Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Restaurants / RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. / FY2019 Annual Report

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.
Annual Report 2019

RICK · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker RICK
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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Employees 3613
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FY2019 Annual Report · RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X]

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

[  ]

Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

Commission file number: 001-13992

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

76-0458229
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

10737 Cutten Road
Houston, Texas 77066
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(281) 397-6730
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class
Common stock, $0.01 par value

Trading Symbol(s)
RICK

Name of each exchange on which registered
The Nasdaq Global Market

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 
[  ] No [X]

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 [  ] No [X]

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

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  has  submitted  electronically  every  Interactive  Data  File  required  to  be 
submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such 
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  is  a  large  accelerated  filer,  an  accelerated  filer,  a  non-accelerated  filer, 
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.  Large 
accelerated  filer  [  ]  Accelerated  filer  [X]  Non-accelerated  filer  [  ]  Smaller  reporting  company  [  ]  Emerging  growth 
company [  ]

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 [  ]

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to 
the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed 
second fiscal quarter was $204,593,354.

As of February 6, 2020, there were approximately 9,258,000 shares of common stock outstanding.

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  contains  forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities 
Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  These  statements  include,  among  other  things,  statements  regarding  plans,  objectives, 
goals,  strategies,  future  events  or  performance  and  underlying  assumptions  and  other  statements,  which  are  other  than 
statements of historical facts. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report, including without limitation, 
the  following  sections:  Item  1  –  “Business,”  Item  1A  –  “Risk  Factors,”  and  Item  7  –  “Management’s  Discussion  and 
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations.”  Forward-looking  statements  generally  can  be  identified  by 
words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “will be,” “will 
continue,”  “will  likely  result,”  and  similar  expressions.  These  forward-looking  statements  are  based  on  current 
expectations  and  assumptions  that  are  subject  to  risks  and  uncertainties,  which  could  cause  our  actual  results  to  differ 
materially  from  those  reflected  in  the  forward-looking  statements.  Factors  that  could  cause  or  contribute  to  such 
differences  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  those  discussed  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  and,  in  particular,  the 
risks  discussed  under  the  caption  “Risk  Factors”  in  Item  1A  and  those  discussed  in  other  documents  we  file  with  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Important factors that in our view could cause material adverse effects on 
our financial condition and results of operations include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties associated with 
(i) operating and managing an adult business, (ii) the business climates in cities where it operates, (iii) the success or lack 
thereof  in  launching  and  building  the  company’s  businesses,  (iv)  cyber  security,  (v)  conditions  relevant  to  real  estate 
transactions, (vi) our ability to regain and maintain compliance with the filing requirements of the SEC and the Nasdaq 
Stock Market, and (vii) numerous other factors such as laws governing the operation of adult entertainment businesses, 
competition and dependence on key personnel. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any 
revision  to  any  forward-looking  statements,  except  as  required  by  law.  Given  these  risks  and  uncertainties,  readers  are 
cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

2 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

PART I

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Properties

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Item 7.

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

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Item 9B.

Other Information

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

Signatures

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Item 1. Business.

INTRODUCTION

PART I

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (sometimes referred to as “RCIHH” herein) is a holding company engaged in a number of 
activities in the hospitality and related businesses. Through our subsidiaries, as of September 30, 2019, we operate a total 
of  46 establishments  (including  one  that  was temporarily closed  due  to fire and reopened after  year-end)  that offer  live 
adult  entertainment  and/or  restaurant  and  bar  operations.  We  also  operate  a  leading  business  communications  company 
(the  “Media  Group”)  serving  the  multibillion-dollar  adult  nightclubs  industry.  We  have  two  principal  reportable 
segments—Nightclubs  and  Bombshells.  The  terms  “Company,”  “we,”  “our,”  “us”  and  similar  terms  used  in  this  Form 
10-K  refer  to  RCIHH  and  its  subsidiaries.  Except  for  executive  officers  of  RCIHH,  any  employment  referenced  in  this 
document  is  not  with  RCIHH  but  solely  with  one  of  its  subsidiaries.  RCIHH  was  incorporated  in  the  State  of  Texas  in 
1994.

Our fiscal year ends on September 30. References to years 2019, 2018, and 2017 are for fiscal years ended September 30, 
2019,  2018,  and  2017,  respectively.  Our  fiscal  quarters  chronologically  end  on  December  31,  March  31,  June  30  and 
September 30.

Our  corporate  website  address  is  www.rcihospitality.com.  Upon  written  request,  we  make  available  free  of  charge  our 
Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to 
those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the SEC under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (www.sec.gov). Information contained in the corporate website shall not be construed 
as part of this Form 10-K.

OUR BUSINESS

We operate several businesses, which we aggregate for financial reporting into two reportable segments – Nightclubs and 
Bombshells – and combine other operating segments into “Other.”

Nightclubs Segment

We  operate  our  adult  entertainment  nightclubs  through  several  brands  that  target  many  different  demographics  of 
customers  by  providing  a  unique,  quality  entertainment  environment.  Our  clubs  do  business  as  Rick’s  Cabaret,  Jaguars 
Club, Tootsie’s Cabaret, XTC Cabaret, Club Onyx, Hoops Cabaret and Sports Bar, Scarlett’s Cabaret, Temptations Adult 
Cabaret, Foxy’s Cabaret, Vivid Cabaret, Downtown Cabaret, Cabaret East, The Seville, Silver City Cabaret, and Kappa 
Men’s Club. We also operate dance clubs under the brand name Studio 80.

We generate revenue on our nightclubs through the sale of alcoholic beverages, food and merchandise items; service in the 
form  of  cover  charge,  dance  fees,  and  room  rentals;  and  through  other  related  means  such  as  ATM  commissions  and 
vending income, among others.

During fiscal 2019, our Nightclub segment sales mix was 46% service revenue; 39% alcoholic beverages; and 15% food, 
merchandise  and  other.  Segment  gross  margin  (revenues  less  cost  of  goods  sold)  was  approximately  89%.  We  grew 
Nightclubs segment revenue by 6.1% and income from operations by 16.3% from prior year.

4 

In November 2018, we acquired a club in Chicago, Illinois for $10.5 million with $6.0 million cash paid at closing and the 
$4.5  million  in  a  6-year  seller-financed  note  with  interest  at  7%.  We  have  since  rebranded  the  club  as  Rick’s  Cabaret 
Chicago. It generated $5.0 million in revenues during fiscal 2019 since acquisition date. See Note 15 to our consolidated 
financial statements for details of the transaction.

Also in November 2018, we acquired a club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for $15.0 million with $7.5 million cash paid at 
closing and two seller notes payable. The first note is a 2-year 7% note for $2.0 million and the second is a 10-year 8% 
note for 5.5 million. We have since rebranded the club as Rick’s Cabaret Pittsburgh. It generated $4.6 million in revenues 
during  fiscal  2019  since  acquisition  date.  See  Note  15  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  for  details  of  the 
transaction.

On  November  5,  2019,  the  Company  announced  that  its  subsidiaries  have  signed  definitive  agreements  to  acquire  the 
assets  and  related  real  estate  of  a  well-established,  top  gentlemen’s  club  located  in  the