels
of health benefits by some employers. Continued increases in health care costs could adversely affect our operations and
those of the restaurant industry and we might have to further reconsider our pricing strategy as a means to offset reduced
operating margins. Increased health care costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Changes in economic, market and other conditions could adversely affect us and our franchisees, and thereby
our operating results.
The quick-service restaurant business is affected by changes in international, national, regional, and local economic
conditions, consumer preferences and spending patterns, demographic trends, consumer perceptions of food safety and health,
diet and nutrition, weather, traffic patterns, the type, number and location of competing restaurants, and the effects of war or
terrorist activities and any governmental responses thereto. Factors such as inflation, higher costs for each of food, labor,
benefits and utilities, the availability and cost of suitable sites, fluctuating insurance rates, state and local regulations and
licensing requirements, legal claims, and the availability of an adequate number of qualified management and hourly
employees also affect restaurant operations and administrative expenses. Our ability and our franchisees’ ability to finance
new restaurant development, to make improvements and additions to existing restaurants, and the acquisition of restaurants
from, and sale of restaurants to, franchisees is affected by economic conditions, including interest rates and other government
policies impacting land and construction costs and the cost and availability of borrowed funds.
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Current restaurant locations may become unattractive, and attractive new locations may not be available for a
reasonable price, if at all, which may reduce our revenue.
The success of any restaurant depends in substantial part on its location. There can be no assurance that current
locations will continue to be attractive as demographic patterns change. Neighborhood or economic conditions where
restaurants are located could decline in the future, thus resulting in potentially reduced sales in those locations. If we and our
franchisees cannot obtain desirable additional and alternative locations at reasonable prices, our results of operations would
be adversely affected.
Any perceived or real health risks related to the food industry could adversely affect our ability to sell our
products.
We are subject to risks affecting the food industry generally, including risks posed by the following:
food spoilage or food contamination;
consumer product liability claims;
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(cid:404) product tampering; and
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the potential cost and disruption of a product recall.
Our products are susceptible to contamination by disease-producing organisms, or pathogens, such as listeria
monocytogenes, salmonella, campylobacter, hepatitis A, trichinosis and generic E. coli. In addition, our beef products are
also subject to the risk of contamination from bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Because these pathogens are generally
found in the environment, there is a risk that these pathogens could be introduced to our products as a result of improper
handling at the manufacturing, processing, foodservice or consumer level. Our suppliers’ manufacturing facilities and
products, as well as our franchisee and Company-operated restaurant operations, are subject to extensive laws and regulations
relating to health, food preparation, sanitation and safety standards. Difficulties or failures by these companies in obtaining
any required licenses or approvals or otherwise complying with such laws and regulations could adversely affect our revenue
that is generated from these companies. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that compliance with governmental regulations
by our suppliers or in connection with restaurant operations will eliminate the risks related to food safety.
Events reported in the media, or incidents involving food-borne illnesses or food tampering, whether or not accurate,
can cause damage to our brand’s reputation and affect sales and profitability. Reports, whether true or not, of food-borne
illnesses (such as e-coli, avian flu, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, hepatitis A, trichinosis or salmonella) and injuries
caused by food tampering have in the past severely injured the reputations of participants in the quick-service restaurant
business and could in the future affect our business as well. Our brand’s reputation is an important asset to the business; as a
result, anything that damages our brand’s reputation could immediately and severely hurt system-wide sales and, accordingly,
revenue and profits. If customers become ill from food-borne illnesses or food tampering, we could also be forced to
temporarily close some, or all, restaurants. In addition, instances of food-borne illnesses or food tampering, even those
occurring solely at the restaurants of competitors, could, by resulting in negative publicity about the restaurant industry,
adversely affect system sales on a local, regional or system-wide basis. A decrease in customer traffic as a result of these
health concerns or negative publicity, or as a result of a temporary closure of any of our Company-owned restaurants or our
franchisees’ restaurants, could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, we may be subject to liability if the consumption of any of our products causes injury, illness, or death.
A significant product liability judgment or a widespread product recall may negatively impact our sales and profitability for
a period of time depending on product availability, competitive reaction, and consumer attitudes. Even if a product liability
claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness
or injury could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate and brand image.
Injury to our brand’s reputation would likely reduce revenue and profits.
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Negative publicity, including complaints on social media platforms and other internet-based communications,
could damage our reputation and harm our guest traffic, and in turn, negatively impact our business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects.
There has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms and similar devices, including blogs, social
media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that allow individuals to access a broad audience of
consumers and other interested persons. Consumers value readily available information concerning goods and services that
they have or plan to purchase, and may act on such information without further investigation or authentication. The
availability of information on social media platforms is virtually immediate, as is its impact. Many social media platforms
immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants can post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the
content posted. The opportunity for dissemination of information, including inaccurate information, is seemingly limitless
and readily available. Information concerning our business and products may be posted on such platforms at any time.
Information posted may be adverse to our interests or may be inaccurate, each of which may harm our performance, prospects
or business. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. Such platforms could
also be used for dissemination of trade secret information, compromising valuable Company assets. In sum, the dissemination
of information online, regardless of its accuracy, could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
Changing health or dietary preferences may cause consumers to avoid products offered by us in favor of
alternative foods.
The foodservice industry is affected by consumer preferences and perceptions. Reports of the use of hormones,
antibiotics or pesticides in the production of certain food products may cause consumers to reduce or avoid consumption of
such food products. If prevailing health or dietary preferences, perceptions and governmental regulation cause consumers to
avoid the products we offer in favor of alternative or healthier foods, demand for our products may be reduced and our
business could be harmed.
We are subject to health, employment, environmental and other government regulations, and failure to comply
with existing or future government regulations could expose us to litigation, damage our corporate reputation or the
reputation of our brands and lower profits.
We and our franchisees are subject to various federal, state and local laws, rules or regulations affecting our
businesses. To the extent that the standards imposed by local, state and federal authorities are inconsistent, they can adversely
affect popular perceptions of our business and increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or
proceedings. We may be unable to manage effectively the impact of new, potential or changing regulations that affect or
restrict elements of our business. The successful development and operation of restaurants depends to a significant extent on
the selection and acquisition of suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, land use (including the placement of drive-thru
windows), environmental (including litter), traffic and other regulations. There can be no assurance that we and our
franchisees will not experience material difficulties or failures in obtaining the necessary licenses or approvals for new
restaurants which could delay the opening of such restaurants in the future. Restaurant operations are also subject to licensing
and regulation by state and local departments relating to health, food preparation, sanitation and safety standards, federal and
state labor laws (including applicable minimum wage requirements, overtime, working and safety conditions and citizenship
requirements), federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and other laws regulating the design and operation of
facilities, such as the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If we fail to comply with any of these laws, we may
be subject to governmental action or litigation, and accordingly our reputation could be harmed.
Injury to us or our brand’s reputation would, in turn, likely reduce revenue and profits. In addition, difficulties or
failures in obtaining any required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the development or opening of a new restaurant
or renovations to existing restaurants, which would adversely affect our revenue.
In recent years, there has been an increased legislative, regulatory and consumer focus on nutrition and advertising
practices in the food industry, particularly among quick-service restaurants. As a result, we may become subject to regulatory
initiatives in the area of nutrition disclosure or advertising, such as requirements to provide information about the nutritional
content of our food products, which could increase expenses. The operation of our franchise system is also subject to franchise
laws and regulations enacted by a number of states and rules promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Any future
legislation regulating franchise relationships may negatively affect our operations, particularly our relationship with our
franchisees. Failure to comply with new or existing franchise laws and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required
government approvals could result in a ban or temporary suspension on future franchise sales. Changes in applicable
accounting rules imposed by governmental regulators or private governing bodies could also affect our reported results of
operations, which could cause our stock price to fluctuate or decline.
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We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could decrease the value of our business
or the value of our brands and products.
The success of our business depends on the continued ability to use existing trademarks, service marks and other
components of each of our brands in order to increase brand awareness and further develop branded products. We may not
be able to adequately protect our trademarks, and the use of these trademarks may result in liability for trademark
infringement, trademark dilution or unfair competition. All of the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may
not be adequate.
We have registered or applied to register many of our trademarks and service marks both in the United States and in
foreign countries. Because of the differences in foreign trademark laws, our trademark rights may not receive the same degree
of protection in foreign countries as they would in the United States. We also cannot assure you that our trademark and service
mark applications will be approved. In addition, third parties may oppose our trademark and service mark applications, or
otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks or service marks. In the event that our trademarks or service marks are
successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand our products and services, which could result in loss of brand
recognition, and could require us to devote resources advertising and marketing new brands. Further, we cannot assure you
that competitors will not infringe our marks, or that we will have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks or service
marks.
We also license third party franchisees and other licensees to use our trademarks and service marks. We enter into
franchise agreements with our franchisees and license agreements with other licensees which govern the use of our trademarks
and service marks. Although we make efforts to police the use of our trademarks and service marks by our franchisees and
other licensees, we cannot assure you that these efforts will be sufficient to ensure that our franchisees and other licensees
abide by the terms of the trademark licenses. In the event that our franchisees fail to do so, our trademark and service mark
rights could be diluted.
Our earnings and business growth strategy depend in large part on the success of our restaurant franchisees and
on new restaurant openings. Our corporate reputation or brand reputation may be harmed by actions taken by restaurant
franchisees that are otherwise outside of our control.
A significant portion of our earnings comes from royalties, fees and other amounts paid by our restaurant franchisees.
The opening and success of franchised restaurants depends on various factors, including the demand for our franchises and
the selection of appropriate franchisee candidates, the availability of suitable restaurant sites, the negotiation of acceptable
lease or purchase terms for new locations, permitting and regulatory compliance, the ability to meet construction schedules,
the availability of financing and the financial and other capabilities of our franchisees and area developers. We cannot assure
you that area developers planning the opening of franchised restaurants will have the business abilities or sufficient access to
financial resources necessary to open the restaurants required by their agreements. We cannot assure you that franchisees will
successfully participate in our strategic initiatives or operate their restaurants in a manner consistent with our concept and
standards. Our franchisees are independent contractors, and their employees are not our employees. We provide training and
support to, and monitor the operations of, our franchisees, but the quality of their restaurant operations may be diminished by
any number of factors beyond our control. Consequently, the franchisees may not successfully operate their restaurants in a
manner consistent with our high standards and requirements, and franchisees may not hire and train qualified managers and
other restaurant personnel. Any operational shortcoming of a franchised restaurant is likely to be attributed by consumers to
an entire brand or our system, thus damaging our corporate or brand reputation, potentially adversely affecting our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
Growth in our restaurant revenue and earnings is significantly dependent on new restaurant openings. Numerous
factors beyond our control may affect restaurant openings. These factors include but are not limited to:
(cid:404) our ability to attract new franchisees;
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the availability of site locations for new restaurants;
the ability of potential restaurant owners to obtain financing, which may become more difficult due to
current market conditions and operating results;
the ability of restaurant owners to hire, train and retain qualified operating personnel;
construction and development costs of new restaurants, particularly in highly-competitive markets;
the ability of restaurant owners to secure required governmental approvals and permits in a timely manner,
or at all; and
adverse weather conditions.
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We cannot assure you that franchisees will renew their franchise agreements or that franchised restaurants will
remain open. Closings of franchised restaurants are expected in the ordinary course and may cause our royalty revenues and
financial performance to decline. Our principal competitors may have greater influence over their respective restaurant
systems than we do because of their significantly higher percentage of company restaurants and/or ownership of franchisee
real estate and, as a result, may have a greater ability to implement operational initiatives and business strategies, including
their marketing and advertising programs.
As our franchisees are independent operators, we have limited influence over their ability to invest in other
businesses or incur excessive indebtedness. Some of our franchisees have invested in other businesses, including other
restaurant concepts. Such franchisees may use the cash generated by their Nathan’s restaurants to expand their other
businesses or to subsidize losses incurred by such businesses. Additionally, as independent operators, franchisees do not
require our consent to incur indebtedness. Consequently, our franchisees have in the past, and may in the future, experience
financial distress as a result of over-leveraging. To the extent that our franchisees use the cash from their Nathan’s restaurants
to subsidize their other businesses or experience financial distress, due to over-leveraging, delayed or reduced payments of
royalties, advertising fund contributions and rents for properties we lease to them, or otherwise, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, lenders to our franchisees
may be less likely to provide current or prospective franchisees necessary financing on favorable terms, or at all, due to
market conditions and operating results.
Changes in franchise regulation laws could impact our ability to obtain or retain licenses or approvals and
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We are also subject to federal statutes and regulations, including the rules promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade
Commission, as well as certain state laws governing the offer and sale of franchises. Many state franchise laws impose
substantive requirements on franchise agreements, including limitations on non-competition provisions and on provisions
concerning the termination or non-renewal of a franchise. Some states require that certain materials be filed for a franchisor
to be registered and approved, before franchises can be offered or sold in that state. The failure to obtain or retain licenses or
approvals to sell franchises could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects.
We rely on the performance of major retailers, wholesalers, specialty distributors and mass merchants for the
success of our business, and should they perform poorly or give higher priority to other brands or products, our business
could be adversely affected.
We sell our products to retail outlets and wholesale distributors including, traditional supermarkets, mass
merchandisers, warehouse clubs, wholesalers, food service distributors and convenience stores. The replacement by or poor
performance of our major wholesalers, retailers or chains or our inability to collect accounts receivable from our customers
could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, our customers offer
branded and private label products that compete directly with our products for retail shelf space and consumer purchases.
Accordingly, there is a risk that our customers may give higher priority to their own products or to the products of our
competitors. In the future, our customers may not continue to purchase our products or provide our products with adequate
levels of promotional support. A significant decline in the purchase of our products would have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The sophistication and buying power of our customers could have a negative impact on profits.
Our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and food distributors, have continued to consolidate,
resulting in fewer customers with which to do business. These consolidations and the growth of supercenters have produced
large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power and negotiating strength who are more capable of resisting price
increases and can demand lower pricing, increased promotional programs, or specialty tailored products. In addition, larger
retailers have the scale to develop supply chains that permit them to operate with reduced inventories or to develop and market
their own retailer brands. If the larger size of these customers results in additional negotiating strength and/or increased
private label or store brand competition, our profitability could decline.
Consolidation also increases the risk that adverse changes in our customers’ business operations or financial
performance will have a corresponding material adverse effect on us. For example, if our customers cannot access sufficient
funds or financing, then they may delay, decrease, or cancel purchases of our products, or delay or fail to pay us for previous
purchases.
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Failure by third-party manufacturers or suppliers of raw materials to comply with food safety, environmental or
other regulations may disrupt our supply of certain products and adversely affect our business.
We rely on third-party manufacturers to produce our products and on other suppliers to supply raw materials. Such
manufacturers and other suppliers, whether in the United States or outside the United States, are subject to a number of
regulations, including food safety and environmental regulations. Failure by any of our manufacturers or other suppliers to
comply with regulations, or allegations of compliance failure, may disrupt their operations. Disruption of the operations of a
manufacturer or other suppliers could disrupt our supply of product or raw materials, which could have an adverse effect on
our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Additionally, actions we may take to mitigate
the impact of any such disruption or potential disruption, including increasing inventory in anticipation of a potential
production or supply interruption, may adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations
or liquidity.
Leasing of real estate exposes us to possible liabilities and losses.
We lease land and/or buildings for certain restaurants, which can include the sub-letting of leased land and/or
buildings to franchisees or companies other than our franchisees. Accordingly, we are subject to all of the risks associated
with owning, leasing and sub-leasing real estate. We generally cannot cancel these leases. If an existing or future store is not
profitable, and we decide to close it, we may nonetheless be committed to perform the obligations under the applicable lease
including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. In addition, as each of the leases expires,
we may fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could cause us to close stores in
desirable locations.
We may evaluate acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic initiatives, any of which could distract
management or otherwise have a negative effect on revenue, costs and stock price.
Our future success may depend on opportunities to buy or obtain rights to other businesses that could complement,
enhance or expand our current business or products or that might otherwise offer growth opportunities. In particular, we may
evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint venture investments, strategic initiatives, alliances, vertical integration
opportunities and divestitures. We have no commitments, agreements or understandings with respect to any of such
transactions. In addition, our ability to engage in these transactions may be impacted by the incurrence of debt as a result of
the Notes. Any attempt by us to engage in these transactions may expose us to various inherent risks, including:
(cid:404) not accurately assessing the value, future growth potential, strengths, weaknesses, contingent and other
liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition candidates;
the potential loss of key personnel of an acquired business;
the ability to achieve projected economic and operating synergies;
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(cid:404) difficulties in successfully integrating, operating, maintaining and managing newly-acquired operations or
employees;
(cid:404) difficulties maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;
(cid:404) unanticipated changes in business and economic conditions affecting an acquired business;
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the possibility of impairment charges if an acquired business performs below expectations; and
the diversion of management’s attention from the existing business to integrate the operations and personnel
of the acquired or combined business or implement the strategic initiative.
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Our annual and quarterly financial results may fluctuate depending on various factors, many of which are
beyond our control, and, if we fail to meet the expectations of investors, our share price may decline.
Our sales and operating results can vary from quarter to quarter and year to year depending on various factors, many
of which are beyond our control. Certain events and factors may directly and immediately decrease demand for our products.
These events and factors include:
changes in customer demand;
sales promotions by Nathan’s and its competitors;
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(cid:404) variations in the timing and volume of Nathan’s sales and franchisees’ sales;
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changes in the terms of our existing license/supply agreements and/or the replacement of existing licenses
or suppliers;
changes in average same-store sales and customer visits;
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(cid:404) variations in the price, availability and shipping costs of supplies;
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seasonal effects on demand for Nathan’s products;
(cid:404) unexpected slowdowns in new store development efforts;
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(cid:404) weather and acts of God; and
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changes in competitive and economic conditions generally;
changes in the cost or availability of ingredients or labor;
changes in the number of franchises sold and in franchise agreement renewals.
Our operations are influenced by adverse weather conditions.
Weather, which is unpredictable, can impact our sales. Harsh weather conditions that keep customers from dining
out result in lost opportunities for our Company-owned and our franchisees’ restaurants. A heavy snowstorm or a tropical
storm or hurricane in the Northeast can shut down an entire metropolitan area, resulting in a reduction in sales in that area at
Company-owned and franchised restaurants. Our fourth quarter includes winter months and historically has a lower level of
sales at Company-owned and franchised restaurants. Additionally, our Company-owned restaurants at Coney Island are
heavily dependent on favorable weather conditions during the summer season. Rain during the weekends and/or unseasonably
cold temperatures will negatively impact the number of patrons going to the Coney Island beach locations. Because a
significant portion of our restaurant operating costs is fixed or semi-fixed in nature, the loss of sales during these periods
hurts our operating margins, and can result in restaurant operating losses. For these reasons, a quarter-to-quarter comparison
may not be a good indication of our performance or how it may perform in the future.
Due to the concentration of our restaurants in particular geographic regions, our business results could be
impacted by the adverse economic conditions prevailing in those regions regardless of the state of the national economy
as a whole.
As of March 29, 2020, we and our franchisees (including units operated pursuant to our BMP) operated Nathan’s
restaurants in 21 states and nine foreign countries. As of March 29, 2020, the highest concentration of operating units was in
the Northeast, principally in New York and New Jersey. This geographic concentration in the Northeast can cause economic
conditions in particular areas of the country to have a disproportionate impact on our overall results of operations. It is possible
that adverse economic conditions in states or regions that contain a high concentration of Nathan’s restaurants could have a
material adverse impact on our results of operations in the future.
We rely extensively on computer systems, point of sales system and information technology to manage our
business. Any disruption in our computer systems, point of sales system or information technology may adversely affect
our ability to run our business.
We are significantly dependent upon our computer systems, point of sales system and information technology to
properly conduct our business. A failure or interruption of computer systems, point of sales systems or information technology
could result in the loss of data, business interruptions or delays in business operations. Further, despite our considerable
efforts and technological resources to secure our computer systems, point of sales systems and information technology,
security breaches, such as unauthorized access and computer viruses, may occur resulting in system disruptions, shutdowns
or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Any security breach of our computer systems, point of sales systems
or information technology may result in adverse publicity, loss of sales and profits, penalties or loss resulting from
misappropriation of information.
26
Cyberattacks and breaches could cause operational disruptions, fraud or theft of sensitive information.
Aspects of our operations are reliant upon internet-based activities, such as ordering supplies and back-office
functions such as accounting and transaction processing, making payments and accepting credit card payments in our
restaurants, processing payroll and other administrative functions, etc. For instance, if we fail to comply with applicable rules
or requirements for the payment methods we accept, or if payment-related data is compromised due to a breach or misuse of
data, we may be liable for costs incurred by payment card issuing banks and other third parties or subject to fines and higher
transaction fees, or our ability to accept or facilitate certain types of payments may be impaired. In addition, our customers
could lose confidence in certain payment types, which may result in a shift to other payment types or potential changes to our
payment systems that may result in higher costs.
We also use third-party vendors. While we select third-party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any
problems caused by these third parties, including those resulting from breakdowns or other disruptions in communication
services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, cyberattacks and security breaches at
a vendor could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to conduct our business.
Although we have taken measures to protect our technology systems and infrastructure, including continuously
working to install new, and upgrade our existing information technology systems and provide employee training around
phishing, malware and other cyber risks, there can be no assurance that we will be successful and fully protected against
cyber risks and security breaches. A security breach could result in operational disruptions, theft or fraud, or exposure of
sensitive information to unauthorized parties. Such events could result in additional costs related to operational inefficiencies,
or damages, claims or fines.
We may be required to recognize additional asset impairment and other asset-related charges.
We have long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets and have incurred impairment charges in the past with
respect to those assets. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, we test for impairment annually, or more
frequently, if there are indicators of impairment, such as:
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
significant adverse changes in the business climate;
current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a
projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with long-lived assets;
a current expectation that more-likely-than-not (e.g., a likelihood that is more than 50%) long-lived assets
will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of their previously estimated useful life;
and
a significant drop in our stock price.
Based upon future economic and capital market conditions, as well as the performance of individual operating units,
future impairment charges could be incurred.
Catastrophic events may disrupt our business.
Unforeseen events, or the prospect of such events, including war, terrorism and other international conflicts, public
health issues such as epidemics or pandemics (including, without limitation, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic), labor
unrest and natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes or other extreme adverse weather and climate conditions, whether
occurring in the United States or abroad, could disrupt our operations, disrupt the operations of franchisees, suppliers or
customers, or result in political or economic instability. These events could negatively impact consumer spending, thereby
reducing demand for our products, or the ability to receive products from suppliers. We do not have insurance policies that
insure against certain of these risks. To the extent that we do maintain insurance with respect to some of these risks, our
receipt of the proceeds of such policies may be delayed or the proceeds may be insufficient to offset our losses fully.
Our international operations are subject to various factors of uncertainty.
Our business outside of the United States is subject to a number of additional factors, including international
economic and political conditions, differing cultures and consumer preferences, currency regulations and fluctuations, diverse
government regulations and tax systems, uncertain or differing interpretations of rights (including intellectual property rights)
and obligations in connection with international franchise agreements and the collection of royalties from international
franchisees, the availability and cost of land and construction costs, and the availability of appropriate franchisees. In
developing markets, we may face risks associated with new and untested laws and judicial systems. Although we believe we
27
have developed the support structure required for international growth, there is no assurance that such growth will occur or
that international operations will be profitable.
Our business operations and future development could be significantly disrupted if we lose key members of our
management team.
The success of our business continues to depend to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our
senior officers and key employees, both individually and as a group. Our future performance will be substantially dependent,
in particular, on our ability to retain and motivate our executive officers, for certain of whom we currently have employment
agreements in place. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as our ability to satisfy our obligations under the
Notes. If we lose the services of any of these individuals in the foreseeable future; we currently have no effective replacement
for any of these individuals due to their experience, reputation in the industry and special role in our operations.
A recent ruling and complaint filed by the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board could, if
upheld, make us liable for violations of overtime, wage or union-organization violations by our franchisees.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for several years considered the issue of whether to hold certain
franchisors responsible as a “joint employer” of its franchisees’ staff under certain fact patterns. McDonald’s USA LLC and
its franchisees were the subject of administrative litigation with the NLRB. That matter was resolved through a settlement in
2019, and in 2020, the NLRB issued a regulation that changed the standard for determining when a party such as Nathan's
would be deemed a “joint employer” under the National Labor Relations Act. The new NLRB standard makes it less likely
that the NLRB would initiate an action against a company such as us. However, the possibility of administrative action from
other agencies, state governments, and in private lawsuits remains alleging that a franchisor and its franchisee “jointly
employ” the franchisee’s staff, that the franchisor is responsible for the franchisees’ staff (under theories of apparent agency,
ostensible agency, or actual agency), or otherwise. Among other things, a determination that Nathan's and its franchisees are
joint employers of one or more franchisees’ staff may make it easier to organize our franchisees’ staff into unions, provide
the staff and their union representatives with bargaining power to request that we have our franchisees raise wages, and make
it more expensive and less profitable to operate a Nathan’s franchised restaurant. A decrease in profitability or the closing of
a significant number of franchised restaurants could significantly impact our business (as well as our franchisees’ businesses),
and we may also be significantly impacted if the NLRB or a private party successfully brought an action against our company
alleging that we are a “joint employer” of our franchisees’ staffs.
In September 2019, California adopted a law known as “AB-5,” which was ostensibly intended to address the
relationship between “gig” workers and companies such as “Uber” and “Lyft.” The language of AB-5 is broad enough to
raise the possibility that it would apply to the relationship between a franchisor such as Nathan's and its franchisees in
California. If AB-5 were applied to the franchisor-franchisee relationship that Nathan's enjoys with its franchisees, that
might significantly impact the structure and financial viability of any California franchised or licensed locations.
We face risks of litigation and pressure tactics, such as strikes, boycotts and negative publicity from customers,
franchisees, suppliers, employees and others, which could divert our financial, and management resources and which
may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Class action lawsuits have been filed, and may continue to be filed, against various quick-service restaurants
alleging, among other things, that quick-service restaurants have failed to disclose the health risks associated with high-fat
foods and that quick-service restaurant marketing practices have targeted children and encouraged obesity. In addition, we
face the risk of lawsuits and negative publicity resulting from injuries, including injuries to infants and children, allegedly
caused by our products, toys and other promotional items available in our restaurants or by our playground equipment.
In addition, activist groups, including animal rights activists and groups acting on behalf of franchisees, the workers
who work for suppliers and others, have in the past, and may in the future, use pressure tactics to generate adverse publicity
by alleging, for example, inhumane treatment of animals by our suppliers, poor working conditions or unfair purchasing
policies. These groups may be able to coordinate their actions with other groups, threaten strikes or boycotts or enlist the
support of well-known persons or organizations in order to increase the pressure on us to achieve their stated aims. In the
future, these actions or the threat of these actions may force us to change our business practices or pricing policies, which
may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Further, we may be subject to employee, franchisee and other claims in the future based on, among other things,
mismanagement of the system, unfair or unequal treatment, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and wage, rest
break and meal break issues, including those relating to overtime compensation. We have been subject to these types of
28
claims in the past, and if one or more of these claims were to be successful or if there is a significant increase in the number
of these claims, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.
General regulation of the restaurant industry could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
The restaurant industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local governmental regulations, including those
relating to the preparation and sale of food and those relating to building and zoning requirements. In recent years, there has
been an increased legislative, regulatory and consumer focus on nutrition and advertising practices in the food industry,
particularly among restaurants. This focus has resulted in, and may continue to result in, the enactment of laws and regulations
that impact the ingredients and nutritional content of our menu offerings. For example, a number of states, counties and cities
have enacted menu labeling laws requiring multi-unit restaurant operators to disclose certain nutritional information available
to customers, or have enacted legislation restricting the use of certain types of ingredients in restaurants. Furthermore, the
2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) establishes a uniform, federal requirement for certain
restaurants to post nutritional information on their menus. Specifically, the PPACA amended the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act to require chain restaurants with 20 or more locations operating under the same name and offering substantially
the same menus to publish the total number of calories of standard menu items on menus and menu boards, along with a
statement that puts this calorie information in the context of a total daily calorie intake. The PPACA also requires covered
restaurants to provide to consumers, upon request, a written summary of detailed nutritional information for each standard
menu item, and to provide a statement on menus and menu boards about the availability of this information.
The PPACA further permits the United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) to require covered
restaurants to make additional nutrient disclosures, such as disclosure of trans fat content. The FDA nutritional labeling rules
require establishments to post calorie counts on all menu items, calorie boards and drive-thru displays throughout the United
States. Businesses affected by the new regulations had one year to comply. Compliance with current and future laws and
regulations regarding the ingredients and nutritional content of our menu items may be costly and time-consuming.
An unfavorable report on, or reaction to, our menu ingredients, the size of our portions or the nutritional content of
our menu items could negatively influence the demand for our offerings. Additionally, if consumer health regulations or
consumer eating habits change significantly, we may be required to modify or discontinue certain menu items, and we may
experience higher costs associated with the implementation of those changes. Additionally, some government authorities are
increasing regulations regarding trans fats and sodium, which may require us to limit or eliminate trans fats and sodium from
our menu offerings, switch to higher cost ingredients or may hinder our ability to operate in certain markets. Failure to comply
with these laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects.
California also adopted a new law to address data privacy. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) took effect
at the beginning of 2020, and imposes stringent data security standards, which might apply more broadly than only within
the borders of that state (for example, if a California resident buys products or has them shipped into the state and pays with
a credit or debit card). It is still uncertain whether the CCPA will have a material impact on our operation or that of our
franchisees.
In 2020, various governmental bodies in the US have addressed the spread of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”)
by imposing limitations on business operations or recommending that residents adopt stringent “social distancing” measures.
Those formal and informal restraints, as well as consumer behavior and other factors (such as supply chain issues) may have
a material impact on our ability to operate our business at least while those restrictions are in effect, which may possibly have
a longer-term impact on our business and the demand for our products and restaurant services.
We cannot make any assurances regarding our ability to effectively respond to changes in consumer health
perceptions or our ability to successfully implement the nutrient content disclosure requirements and to adapt our menu
offerings to trends in eating habits. The imposition of menu-labeling laws could have an adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial position, as well as the restaurant industry in general.
29
While we recently approved a quarterly dividend policy, there can be no assurance as to the declaration of future
dividends or the amount of such dividend.
We paid our shareholders a special $25.00 per share dividend in 2015 and a special $5.00 per share dividend in
January 2018. On May 31, 2018, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the commencement of a regular dividend of $1.00
per share per annum, payable at the rate of $0.25 per quarter. On June 14, 2019, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized
increasing the quarterly dividend to $0.35 per common share. Through March 29, 2020, the Company declared and paid four
regular quarterly dividends of $0.35 per common share. Effective June 12, 2020, the Board of Directors declared its first
quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share for fiscal year 2021 which is payable on June 26, 2020 to stockholders of record
as of the close of business on June 22, 2020. Our declaration and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the final
determination by our Board of Directors that (i) the dividend will be made in compliance with laws applicable to the
declaration and payment of cash dividends, including Section 170 of the Delaware General Business Corporation Law, (ii)
the dividend complies with the terms of the Indenture, and (iii) the payment of dividends remains in our best interests, which
determination will be based on a number of factors, including the impact of changing laws and regulations, economic
conditions, our results of operations and/or financial condition, capital resources, the ability to satisfy financial covenants and
other factors considered relevant by the Board of Directors. There can be no assurance our Board of Directors will approve
the payment of cash dividends in the future or the amount of a cash dividend. Any discontinuance of the payment of a dividend
or changes to the amount of a dividend compared to prior dividends could cause our stock price to decline.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 may increase the after-tax cost of our outstanding indebtedness.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) limits our interest expense deduction on our Notes to 30% of
taxable income before interest, depreciation and amortization from 2018 to 2021 and then taxable income before interest
thereafter. The Tax Act permits us to carry forward disallowed interest expense indefinitely. Due to our high degree of
leverage, beginning in 2018, a portion of our interest expense in future years may not be deductible, which may increase the
after tax cost of any new debt financings as well as the refinancing of our existing debt. We continue to monitor the impact
of the nondeductible interest on our operations and capital structure. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act
of 2020 (“the CARES Act”) has temporarily increased the limitation on interest expense deductibility from 30% to 50% of
Adjusted Taxable Income (“ATI”) for the tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020.
Changes in tax laws and unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our tax expense.
Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws, both domestically and
internationally. From time to time, the United States Congress and foreign, state and local governments consider legislation
that could increase our effective tax rates. If changes to applicable tax laws are enacted, our results of operations could be
negatively impacted. Our tax returns and positions (including positions regarding jurisdictional authority of foreign
governments to impose tax) are subject to review and audit by federal, state, local and international taxing authorities. An
unfavorable outcome to a tax audit could result in higher tax expense, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations.
Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and other corporate documents include anti-takeover provisions
which may deter or prevent a takeover attempt.
Some provisions of our certificate of incorporation, by-laws, other corporate documents, including the terms and
condition of our Notes, and provisions of Delaware law may discourage takeover attempts and hinder a merger, tender offer
or proxy contest targeting us, including transactions in which stockholders might receive a premium for their shares. This
may limit the ability of stockholders to approve a transaction that they may think is in their best interest. The corporate
documents include:
(cid:404) Employment Contracts. The employment agreements between us and each of Howard M. Lorber and Eric
Gatoff provide that in the event there is a change in control of Nathan’s, the employee has the option,
exercisable within one year for each of Messrs. Lorber and Gatoff, of his becoming aware of the change in
control, to terminate his employment agreement. Upon such termination, Mr. Gatoff has the right to receive
a lump sum payment equal to his salary and annual bonus for a one-year period, and Mr. Lorber has the
right to receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of (i) his salary and annual bonuses for the
remainder of the employment term or (ii) 2.99 times his salary and annual bonus plus the difference between
the exercise price of any exercisable options having an exercise price of less than the then current market
price of our common stock and such current market price. Mr. Lorber will also receive a tax gross up
payment to cover any excise tax.
30
Risks Related to the Notes
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness.
We have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. As of March 29, 2020, we had total outstanding
indebtedness of $150.0 million which is due in 2025. In addition, subject to the terms of any future agreements, we and our
subsidiaries may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate
sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our
business and results of operations.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our
obligations under the Notes and our other debt.
As of March 29, 2020, we had $150.0 million of outstanding indebtedness under the Notes. Our substantial
indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
(cid:404)
(cid:404) make it more difficult for us to satisfy our other financial obligations, including our obligations relating to
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
the Notes;
restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our
indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital
expenditures and other general corporate purposes;
(cid:404) make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to the holders of the Notes, resulting in possible
(cid:404)
defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we
operate;
(cid:404) place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
(cid:404)
limit our ability to borrow additional funds or increase our cost of borrowing.
In addition, the terms of the indenture governing the Notes contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to
engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an
event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts, including the Notes. The
occurrence of any one of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations, prospects or ability to satisfy our obligations under the Notes.
Despite our current indebtedness level, we may still be able to incur significant additional amounts of debt, which
could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness, including additional Notes and other secured
indebtedness, in the future. Although the indenture governing the Notes contains restrictions on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of significant qualifications and exceptions, and under certain
circumstances, the amount of indebtedness that could be incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial.
If new debt is added to our existing debt levels, the related risks that we face would intensify and we may not be able to meet
all our debt obligations, including the repayment of the Notes. In addition, the indenture governing the Notes does not prevent
us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness under the indenture.
To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends
on many factors beyond our control. As such, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service the Notes or our
other indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may
not be successful.
Our ability to make payments on the Notes, to fund planned capital expenditures and to maintain sufficient working
capital will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic,
financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or future borrowings from
other sources in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness, including the Notes, or to fund our other
liquidity needs. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to allow us to make scheduled payments on our
indebtedness, we may need to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or
31
refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the Notes, on or before the maturity thereof, any of which could have
a material adverse effect on our operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness,
including the Notes, on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that the terms of that indebtedness will allow any of the
above alternative measures or that these measures would satisfy our scheduled debt service obligations. If we are unable to
generate sufficient cash flow to repay or refinance our debt on favorable terms, it could significantly adversely affect our
financial condition, the value of our outstanding debt, including the Notes, and our ability to make any required cash payments
under our indebtedness, including the Notes. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of
the capital markets and our financial condition at that time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and
may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. In addition, any
future credit facility may be secured by a priority lien on substantially all of our assets. As such, our ability to refinance the
Notes or seek additional financing could be impaired as a result of such security interest.
We are subject to a number of restrictive covenants, which may restrict our business and financing activities.
The indenture governing the Notes imposes, and the terms of any future indebtedness may impose, operating and
other restrictions on us. Such restrictions will affect, and in many respects limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability
to:
incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred stock;
redeem, repurchase or retire our equity interests, unsecured indebtedness or subordinated indebtedness;
(cid:404)
(cid:404) pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of our equity interests;
(cid:404)
(cid:404) make certain investments;
transfer or sell assets;
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
create or incur certain liens;
create restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to us;
(cid:404)
(cid:404) merge or consolidate with other companies or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of our and our restricted subsidiaries’ assets;
(cid:404)
engage in certain transactions with our affiliates; and
(cid:404) designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.
The restrictions in the indenture governing the Notes may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would be
in the best interests of our business, and may make it difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy or effectively
compete with companies that are not similarly restricted. We also may incur future debt obligations that might subject us to
additional restrictive covenants that could affect our financial and operational flexibility. Our ability to comply with these
covenants in future periods will largely depend on the pricing of our products and services, and our ability to successfully
implement our overall business strategy. We cannot assure you that we will be granted waivers or amendments to these
agreements if for any reason we are unable to comply with these agreements. The breach of any of these covenants and
restrictions could result in a default under the indenture governing the Notes, which could result in an acceleration of our
indebtedness.
Changes in respect of the debt ratings of our Notes may materially and adversely affect the availability, the cost
and the terms and conditions of our debt.
Our Notes have been publicly rated by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s Rating
Services, or S&P, independent rating agencies. In addition, future debt instruments may be publicly rated. These debt ratings
may affect our ability to raise debt. Any future downgrading of the Notes or our other debt by Moody’s or S&P may affect
the cost and terms and conditions of our financings and could adversely affect the value and trading of the Notes.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
32
Item 2.
Properties.
Our principal executive offices consist of approximately 9,300 square feet of leased space in Jericho, NY. The lease
commenced on January 1, 2010, had a ten (10) year term, with a five (5) year renewal right. Effective April 1, 2019, we
executed the first amendment to the lease extending the lease for an additional ten (10) year term to expire on March 31,
2029. In August 2018, we completed the sale of our regional office building located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We also
completed the sale of the Company-owned restaurant, including the real estate, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY in October 2018.
The Company continued operating the restaurant under a Surrender Agreement with the purchaser until January 2019.
At March 29, 2020, other Company-owned restaurants that were operating were located in leased space with terms
expiring as shown in the following table:
Nathan’s Restaurants
Coney Island ....................................... Brooklyn, NY
Coney Island Boardwalk (a) ............... Brooklyn, NY
Long Beach Road .............................. Oceanside, NY
Central Park Avenue .......................... Yonkers, NY
Location
(a)
Seasonal satellite location.
Current Lease
Expiration Date
December 2027
November 2028
April 2030
December 2023
Approximate
Square Footage
10,000
3,800
4,100
3,500
At March 29, 2020, in addition to the leases listed above, we were the sub-lessor of one property to a franchisee
located within the metropolitan New York area.
Aggregate rental expense, net of sublease income, under all current leases amounted to $1,622,000 in fiscal 2020.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
We and our subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation. Management presently
believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse
effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties
and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result in
a material adverse impact on our results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
33
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities.
Common Stock Prices
Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “NATH.”
Dividend Policy
Historically, Nathan’s has not paid or declared any regular dividends on our common stock since our initial public
offering in 1993. However, we have paid two Special Dividends, a $5.00 per share Special Dividend in January 2018 and a
$25.00 per share Special Dividend in March 2015. On May 31, 2018, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the
commencement of a regular dividend of $1.00 per share per annum, payable at the rate of $0.25 per quarter. Through March
31, 2019, the Company declared and paid four quarterly dividends of $0.25 per common share. Through March 29, 2020, the
Company declared and paid four regular quarterly dividends of $0.35 per common share.
Our ability to pay future dividends is limited by the terms of an indenture, dated November 1, 2017, between the
Company, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and
collateral trustee (the “Indenture”). It has been the Board of Directors’ policy to return capital to our shareholders primarily
through the purchase of stock pursuant to our stock buyback programs. Effective June 12, 2020, the Board declared its first
quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share for fiscal year 2021 which is payable on June 26, 2020 to stockholders of record
as of the close of business on June 22, 2020.
In addition to the terms of the Indenture, the payment of any cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon
our earnings and financial requirements and there can be no assurance that we will declare and pay any dividends subsequent
to the June 26, 2020 dividend.
Shareholders
As of June 5, 2020, we had approximately 392 shareholders of record, excluding shareholders whose shares were
held by brokerage firms, depositories and other institutional firms in “street name” for their customers.
34
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
For the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020, the Company repurchased 85,642 shares of its common stock at a cost of
$4,966,000.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
-
-
71,933
71,933
-
-
$55.3063
$55.3063
-
-
71,933
71,933
232,159
232,159
160,226
160,226
Period
Dec. 30, 2019
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2020
Feb. 23, 2020
Feb 24, 2020
Mar. 29, 2020 (a)
Total
(a) The Company purchased 50,918 shares of its common stock pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan adopted March 13, 2020.
Since the commencement of the Company’s stock buyback program in September 2001 through March 29, 2020,
Nathan’s has purchased a total of 5,227,405 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $83,269,000 under all of its
stock repurchase programs and two modified Dutch Auction tender offers.
In 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase
of up to 1,200,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company. As of March 29, 2020, Nathan’s had repurchased
1,039,774 shares at a cost of $35,606,850 under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At March 29, 2020, there were 160,226
shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to the sixth stock repurchase plan. The plan does not have a set expiration date.
Purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions,
in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management. There is no set time limit
on the repurchases.
On March 13, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 10b5-1 stock plan (the “10b5-1 Plan”) which
will expire on the earlier of (a) August 12, 2020 or (b) the earlier of when (i) the aggregate purchase price of all shares of
common stock purchased under the 10b5-1 Plan equals $5.55 million and (ii) the aggregate purchases under the 10b5-1 Plan
equal 100,000 shares unless terminated earlier by the Company’s Board of Directors.
Subsequent to March 29, 2020 the Company repurchased an additional 26,676 shares at a cost of $1,502,000 through
June 5, 2020 pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan.
35
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Fiscal years ended (1)
March 25,
2018
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
March 26,
2017
March 27,
2016
Statement of Earnings Data:
Revenues:
Sales .......................................................................... $
License royalties .......................................................
Franchise fees and royalties ......................................
Advertising fund revenue (2) ....................................
Total revenues .......................................................
70,559 $
25,859
4,572
2,335
103,325
71,561 $
23,615
4,171
2,502
101,849
76,708 $
23,020
4,473
-
104,201
70,820 $
20,368
5,068
-
96,256
75,590
19,815
5,044
-
100,449
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales ..............................................................
Restaurant operating expenses ..................................
Depreciation and amortization ..................................
General and administrative expenses ........................
Advertising fund expense (2) ....................................
Total costs and expenses .......................................
54,488
3,476
1,233
14,779
2,177
76,153
52,779
3,525
1,212
13,851
2,506
73,873
58,752
3,506
1,352
13,491
-
77,101
51,634
3,386
1,297
13,659
-
69,976
57,557
3,557
1,255
13,117
-
75,486
Income from operations ............................................
27,172
27,976
27,100
26,280
24,963
Interest expense .........................................................
Gain on sale of property and equipment ....................
Loss on debt extinguishment .....................................
Impairment charge long-lived assets .........................
Interest and other income, net ...................................
Impairment charge long-term investment..................
Income before provision for income taxes ....................
Provision for income taxes ............................................
Net income ................................................................ $
(10,601)
-
-
-
1,443
-
18,014
4,579
13,435 $
(10,792)
11,177
-
-
1,049
-
29,410
7,917
21,493 $
(13,591)
-
(8,872)
(790)
265
-
4,112
1,482
2,630 $
(14,665)
-
-
-
189
-
11,804
4,319
7,485 $
(14,630)
-
-
-
151
(100)
10,384
4,288
6,096
Income per share:
Basic ...................................................................... $
Diluted................................................................... $
3.19 $
3.19 $
5.13 $
5.09 $
0.63 $
0.62 $
1.79 $
1.78 $
Dividends paid per share
$
Dividends paid .............................................................. $
1.40 $
5,912 $
1.00 $
4,187 $
5.00 $
20,948 $
- $
- $
1.38
1.37
-
-
Weighted average shares used in computing net
income per share
Basic ..........................................................................
Diluted ......................................................................
Balance Sheet Data at End of Fiscal Year:
4,216
4,216
4,187
4,220
4,181
4,221
4,172
4,206
4,430
4,463
Working capital ......................................................... $
Total assets ................................................................ $
Long-term debt, net (3) ............................................. $
Stockholders’ deficit ................................................. $
75,165 $
105,282 $
146,140 $
(66,401) $
72,237 $
94,306 $
145,449 $
(70,144) $
53,702 $
80,091 $
144,758 $
(84,568) $
56,763 $
78,125 $
131,475 $
(66,491) $
49,779
71,549
130,266
(72,336)
Supplemental Non-GAAP information (4):
EBITDA (5) .............................................................. $
Adjusted EBITDA (6) ............................................... $
29,848 $
29,964 $
41,414 $
30,399 $
19,055 $
29,115 $
27,766 $
28,348 $
26,269
27,155
Selected Restaurant Operating Data:
Company-owned restaurant sales .................................. $
12,973 $
13,601 $
14,085 $
14,646 $
16,222
Number of Units Open at End of Fiscal Year:
Company-owned restaurants .....................................
Franchised .................................................................
4
216
4
255
5
276
5
279
5
259
36
Notes to Selected Financial Data
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in March, which results in a 52- or 53-week year. The fiscal year ended
March 29, 2020 was on the basis of a 52-week reporting period. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 was on the
basis of a 53-week reporting period. The fiscal years ended March 25, 2018, March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016
were each on the basis of a 52-week reporting period.
Upon adoption of Topic 606 in fiscal 2019, the Company was required to include revenues and expenses of its
Advertising Fund as a component of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Previously, these activities
were reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Represents $150.0 million outstanding debt net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,860, $4,551 and $5,242 at
March 29, 2020, March 31, 2019 and March 25, 2018, respectively; and $135.0 million outstanding debt net of
unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,525 and $4,734 at March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, respectively.
The Company has provided EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, each a non-US GAAP financial measure that the
Company believes will impact the comparability of its results of operations. The Company believes that EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors to assist in assessing and understanding the Company's operating
performance and underlying trends in the Company's business because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are (i)
among the measures used by management in evaluating performance and (ii) are frequently used by securities
analysts, investors and other interested parties as a common performance measure. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
are not recognized terms under US GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to net income or other measures
of financial performance or liquidity in conformity with US GAAP. Additionally, our definitions of EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other companies. Analysis of results and outlook on a non-US GAAP basis
should be used as a complement to, and in conjunction with, data presented in accordance with US GAAP.
EBITDA represents net income adjusted for the reversal of (i) interest expense; (ii) provision for income taxes and
(iii) depreciation and amortization expense.
Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for the reversal of (i) gain on sale of property and equipment; (ii)
loss on debt extinguishment; (iii) impairment charge on long-lived assets; (iv) share-based compensation; (v)
impairment charge on long-term investment in fiscal 2016; (vi) amortization of bond premium on available-for-sale
investments in fiscal 2016.
37
Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures
The following is provided to supplement certain Non-GAAP financial measures discussed in Item 6. Selected
Financial Data.
In addition to disclosing results that are determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
in the United States of America ("US GAAP"), the Company has provided EBITDA which excludes (i) interest expense; (ii)
provision for income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization expense. The Company has also provided Adjusted
EBITDA excluding (i) gain on sale of property and equipment; (ii) loss on debt extinguishment; (iii) impairment charge on
long-lived assets; (iv) share-based compensation; (v) impairment charge on long-term investment in fiscal 2016; (vi)
amortization of bond premium on available-for-sale investments in fiscal 2016 that the Company believes will impact the
comparability of its results of operations.
The Company believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors to assist in assessing and
understanding the Company's operating performance and underlying trends in the Company's business because EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA are (i) among the measures used by management in evaluating performance and (ii) are frequently used
by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a common performance measure.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under US GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives
to net income or other measures of financial performance or liquidity in conformity with US GAAP. Additionally, our
definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other companies. Analysis of results and outlook on a non-
US GAAP basis should be used as a complement to, and in conjunction with, data presented in accordance with US GAAP.
Fiscal Year (1)
(In thousands)
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Net income ........................................................... $
Interest expense ....................................................
Income taxes .........................................................
Depreciation & amortization ................................
13,435 $
10,601
4,579
1,233
21,493 $
10,792
7,917
1,212
2,630 $
13,591
1,482
1,352
7,485 $
14,665
4,319
1,297
6,096
14,630
4,288
1,255
EBITDA .................................................
29,848
41,414
19,055
27,766
26,269
Gain on sale of property and equipment ...............
Loss on debt extinguishment ................................
Impairment charge long-lived assets ....................
Share-based compensation ...................................
Impairment charge long-term investment .............
Amortization of bond premium ............................
-
-
-
116
-
-
(11,177)
-
-
162
-
-
-
8,872
790
398
-
-
-
-
-
582
-
-
-
-
-
722
100
64
ADJUSTED EBITDA ............................ $
29,964 $
30,399 $
29,115 $
28,348 $
27,155
(1)
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in March, which results in a 52- or 53-week year. The fiscal year ended
March 29, 2020 was on the basis of a 52-week reporting period. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 was on the
basis of a 53-week reporting period. The fiscal years ended March 25, 2018, March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016
were each on the basis of a 52-week reporting period.
38
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Introduction
Since the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak and the implementation of “stay-at-home” and dining room closure
orders in mid-March 2020, operations at our Company-owned restaurants and our franchisees' restaurants have been
disrupted. As of March 29, 2020, three of our four Company-owned restaurants are currently open, and those three Company-
owned restaurants are only offering food through take-out and delivery as we are prohibited from offering dine-in seating and
service at our restaurants resulting from restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our seasonal location on the Coney
Island Boardwalk opened on May 15, 2020, observing the same cautions and restrictions.
The majority of our franchised locations have been temporarily closed due to their locations in venues that are closed
(such as shopping malls and movie theaters) or venues operating at significantly reduced traffic (such as airports and highway
travel plazas). Such closures and disruptions have materially impacted revenues at our Company-owned restaurants with
significant declines since the middle of March 2020, as compared to the same period last year. Although franchisees are
beginning to slowly re-open, we expect that franchised locations and the royalty revenue we receive from our franchisees
will be negatively impacted. We are principally focused on the well-being and safety of our guests, franchisees, restaurant
associates and all other employees. Since the situation around the COVID-19 virus is constantly changing, we may implement
additional measures to ensure the safety of our team members and guests over time. We also expect to realize declines in
sales and profits from our Branded Product Program during this period as many of our customers operate in venues that are
currently closed and may be slow to reopen, such as professional sports venues, amusement parks, shopping malls and movie
theaters. During March 2020, royalties from license agreements were significantly higher than March 2019 due to
significantly higher sales of consumer-packaged goods through grocery channels. During the continuation of shut-down
regulations in response to COVID-19, we currently expect similar results although there can be assurance that this will
continue to occur during such time.
We are engaged primarily in the marketing of the “Nathan’s Famous” brand and the sale of products bearing the
“Nathan’s Famous” trademarks through several different channels of distribution. Historically, our business has been the
operation and franchising of quick-service restaurants featuring Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French-
fried potatoes, and a variety of other menu offerings. Our Company-owned and franchised units operate under the name
“Nathan’s Famous,” the name first used at our original Coney Island restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s product licensing
program began in 1978 by selling packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through supermarkets or
grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. During fiscal 1998, we introduced our Branded Product Program, which
currently enables foodservice retailers and others to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of a
traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction with this program, purchasers of Nathan’s products are granted a limited use
of the Nathan’s Famous trademark with respect to the sale of the purchased products, including Nathan’s World Famous Beef
Hot Dogs, certain other proprietary food items and paper goods. Our Branded Menu Program is a limited franchise program,
under which foodservice operators may sell a greater variety of Nathan’s Famous menu items than under the Branded Product
Program.
Our revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded Product Program, restaurant
operations consisting of Company-owned restaurants and franchising the Nathan’s restaurant concept (including under the
Branded Menu Program) and product licensing agreements for the sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and club
stores, the manufacture of certain proprietary spices and the sale of Nathan’s products directly to other foodservice operators.
For further information, please see Note J – Segment Information in the accompanying financial statements.
39
The following summary reflects the franchise openings and closings of the Nathan’s franchise system for the fiscal
years ended March 29, 2020, March 31, 2019, March 25, 2018, March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016.
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
March 25,
2018
March 26,
2017
March 27,
2016
Franchised restaurants operating at the beginning
of the period ......................................................
Franchised restaurants opened during the period .
Franchised restaurants closed during the period ...
Franchised restaurants operating at the end of the
255
16
(55)
276
13
(34)
279
40
(43)
259
53
(33)
296
56
(93)
period ................................................................
216
255
276
279
259
At March 29, 2020, our franchise system consisted of 216 Nathan’s franchised units located in 21 states, and nine
foreign countries. We also operate four Company-owned Nathan’s units, including one seasonal location, within the New
York metropolitan area.
As described in Risk Factors and other sections in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 29,
2020, our future results could be impacted by many developments. In March 2014, John Morrell & Co., a subsidiary of
Smithfield Foods, Inc. became Nathan’s exclusive licensee to manufacture and sell hot dogs, sausage and corned beef at
retail. Our future operating results are substantially dependent on our agreement with John Morrell & Co. There are also
certain risks associated with engaging John Morrell & Co. as exclusive licensee including whether (i) we can maintain or
improve the quality and consistency of our products that is expected by our customers, and (ii) John Morrell & Co. will have
a sufficient supply of products available for our customers on a timely basis, as well as the risks described under “Risk Factors
- - Our licensing revenue and overall profitability is substantially dependent on our agreement with John Morrell & Co. and
the loss or a significant reduction of this revenue would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results
of operations.”
Our future operating results could be impacted by supply constraints on beef prices and/or increases in beef prices.
On November 1, 2017, the Company completed the issuance of $150.0 million of 6.625% Senior Secured Notes due
2025 (the "2025 Notes") in a private offering in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the “Securities Act”). The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated November 1, 2017, (the “Indenture”) by
and among the Company, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as
trustee and collateral trustee. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes offering to satisfy and discharge the
indenture relating to the 2020 Notes (as hereinafter defined) and redeem the 2020 Notes (the "Redemption"), to fund a portion
of a special $5.00 per share cash dividend to Nathan's stockholders of record (see Note K of the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements), and for general corporate purposes, including working capital. The Company also funded the majority
of the special dividend of $5.00 per share through its existing cash. The Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017.
The Company performed the required evaluation of the refinancing and determined that a portion of the Redemption
of the 2020 Notes was accounted for as a modification of the debt and a portion as an extinguishment of the debt. In connection
with the Redemption, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $8,872,000 for the year ended March
25, 2018 that primarily reflected a portion of the premium paid to redeem the 2020 Notes and the write-off of certain debt
issuance costs.
The 2025 Notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 1st and November 1st of each
year. During the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020, the Company made its required semi-annual interest payments of
$4,968,750 on May 1, 2019 and November 1, 2019. On May 1, 2020, the Company paid its semi-annual interest payment.
The 2025 Notes have no scheduled principal amortization payments prior to its final maturity on November 1, 2025.
40
Effective June 1, 2020, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the 2025
Notes by the Company (at par or better) from time to time. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
On March 10, 2015, the Company completed the issuance of $135.0 million of 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due
2020 (“the 2020 Notes”) in a Rule 144A transaction. The 2020 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated March 10,
2015, by and among the Company, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National
Association, a national banking association, as trustee and collateral trustee. Debt issuance costs of approximately $5,985,000
were incurred, which were being amortized into interest expense over the remaining 5-year term of the 2020 Notes, or until
redeemed.
Our future results could also be impacted by our interest obligations under the 2025 Notes. As a result of the issuance
of the 2025 Notes, Nathan’s expects to incur interest expense of $9,937,500 per annum and annual amortization of debt
issuance costs of approximately $691,000. The terms and conditions of the 2025 Notes are as follows (terms not defined shall
have the meanings set forth in the Indenture):
There are no ongoing financial maintenance covenants associated with the 2025 Notes. As of March 29, 2020,
Nathan’s was in compliance with all covenants associated with the 2025 Notes.
The Indenture contains certain covenants limiting the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries
(as defined in the Indenture) to, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay
dividends or make other distributions on, redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make investments or other restricted
payments; (iv) create or incur certain liens; (v) incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from its
restricted subsidiaries; (vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) sell assets; or (viii) effect a consolidation or
merger. Certain Restricted Payments which may be made or indebtedness incurred by Nathan’s or its Restricted Subsidiaries
may require compliance with the following financial ratios:
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow to the Fixed Charges for the relevant period,
currently set at 2.0 to 1.0 in the Indenture. The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio applies to determining whether
additional Restricted Payments may be made, certain additional debt may be incurred and acquisitions may be made.
Priority Secured Leverage Ratio: the ratio of (a) Consolidated Net Debt outstanding as of such date that is secured by a
Priority Lien to (b) Consolidated Cash Flow of Nathan’s for the Test Period then most recently ended, in each case
with such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate; currently set at 0.40 to 1.00 in the Indenture.
Secured Leverage Ratio: the ratio of (a) Consolidated Net Debt outstanding as of such date that is secured by a Lien on
any property of Nathan’s or any Guarantor to (b) Consolidated Cash Flow of Nathan’s for the Test Period then most
recently ended, in each case with such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate. The Secured Leverage Ratio under
the Indenture is 3.75 to 1.00 and applies if Nathan’s wants to incur additional debt on the same terms as the 2025
Notes.
The Indenture also contains customary events of default, including, among other things, failure to pay interest, failure
to comply with agreements related to the Indenture, failure to pay at maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness, failure to
pay certain judgments, and certain events of insolvency or bankruptcy. Generally, if any event of default occurs, the Trustee
or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the 2025 Notes may declare the 2025 Notes due and payable by providing
notice to the Company. In case of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the 2025 Notes, will
become immediately due and payable.
The 2025 Notes are general senior secured obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all
of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and
future indebtedness that is not subordinated, are senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future
subordinated indebtedness, are structurally subordinated to any existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of the
Company’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes, and are effectively junior to all existing and future indebtedness
that is secured by assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes.
Pursuant to the terms of a collateral trust agreement, the liens securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees will be
contractually subordinated to the liens securing any future credit facility.
41
The 2025 Notes and the guarantees are the Company and the guarantors’ senior secured obligations and will rank:
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
senior in right of payment to all of the Company and the guarantors’ future subordinated indebtedness;
effectively senior to all unsecured senior indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the 2025
Notes and the guarantees;
(cid:404) pari passu with all of the Company and the guarantors’ other senior indebtedness;
(cid:404)
effectively junior to any future credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing any future credit
facility and the 2025 Notes and the guarantees and certain other assets;
(cid:404)
effectively junior to any of the Company and the guarantors’ existing and future indebtedness that is secured by
assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees to the extent of the value of any such
assets; and
(cid:404)
structurally subordinated to the indebtedness of any of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries that do not
guarantee the 2025 Notes.
The Company may redeem the 2025 Notes in whole or in part prior to November 1, 2020, at a redemption price of
100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
An Applicable Premium is the greater of 1% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes; or the excess of the present value at
such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the 2025 Notes at November 1, 2020 plus (ii) all required interest payments
due on the 2025 Notes through November 1, 2020 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed
using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over the then outstanding
principal amount of the 2025 Notes.
Prior to November 1, 2020, if using the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, the Company has the option
to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 106.625% of the
principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and any additional interest.
On or after November 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes at a decreasing premium
over time, plus accrued and unpaid interest as follows:
YEAR
On or after November 1, 2020 and prior to November 1, 2021 ..................................................................
On or after November 1, 2021 and prior to November 1, 2022 ..................................................................
On or after November 1, 2022 .....................................................................................................................
PERCENTAGE
103.313%
101.656%
100.000%
In certain circumstances involving a change of control, the Company will be required to make an offer to repurchase
all or, at the holder’s option, any part, of each holder’s 2025 Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of
Control Offer”). In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will be required to offer payment in cash equal to 101% of the
aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, to the date of purchase.
If the Company sells certain collateralized assets and does not use the net proceeds as required, the Company will
be required to use such net proceeds to repurchase the 2025 Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest and additional interest penalty, if any, to the date of repurchase.
The 2025 Notes may be traded between qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act.
We have recorded the 2025 Notes at cost.
42
Effective June 1, 2020, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the 2025
Notes by the Company (at par or better) from time to time. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements and the notes to our consolidated financial statements contain information that
is pertinent to management’s discussion and analysis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the following critical
accounting policies involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates
necessary in determining the related asset and liability amounts.
Revenue Recognition
From 2014 through 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting standards to
provide principles within a single framework for revenue recognition of transactions involving contracts with customers
across all industries (“Topic 606”). We adopted Topic 606 at the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. (See
“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”, Note B.11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further
discussion on the impact on Nathan’s.) Following are discussions of how our revenues are earned, and our accounting policies
pertaining to revenue recognition prior to the adoption of Topic 606 (“Legacy GAAP”) and subsequent to the adoption of
Topic 606 and other required disclosures.
Revenue Recognition - Branded Product Program
The Company recognizes sales from the Branded Product Program and certain products sold from the Branded Menu
Program upon delivery to Nathan’s customers via third party common carrier. Rebates provided to customers are classified
as a reduction to sales.
The timing and amount of revenue recognized related to sales made by our Branded Product Program was not
impacted by the adoption of Topic 606.
Revenue Recognition - Company-owned Restaurants
Sales by Company-owned restaurants, which are typically paid in cash or credit card by the customer, are recognized
at the point of sale. Sales are presented net of sales tax.
The timing and amount of revenue recognized related to our Company-owned restaurant sales was not impacted by
the adoption of Topic 606.
Revenue Recognition – License Royalties
The Company earns revenue from royalties on the licensing of the use of its intellectual property in connection with
certain products produced and sold by outside vendors. The use of the Company’s intellectual property must be approved by
the Company prior to each specific application to ensure proper quality and a consistent image. Revenue from license royalties
is generally based on a percentage of sales, subject to certain annual minimum royalties, recognized on a monthly basis when
it is earned and deemed collectible.
The timing and amount of revenue recognized related to our license royalties was not impacted by the adoption of
Topic 606.
Revenue Recognition - Franchising Operations
In connection with its franchising operations, the Company receives initial franchise fees, international development
fees, royalties, and in certain cases, revenue from sub-leasing restaurant properties to franchisees.
Franchise and area development fees, which are typically received prior to completion of the revenue recognition
process, are recorded as deferred revenue.
Development fees are non-refundable and the related agreements require the franchisee to open a specified number
of restaurants in the development area within a specified time period or the agreements may be canceled by the Company.
43
Revenue from development agreements is deferred and prior to the adoption of Topic 606 had been recognized, with
an appropriate provision for estimated uncollectible amounts, when all material services or conditions to the sale were
substantially performed by the franchisor. If substantial obligations under the development agreement were not dependent on
the number of individual franchise locations to be opened, substantial performance was determined using the same criteria
applicable to an individual franchise, which was generally the opening of the first location pursuant to the development
agreement. If substantial performance was dependent on the number of locations, then the development fee was deferred and
was recognized ratably over the term of the agreement, as restaurants in the development area commenced operations on a
pro rata basis to the minimum number of restaurants required to be opened, or at the time the development agreement was
effectively canceled.
The following services are typically provided by the Company prior to the opening of a franchised restaurant.
(cid:404) Approval of all site selections to be developed.
(cid:404) Provision of architectural plans suitable for restaurants to be developed.
(cid:404) Assistance in establishing building design specifications, reviewing construction compliance and
equipping the restaurant.
(cid:404) Provision of appropriate menus to coordinate with the restaurant design and locations to be developed.
(cid:404) Provision of management training for the new franchisee and selected staff.
(cid:404) Assistance with the initial operations of restaurants being developed.
Under the adoption of Topic 606, the Company determined that the services provided in exchange for these upfront
restaurant franchise fees do not contain separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchising right and beginning
March 26, 2018, these initial franchise fees, renewal fees and transfer fees shall be deferred and recognized over the term of
each respective agreement, or upon termination of the franchise agreement.
Under Legacy GAAP, franchise fees, which are non-refundable, were recognized as income when substantially all
services to be performed by Nathan’s and conditions relating to the sale of the franchise were performed or satisfied, which
generally occurred when the franchise restaurant commenced operations.
Under Legacy GAAP, international development fees were recognized, net of direct expenses, upon the opening of
the first restaurant within the territory. Under the adoption of Topic 606, the Company determined that the services provided
in exchange for these international development fees do not contain separate and distinct performance obligations from the
franchise right and as of March 26, 2018, international development fees, shall be recognized over the term of each respective
agreement. Certain other costs, such as legal expenses, shall be expensed as incurred.
Nathan’s recognizes franchise royalties on a monthly basis which are generally based upon a percentage of sales
made by Nathan’s franchisees, when they are earned and deemed collectible. Franchise fees and royalties that are not deemed
to be collectible are not recognized as revenue until paid by the franchisee, or until collectability is deemed to be reasonably
assured.
Nathan’s recognizes royalty revenue from its Branded Menu Program either upon its sale of hot dogs or royalty
income when it has been determined that other qualifying products have been sold by the manufacturer to Nathan’s Branded
Menu Program franchisees or based upon product purchased by these franchisees from their primary distributor.
Franchise fees and royalties that are not deemed to be collectible are recorded as bad debts until paid by the
franchisee or until collectibility is deemed to be reasonably assured.
Revenue Recognition – National Advertising Fund
The Company maintains a national advertising fund (the “Advertising Fund”) established to collect and administer
funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs for Company-owned and franchised restaurants. Under
Legacy GAAP, the revenues, expenses and cash flows of the Advertising Fund were reported on the Company’s Consolidated
Balance Sheets and not included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Statements of Cash Flows
because the contributions to the Advertising Fund were designed for specific purposes and the Company acted as an agent,
in substance, with regard to these contributions as a result of industry-specific guidance.
44
Under the adoption of Topic 606, the revenue, expenses and cash flows of the Advertising Fund are fully
consolidated into the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Statements of Cash Flows.
While this treatment impacts the gross amount of reported advertising fund revenue and related expenses, the impact
is expected to be an offsetting increase to both revenue and expense after elimination of Company contributions, with no
impact to income from operations or net income because the Company attempts to manage the Advertising Fund to breakeven
over the course of the fiscal year. However, any surplus or deficit in the Advertising Fund will impact income from operations
and net income.
Revenue Recognition – Other
Revenue from sub-leasing properties is recognized as income as the revenue is earned and becomes receivable and
deemed collectible. Sub-lease rental income is presented net of associated lease costs in the Consolidated Statements of
Earnings.
In the normal course of business, we extend credit to franchisees and licensees for the payment of ongoing royalties
and to trade customers of our Branded Product Program. Accounts and other receivables, net, as shown on our Consolidated
Balance Sheets are net of allowances for doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through
analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the financial statements, assessment of collectability based upon
historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. The Company writes off
accounts receivable when they are deemed uncollectible.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of (i) goodwill of $95,000 resulting from the acquisition of Nathan’s in 1987;
and (ii) trademarks, trade names and other intellectual property of $1,269,000 in connection with Arthur Treacher’s. As of
March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, the Company performed its annual impairment of goodwill and has determined that no
impairment is deemed to exist. At March 31, 2019, the Company’s intangible asset had a carrying amount of $1,353,000 for
the trademarks, trade names and other intellectual property in connection with Arthur Treacher’s.
During the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020, the Company subsequently determined its indefinite-lived intangible
asset to have a finite useful life based on the expected future use of this intangible asset. Based upon the review of the current
Arthur Treacher’s co-branding agreements, the Company determined that the remaining useful lives of these agreements is
twelve years and the intangible asset is subject to annual amortization. The Company has recorded amortization expense of
$84,000 for the fiscal year ending March 29, 2020.We conducted our annual impairment tests and no goodwill or other
intangible assets were determined to be impaired during the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying value may not be recoverable. Each reporting period, management reviews the carrying value of its investments
based upon the financial information provided by the investment’s management and considers whether indicators of an other-
than-temporary impairment exists. If an impairment indicator exists, management evaluates the fair value of its investment
to determine if an, other-than-temporary impairment in value has occurred. We are required to recognize an impairment on
the investment if such impairment is considered to be other-than temporary.
Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis whenever impairment factors
are determined to be present. The Company tests the recoverability of its long-lived assets with finite useful lives whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company tests
for recoverability based on the projected undiscounted cash flows to be derived from such asset. If the projected undiscounted
future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the Company will record an impairment loss, if any, based on
the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company generally measures fair
value by considering discounted estimated future cash flows from such asset. Cash flow projections and fair value estimates
require significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect,
the Company may be required to record impairments in future periods and such impairments could be material. The Company
considers a history of restaurant operating losses to be its primary indicator of potential impairment for individual restaurant
locations. No long-lived assets were deemed impaired during the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019.
45
Stock-Based Compensation
As discussed in Note M.2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we have one active share-based
compensation plan that provides stock options and restricted stock awards for certain employees and non-employee directors
to acquire shares of our common stock. We consider the following factors in determining the value of stock-based
compensation:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
expected option term based upon expected termination behavior;
volatility based upon historical price changes of the Company’s common stock over a period equal to the
expected life of the option;
expected dividend yield; and
risk free interest rate on date of grant
Income Taxes
The Company’s current provision for income taxes is based upon its estimated taxable income in each of the
jurisdictions in which it operates, after considering the impact on taxable income of temporary differences resulting from
different treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases and any operating loss or tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences
are expected to be recovered or settled. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of
future taxable income in those periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Should management determine
that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance against
the deferred tax assets would be established in the period such determination was made.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company has recorded liabilities for underpayment of income taxes and related interest and penalties for
uncertain tax positions based on the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return
should be recorded in the financial statements. The Company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position
only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the
technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such position should be measured
based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Nathan’s
recognizes accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits as part of the income tax provision.
Financial Accounting Standards also provide guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties,
accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements. (See Note I of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Leases
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on leases, Topic 842,
which outlines principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases applicable to both lessors
and lessees. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and
obligations created by finance and operating leases. The Company adopted the new guidance at the beginning of the fiscal
year ended March 29, 2020 using the effective date of April 1, 2019 as the date of initial application; therefore, the
comparative period has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under the previous lease guidance.
46
The new standard provides for a number of practical expedients upon adoption. The Company elected the package
of practical expedients, which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease
identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. For those leases that fall under the definition of a short-term lease,
the Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption. Under this practical expedient, for those leases that qualify,
we did not recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets or liabilities. The Company also elected the practical expedient for lessees
to account for lease components and non-lease components as a single lease component for all underlying classes of assets.
The Company did not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient.
As a result of adopting this new guidance on the first day of fiscal year 2020, substantially all of the Company's
operating lease commitments were subject to the new guidance and were recognized as operating lease assets and liabilities,
initially measured as the present value of future lease payments for the remaining lease term discounted using the Company’s
incremental borrowing rate based on the remaining lease term as of the adoption date. The Company recognized operating
lease assets and liabilities of $7,804,000 and $8,533,000, respectively, as of the first day of fiscal year 2020. The difference
between the assets and liabilities is attributable to the reclassification of certain existing lease-related assets and liabilities as
an adjustment to the right-of-use assets.
The effects of the changes made to the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of April 1, 2019 for the adoption
of the new lease guidance were as follows (in thousands):
Balance at
March 31,
2019
Adjustments
due to adoption
of the new lease
guidance
Reclassi-
fications
Balance at
April 1, 2019
Other Assets
Operating lease assets ..........................................
Other assets ..........................................................
-
465
7,804
-
-
31
7,804
496
Current Liabilities
Current portion of operating lease liabilities ........
-
1,162
-
1,162
Long Term Liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities ....................
Other liabilities .....................................................
-
1,390
7,371
(729)
-
31
7,371
692
The adoption of the new guidance is non-cash in nature and had no impact on net cash flows from operating,
investing, or financing activities.
Please refer to Footnotes B and L in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
regarding our lease arrangements and the Company's updated lease accounting policies.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses, which significantly changes the
impairment model for most financial instruments. Current guidance requires the recognition of credit losses based on an
incurred loss impairment methodology that reflects losses once the losses are probable. Under the new standard, the Company
will be required to use a current expected credit loss model (“CECL”) that will immediately recognize an estimate of credit
losses that are expected to occur over the life of the financial instruments that are in the scope of this update, including trade
receivables. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in the development of credit
loss estimates. In November 2019, the FASB deferred the effective date for smaller reporting companies for annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2022. This standard is required to take effect in Nathan’s first quarter (June 2023) of
our fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance
will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
47
In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to the accounting guidance to simplify the testing for goodwill
impairment. The update removes the requirement to determine the implied fair value of goodwill to measure the amount of
impairment loss, if any, under the second step of the current goodwill impairment test. A company will perform its annual or
interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill
impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value,
not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The guidance is effective prospectively for public business entities for
annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard is required to take effect in Nathan’s first quarter
(June 2020) of our fiscal year ending March 28, 2021. Nathan’s does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a
material impact on its results of operations or financial position.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for
Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes
certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent
application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. This standard is required to take
effect in Nathan’s first quarter (June 2021) of our fiscal year ending March 27, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating
the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective accounting standards, when
adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
Fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 compared to fiscal year ended March 31, 2019
Revenues
Total sales were $70,559,000 for the fifty-two weeks ended March 29, 2020 (“fiscal 2020 period”) as compared to
$71,561,000 for the fifty-three weeks ended March 31, 2019 (“fiscal 2019 period”). Foodservice sales from the Branded
Product Program were $57,586,000 for the fiscal 2020 period as compared to sales of $57,960,000 for the fiscal 2019 period.
Foodservice sales during the 53rd week of fiscal 2019 were $2,090,000. On a comparative 52-week basis, our fiscal 2019
sales would have been approximately $55,870,000. During the 52-week fiscal 2020 period, the volume of business decreased
by approximately 2.1% and our average selling prices increased by approximately 0.8% as compared to the 53-week fiscal
2019 period.
During the fiscal 2018 period, we added a new distributor to our distribution network that increased our sales during
implementation of the new distributor. In addition to the additional business realized, beginning in the third quarter fiscal
2018, this distributor temporarily provided distribution to a number of significant contract accounts, further increasing their
fiscal 2018 purchases. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the temporary distribution to our significant contract accounts
began reverting back to our traditional methodology, although not fully completed until the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
Excluding the effects of the re-distributors’ purchases in both years, we estimate that customer shipments decreased by
approximately 1.0% through the second quarter fiscal 2020.
Total Company-owned restaurant sales were $12,973,000 during the fiscal 2020 period compared to $13,601,000
during the fiscal 2019 period. Sales were reduced by $1,188,000 associated with the sale of a restaurant during the fiscal 2019
period. Sales from our Company-owned restaurants during the 53rd week of fiscal 2019 were approximately
$142,000.Comparable Company-owned restaurant sales, excluding sales from the restaurant that was sold last year, increased
by approximately $560,000 or 4.5% as compared to the comparable period last year.
48
License royalties were $25,859,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $23,615,000 in the fiscal 2019 period.
Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our license agreement with John Morrell & Co. at retail and foodservice,
substantially from sales of hot dogs to Sam’s Club and WalMart, increased to $23,680,000 for the fiscal 2020 period as
compared to $21,271,000 for the fiscal 2019 period. The increase at retail is primarily due to higher retail volume of 11.0%
and a 2.0% increased average net selling price as compared to the fiscal 2019 period. Additionally, the foodservice business
earned lower royalties of $165,000 as compared to the fiscal 2019 period due to a shift in the Sam’s Club business. Royalties
earned from all other licensing agreements for the manufacture and sale of Nathan’s products declined by $165,000 during
the fiscal 2020 period as compared to the fiscal 2019 period primarily due to the transition of our enrobed hot dog products
to a new licensee. Licensee sales and royalties, which are reported by our licensees, were not affected by the additional week
in fiscal 2019.
Franchise fees and royalties were $4,572,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $4,171,000 in the fiscal 2019
period. Total royalties were $3,327,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $3,666,000 in the fiscal 2019 period.
Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program were $643,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $726,000 in the
fiscal 2019 period. Royalties earned under the Branded Menu Program are not based upon a percentage of restaurant sales,
but are based upon product purchases. Traditional franchise royalties were $2,684,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared
to $2,940,000 in the fiscal 2019 period. Franchise restaurant sales decreased to $61,542,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as
compared to $65,607,000 in the fiscal 2019 primarily due to the impact of units closed in the fiscal 2020 year, net of units
opened, a 2.3% decrease in comparable domestic sales and the impact of the additional week in the fiscal 2019 period.
Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 82 Nathan’s outlets, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program)
were $48,508,000 during the 52 weeks of the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $50,165,000 during the 53 weeks of fiscal
2019. Comparable sales during the 52 weeks of fiscal 2019 were approximately $49,322,000, a 1.7% decline in comparable
domestic sales on a basis of 52 weeks.
At the beginning of the fiscal 2019 period we adopted Topic 606. Footnote B in the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements provides a full explanation of this new accounting standard. The most significant component of this
new standard affects the timing associated with Nathan’s recognition of franchise fees. Franchise fee income is now recorded
into income on a prorated basis over the term of the franchise agreement as compared to previously recognizing the full
franchise fee into income upon the opening of a new restaurant.
At March 29, 2020, 216 franchised outlets, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program outlets
were operating compared to 255 franchised outlets, including domestic, international and Branded Menu Program outlets at
March 31, 2019. Total franchise fee income was $1,245,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $505,000 in the fiscal
2019 period. Domestic franchise fee income was $143,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $155,000 in the fiscal
2019 period. International franchise fee income was $151,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $158,000 in the fiscal
2019 period. We recognized $951,000 of forfeited fees in the fiscal 2020 period primarily from the termination of our Master
Franchise Agreements for Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, The United Kingdom, Turkey and the closing of various domestic
and international franchise locations as compared to forfeited fees of $192,000 in the fiscal 2019 period. During the fiscal
2020 period, total franchise fees would have been $166,000, under the previous revenue recognition guidance. During the
fiscal 2020 period, 16 franchised outlets opened, including five international units and three new Branded Menu Program
outlets. During the fiscal 2019 period, 13 new franchised outlets opened, including five international locations and four new
Branded Menu Program outlets.
Advertising fund revenue, after eliminating Company contributions, was $2,335,000 during the fiscal 2020 period
and $2,502,000 during the fiscal 2019 period.
Costs and Expenses
Overall, our cost of sales increased by $1,709,000 to $54,488,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to
$52,779,000 in the fiscal 2019 period. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was
$16,071,000 or 22.8% of sales during the 2020 period as compared to $18,782,000 or 26.2% of sales during the fiscal 2019
period. The reduction in margin was primarily due to the higher cost of beef in the Branded Product Program.
Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program increased by approximately $2,179,000 during the fiscal 2020 period
as compared to the fiscal 2019 period, primarily due to the 6.7% increase in the average cost per pound of our hot dogs. We
did not make any purchase commitments for beef during the fiscal 2020 and 2019 periods. If the cost of beef and beef
trimmings increases and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases or otherwise reduce any increase
in our costs through the use of purchase commitments, our margins will be adversely impacted.
49
With respect to Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the fiscal 2020 period was $7,337,000 or
56.6% of restaurant sales, as compared to $7,807,000 or 57.4% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2019 period. Excluding the
restaurant that was sold, cost of sales would have been 56.0% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2019 period. We experienced
higher prime costs due in part to the incremental food and labor costs associated with the rollout of various new products in
addition to high commodity costs of beef. The impact of higher wages, principally associated with the effects of the New
York State minimum wage increase, were partly offset by the impact of higher sales at the comparable four Company-owned
restaurants. We expect that our future labor costs at our restaurants outside of New York City will continue to be impacted
by the remaining multi-year increase in minimum wage requirements in New York State, as well as other new labor
regulations and any increase in commodity costs.
Restaurant operating expenses were $3,476,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $3,525,000 in the fiscal
2019 period. Excluding $283,000 of restaurant operating expenses from the fiscal 2019 period for the restaurant that was
sold, we incurred higher insurance costs of $73,000, higher occupancy costs of $58,000, marketing expenses of $49,000 and
maintenance and other expenses totaling $80,000.
Depreciation and amortization was $1,233,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $1,212,000 in the fiscal
2019 period as a result of amortization of the Arthur Treachers’ intellectual property which was partly offset by lower capital
spending and reduced depreciation and amortization attributable to the restaurant that was sold of $19,000.
General and administrative expenses increased $928,000 or 6.7% to $14,779,000 in the fiscal 2020 period as
compared to $13,851,000 in the fiscal 2019 period. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily
attributable to higher costs associated with the transformation efforts within our restaurant business including higher
compensation expenses, including severance, marketing and franchise solicitation costs of approximately $950,000.
Advertising fund expense, after eliminating Company contributions, was $2,177,000 in the fiscal 2020 period, as
compared to $2,506,000 in the fiscal 2019 period. Nathan’s previously determined that the Advertising Funds’ normal
seasonal deficit was not expected to be fully recovered during the fiscal 2020 period, and recorded the projected $370,000
deficit in its second quarter fiscal 2020 results of operations. As a result of the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic in
March 2020, a number of marketing initiatives were cancelled or delayed, thus reducing the anticipated spending during the
fiscal 2020 period.
Other Items
Interest expense of $10,601,000 in the fiscal 2020 period represented accrued interest of $9,910,000 on the 2025
Notes at 6.625% per annum and amortization of debt issuance costs of $691,000. Interest expense of $10,792,000 in the fiscal
2019 period represented accrued interest of $10,101,000 on the 2025 Notes at 6.625% per annum and amortization of debt
issuance costs of $691,000. Interest expense during fiscal 2019 was based upon a 371-day fiscal year as compared to a 364-
day fiscal year during fiscal 2020.
Interest income was $1,357,000 for the fiscal 2020 period as compared to $840,000 in the fiscal 2019 period.
During the fiscal 2019 period, we recognized gains of $11,177,000 from the sale of our Company-owned restaurant
located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and from the sale of our Florida regional office.
Other income relates primarily to sublease income from a franchised restaurant of $85,000 in each of the fiscal 2020
and fiscal 2019 periods, which was partly offset by miscellaneous asset disposals during the fiscal 2019 periods. During the
fiscal 2019 period, we recognized a fee of $175,000 to extend the closing date of the sale of our restaurant located in Bay
Ridge, Brooklyn, NY.
50
Provision for Income Taxes
The income tax provision for the fifty-two weeks ended March 29, 2020 and fifty-three weeks ended March 31,
2019 reflect effective tax rates of 25.4% and 26.9%, respectively. Nathan’s effective tax rate for the fifty-two week period
ended March 29, 2020 and fifty-three week period ended March 31, 2019 were reduced by 1.3% and 1.1%, respectively, as
a result of the tax benefits associated with stock compensation. For the fifty-two week period ended March 29, 2020 and
fifty-three week period ended March 31, 2019, excess tax benefits of $228,000 and $310,000, respectively, were reflected in
the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a reduction to the provision for income taxes. Nathan’s effective tax rates without
these adjustments would have been 26.7% for the fiscal 2020 period and 28.0% for the fiscal 2019 period. The Company’s
tax rate for the fiscal 2020 period was favorably affected by 0.3% due to its return to provision adjustment of approximately
$52,000 in connection with the filing of its March 2019 tax returns. In November 2019, the State of New Jersey notified
Nathan’s that our tax returns for the years ended March 2016, 2017, and 2018 will be audited. The review is ongoing.
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at March 29, 2020 was $311,000 all of which would impact Nathan’s
effective tax rate, if recognized. As of March 29, 2020, Nathan’s had $259,000 of accrued interest and penalties in connection
with unrecognized tax benefits. Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefit excluding accrued interest and penalties
could be further reduced by up to $16,000 during the fiscal year ending March 28, 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, Nathan’s did not have any open purchase commitment to purchase hot
dogs. Nathan’s may continue to enter into additional purchase commitments in the future as favorable market conditions
become available.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents at March 29, 2020 aggregated $77,117,000, a $1,671,000 increase during the fiscal 2020
period as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $75,446,000 at March 31, 2019. Net working capital increased to
$75,165,000 from $72,237,000 at March 31, 2019. Through March 29, 2020, the Company declared and paid four regular
dividends of $0.35 per common share aggregating $5,912,000. During the fiscal 2020 period, the Company made its required
semi-annual interest payments of $4,968,750 on May 1, 2019 and November 1, 2019. On May 1, 2020, we made the first
semi-annual interest payment of fiscal 2021.
Cash provided by operations of $12,349,000 in the fiscal 2020 period is primarily attributable to net income of
$13,435,000 in addition to other non-cash operating items of $2,923,000, offset by changes in other operating assets and
liabilities of $4,009,000. Non-cash operating expenses consist principally of $1,233,000 of depreciation and amortization,
$691,000 amortization of debt issuance cost, $352,000 of deferred income taxes, $228,000 of excess income tax benefits
from stock-based compensation arrangements as a result of the accounting for certain aspects of its share-based payments to
employees, share-based compensation expense of $116,000 and non-cash rental expense of $232,000. In the fiscal 2020
period, accounts and other receivables increased by $1,006,000 due primarily to higher license royalties of $1,848,000, which
were partly offset by lower BPP receivables of $643,000 and lower franchise royalties of $210,000 both reductions are due
in part to reduced sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and fewer franchise restaurants. In the fiscal 2020 period,
accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities decreased by $2,028,000. Accounts payable decreased by
$1,713,000 due principally to reduced product purchases made for the Branded Product Program due to the initial slowdown
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebates due under the Branded Product Program was lower by $256,000 due
primarily to reduced sales in March 2020 as discussed above. Partially offsetting this reduction were increased accrued
expenses for construction costs, professional services and other items.
Cash used in investing activities was $870,000 in the fiscal 2020 period primarily in connection with capital
expenditures incurred for our Branded Product Program and select restaurant improvements.
Cash used in financing activities of $9,808,000 in the fiscal 2020 period relates primarily to the payments of the
Company’s regular quarterly $0.35 per share cash dividend totaling $5,912,000. During the fiscal 2020 period, Nathan’s
repurchased 85,642 shares of common stock for $4,966,000. The Company also paid $8,000 for withholding taxes on the net
share vesting of employee restricted stock. The Company also received $1,078,000 of proceeds from the exercise of stock
options.
51
During the period from October 2001 through March 29, 2020, Nathan’s purchased 5,227,405 shares of its common
stock at a cost of approximately $83,269,000 pursuant to stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of
Directors. Since March 26, 2007, we have repurchased 3,336,305 shares at a total cost of approximately $76,111,000,
reducing the number of shares then-outstanding by 55.4%.
In 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the repurchase
of up to 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on behalf of the Company. As of March 29, 2020, Nathan’s has
repurchased 1,039,774 shares at a cost of approximately $35,607,000 under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At March 29,
2020, there were 160,226 shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to the sixth stock repurchase plan. The plan does not
have a set expiration date. Purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program may be made from time to time,
depending on market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by
management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
On March 13, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 10b5-1 stock plan (the “10b5-1 Plan”) which
will expire on the earlier of (a) August 12, 2020 or (b) the earlier of when (i) the aggregate purchase price of all shares of
common stock purchased under the 10b5-1 Plan equals $5.55 million and (ii) the aggregate purchases under the 10b5-1 Plan
equals 100,000 shares unless terminated earlier by the Company’s Board of Directors.
During the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020, the Company repurchased in open market transactions 50,918 shares
of the Company’s Common Stock at an average share price of $53.54 for a total cost of $2,727,000 under the 10b5-1 Plan.
At March 29, 2020, $2,823,000 or 49,082 shares were available for repurchase under the 10b5-1 Plan.
Subsequent to March 29, 2020 the Company repurchased an additional 26,676 shares at a cost of $1,502,000 through
June 5, 2020 pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan.
Effective June 1, 2020, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the 2025
Notes by the Company (at par or better) from time to time. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
As discussed above, we had cash and cash equivalents at March 29, 2020 aggregating $77,117,000. Our Board
routinely monitors and assesses its cash position and our current and potential capital requirements. In November 2017, we
refinanced our 2020 Notes through the issuance of the 2025 Notes and, our Board of Directors announced the payment of a
$5.00 per share special dividend to the shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 22, 2017. On May 31,
2018, Nathans’ Board of Directors authorized the commencement of a regular dividend of $1.00 per share per annum, payable
at the rate of $0.25 per share per quarter. Through March 31, 2019, the Company declared and paid four regular quarterly
dividends of $0.25 per common share. On June 14, 2019, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized increasing the quarterly
dividend to $0.35 per common share. During the fiscal 2020 period, we have declared and paid four quarterly dividend
distributions totaling $5,912,000. Effective June 12, 2020, the Board declared its first quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per
share for fiscal 2021 which will be paid on June 26, 2020 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 22,
2020.
Our ability to pay future dividends is limited by the terms of the Indenture for the 2025 Notes. In addition, the
payment of any cash dividends in the future, are subject to final determination of the Board and will be dependent upon our
earnings and financial requirements. We may also return capital to our stockholders through stock repurchases, subject to any
restrictions in the Indenture, although there is no assurance that the Company will make any repurchases under its existing
stock-repurchase plan.
We expect that in the future we will make investments in certain existing restaurants, support the growth of the
Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs, service the outstanding debt, fund dividend distributions and continue our
stock repurchase programs, funding those investments from our operating cash flow. We may also incur capital and other
expenditures or engage in investing activities in connection with opportunistic situations that may arise on a case-by-case
basis. In the fiscal year ending March 29, 2020, we were required to make interest payments of $9,937,500, all of which have
been made as of November 1, 2019. During the fiscal year ending March 28, 2021, we will be required to make interest
payments of $9,937,500. On May 1, 2020, we made the first semi-annual interest payment of fiscal 2021.
Management believes that available cash and cash equivalents, and cash generated from operations should provide
sufficient capital to finance our operations, satisfy our debt service requirements and provide for our quarterly dividends and
any stock repurchases for at least the next 12 months.
52
At March 29, 2020, we sublet one property to a franchisee that we lease from a third party. We remain contingently
liable for all costs associated with this property including: rent, property taxes and insurance. We may incur future cash
payments with respect to such property, consisting primarily of future lease payments, including costs and expenses
associated with terminating any of such leases.
The following schedule represents Nathan’s cash contractual obligations and commitments by maturity as of March
29, 2020 (in thousands):
Payments Due by Period
Cash Contractual Obligations
Long term debt (a) ................................................ $
Employment Agreements (b) ...............................
Operating Leases ..................................................
Gross Cash Contractual Obligations ....................
Sublease Income ...................................................
Net Cash Contractual Obligations ........................ $
Total
150,000 $
4,517
14,195
168,712
1,350
167,362 $
Less than
1 Year
More than
5 Years
2-3 Years 4-5 Years
- $
- $
2,000
1,167
3,686
1,583
5,686
2,750
415
245
5,271 $
2,505 $
950
3,452
4,402
338
- $ 150,000
400
5,474
155,874
352
4,064 $ 155,522
a) Represents the principal due on the 2025 Notes, but does not include interest expense.
b) Reflects the Temporary Salary Reductions implemented in response to COVID-19, estimated to remain in place for
six months.
At March 29, 2020, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $311,000. The Company believes that it is
reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $16,000 within the next year. A reasonable estimate
of the timing of the remaining liabilities is not practicable.
Effective June 12, 2020 the Company declared its upcoming quarterly dividend of $0.35 per common share to
stockholders of record as of the close of business June 22, 2020, which is payable June 26, 2020.
On February 27, 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company executed a Guaranty of Lease (the “Brooklyn
Guaranty”) in connection with its re-franchising of a restaurant located in Brooklyn, New York. The Company is obligated
to make payments under the Brooklyn Guaranty in the event of a default by the tenant/franchisee. The Brooklyn Guaranty
has an initial term of 10 years and one 5-year option and is limited to 24 months of rent for the first three years of the term.
For the remainder of the term, the Brooklyn Guaranty is limited to 12 months of rent plus reasonable costs of collection and
attorney’s fees. As of March 29, 2020, Nathan’s has recorded a liability of $110,000 in connection with the Brooklyn
Guaranty which does not include potential percentage rent, real estate tax increases, attorney’s fees and other costs as these
amounts are not reasonably determinable at this time. Nathan’s has received a personal guaranty from the franchisee for all
obligations under the Brooklyn Guaranty.
Inflationary Impact
We do not believe that general inflation has materially impacted earnings since 2006. However, we have experienced
significant volatility in our costs for our hot dogs and certain food products, distribution costs and utilities. Between April
2018 and March 2020, beef prices traded within a range of + or - 10%. Prices were at the lowest levels between October 2018
and March 2019 as compared to higher levels between October 2019 and March 2020. Our average cost of hot dogs between
October 2019 and March 2020 was approximately 11.4% higher than before between October 2018 and March 2019. As
such, our market price for hot dogs during our fiscal 2020 period was approximately 6.7% higher than the fiscal 2019 period.
Beginning in May 2020, the cost of hot dogs has increased significantly due primarily to the effects of the COVID-
19 pandemic on the meat processing industry.
We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products
during fiscal 2020. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of
operations. In the past, we have entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of
increasing market prices. Our most recent purchase commitment was completed in 2016 for approximately 2,600,000 pounds
of hot dogs. We may attempt to enter into similar purchase arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future.
Additionally, we expect to continue experiencing volatility in oil and gas prices on our distribution costs for our food products
53
and utility costs in the Company-owned restaurants and volatile insurance costs resulting from the uncertainty of the insurance
markets.
New York State passed legislation increasing the minimum hourly wage for fast food workers of restaurant chains
with 30 or more locations nationwide. The increase is being phased in differently between New York City and the rest of
New York State. Effective December 31, 2019, the minimum wage was $15.00 in New York City and increased to $13.75
per hour for the remainder of New York State.
The minimum hourly rate of pay for the remainder of New York State will increase to $14.50 on Dec. 31, 2020; and
$15.00 on July 1, 2021.
All of Nathan’s Company-operated restaurants are within New York State, two of which operate within New York
City that have been significantly affected by this legislation.
The Company is further studying the impact on the Company’s operations and is developing strategies and tactics,
including pricing and potential operating efficiencies, to minimize the effects of these increases and future increases. We
have recently increased certain selling prices to pass on recent cost of sales increases. However, if we are unable to fully
offset these and future increases through pricing and operating efficiencies, our margins and profits will be negatively
affected.
Effective April 1, 2014, the City of New York, passed legislation requiring employers to offer paid sick leave to all
employees, including part-time employees, who work more than 80 hours for the employer. Nathan’s currently operates two
restaurants that have been affected by this new legislation.
Effective November 27, 2017, the City of New York Fair Work Week Legislation package of bills took effect that
the city estimates will cover some 65,000 fast food workers by giving them more predictable work schedules. A key
component of the package is a requirement that fast food restaurants schedule their workers at least two weeks in advance or
pay employees between $10 to $75 per scheduling change, depending on the situation. Due to Nathan’s dependency on
weather conditions at our two Coney Island beach locations during the summer season, we are unable to determine the
potential impact on our results of operations, which could be material. We believe that we have been able to implement tools
to minimize the financial impact of this legislation. Nevertheless, we incurred approximately $6,000 of additional costs due
to this legislation during the fiscal 2020 period.
Continued increases in labor, food and other operating expenses, including health care, could adversely affect our
operations and those of the restaurant industry and we might have to further reconsider our pricing strategy as a means to
offset reduced operating margins.
We believe the increases in the minimum wage and other changes in employment laws could have a significant
financial impact on our financial results and the results of our franchisees that operate in New York State. Our business could
be negatively impacted if the decrease in margins for our franchisees results in the potential loss of new franchisees or the
closing of a significant number of franchised restaurants.
The Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of
factors, including but not limited to those set forth above in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations,” any one of which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or from our
anticipated future results. For a discussion identifying additional risk factors and important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those anticipated, please see the discussions in “Forward-Looking Statements”, “Risk
Factors”, and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-K.
54
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We have historically invested our cash and cash equivalents in money market funds or short-term, fixed rate, highly
rated and highly liquid instruments which are generally reinvested when they mature. Although these existing investments
are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on short-
term investments could be affected at the time of reinvestment as a result of intervening events. As of March 29, 2020,
Nathan’s cash and cash equivalents aggregated $77,117,000. Earnings on this cash would increase or decrease by
approximately $193,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates.
Borrowings
At March 29, 2020, we had $150.0 million of 2025 Notes outstanding which are due in November 2025. Interest
expense on these borrowings would increase or decrease by approximately $375,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in
interest rates. We currently do not anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our
borrowings.
Commodity Costs
We do not believe that general inflation has materially impacted earnings since 2006. However, we have experienced
significant volatility in our costs for our hot dogs and certain food products, distribution costs and utilities. Between April
2018 and March 2020, beef prices traded within a range of + or - 10%. Prices were at the lowest levels between October 2018
and March 2019 as compared to higher levels between October 2019 and March 2020. Our average cost of hot dogs between
October 2019 and March 2020 was approximately 11.4% higher than before between October 2018 and March 2019. As
such, our market price for hot dogs during our fiscal 2020 period was approximately 6.7% higher than the fiscal 2019 period.
Beginning May 2020, the cost of hot dogs has increased significantly due primarily to the effects of the COVID-19
pandemic on the meat processing industry.
We are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience price volatility for our beef products
during fiscal 2021. To the extent that beef prices increase as compared to earlier periods, it could impact our results of
operations. In the past, we entered into purchase commitments for a portion of our hot dogs to reduce the impact of increasing
market prices. Our most recent purchase commitment was completed in 2016 for approximately 2,600,000 pounds of hot
dogs. We may attempt to enter into similar purchase arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future. Additionally,
we expect to continue experiencing volatility in oil and gas prices on our distribution costs for our food products and utility
costs in the Company-owned restaurants and volatile insurance costs resulting from the uncertainty of the insurance markets.
With the exception of purchase commitments, we have not attempted to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of
the commodities we purchase using future, forward, option or other instruments. As a result, we expect that the majority of
our future commodity purchases will be subject to market changes in the prices of such commodities. We have attempted to
enter sales agreements with our customers that are correlated to our cost of beef, thus reducing our market volatility, or have
passed through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our customers that are not on formula pricing, thereby
reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial results. A short-term increase or decrease of 10.0% in the cost of
our food and paper products for the year ended March 29, 2020 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by
approximately $4,908,000.
Foreign Currencies
Foreign franchisees generally conduct business with us and make payments in United States dollars, reducing the
risks inherent with changes in the values of foreign currencies. As a result, we have not purchased future contracts, options
or other instruments to hedge against changes in values of foreign currencies and we do not believe fluctuations in the value
of foreign currencies would have a material impact on our financial results.
55
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The consolidated financial statements are submitted as a separate section of this report beginning on Page F-1.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
56
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an
evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by Exchange
Act Rule 13a-15(e) and Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, and Chief
Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit
under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s
rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal
executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over
financial reporting, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(f). Our internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(cid:404) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of our assets;
(cid:404) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, and that our
receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and
directors; and
(cid:404) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting as of March
29, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued
in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our assessment
and the criteria set forth by COSO in 2013, management believes that Nathan’s maintained effective internal control over
financial reporting as of March 29, 2020. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 29,
2020, has been audited by Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm which has also audited our
consolidated financial statements, as stated in its attestation report which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March
29, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that
the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control
issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are
designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Item 9B. Other Information.
As disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared a $0.35 per
share dividend payable on June 26, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 22, 2020.
57
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Nathan’s Famous, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Nathan's Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of
March 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and the related consolidated statements
of income, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows and the related notes for the fifty-two weeks ended March 29, 2020 and fifty-
three weeks ended March 31, 2019 of the Company, and our report dated June 12, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on
those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and
are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in
all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP
New York, NY
June 12, 2020
58
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
PART III
The information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the discussions under the
captions Proposal 1 – Election of Directors, Corporate Governance Management and Security Ownership in our proxy
statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after
the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Financial Officer Code of Ethics applicable to the Company’s Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer and all other members of the Company’s Finance Department. This Code of Ethics is posted
on the Company’s website within a broader Code of Business Conduct and Ethics at www.nathansfamous.com in the Investor
Relations section. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or
a waiver from, the provision of our Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates to any element of such
provision of our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website within four business days of the date of such
amendment or waiver. In the case of a waiver, the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was
granted and the date of the waiver will also be disclosed.
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
The information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the discussion under the
caption Executive Compensation, including the Summary Compensation and other tables, Non-Qualified Deferred
Compensation, Risk Consideration in our Compensation Programs and 2020 Director Compensation in our proxy statement
to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end
of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the discussion under the
caption Equity Plan Information and Security Ownership in our proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the discussion under the
caption Corporate Governance – Director Independence and Corporate Governance – Certain Relationships and Related
Persons transactions in our proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation
14A, not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
59
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Audit Fees
We were billed by Marcum LLP the aggregate amount of approximately $165,000 in respect of fiscal 2020 and
fiscal 2019, respectively, for fees for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as well as the review of our financial statements included in our
Form 10-Q.
We were billed by Grant Thornton LLP in fiscal 2020 the aggregate amount of approximately $100,000 in respect
to the issuance of its consent to the inclusion of the fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 audited financial statements of the Company
in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 and $50,000 for the issuance of its
consent to the inclusion of fiscal 2018 audited financial statements of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company for the
fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 in our Franchise Disclosure Document.
Audit-Related Fees
Marcum LLP did not render any audit-related services for fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively and, accordingly, did
not bill for any such services.
Tax Fees
Marcum LLP did not render any tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning services for fiscal 2020 and 2019,
respectively and, accordingly, did not bill for any such services.
All Other Fees
Marcum LLP did not render any other services for fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively and, accordingly, did not bill
for any such services.
Pre-Approval Policies
Our Audit Committee has not adopted any pre-approval policies. Instead, the Audit Committee will specifically pre-
approve the provision by Marcum LLP of all audit and non-audit services.
Our Audit Committee approved all of the audit services provided by Marcum LLP during 2020 and 2019,
respectively.
60
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) (1) Consolidated Financial Statements
PART IV
The consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index to the consolidated financial statements on
Page F-1 are filed as part of this Report.
(2) Financial Statement Schedule
None
(3) Exhibits
Certain of the following exhibits were previously filed as exhibits to other reports or registration statements filed by
the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are therefrom incorporated
by reference.
Exhibit
No.
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
Exhibit
Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No.
33- 56976.)
Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
By-Laws, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 1, 2006.)
Specimen Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No.
33-56976.)
Rights Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2013, between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and
Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit A and the Summary
of Rights to Purchase as Exhibit B. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report
filed on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2013.)
Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, dated as of June 14, 2018, between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated June 15, 2018.)
Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2017, by and among Nathan’s Famous, Inc., certain of its wholly owned
subsidiaries, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, as trustee and
collateral trustee (including the form of Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current
Report filed on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2017.)
(1) Description of Common Stock.
Leases for premises at Coney Island, New York, as follows: (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
a) Lease, dated November 22, 1967, between Nathan’s Realty Associates and the Company.
b) Lease, dated November 22, 1967, between Ida’s Realty Associates and the Company.
Form of Standard Franchise Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Registration Statement
on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)
***Employment Agreement with Howard M. Lorber, dated as of December 15, 2006. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 15, 2006.)
***Employment Agreement with Eric Gatoff, dated as of December 15, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 15, 2006.)
***Amendment to Employment Agreement with Eric Gatoff dated August 3, 2010. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 2010.)
Agreement of Lease between One-Two Jericho Plaza Owner LLC and Nathan’s Famous Services, Inc. dated
September 11, 2009, (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
27, 2009.)
Guaranty by Nathan’s Famous, Inc. of Agreement of Lease with One-Two Jericho Plaza Owner LLC dated
September 11, 2009, (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
27, 2009).
61
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
16.1
21
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
***2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A
dated July 23, 2010).
***Amendment to 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Proxy Statement on
Schedule 14A dated July 23, 2012).
***Amendment to Employment Agreement with Howard M. Lorber, dated November 1, 2012. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 23, 2012).
***Amendment Number 2, dated December 7, 2017 to Employment Agreement with Howard M. Lorber
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6,
2017).
**Letter agreement dated December 5, 2012 between Nathan’s Famous Systems, Inc. and John Morrell & Co.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 23, 2012).
First Amendment to Licensing and Supply Agreement, dated September 22, 2016 between Nathan’s Famous
Systems, Inc. and John Morrell & Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 24, 2017).
Second Amendment to Licensing and Supply Agreement, dated June 29, 2017 between Nathan’s Famous
Systems, Inc. and John Morrell & Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 24, 2017).
***Restricted Stock Agreement with Eric Gatoff, dated June 4, 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27
to Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013.)
Parity Lien Security Agreement dated as of November 1, 2017, by and among Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Other
Assignors Identified therein and U.S. Bank National Association as Collateral Trustee. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 24, 2017.)
***2019 Management Incentive Plan for the Fiscal Year ending March 29, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 24, 2018).
***Nathan’s Famous, Inc. Code Section 162(m) Bonus Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the
Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on July 28, 2016).
Agreement of Sale between Nathan’s Famous Operating Corp. and 660 86 LLC dated September 8, 2017.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-K for the year ended March 25, 2018.)
Amendment to Agreement of Sale between Nathan’s Famous Operating Corp. and 660 86 LLC dated March 6,
2018. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Form 10-K for the year ended March 25, 2018.)
Amendment to Agreement of Sale between Nathan’s Famous Operating Corp. and 660 86 LLC dated July 15,
2018. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 24, 2018.)
First Amendment to Lease, dated April 1, 2019 by and between Jericho Plaza, LLC and Nathan’s Famous
Services, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2019.)
***2019 Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Annex A to Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A
dated July 26, 2019.)
***Agreement dated as of December 13, 2019 between Nathans’ Famous, Inc. and Ronald G. DeVos.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated December 13, 2019.)
Letter of Grant Thornton LLP, dated July 6, 2018. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2018.)
(1) List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
(1) Consent of Marcum LLP dated June 12, 2020.
(1) Certification by Eric Gatoff, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a).
(1) Certification by Ronald G. DeVos, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a).
(1) Certification by Eric Gatoff, Chief Executive Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(1) Certification by Ronald G. DeVos, Chief Financial Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted 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 Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
(1) Filed herewith.
**Filed with confidential portions omitted pursuant to request for confidential treatment. The omitted portions have been separately filed
with the SEC.
*** Indicates a management plan or arrangement.
62
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary.
None.
63
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on the 12th day of June, 2020.
SIGNATURES
Nathan’s Famous, Inc.
/s/ ERIC GATOFF
Eric Gatoff
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 12th day of June, 2020.
/s/ ERIC GATOFF
Eric Gatoff
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ HOWARD LORBER
Howard Lorber
Executive Chairman
/s/ RONALD G. DEVOS
Ronald G. DeVos
Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ WAYNE NORBITZ
Wayne Norbitz
Director
/s/ ROBERT J. EIDE
Robert J. Eide
Director
/s/ BARRY LEISTNER
Barry Leistner
Director
/s/ BRIAN GENSON
Brian Genson
Director
/s/ ATTILIO F. PETROCELLI
Attilio F. Petrocelli
Director
/s/ CHARLES RAICH
Charles Raich
Director
/s/ ANDREW LEVINE
Andrew Levine
Director
64
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ........................................................................................ F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets ....................................................................................................................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Earnings .......................................................................................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit ...................................................................................................... F-5 – F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ..................................................................................................................... F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................................................................... F-8
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Nathan’s Famous, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nathan’s Famous Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”)
as of March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ deficit and cash
flows for the fifty-two weeks ended March 29, 2020 and the fifty-three weeks ended March 31, 2019, and the related notes
(collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for the fifty-two weeks ended March 29, 2020 and the fifty-three weeks ended March 31, 2019, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
("PCAOB"), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of March 29, 2020, based on the criteria established
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO) in 2013 and our report dated June 12, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards- ASU No. 2016-02
As discussed in Note B to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases in 2020
due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended, effective April 1, 2019 using the modified
retrospective approach.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and
are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether
due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also
included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
New York, NY
June 12, 2020
F-2
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March 29, 2020 March 31, 2019
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents .......................................................................................................... $
Accounts and other receivables, net (Note D) ............................................................................
Inventories ..................................................................................................................................
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note E) ...................................................................
Total current assets .........................................................................................
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,468 and $8,611, respectively .
Operating lease assets (Note L) ..................................................................................................
Goodwill ....................................................................................................................................
Intangible asset ...........................................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes ................................................................................................................
Other assets ................................................................................................................................
77,117 $
11,108
378
1,181
89,784
4,610
9,181
95
1,269
-
343
75,446
10,173
535
1,007
87,161
4,889
-
95
1,353
343
465
Total assets ......................................................................................................... $
105,282 $
94,306
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable ....................................................................................................................... $
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note H) ............................................................
Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note L) ...............................................................
Deferred franchise fees ..............................................................................................................
Total current liabilities....................................................................................
Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,860 and $4,551, respectively
(Note K) .................................................................................................................................
Operating lease liabilities ...........................................................................................................
Other liabilities (Note H)............................................................................................................
Deferred franchise fees ..............................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes ................................................................................................................
3,509 $
9,297
1,583
230
14,619
146,140
8,532
696
1,687
9
5,222
9,384
-
318
14,924
145,449
-
1,390
2,687
-
Total liabilities ................................................................................................
171,683
164,450
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note N)
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 9,368,792 and 9,336,338
shares issued; and 4,141,387 and 4,194,575 shares outstanding at March 29, 2020 and
March 31, 2019, respectively .................................................................................................
Additional paid-in capital ...........................................................................................................
(Accumulated deficit) .................................................................................................................
Stockholders’ equity before treasury stock ................................................................................
94
62,130
(45,356 )
16,868
93
60,945
(52,879)
8,159
Treasury stock, at cost, 5,227,405 and 5,141,763 shares at March 29, 2020 and March 31,
2019 .......................................................................................................................................
Total stockholders’ deficit ..............................................................................
(83,269 )
(66,401 )
(78,303)
(70,144)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit ........................................................ $
105,282 $
94,306
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Fifty-Two
weeks ended weeks ended
Fifty-Three
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
REVENUES
Sales ............................................................................................................................. $
License royalties ..........................................................................................................
Franchise fees and royalties .........................................................................................
Advertising fund revenue (Note B) ..............................................................................
Total revenues ............................................................................................
70,559 $
25,859
4,572
2,335
103,325
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales .................................................................................................................
Restaurant operating expenses .....................................................................................
Depreciation and amortization .....................................................................................
General and administrative expenses ...........................................................................
Advertising fund expense (Note B) .............................................................................
Total costs and expenses ............................................................................
54,488
3,476
1,233
14,779
2,177
76,153
71,561
23,615
4,171
2,502
101,849
52,779
3,525
1,212
13,851
2,506
73,873
Income from operations .............................................................................
27,172
27,976
Gain on sale of property and equipment (Note F) .......................................................
Interest expense ...........................................................................................................
Interest income.............................................................................................................
Other income, net .........................................................................................................
Income before provision for income taxes ......................................................................
Provision for income taxes ..............................................................................................
Net income ................................................................................................. $
-
(10,601)
1,357
86
18,014
4,579
13,435 $
11,177
(10,792 )
840
209
29,410
7,917
21,493
PER SHARE INFORMATION
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:
Basic .........................................................................................................................
Diluted ......................................................................................................................
4,216,000
4,216,000
4,187,000
4,220,000
Income per share:
Basic ......................................................................................................................... $
Diluted ...................................................................................................................... $
3.19 $
3.19 $
Dividends declared per share .......................................................................................... $
1.40 $
5.13
5.09
1.00
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Fifty-two weeks ended March 29, 2020 and the Fifty-three weeks ended March 31, 2019
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Additional
Paid-in (Accumulated
Common Common
Shares
Stock Capital Deficit)
Shares
Amount
Treasury Stock,
at Cost
Total
Stockholders’
(Deficit)
Balance, March 25, 2018 ................. 9,311,922 $
93 $ 60,823 $
(68,181) 5,127,373 $(77,303) $
(84,568)
Cumulative effect of the adoption
of ASC606 ...................................
-
-
-
(2,004)
-
-
(2,004)
Shares issued in connection with
share-based compensation plans ..
24,416
-
134
-
-
-
134
Withholding tax on net share
settlement of share-based
compensation plans ......................
Repurchase of common stock ..........
Dividends on common stock ...........
Share-based compensation ..............
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(174)
-
-
-
(174)
-
-
-
14,390 (1,000)
(1,000)
(4,187)
162
-
-
-
-
-
(4,187)
162
Net income ......................................
-
Balance, March 31, 2019 ................. 9,336,338 $
-
-
93 $ 60,945 $
21,493
-
(52,879) 5,141,763 $(78,303) $
-
21,493
(70,144)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Fifty-two weeks ended March 29, 2020 and the Fifty-three weeks ended March 31, 2019
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Additional
Paid-in (Accumulated
Common Common
Shares
Stock Capital Deficit)
Shares
Amount
Treasury Stock,
at Cost
Total
Stockholders’
(Deficit)
Balance, March 31, 2019 ............... 9,336,338 $
93 $ 60,945 $
(52,879) 5,141,763 $(78,303) $
(70,144)
Shares issued in connection with
share-based compensation
plans ...........................................
Withholding tax on net share
settlement of share-based
compensation plans ....................
Repurchase of common stock .......
Dividends on common stock ........
Share-based compensation ...........
32,454
1
1,077
-
-
-
1,078
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(8)
-
-
-
-
-
(8)
-
85,642 (4,966)
(4,966)
(5,912)
116
-
-
-
-
-
(5,912)
116
Net income ......................................
-
Balance, March 29, 2020 ............... 9,368,792 $
-
-
94 $ 62,130 $
13,435
-
(45,356) 5,227,405 $(83,269) $
-
13,435
(66,401)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Fifty-Two
Fifty-Three
weeks ended weeks ended
March 29, 2020 March 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ......................................................................................................................... $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
13,435 $
21,493
Depreciation and amortization ....................................................................................
Gain on sale of property and equipment .....................................................................
Non cash rental expense ..............................................................................................
Amortization of debt issuance costs ............................................................................
Share-based compensation expense ............................................................................
Income tax benefit on stock option exercises ..............................................................
Provision for doubtful accounts ..................................................................................
Deferred income taxes ................................................................................................
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables, net ............................................................................
Inventories ..................................................................................................................
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ...................................................................
Other assets .................................................................................................................
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities ...............................
Deferred franchise fees ...............................................................................................
Other liabilities ............................................................................................................
1,233
-
232
691
116
228
71
352
(1,006 )
157
(174 )
122
(2,028 )
(1,088 )
8
1,212
(11,177 )
-
691
162
310
100
86
229
(151 )
1,866
(172 )
(3,367 )
(161 )
35
Net cash provided by operating activities ............................................................
12,349
11,156
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment ............................................................
Purchase of property and equipment ..................................................................................
-
(870 )
12,775
(447 )
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities .............................................
(870 )
12,328
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders ...........................................................................................
Repurchase of treasury stock ..............................................................................................
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options .......................................................................
Payments of withholding tax on net share settlement of share-based compensation plans
(5,912 )
(4,966 )
1,078
(8 )
(4,337 )
(1,000 )
134
(174 )
Net cash used in financing activities ...................................................................
(9,808 )
(5,377 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ..............................................................................
1,671
18,107
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year ........................................................................
75,446
57,339
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year .................................................................................. $
77,117 $
75,446
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest ................................................................................................................................ $
Income taxes ....................................................................................................................... $
9,938 $
3,874 $
9,938
6,284
Noncash financing activity:
Dividends declared per share .............................................................................................. $
1.40 $
1.00
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019
NOTE A - DESCRIPTION AND ORGANIZATION OF BUSINESS
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company” or “Nathan’s”) has historically operated or
franchised a chain of retail fast food restaurants featuring the “Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dog”, crinkle-cut
French-fried potatoes and a variety of other menu offerings. Nathan’s has also established a Branded Product Program,
which enables foodservice retailers to sell select Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of a traditional
franchise relationship. Nathan’s also licenses the manufacture and sale of “Nathan’s Famous” packaged hot dogs, crinkle-
cut French fries and a number of other products to a variety of third parties for sale to supermarkets, club stores and
grocery stores. The Company is also the owner of the Arthur Treacher’s brand. Arthur Treacher’s main product is its
"Original Fish & Chips" product consisting of fish fillets coated with a special batter prepared under a proprietary
formula, deep-fried golden brown, and served with English-style chips and corn meal "hush puppies." The Company
considers itself to be a brand marketer of its products to the foodservice and retail industries, pursuant to its various
business structures. Nathan’s has also pursued co-branding and co-hosting initiatives.
At March 29, 2020, the Company’s restaurant system included four Company-owned units in the New York City
metropolitan area and 216 franchised or licensed units, located in 21 states and nine foreign countries.
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following significant accounting policies have been applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements:
1. Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All
significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
2. Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in March, which results in a 52 or 53-week reporting period. The
fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 is on the basis of a 52-week reporting period. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 is
on the basis of a 53-week reporting period.
F-8
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
3. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates made by management in preparing the consolidated financial statements include revenue
recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of stock-based compensation, accounting for income taxes,
and the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets.
4. Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be
cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalents at March 29, 2020. Cash equivalents at March 31,
2019 were $20,000.
At March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 substantially all of the Company’s cash balances are in excess of Federal
government insurance limits. The Company does not believe that it is exposed to any significant risk on these balances.
5.
Inventories
Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, consist primarily of food items and supplies.
Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method.
6. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major improvements are
capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and
amortization are calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term of the related asset. The
estimated useful lives are as follows:
Building and improvements (years) ..................................................
Machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures (years) .......................
Leasehold improvements (years) ......................................................
5 – 25
3 – 15
5 – 20
F-9
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of (i) goodwill of $95 resulting from the acquisition of Nathan’s in 1987; and (ii)
trademarks, trade names and other intellectual property of $1,269 in connection with Arthur Treacher’s.
As of March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, the Company performed its annual impairment of goodwill based upon
qualitative analysis and has determined that no impairment is deemed to exist.
At March 31, 2019, the Company’s intangible asset had a carrying amount of $1,353 for the trademarks, trade names
and other intellectual property in connection with Arthur Treacher’s.
During the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020, the Company subsequently determined its indefinite-lived intangible asset
to have a finite useful life based on the expected future use of this intangible asset. Based upon the review of the current
Arthur Treacher’s co-branding agreements, the Company determined that the remaining useful lives of these agreements
is twelve years and the intangible asset is subject to annual amortization. The Company has recorded amortization
expense of $84 for the year ending March 29, 2020.
Annual amortization of the intangible asset for the next five years and thereafter will approximate the following:
2021 .....................................................
2022 .....................................................
2023 .....................................................
2024 .....................................................
2025 .....................................................
Thereafter .............................................
Total ..................................................... $
Estimate for
fiscal year
113
113
113
113
113
704
1,269
8. Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
value may not be recoverable.
Each reporting period, management reviews the carrying value of its investments based upon the financial information
provided by the investment’s management and considers whether indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment
exists. If an impairment indicator exists, management evaluates the fair value of its investment to determine if an, other-
than-temporary impairment in value has occurred. We are required to recognize an impairment on the investment if such
impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.
F-10
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis whenever impairment factors are
determined to be present. The Company tests the recoverability of its long-lived assets with finite useful lives whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company
tests for recoverability based on the projected undiscounted cash flows to be derived from such asset. If the projected
undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the Company will record an impairment loss,
if any, based on the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company
generally measures fair value by considering discounted estimated future cash flows from such asset. Cash flow
projections and fair value estimates require significant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates
and assumptions prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record impairments in future periods and such
impairments could be material. The Company considers a history of restaurant operating losses to be its primary indicator
of potential impairment for individual restaurant locations. No long-lived assets were deemed to be permanently impaired
during the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 based upon quantitative analysis.
9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).
The fair value hierarchy, as outlined in the applicable accounting guidance, is based on inputs to valuation techniques
that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions
market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources
while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions.
The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in
an active market
Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active
market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term
of the asset or liability
(cid:404)
Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of
the asset or liability
The use of observable market inputs (quoted market prices) when measuring fair value and, specifically, the use of Level
1 quoted prices to measure fair value are required whenever possible. The determination of where an asset or liability
falls in the hierarchy requires significant judgment. The Company evaluates its hierarchy disclosures quarterly and based
on various factors, it is possible that an asset or liability may be classified differently from year to year.
F-11
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
At March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, we did not have any assets or liabilities that were recorded at fair value.
The Company’s long-term debt had a face value of $150,000 as of March 29, 2020 and a fair value of $138,000 as of
March 29, 2020. The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt based upon review of observable pricing in
secondary markets as of the last trading day of the fiscal period. Accordingly, the Company classifies its long-term debt
as Level 2.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value
due to the short-term maturity of the instruments.
The majority of the Company’s non-financial assets and liabilities are not required to be carried at fair value on a
recurring basis. However, the Company is required on a non-recurring basis to use fair value measurements when
analyzing asset impairment as it relates to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets. The
Company utilized the income approach (Level 3 inputs) which utilized cash flow forecasts for future income and were
discounted to present value in performing its annual impairment testing of intangible assets.
10. Start-up Costs
Pre-opening and similar restaurant costs are expensed as incurred.
11. Revenue Recognition
We adopted Topic 606 at the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.
12. Revenue Recognition - Branded Product Program
The Company recognizes sales from the Branded Product Program and certain products sold from the Branded Menu
Program upon delivery to Nathan’s customers via third party common carrier. Rebates provided to customers are
classified as a reduction to sales.
F-12
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
13. Revenue Recognition - Company-owned Restaurants
Sales by Company-owned restaurants, which are typically paid in cash or credit card by the customer, are recognized at
the point of sale. Sales are presented net of sales tax.
14. Revenue Recognition – License Royalties
The Company earns revenue from royalties on the licensing of the use of its intellectual property in connection with
certain products produced and sold by outside vendors. The use of the Company’s intellectual property must be approved
by the Company prior to each specific application to ensure proper quality and a consistent image. Revenue from license
royalties is generally based on a percentage of sales, subject to certain annual minimum royalties, recognized on a
monthly basis when it is earned and deemed collectible.
15. Revenue Recognition - Franchising Operations
In connection with its franchising operations, the Company receives initial franchise fees, international development
fees, royalties, and in certain cases, revenue from sub-leasing restaurant properties to franchisees.
The following services are typically provided by the Company prior to the opening of a franchised restaurant.
(cid:404) Approval of all site selections to be developed.
(cid:404) Provision of architectural plans suitable for restaurants to be developed.
(cid:404) Assistance in establishing building design specifications, reviewing construction compliance and equipping the
restaurant.
(cid:404) Provision of appropriate menus to coordinate with the restaurant design and locations to be developed.
(cid:404) Provision of management training for the new franchisee and selected staff.
(cid:404) Assistance with the initial operations of restaurants being developed.
The Company determined that the services provided in exchange for these upfront restaurant franchise fees do not contain
separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchising right and these initial franchise fees, renewal fees and
transfer fees shall be deferred and recognized over the term of each respective agreement, or upon termination of the
franchise agreement.
F-13
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
The Company determined that the services provided in exchange for these international development fees do not contain
separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchise right and these international development fees are
recognized over the term of each respective agreement. Certain other costs, such as legal expenses, are expensed as
incurred.
The following is a summary of franchise openings and closings for the Nathan’s franchise restaurant system for the fiscal
years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019:
March 29, 2020 March 31, 2019
Franchised restaurants operating at the beginning of the period ..........................
New franchised restaurants opened during the period ..........................................
Franchised restaurants closed during the period ..................................................
Franchised restaurants operating at the end of the period ....................................
255
16
(55)
216
276
13
(34)
255
The Company recognizes franchise royalties on a monthly basis, which are generally based upon a percentage of sales
made by the Company’s franchisees, when they are earned and deemed collectible. The Company recognizes royalty
revenue from its Branded Menu Program directly from the sale of Nathan’s products by its primary distributor or directly
from the manufacturers.
Franchise fees and royalties that are subsequently deemed to be not collectible are recorded as bad debts until paid by
the franchisee or until collectibility is deemed to be reasonably assured.
Contract balances
The following table provides information about contract liabilities (Deferred franchise fees) from contracts with
customers (in thousands):
Deferred franchise fees (a) ................................................................................... $
March 29, 2020 March 31, 2019
3,005
1,917 $
(a) Deferred franchise fees of $230 and $1,687 are included in Deferred franchise fees – current and long term as of
March 29, 2020, respectively and $318 and $2,687 as of March 31, 2019, respectively.
F-14
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Significant changes in Deferred franchise fees are as follows:
Deferred franchise fees at beginning of period ........................................................ $
Additions to deferred revenue ..................................................................................
Revenue recognized during the period .....................................................................
Deferred franchise fees at end of period .................................................................. $
Fifty-Two
Weeks Ended
Fifty-Three
Weeks Ended
March 29, 2020 March 31, 2019
3,139
371
(505)
3,005
3,005 $
157
(1,245)
1,917 $
Anticipated Future Recognition of Deferred Franchise Fees
The following table reflects the estimated franchise fees to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations
that are unsatisfied at the end of the period:
2021 .................................................
2022 .................................................
2023 .................................................
2024 .................................................
2025 .................................................
Thereafter ........................................
Total ................................................ $
Estimate for fiscal year
230
219
196
184
177
911
1,917
F-15
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
16. Revenue Recognition – National Advertising Fund
The Company maintains a national advertising fund (the “Advertising Fund”) established to collect and administer funds
contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs for Company-owned and franchised restaurants.
The revenue, expenses and cash flows of the Advertising Fund are fully consolidated into the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Earnings and Statements of Cash Flows.
While this treatment impacts the gross amount of reported advertising fund revenue and related expenses, the impact is
expected to approximately offset the increase to both revenue and expense, with minimal impact to income from
operations or net income because the Company attempts to manage the Advertising Fund to breakeven over the course
of the fiscal year. However, any surplus or deficit in the Advertising Fund will impact income from operations and net
income.
17. Business Concentrations and Geographical Information
The Company’s accounts receivable consists principally of receivables from franchisees for royalties and advertising
contributions, from sales under the Branded Product Program, and from royalties from retail licensees. At March 29,
2020, three Branded Product customers represented 24%, 11% and 10%, of accounts receivable. At March 31, 2019,
four Branded Product customers represented 19%, 18%, 17% and 13%, of accounts receivable. One Branded Products
customer accounted for 12% and 14% of total revenue for the years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019,
respectively. One retail licensee accounted for 24% and 22% of the total revenue for the years ended March 29, 2020
and March 31, 2019, respectively.
The Company’s primary supplier of hot dogs represented 92% of product purchases for each of the fiscal years ended
March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019. The Company’s primary distributor of products to its Company-owned restaurants
represented 5% of product purchases for each of the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019.
F-16
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
The Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 were derived from the following
geographic areas:
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Domestic (United States) ............................................ $
Non-domestic .............................................................
$
98,453 $
4,872
103,325 $
97,871
3,978
101,849
The Company’s sales for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 were derived from the following:
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Branded Products ........................................................... $
Company-owned restaurants ..........................................
Total sales ............................................................... $
57,586 $
12,973
70,559 $
57,960
13,601
71,561
License royalties ............................................................ $
25,859 $
23,615
Royalties ........................................................................
Franchise fees ................................................................
Total franchise fees and royalties ...........................
3,327
1,245
4,572
Advertising fund revenue ...............................................
2,335
3,666
505
4,171
2,502
Total revenues ......................................................... $
103,325 $
101,849
18. Advertising
The Company administers an advertising fund on behalf of its restaurant system to coordinate the marketing efforts of
the Company. Under this arrangement, the Company collects and disburses fees paid by manufacturers, franchisees and
Company-owned stores for national and regional advertising, promotional and public relations programs. Contributions
to the advertising fund are based on specified percentages of net sales, generally ranging up to 2%. Company-owned
store advertising expense, which is expensed as incurred, was $145 and $107, for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020
and March 31, 2019, respectively, and have been included within restaurant operating expenses in the accompanying
Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
F-17
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
19. Stock-Based Compensation
At March 29, 2020, the Company had one stock-based compensation plan in effect which is more fully described in Note
M.2.
The cost of all share-based payments, including grants of restricted stock and stock options, is recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values measured at the grant date, or the date of any later modification, over the requisite
service period. The Company recognizes compensation cost for unvested stock awards on a straight-line basis over the
requisite vesting period.
20. Classification of Operating Expenses
Cost of sales consists of the following:
o The cost of food and other products sold by Company-operated restaurants, through the Branded Product
Program and through other distribution channels.
o The cost of labor and associated costs of in-store restaurant management and crew.
o The cost of paper products used in Company-operated restaurants.
o Other direct costs such as fulfillment, commissions, freight and samples.
Restaurant operating expenses consist of the following:
o Occupancy costs of Company-operated restaurants.
o Utility costs of Company-operated restaurants.
o Repair and maintenance expenses of Company-operated restaurant facilities.
o Marketing and advertising expenses done locally and contributions to advertising funds for Company-operated
restaurants.
Insurance costs directly related to Company-operated restaurants.
o
21. Income Taxes
The Company’s current provision for income taxes is based upon its estimated taxable income in each of the jurisdictions
in which it operates, after considering the impact on taxable income of temporary differences resulting from different
treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes and income tax benefits from share-based payments. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and any operating loss or tax
credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The ultimate realization
of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in those periods in which temporary
differences become deductible. Should management determine that it is more likely than not that some portion of the
deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets would be established in the
period such determination was made.
F-18
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company has recorded liabilities for underpayment of income taxes and related interest and penalties for uncertain
tax positions based on the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should
be recorded in the financial statements. The Company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only
if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the
technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such position should be
measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. Nathan’s recognizes accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits as part of the
income tax provision.
See Note I for a further discussion of our income taxes.
22. Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Leases
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on leases, Topic 842, which
outlines principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases applicable to both lessors and
lessees. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and
obligations created by finance and operating leases. The Company adopted the new guidance at the beginning of the
fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 using the effective date of April 1, 2019 as the date of initial application; therefore, the
comparative period has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under the previous lease guidance.
The new standard provides for a number of practical expedients upon adoption. The Company elected the package of
practical expedients, which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about
lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. For those leases that fall under the definition of a short-
term lease, the Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption. Under this practical expedient, for those
leases that qualify, we did not recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets or liabilities. The Company also elected the practical
expedient for lessees to account for lease components and non-lease components as a single lease component for all
underlying classes of assets. The Company did not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient.
As a result of adopting this new guidance on the first day of fiscal year 2020, substantially all of the Company's operating
lease commitments were subject to the new guidance and were recognized as operating lease assets and liabilities,
initially measured as the present value of future lease payments for the remaining lease term discounted using the
Company’s incremental borrowing rate based on the remaining lease term as of the adoption date. The Company
recognized operating lease assets and liabilities of $7,804 and $8,533, respectively, as of the first day of fiscal year 2020.
The difference between the assets and liabilities is attributable to the reclassification of certain existing lease-related
assets and liabilities as an adjustment to the right-of-use assets.
F-19
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
The effects of the changes made to the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of April 1, 2019 for the adoption of the
new lease guidance were as follows (in thousands):
Adjustments
due to
adoption
of the new
lease
guidance
Balance at
March 31,
2019
Reclassi-
fications
Balance at
April 1,
2019
Other Assets
Operating lease assets .............................................
Other assets.............................................................
-
465
7,804
-
-
31
7,804
496
Current Liabilities
Current portion of operating lease liabilities ..........
-
1,162
-
1,162
Long Term Liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities ......................
Other liabilities .......................................................
-
1,390
7,371
(729)
-
31
7,371
692
The adoption of the new guidance is non-cash in nature and had no impact on net cash flows from operating, investing,
or financing activities.
See Note L for additional information regarding our lease arrangements and the Company's updated lease accounting
policies.
23. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses, which significantly changes the
impairment model for most financial instruments. Current guidance requires the recognition of credit losses based on an
incurred loss impairment methodology that reflects losses once the losses are probable. Under the new standard, the
Company will be required to use a current expected credit loss model (“CECL”) that will immediately recognize an
estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the financial instruments that are in the scope of this
update, including trade receivables. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in
the development of credit loss estimates. In November 2019, the FASB deferred the effective date for smaller reporting
companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. This standard is required to take effect in
Nathan’s first quarter (June 2023) of our fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
F-20
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to the accounting guidance to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment.
The update removes the requirement to determine the implied fair value of goodwill to measure the amount of impairment
loss, if any, under the second step of the current goodwill impairment test. A company will perform its annual or interim
goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment
charge will be recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to
exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The guidance is effective prospectively for public business entities for
annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This standard is required to take effect in Nathan’s first
quarter (June 2020) of our fiscal year ending March 28, 2021. Nathan’s does not expect the adoption of this new guidance
to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income
Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes
certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve
consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. This standard is
required to take effect in Nathan’s first quarter (June 2021) of our fiscal year ending March 27, 2022. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and
related disclosures.
The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective accounting standards, when adopted,
will have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
NOTE C - INCOME PER SHARE
Basic income per common share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of stock options. Diluted income per common share gives effect to all
potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares used in the
computation of diluted income per common share result from the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, as
determined using the treasury stock method.
The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the per-share amounts for the fiscal years
ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively:
Net Income
Shares
2020
2019
2020
2019
Net income per share
2019
2020
13,435 $
21,493 4,216,000 4,187,000 $
3.19 $
5.13
-
-
-
33,000
-
(.04)
Basic EPS
Basic calculation ...................... $
Effect of dilutive employee
stock options ........................
Diluted EPS
Diluted calculation ................... $
13,435 $
21,493 4,216,000 4,220,000 $
3.19 $
5.09
F-21
NOTE C - INCOME PER SHARE (continued)
Options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock for the year ended March 29, 2020 were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price exceeded the average market price.
NOTE D - ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES, NET
Accounts and other receivables, net, consist of the following:
March 29, March 31,
2020
2019
Branded product sales .......................................................... $
Franchise and license royalties .............................................
Other ....................................................................................
6,789 $
4,299
257
11,345
7,432
2,661
665
10,758
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts .................................
237
585
Accounts and other receivables, net ..................................... $
11,108 $
10,173
Accounts receivable are due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from franchisees, retail licensees and Branded
Product Program customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the
contractual payment terms are generally considered past due. The Company does not recognize franchise and license
royalties that are not deemed to be realizable.
The Company individually reviews each past due account and determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by
considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous
loss history, the customer’s current and expected future ability to pay its obligation to the Company, the condition of the
general economy and the industry as a whole. Based on management’s assessment, the Company provides for estimated
uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings. After the Company has used reasonable collection efforts, it writes
off accounts receivable through a charge to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31,
2019 are as follows:
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Beginning balance ............................................................. $
Reclassification to conform with Topic 606 ..................
Bad debt expense ...........................................................
Accounts written off ......................................................
585 $
-
71
(419)
Ending balance .................................................................. $
237 $
468
77
100
(60)
585
F-22
NOTE E - PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
March 29, March 31,
2020
2019
Income taxes ..................................................................... $
Real estate taxes ................................................................
Insurance ...........................................................................
Marketing ..........................................................................
Other .................................................................................
- $
75
263
369
474
106
67
244
412
178
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets ................ $
1,181 $
1,007
NOTE F - SALES OF REAL ESTATE
On October 23, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its Company-owned restaurant located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn,
NY for proceeds of $11,445, net of direct expenses, and recorded a gain of $10,854, which represented the excess of the
proceeds, before legal fees of $33, over the carrying value on that date.
On August 9, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its regional office building located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
for proceeds of $1,330, net of direct expenses, and recorded a gain of $323, which represented the excess of the proceeds,
before legal fees of $17, over the carrying value on that date.
NOTE G - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment consist of the following:
March 29, March 31,
2020
2019
Land .................................................................................. $
Building and improvements ..............................................
Machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures ...................
Leasehold improvements...................................................
Construction-in-progress ...................................................
Total property and equipment ...........................................
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization .............
123 $
1,456
5,529
6,891
79
14,078
9,468
123
1,452
5,422
6,481
22
13,500
8,611
Property and equipment, net .............................................. $
4,610 $
4,889
Depreciation and amortization expense related to properties was $1,149 and $1,212 for the fiscal years ended March 29,
2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.
F-23
NOTE H - ACCRUED EXPENSES, OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
March 29, March 31,
2020
2019
Payroll and other benefits .................................................. $
Accrued rebates .................................................................
Rent and occupancy costs .................................................
Deferred revenue ...............................................................
Construction costs .............................................................
Interest ...............................................................................
Professional fees................................................................
Corporate income taxes .....................................................
Sales, use and other taxes ..................................................
Other .................................................................................
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities .......... $
3,075 $
514
84
797
105
4,084
194
176
17
251
9,297 $
3,150
770
113
807
58
4,111
146
-
27
202
9,384
Other liabilities consist of the following:
Reserve for uncertain tax positions (Note I) ......................
Deferred rental liability .....................................................
Other .................................................................................
Total other liabilities ......................................................... $
567
-
129
696 $
496
670
224
1,390
March 29, March 31,
2020
2019
NOTE I - INCOME TAXES
The income tax provision consists of the following for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019:
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Federal
Current ........................................................................... $
Deferred .........................................................................
Total Federal income tax ...............................................
State and local
Current ...........................................................................
Deferred .........................................................................
Total State and local income tax ....................................
Total provision for income taxes ................................... $
2,904 $
322
3,226
1,323
30
1,353
4,579 $
5,385
43
5,428
2,447
42
2,489
7,917
F-24
NOTE I - INCOME TAXES (continued)
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“the CARES Act”)
into law which among other provisions increases the limitation on the allowed business interest expense deduction from
30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted taxable income for tax years beginning January 1, 2019 and 2020. Additionally, the
CARES Act allows businesses to immediately expense the full cost of Qualified Improvement Property, retroactive to
tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact of the CARES Act.
The income tax provisions for the years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 reflect effective tax rates of 25.4%
and 26.9%, respectively.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB No. 118"), Nathan’s
refined and completed the accounting for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as the Company obtained, prepared, and analyzed
additional information and as additional legislative, regulatory, and accounting guidance and interpretations became
available, resulting in an increase in the provision for income taxes of $99 or 0.3 percentage points.
The total income tax provision for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 differs from the amounts
computed by applying the United States Federal income tax rate of 21% to income before income taxes as a result of the
following:
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Computed tax expense ................................................................ $
State and local income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit .
Change in uncertain tax positions, net .........................................
Nondeductible meals and entertainment and other......................
Nondeductible compensation ......................................................
Tax reform act .............................................................................
Tax benefit share based payments ...............................................
Total provision for income taxes ................................................. $
3,783 $
1,028
60
(95)
31
-
(228)
4,579 $
6,176
1,875
86
(66)
57
99
(310)
7,917
F-25
NOTE I - INCOME TAXES (continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities are presented below:
March 29, March 31,
2020
2019
Deferred tax assets
Accrued expenses ............................................................. $
Allowance for doubtful accounts ......................................
Deferred revenue ..............................................................
Deferred stock compensation ...........................................
Excess of straight line over actual rent .............................
Other .................................................................................
Total deferred tax assets ......................................... $
Deferred tax liabilities
Deductible prepaid expense ..............................................
Depreciation expense ........................................................
Amortization .....................................................................
Total deferred tax liabilities ...................................
Net deferred tax asset (liability) ............................. $
394 $
57
485
45
205
94
1,280 $
246
720
323
1,289
(9) $
387
58
955
70
162
85
1,717
210
783
381
1,374
343
A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will
not be realized. We consider the level of historical taxable income, scheduled reversal of temporary differences, tax
planning strategies and projected future taxable income in determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted. Based
upon these considerations, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit
of its deferred tax asset.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and
penalties, for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019.
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year ................... $
Decreases of tax positions taken in prior years .................
Increases based on tax positions taken in current year ......
Settlements of tax positions taken in prior years ...............
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year ............................. $
253 $
(10)
52
16
311 $
263
(8)
46
(48)
253
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 were $311 and $253, respectively, all
of which would impact Nathan’s effective tax rate, if recognized. As of March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, the
Company had $259 and $245, respectively, accrued for the payment of interest and penalties. For the fiscal years ended
March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 Nathan’s recognized interest and penalties in the amounts of $32 and $31,
respectively. During the fiscal year ending March 28, 2021, Nathan’s will seek to settle additional uncertain tax positions
with the tax authorities. As a result, it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the
related accrued interest and penalties, could be reduced by up to $16, which would favorably impact Nathan’s effective
tax rate, although no assurances can be given in this regard.
F-26
NOTE I - INCOME TAXES (continued)
In November 2019, the State of New Jersey notified Nathan’s that our tax returns for the fiscal years ended March 27,
2016, March 26, 2017 and March 25, 2018 will be audited. The audit is ongoing.
In January 2018, Nathan’s received notification from the State of Virginia that it was seeking to review Nathan’s tax
returns for the period April 2014 through March 2017. The review has been completed and the effects of the review,
which were not significant, were factored into the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal 2019.
The earliest tax years’ that are subject to examination by taxing authorities by major jurisdictions are as follows:
Jurisdiction
Federal ..........................................................
New York State ............................................
New York City .............................................
New Jersey....................................................
California ......................................................
Fiscal Year
2017
2017
2017
2016
2016
F-27
NOTE J - SEGMENT INFORMATION
Nathan’s considers itself to be a brand marketer of the Nathan’s Famous signature products to the foodservice industry
pursuant to its various business structures. Nathan’s sells its products directly to consumers through its restaurant
operations segment consisting of Company-operated and franchised restaurants, to distributors that resell our products
to the foodservice industry through the Branded Product Program (“BPP”) and by third party manufacturers pursuant to
license agreements that sell our products to club stores and grocery stores nationwide. The Company’s Chief Executive
Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) who evaluates performance and allocates
resources for the Branded Product Program, Product Licensing and Restaurant Operations segments based upon a number
of factors, the primary profit measure being income from operations. Certain administrative expenses are not allocated
to the segments and are reported within the Corporate segment.
Branded Product Program – This segment derives revenue principally from the sale of hot dog products either directly
to foodservice operators or to various foodservice distributors who resell the products to foodservice operators.
Product licensing – This segment derives revenue, primarily in the form of royalties, from licensing a broad variety of
Nathan’s Famous branded products, including our hotdogs, sausage and corned beef products, frozen French fries and
additional products through retail grocery channels and club stores throughout the United States.
Restaurant operations – This segment derives revenue from the sale of our products at Company-owned restaurants and
earns fees and royalties from its franchised restaurants.
Revenues from operating segments are from transactions with unaffiliated third parties and do not include any
intersegment revenues.
Income from operations attributable to Corporate consists principally of administrative expenses not allocated to the
operating segments such as executive management, finance, information technology, legal, insurance, corporate office
costs, corporate incentive compensation and compliance costs and expenses of the advertising fund.
Gain on sale of property and equipment, loss on debt extinguishment, interest expense, interest income, impairment
charge and other income, net are managed centrally at the corporate level, and, accordingly, such items are not presented
by segment since they are excluded from the measure of profitability reviewed by the CODM.
Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, and long-lived assets.
F-28
NOTE J - SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
Operating segment information is as follows:
Fifty-Two
weeks ended
March 29, 2020 March 31, 2019
Fifty-Three
weeks ended
Revenues
Branded Product Program .................................................................................... $
Product licensing ..................................................................................................
Restaurant operations ...........................................................................................
Corporate (1) ........................................................................................................
Total revenues .................................................................................... $
Income from operations
Branded Product Program .................................................................................... $
Product licensing ..................................................................................................
Restaurant operations ...........................................................................................
Corporate ..............................................................................................................
Income from operations ...................................................................... $
Gain on sale of property and equipment .............................................................. $
Interest expense ....................................................................................................
Interest income .....................................................................................................
Other income, net .................................................................................................
Income before provision for income taxes ......................................... $
Total assets
Branded Product Program .................................................................................... $
Product licensing ..................................................................................................
Restaurant operations ...........................................................................................
Corporate ..............................................................................................................
Total assets ......................................................................................... $
Depreciation & amortization expense
Branded Product Program .................................................................................... $
Restaurant operations ...........................................................................................
Corporate ..............................................................................................................
Total depreciation & amortization expense ........................................ $
(1) Represents advertising fund revenue
57,586 $
25,859
17,545
2,335
103,325 $
7,688 $
25,677
1,637
(7,830)
27,172 $
- $
(10,601)
1,357
86
18,014 $
7,352 $
3,906
12,915
81,109
105,282 $
312 $
641
280
1,233 $
57,960
23,615
17,772
2,502
101,849
10,302
23,433
2,398
(8,157)
27,976
11,177
(10,792)
840
209
29,410
8,334
2,127
6,411
77,434
94,306
312
657
243
1,212
F-29
NOTE K - LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
March 29, March 31,
2020
2019
6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 .............................. $
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs .................................
Long-term debt, net .......................................................... $
150,000 $
(3,860 )
146,140 $
150,000
(4,551)
145,449
On November 1, 2017, the Company issued $150,000 of 6.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") in
a private offering in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of November 1, 2017 by and among the Company, certain
of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and U.S. Bank National Association (the “Indenture”). The Company used the net
proceeds of the 2025 Notes offering to satisfy and discharge the Indenture relating to the $135,000 of 10.000% Senior
Secured Notes due 2020 and redeem the 2020 Notes (the "Redemption"), paid a portion of a special $5.00 per share cash
dividend to Nathan's stockholders of record, with the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including
working capital. The Company also funded the majority of the special dividend of $5.00 per share through its existing
cash. The Redemption occurred on November 16, 2017.
The 2025 Notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 1st and November 1st of each year.
The Company made its required semi-annual interest payments of $4,969 on May 1, 2019 and November 1, 2019. On
May 1, 2020, the Company paid its first semi-annual interest payment of fiscal 2021.
The 2025 Notes have no scheduled principal amortization payments prior to its final maturity on November 1, 2025.
The terms and conditions of the 2025 Notes are as follows (terms not defined shall have the meanings set forth in the
Indenture):
There are no ongoing financial maintenance covenants associated with the 2025 Notes. As of March 29, 2020, Nathan’s
was in compliance with all covenants associated with the 2025 Notes.
The Indenture contains certain covenants limiting the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (as
defined in the Indenture) to, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay
dividends or make other distributions on, redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make investments or other restricted
payments; (iv) create or incur certain liens; (v) incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from
its restricted subsidiaries; (vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) sell assets; or (viii) effect a consolidation
or merger. Certain Restricted Payments which may be made or indebtedness incurred by Nathan’s or its Restricted
Subsidiaries may require compliance with the following financial ratios:
F-30
NOTE K - LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow to the Fixed Charges for the relevant period,
currently set at 2.0 to 1.0 in the Indenture. The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio applies to determining whether
additional Restricted Payments may be made, certain additional debt may be incurred and acquisitions may be made.
Priority Secured Leverage Ratio: the ratio of (a) Consolidated Net Debt outstanding as of such date that is secured by a
Priority Lien to (b) Consolidated Cash Flow of Nathan’s for the Test Period then most recently ended, in each case
with such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate; currently set at 0.40 to 1.00 in the Indenture.
Secured Leverage Ratio: the ratio of (a) Consolidated Net Debt outstanding as of such date that is secured by a Lien on
any property of Nathan’s or any Guarantor to (b) Consolidated Cash Flow of Nathan’s for the Test Period then most
recently ended, in each case with such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate. The Secured Leverage Ratio under
the Indenture is 3.75 to 1.00 and applies if Nathan’s wants to incur additional debt on the same terms as the 2025
Notes.
The Indenture also contains customary events of default, including, among other things, failure to pay interest, failure to
comply with agreements related to the Indenture, failure to pay at maturity or acceleration of other indebtedness, failure
to pay certain judgments, and certain events of insolvency or bankruptcy. Generally, if any event of default occurs, the
Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the 2025 Notes may declare the 2025 Notes due and payable
by providing notice to the Company. In case of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the 2025
Notes, will become immediately due and payable.
The 2025 Notes are general senior secured obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of
the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing
and future indebtedness that is not subordinated, are senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and
future subordinated indebtedness, are structurally subordinated to any existing and future indebtedness and other
liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes, and are effectively junior to all existing
and future indebtedness that is secured by assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes.
Pursuant to the terms of a collateral trust agreement, the liens securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees will be
contractually subordinated to the liens securing any future credit facility.
F-31
NOTE K - LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)
The 2025 Notes and the guarantees are the Company and the guarantors’ senior secured obligations and will rank:
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
senior in right of payment to all of the Company and the guarantors’ future subordinated indebtedness;
effectively senior to all unsecured senior indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the 2025
Notes and the guarantees;
(cid:404) pari passu with all of the Company and the guarantors’ other senior indebtedness;
(cid:404)
(cid:404)
effectively junior to any future credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing any future credit
facility and the 2025 Notes and the guarantees and certain other assets;
effectively junior to any of the Company and the guarantors’ existing and future indebtedness that is secured by
assets other than the collateral securing the 2025 Notes and the guarantees to the extent of the value of any such
assets; and
(cid:404)
structurally subordinated to the indebtedness of any of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries that do not
guarantee the 2025 Notes.
The Company may redeem the 2025 Notes in whole or in part prior to November 1, 2020, at a redemption price of 100%
of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest. An
Applicable Premium is the greater of 1% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes; or the excess of the present value at
such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the 2025 Notes at November 1, 2020 plus (ii) all required interest
payments due on the 2025 Notes through November 1, 2020 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption
date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over
the then outstanding principal amount of the 2025 Notes.
Prior to November 1, 2020, if using the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, the Company has the option to
redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 106.625% of the
principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and any additional interest.
On or after November 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes at a decreasing premium over
time, plus accrued and unpaid interest as follows:
YEAR
On or after November 1, 2020 and prior to November 1, 2021 .........
On or after November 1, 2021 and prior to November 1, 2022 .........
On or after November 1, 2022 ...........................................................
PERCENTAGE
103.313 %
101.656 %
100.000 %
In certain circumstances involving a change of control, the Company will be required to make an offer to repurchase all
or, at the holder’s option, any part, of each holder’s 2025 Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of
Control Offer”). In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will be required to offer payment in cash equal to 101%
of the aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, to the date of purchase.
F-32
NOTE K - LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)
If the Company sells certain collateralized assets and does not use the net proceeds as required, the Company will be
required to use such net proceeds to repurchase the 2025 Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued
and unpaid interest and additional interest penalty, if any, to the date of repurchase.
The 2025 Notes may be traded between qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act. We
have recorded the 2025 Notes at cost.
Effective June 1, 2020, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the 2025 Notes by
the Company (at par or better) from time to time. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
NOTE L - LEASES
The Company is party as lessee to various leases for its Company-operated restaurants and lessee/sublessor to one
franchised location property, including land and buildings, as well as leases for its corporate office and certain office
equipment.
Determination of Whether a Contract Contains a Lease
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception or modification of a contract, and classify each lease as either an
operating or finance lease at commencement. The Company only reassesses lease classification subsequent to
commencement upon a change to the expected lease term or the contract being modified. Operating leases represent the
Company’s right to use an underlying asset as lessee for the lease term, and lease obligations represent the Company’s
obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.
A contract contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified property, plant or equipment
for a period of time in exchange for consideration. At commencement, contracts containing a lease are further evaluated
for classification as an operating lease or finance lease where the Company is a lessee, or as an operating, sales-type or
direct financing lease where the Company is a lessor, based on their terms.
ROU Model and Determination of Lease Term
The Company uses the ROU model to account for leases where the Company is the lessee, which requires an entity to
recognize a lease liability and ROU asset on the lease commencement date. A lease liability is measured equal to the
present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease term and is discounted using the incremental borrowing
rate, as the rate implicit in the Company’s leases is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate
of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis over a similar term, an amount equal
to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Lease payments include payments made before the
commencement date and any residual value guarantees, if applicable. The initial ROU asset consists of the initial
measurement of the lease liability, adjusted for any payments made before the commencement date, initial direct costs
and lease incentives earned. When determining the lease term, as both lessee and lessor, the Company includes option
periods when it is reasonably certain that those options will be exercised.
F-33
NOTE L - LEASES (continued)
Operating leases
For operating leases, minimum lease payments or receipts, including minimum scheduled rent increases, are recognized
as rent expense where the Company is a lessee, or income where the Company is a lessor, as applicable, on a straight-
line basis (“Straight-Line Rent”) over the applicable lease terms. There is a period under certain lease agreements referred
to as a rent holiday (“Rent Holiday”) that generally begins on the possession date and ends on the rent commencement
date. During a Rent Holiday, no cash rent payments are typically due under the terms of the lease; however, rent expense
is recorded for that period on a straight-line basis. The excess of the Straight-Line Rent over the minimum rents paid is
included in the ROU asset where the Company is a lessee. The excess of the Straight-Line Rent over the minimum rents
received is recorded as a deferred lease asset and is included in “Other Assets” where the Company is a lessor. The
Company recorded $32 in Other Assets at March 29, 2020. Certain leases contain provisions, referred to as contingent
rent (“Contingent Rent”), that require additional rental payments based upon restaurant sales volume. Contingent Rent
is recognized each period as the liability is incurred or the asset is earned.
Lease cost for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis and includes the amortization of the ROU asset and
interest expense relating to the operating lease liability. Variable lease cost for operating leases include Contingent Rent
and payments for executory costs such as real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance, which are excluded
from the measurement of the lease liability. Short-term lease cost for operating leases includes rental expense for leases
with a term of less than 12 months. Leases with an initial expected term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Lease costs are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings based on the nature of the underlying lease as
follows: (1) rental expense related to leases for Company-operated restaurants is recorded to “Restaurant Operating
Expenses,” (2) rental expense for leased properties that are subsequently subleased to franchisees is recorded to “Other
income, net” and (3) rental expense related to leases for corporate offices and equipment is recorded to “General and
administrative expenses.”
Rental income for operating leases on properties subleased to franchisees is recorded to “Other income, net.”
Significant Assumptions and Judgement
Management makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding each new lease and sublease agreement, renewal and
amendment, including, but not limited to, property values, market rents, property lives, discount rates and probable term,
all of which can impact (1) the classification and accounting for a lease or sublease as operating or finance, (2) the Rent
Holiday and escalations in payment that are taken into consideration when calculating Straight-Line Rent, (3) the term
over which leasehold improvements for each restaurant are amortized and (4) the values and lives of adjustments to the
initial ROU asset where the Company is the lessee, or favorable and unfavorable leases where the Company is the lessor.
The amount of depreciation and amortization, interest and rent expense and income would vary if different estimates and
assumptions were used.
F-34
NOTE L - LEASES (continued)
Company as lessee
The components of the net lease cost for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal year
ended
March 29, 2020
Statement of Earnings ......................................................................................................................
Operating lease cost ......................................................................................................................... $
Short term lease cost ........................................................................................................................
Variable lease cost ............................................................................................................................
Less: Sublease income, net ...............................................................................................................
Total net lease cost (a) ...................................................................................................................... $
1,238
17
1,517
(85)
2,687
(a) Includes $2,137, net recorded to “Restaurant Operating Expenses” for leases for Company-operated restaurants,
$635 recorded to “General and administrative expenses” for leases for corporate offices and equipment and $85
recorded to “Other income, net” for leased properties that are leased to franchisees:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal year
ended
March 29, 2020
Operating cash flows from operating leases ..................................................................................... $
375
On November 29, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to its lease agreement for its Coney Island Boardwalk
restaurant, commencing on December 1, 2019 (the “Renewal Commencement Date”), extending the term for an
additional eight (8) years, expiring November 30, 2027. The Company recorded an operating lease asset and liability of
$1,911 on the Renewal Commencement date.
The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for operating leases as of March 29,
2020 were as follows:
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases ....................................................................................................................
8.1
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases ....................................................................................................................
8.869 %
F-35
NOTE L - LEASES (continued)
Future lease commitments to be paid and received by the Company as of March 29, 2020 were as follows
(in thousands):
Payments
Operating
Leases
Receipts
Subleases
Net Leases
Fiscal year:
2021 ................................................................. $
2022 .................................................................
2023 .................................................................
2024 .................................................................
2025 .................................................................
Thereafter ........................................................
Total lease commitments ........................................... $
Less: Amount representing interest ............................
Present value of lease liabilities (a) ............................ $
1,583 $
1,837
1,849
1,774
1,678
5,474
14,195 $
4,080
10,115
245 $
247
168
169
169
352
1,350 $
1,338
1,590
1,681
1,605
1,509
5,122
12,845
(a) The present value of minimum operating lease payments of $1,583 and $8,532 are included in “Current
portion of operating lease liabilities” and “Long-term operating lease liabilities,” respectively.
Company as lessor
The components of lease income for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Operating lease income, net ............................................................................................. $
84
Fiscal year
ended
March 29, 2020
F-36
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
1. Dividends
On May 31, 2018, Nathans’ Board of Directors authorized the commencement of a regular dividend of $1.00 per
share per annum, payable at the rate of $0.25 per quarter. Through March 31, 2019, the Company declared and paid
four regular quarterly dividends of $0.25 per common share aggregating $4,187. The Company also paid the
remaining dividends payable of $150 from the previously declared special dividends.
Effective June 14, 2019, the Board declared its first quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share for fiscal year 2020.
Through March 29, 2020, the Company declared and paid four regular quarterly dividends of $0.35 per common
share aggregating $5,912.
Effective June 12, 2020, the Board declared its first quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share for fiscal year 2021
which is payable on June 26, 2020 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 22, 2020.
On November 1, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $5.00 per share
payable to stockholders of record as of December 22, 2017 of which approximately $20,923 was paid on January 4,
2018 to the stockholders. The Company also accrued $25 for the dividends payable on unvested restricted shares
pursuant to the terms of the restricted stock agreement. The restricted stock vested, and the dividend was paid during
the year ended March 31, 2019.
On March 10, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $25.00 per share payable
to stockholders of record as of March 20, 2015 of which approximately $115,100 was paid on March 27, 2015 to
the stockholders. The Company accrued $1,000 for the expected dividends payable on unvested restricted shares
pursuant to the terms of the restricted stock agreements. As unvested restricted stock vests, the declared dividend is
paid. As of March 31, 2019 we had paid the entire accrued dividend on the restricted stock.
Our ability to pay future dividends is limited by the terms of the Indenture with US Bank National Association, as
trustee and collateral trustee. In addition to the terms of the Indenture, the declaration and payment of any cash
dividends in the future are subject to final determination of the Board and will be dependent upon our earnings and
financial requirements.
F-37
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
2. Stock Incentive Plans
On September 14, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive
Plan (the “2010 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted
stock units, stock appreciation rights and other stock-based awards to directors, officers and key employees. The
Company was initially authorized to issue up to 150,000 shares of common stock under the 2010 Plan, together with
any shares which had not been previously issued under the Company’s previous stock option plans as of July 19,
2010 (171,000 shares), plus any shares subject to any outstanding options or restricted stock grants under the
Company’s previous stock option plans that were outstanding as of July 19, 2010 and that subsequently expire
unexercised, or are otherwise forfeited, up to a maximum of an additional 100,000 shares.
On September 13, 2012, the Company amended the 2010 Plan increasing the number of shares available for issuance
by 250,000 shares. Shares to be issued under the 2010 Plan may be made available from authorized but unissued
stock, common stock held by the Company in its treasury, or common stock purchased by the Company on the open
market or otherwise. The number of shares issuable and the grant, purchase or exercise price of outstanding awards
are subject to adjustment in the amount that the Company’s Compensation Committee considers appropriate upon
the occurrence of certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits, mergers, consolidations, reorganizations,
recapitalizations, or other capital adjustments. In the event that the Company issues restricted stock awards pursuant
to the 2010 Plan, each share of restricted stock would reduce the amount of available shares for issuance by either
3.2 shares for each share of restricted stock granted or 1 share for each share of restricted stock granted. As of March
29, 2020, there were up to 208,584 shares available to be issued for future option grants or up to 184,808 shares of
restricted stock that may be granted under the 2010 Plan.
On September 18, 2019, the Company’s shareholders approved the Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive
Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The 2019 Plan will be effective as of July 1, 2020 (the "Effective Date"). Following the
Effective Date, (i) no additional stock awards shall be granted under the 2010 Plan and (ii) all outstanding stock
awards previously granted under the 2010 Plan shall remain subject to the terms of the 2010 Plan. All awards granted
on or after the Effective Date of the 2019 Plan shall be subject to the terms of the 2019 Plan.
Once effective, we will be able to issue up to: (a) 369,584 shares of common stock under the 2019 Plan which
includes: (i) shares that have been authorized but not issued pursuant to the 2010 Plan as of July 1, 2020 up to a
maximum of an additional 208,584 shares and (ii) any shares subject to any outstanding options or restricted stock
grants under any plan of the Company that were outstanding as of July 1, 2020 and that subsequently expire
unexercised, or are otherwise forfeited, up to a maximum of an additional 11,000 shares.
In general, options granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans have terms of five or ten years and vest over
periods of between three and five years. The Company has historically issued new shares of common stock for
options that have been exercised and used the Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the fair value of
options granted at the grant date.
F-38
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, the Company granted options to purchase 10,000 shares at an exercise
price of $89.90 per share, all of which expire five years from the date of grant. All such stock options vest ratably
over a three-year period commencing September 12, 2019.
The weighted-average option fair values, as determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, and the
assumptions used to estimate these values for stock options granted during the year ended March 31, 2019 were as
follows:
Weighted-average option fair values ........................................................... $ 25.6314
Expected life (years) ....................................................................................
4.5
2.87 %
Interest rate ..................................................................................................
Volatility ......................................................................................................
32.57 %
Dividend Yield ............................................................................................
1.11 %
The expected dividend yield is based on historical and projected yields for regular dividends. The Company
estimates expected volatility based primarily on historical monthly price changes of the Company’s stock equal to
the expected life of the option. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of
the grant. The expected option term is the number of years the Company estimates the options will be outstanding
prior to exercise based on expected employment termination behavior.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, the Company granted 1,000 shares of restricted stock at a fair value
of $89.90 per share representing the closing price on the date of grant, which will be fully vested three years from
the date of grant. The restrictions on the shares lapse ratably over a three-year period on the annual anniversary of
the date of grant. The compensation expense related to this restricted stock award is expected to be $90 and will be
recognized, commencing on the grant date, over the next three years.
The Company recognizes compensation cost for unvested stock-based incentive awards on a straight-line basis over
the requisite service period. Compensation cost charged to expense under all stock-based incentive awards is as
follows:
March 29,
2020
March 31,
2019
Stock options ........................................................... $
Restricted stock ........................................................
$
85 $
31
116 $
102
60
162
F-39
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
The tax benefit on stock-based compensation expense was $29 and $44 for the years ended March 29, 2020 and
March 31, 2019, respectively. As of March 29, 2020, there was $169 of unamortized compensation expense related
to stock-based incentive awards. The Company expects to recognize this expense over approximately seventeen
months, which represents the remaining requisite service periods for such award.
In connection with the Company’s special cash dividend, paid on January 4, 2018, to stockholders of record as of
December 22, 2017, the Company performed an analysis, pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2010 Plan
(the “2010 Plan”), and issued replacement options to purchase 68,498 shares at an exercise price of $33.438 for the
unvested stock options outstanding as of the record date of December 22, 2017, cancelling 64,384 shares at an
exercise price of $35.58 per share. Nathan’s performed its evaluation based on the closing price of its common stock
on December 20, 2017, the day before the stock went ex-dividend, of $83.20 per share, or $78.20 per share excluding
the dividend of $5.00 per share. No other terms or conditions of the outstanding options were modified. The anti-
dilution provisions of the original award were structured to equalize the award’s fair value before and after the
modification.
In connection with the Company’s special cash dividend, paid on March 27, 2015, to stockholders of record as of
March 20, 2015, the Company performed an analysis, pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2010 Plan, and
issued replacement options to purchase 75,745 shares at an exercise price of $35.58 for the unvested stock options
outstanding as of March 29, 2015, canceling 50,000 shares at an exercise price of $53.89. Nathan’s performed its
evaluation based on the closing price of its common stock on March 27, 2015 of $73.56 per share, or $48.56 per
share excluding the dividend of $25.00 per share. No other terms or conditions of the outstanding options were
modified. The anti-dilution provisions of the original award were structured to equalize the award’s fair value before
and after the modification.
A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options at March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and changes during
the fiscal years then ended is presented in the tables below:
2020
2019
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Shares
Price
Shares
Price
Options outstanding – beginning of year ............
42,234 $
46.807
68,498 $
33.438
Granted ............................................................
Expired ............................................................
-
-
-
10,000
89.90
-
-
-
Exercised .........................................................
(32,234 )
33.438
(36,264 )
33.438
Options outstanding - end of year .......................
10,000 $
89.90
42,234 $
46.807
Options exercisable - end of year .......................
3,333 $
89.90
32,234 $
33.438
The exercise price of outstanding options at March 29, 2020 was $89.90.
F-40
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
During the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, options to purchase 32,234 and 36,264 shares
were exercised which aggregated proceeds of $1,078 and $134, respectively, to the Company. The aggregate
intrinsic values of the stock options exercised during the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 was
$1,134 and $1,488, respectively.
The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock options at March 29, 2020:
Weighted-
Weighted- Average
Average
Exercise
Price
Contractual
Life
Shares
Remaining Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
-
-
Options outstanding at March 29, 2020 ............
10,000 $
89.90
3.45 $
Options exercisable at March 29, 2020 .............
3,333 $
89.90
3.45 $
The exercise price of outstanding options at March 29, 2020 was $89.90.
Restricted stock:
Transactions with respect to restricted stock for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 are as follows:
Weighted-
Average
Grant-date
Fair value
Per share
Shares
Unvested restricted stock at March 31, 2019 ...................................
1,000 $
89.90
Granted .........................................................................................
Vested ...........................................................................................
Unvested restricted stock at March 29, 2020 ...................................
- $
333 $
667 $
-
89.90
89.90
The aggregate fair value of restricted stock vested during the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019
was $23 and $434, respectively.
3. Common Stock Purchase Rights
On June 5, 2013, Nathan’s adopted a new stockholder rights plan (the “2013 Rights Plan”) under which all
stockholders of record as of June 17, 2013 received rights to purchase shares of common stock.
F-41
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
The 2013 Rights were distributed as a dividend. Initially, the 2013 Rights will attach to, and trade with, the
Company’s common stock. Subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of the 2013 Rights Plan, the 2013 Rights
would become exercisable if (among other things) a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s
common stock. Upon such an event and payment of the purchase price of $100.00 (the “2013 Right Purchase Price”),
each 2013 Right (except those held by the acquiring person or group) would have entitled the holder to acquire one
share of the Company’s common stock (or the economic equivalent thereof) or, if the then-current market price is
less than the then current 2013 Right Purchase Price, a number of shares of the Company’s common stock which at
the time of the transaction had a market value equal to the then current 2013 Right Purchase Price at a purchase price
per share equal to the then current market price of the Company’s Common Stock.
On June 14, 2018, the Company and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, the Rights Agent, amended
the 2013 Rights Plan. The Amendment postponed the expiration date to September 30, 2018, at which time the 2013
Rights Plan expired.
4. Stock Repurchase Programs
During the period from October 2001 through March 29, 2020, Nathan’s purchased 5,227,405 shares of common
stock at a cost of approximately $83,269 pursuant to various stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the
Board of Directors.
During the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020, Nathan’s repurchased 85,642 shares of its common stock at a cost of
approximately $4,966 pursuant to its sixth stock repurchase program.
In 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized increases to the sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase
of up to 1,200,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company. As of March 29, 2020, Nathan’s had
repurchased 1,039,774 shares at a cost of $35,607 under the sixth stock repurchase plan. At March 29, 2020, there
were 160,226 shares remaining to be repurchased pursuant to the sixth stock repurchase plan. The plan does not
have a set expiration date. Purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program may be made from time to
time, depending on market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, at prices deemed
appropriate by management. There is no set time limit on the repurchases.
On March 13, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 10b5-1 stock plan ("10b5-1 Plan") which will
expire on the earlier of (a) August 12, 2020 or (b) the earlier of when (i) the aggregate purchase price of all shares
of common stock purchased under the 10b5-1 Plan equals $5,550 and (ii) the aggregate purchases under the 10b5-1
Plan equals 100,000 shares unless terminated earlier by the Company's Board of Directors.
F-42
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
During the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020, the Company repurchased in open market transactions 50,918 shares
of the Company's common stock at an average share price of $53.54 for a total cost of $2,727 under the 10b5-1 Plan.
At March 29, 2020, $2,823 or 49,082 shares were available for repurchase under the 10b5-1 Plan.
Through June 5, 2020, the Company repurchased an additional 26,676 shares of the Company’s common stock at
an average share price of $56.26 for a total cost of $1,502. At June 5, 2020, $1,316 or 22,406 shares were available
for repurchase under the 10b5-1 Plan.
5. Employment Agreements
Effective January 1, 2007, Howard M. Lorber, previously Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer,
assumed the newly-created position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Nathan’s and Eric Gatoff, previously
Vice President and Corporate Counsel, became Chief Executive Officer of Nathan’s.
In connection with the foregoing, the Company entered into an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Lorber
(as amended, the “Lorber Employment Agreement”) and Gatoff (as amended, the “Gatoff Employment
Agreement”). Under the terms of the Lorber Employment Agreement, Mr. Lorber would serve as Executive
Chairman of the Board from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2012, unless his employment is terminated in
accordance with the terms of the Lorber Employment Agreement. On November 1, 2012, the Company amended its
employment agreement with Mr. Lorber, extending the term of the employment agreement to December 31, 2017
and increasing the base compensation of Mr. Lorber to $600 per annum. In addition, Mr. Lorber received a grant of
50,000 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting as provided in a Restricted Stock Agreement between Mr. Lorber
and the Company. Mr. Lorber will not receive a contractually-required bonus. On December 6, 2017, the Company
amended its employment agreement with Mr. Lorber, extending the term of the employment agreement from
December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2022 and increasing the base compensation of Mr. Lorber to $1,000 per annum.
The Lorber Employment Agreement provides for a three-year consulting period after the termination of employment
during which Mr. Lorber will receive a consulting fee of $200 per year in exchange for his agreement to provide no
less than 15 days of consulting services per year, provided, Mr. Lorber is not required to provide more than 50 days
of consulting services per year.
The Lorber Employment Agreement provides Mr. Lorber with the right to participate in employment benefits offered
to other Nathan’s executives. During and after the contract term, Mr. Lorber is subject to certain confidentiality,
non-solicitation and non-competition provisions in favor of the Company.
F-43
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
In the event that Mr. Lorber’s employment is terminated without cause, he is entitled to receive his salary and bonus
for the remainder of the contract term. The Lorber Employment Agreement further provides that in the event there
is a change in control, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Lorber has the option, exercisable within one year after such
event, to terminate the agreement. Upon such termination, he has the right to receive a lump sum cash payment equal
to the greater of (A) his salary and annual bonuses for the remainder of the employment term (including a prorated
bonus for any partial fiscal year), which bonus shall be equal to the average of the annual bonuses awarded to him
during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year of termination; or (B) 2.99 times his salary and annual bonus
for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year of termination, in each case together with a lump sum cash
payment equal to the difference between the exercise price of any exercisable options having an exercise price of
less than the then current market price of the Company’s common stock and such then current market price. In
addition, Nathan’s will provide Mr. Lorber with a tax gross-up payment to cover any excise tax due.
In the event of termination due to Mr. Lorber’s death or disability, he is entitled to receive an amount equal to his
salary and annual bonuses for a three-year period, which bonus shall be equal to the average of the annual bonuses
awarded to him during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year of termination.
Under the terms of the Gatoff Employment Agreement, Mr. Gatoff initially served as Chief Executive Officer from
January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2008, which period automatically extends for additional one-year periods unless
either party delivers notice of non-renewal no less than 180 days prior to the end of the term then in effect.
Consequently, the Gatoff Employment Agreement is expected to be extended through December 31, 2021, based on
the original terms, and no non-renewal notice has been given.
Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Gatoff will receive a base salary, currently $500 effective June 1, 2016, and an annual
bonus based on his performance measured against the Company’s financial, strategic and operating objectives as
determined by the Compensation Committee pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Management Incentive Plan approved
by shareholders on September 12, 2018. The Gatoff Employment Agreement provides for an automobile allowance
and the right of Mr. Gatoff to participate in employment benefits offered to other Nathan’s executives. The
employment agreement automatically extends for successive one-year periods unless notice of non-renewal is
provided in accordance with the agreement. During and after the contract term, Mr. Gatoff is subject to certain
confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-competition provisions in favor of the Company. On June 4, 2013, Mr.
Gatoff received a grant of 25,000 shares of restricted stock at a fair value of $49.80 per share representing the closing
price on the date of grant, subject to vesting as provided in a Restricted Stock Agreement between Mr. Gatoff and
the Company. The compensation expense related to this restricted stock award was $1,245 and was recognized,
commencing on the grant date, over the next five years.
F-44
NOTE M - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, STOCK PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
The Company and one employee of Nathan’s entered into a change of control agreement effective May 31, 2007 for
annual compensation of $136 per year. The agreement additionally includes a provision under which the employee
has the right to terminate the agreement and receive payment equal to approximately three times his annual
compensation upon a change in control, as defined.
Each employment agreement terminates upon death or voluntary termination by the respective employee or may be
terminated by the Company on up to 30-days’ prior written notice by the Company in the event of disability or
“cause,” as defined in each agreement.
6. Defined Contribution and Union Pension Plans
The Company has a defined contribution retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code
covering all nonunion employees over age 21, who have been employed by the Company for at least one year.
Employees may contribute to the plan, on a tax-deferred basis, up to 20% of their total annual salary. Historically,
the Company has matched contributions at a rate of $.25 per dollar contributed by the employee on up to a maximum
of 3% of the employee’s total annual salary. Employer contributions for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and
March 31, 2019 were $44 and $42, respectively.
The Company participates in a noncontributory, multi-employer, defined benefit pension plan (the “Union Plan”)
covering substantially all of the Company’s union-represented employees. The risks of participating in the Union
Plan are different from a single-employer plan in the following aspects: (a) assets contributed to the Union Plan by
one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (b) if a participating
employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining
participating employers; and (c) if the Company chooses to stop participating in the Union Plan, the Company may
be required to pay the Union Plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the Union Plan, referred to as a
withdrawal liability. The most recent estimate of our potential withdrawal liability is $396 as of December 31, 2019.
The Company has no plans or intentions to stop participating in the plan as of March 29, 2020 and does not believe
that there is a reasonable possibility that a withdrawal liability will be incurred. Any adjustment for withdrawal
liability will be recorded only when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably estimated, in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. Contributions to the Union Plan were $6 and $7 for the fiscal years ended March 29,
2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.
7. Other Benefits
The Company provides, on a contributory basis, medical benefits to active employees. The Company does not
provide medical benefits to retirees.
F-45
NOTE N - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
1. Commitments
The Company’s operations are principally conducted in leased premises. The leases generally have initial terms
ranging from 5 to 20 years and usually provide for renewal options ranging from 5 to 20 years. Most of the leases
contain escalation clauses and common area maintenance charges (including taxes and insurance).
Revenue from sub-leasing properties is recognized in income as the revenue is earned and deemed collectible. Sub-
lease rental income is presented net of associated lease costs in the accompanying consolidated Statements of
Earnings.
Aggregate rental expense, net of sublease income, under all current leases amounted to $1,647 and $1,579 of which,
$1,310 and $1,287 were a component of restaurant operating expenses, for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020
and March 31, 2019, respectively. The remaining rents of $423 and $378 were included in general and administrative
expenses for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. Sublease rental income of
$86 was included in Other income, net for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.
Contingent rental payments on building leases are typically made based on the percentage of gross sales of the
individual restaurants that exceed predetermined levels. The percentage of gross sales to be paid and related gross
sales level vary by unit. Contingent rental expense, which is inclusive of common area maintenance charges, was
approximately $511 and $480 for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.
At March 29, 2020, the Company leases one site which it in turn subleases to a franchisee, which expires in April
2027 exclusive of renewal options. The Company remains liable for all lease costs when property is subleased to a
franchisee.
2. Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation. Management
presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Nevertheless,
litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could
include money damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of
operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.
F-46
NOTE N - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
3. Guaranty
On February 27, 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company executed a Guaranty of Lease (the “Brooklyn
Guaranty”) in connection with its re-franchising of a restaurant located in Brooklyn, New York. The Company is
obligated to make payments under the Brooklyn Guaranty in the event of a default by the tenant/franchisee. The
Brooklyn Guaranty has an initial term of 10 years and one 5-year option and is limited to 24 months of rent for the
first three years of the term. Nathan’s has recorded a liability of $110 in connection with the Brooklyn Guaranty
which does not include potential percentage rent, real estate tax increases, attorney’s fees and other costs as these
amounts are not reasonably determinable at this time. Nathan’s has received a personal guaranty from the franchisee
for all obligations under the Brooklyn Guaranty. For the remainder of the term, the Brooklyn Guaranty is limited to
12 months of rent plus reasonable costs of collection and attorney’s fees.
NOTE O - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A firm to which the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board is as an investor (and, prior to January 2012, a
consultant), and the firm’s affiliates, received ordinary and customary insurance commissions aggregating
approximately $29 and $37 for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.
A subsidiary of a firm to which the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board is the President and Chief
Executive Officer, received ordinary and customary real estate brokerage commissions aggregating approximately
$72 in connection with the sale of the Florida regional office during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.
NOTE P - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global
pandemic. This contagious virus has adversely affected workforces, customers, economics, and financial markets
globally, leading to an economic downturn. It has also disrupted the normal operations of many business, including
ours. As of the date of this filing, certain Company-owned restaurants, franchise restaurants and Branded Menu
Program locations are closed or only offering food through take-out and delivery services. Our Branded Product
Program has been negatively impacted as many of our customers operate in venues that are currently closed and
may be slow to re-open, such as professional sports venues, amusement parks, shopping malls and movie theatres.
While it is not possible for us to predict the duration or magnitude of the adverse results of the outbreak of COVID-
19 and its effects on our business or results of operations at this time, we do anticipate that it will have an adverse
effect on our revenue and profitability in fiscal year 2021.
F-47
NOTE P - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (continued)
On April 21, 2020, the Company was granted a loan (the “PPP Loan”) from a lender in the aggregate amount of
$1,225 pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
The Company applied for the PPP Loan and received the amount of the PPP Loan prior to the issuance of guidance
from the United States Treasury Department and U.S. Small Business Administration on April 23, 2020 (the “New
Guidance”). In light of the New Guidance, the Company determined to repay the PPP Loan to the lender. The PPP
Loan was repaid in full on April 29, 2020.
F-48
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2020 FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCLAIMER
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed are forward looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended that involve risks and uncertainties. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”,
“intend”, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are based on the current belief of the
Nathan’s Famous, Inc.’s (“we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”) management, as well as assumptions made by and
information currently available to the Company’s management. Among the factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially include but are not limited to: the status of our licensing and supply agreements, including the
impact of our supply agreement for hot dogs with John Morrell & Co.; the impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak;
the impact of our indebtedness, including the effect on our ability to fund working capital, operations and make new
investments; economic; weather (including the impact on the supply of cattle and the impact on sales at our restau-
rants particularly during the summer months), and change in the price of beef trimmings; our ability to pass on the
cost of any price increases in beef and beef trimmings; legislative and business conditions; the collectability of receiv-
ables; changes in consumer tastes; the ability to attract franchisees; the impact of the minimum wage legislation on
labor costs in New York State or other changes in labor laws, including regulations which could render a franchisor as
a “joint employee” or the impact of our new union contracts; our ability to attract competent restaurant and manage-
rial personnel; the enforceability of international franchising agreements; the future effects of any food borne illness,
such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE and e coli; and the risk factors reported from time to time in the
Company’s SEC reports. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
CO R P O R ATE D IR EC TO RY
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. & Subsidiaries
List of Directors
Howard M. Lorber
Executive Chairman of the Board,
Nathan’s Famous, Inc.
Eric Gatoff
Chief Executive Officer,
Nathan’s Famous, Inc.
Wayne Norbitz
Former President, and
Chief Operating Officer,
Nathan’s Famous, Inc.
Robert J. Eide
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
AEGIS Capital Corp.
Barry Leistner
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Koenig Iron Works, Inc.
Brian S. Genson
President, F1Collectors.com
A.F. Petrocelli
Owner—Retired,
United Capital Corp.
Charles Raich
Retired Founding Partner,
Raich, Ende, Malter & Co. LLP
Andrew M. Levine
Director of Real Estate,
Fingerboard Family Office
List of Officers
Howard M. Lorber
Executive Chairman of the Board
Eric Gatoff
Chief Executive Officer
Robert Steinberg
Vice President—Finance,
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Secretary
James Walker, CFE
Senior Vice President—Restaurants
Leigh Platte
Senior Vice President—Food Service
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
Marcum LLP
10 Melville Park Road
Melville, New York 11747
Corporate Counsel
Akerman LLP
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11219
Form 10-K
The Company’s annual report on
Form 10-K as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, is avail-
able without charge upon written
request:
Secretary, Nathan’s Famous, Inc.
One Jericho Plaza
Second Floor—Wing A
Jericho, New York 11753
Corporate Headquarters
One Jericho Plaza
Second Floor—Wing A
Jericho, New York 11753
516-338-8500 Telephone
516-338-7220 Facsimile
Company Website
www.nathansfamous.com
Annual Shareholders’ Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of the Company will be held at
10:00 a.m., EST on Tuesday,
September 15, 2020, in the Offices
of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., One
Jericho Plaza, Second Floor—
Wing A, Jericho, New York 11753.
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One Jericho Plaza, Second Floor – Wing A, Jericho, New York 11753
www.nathansfamous.com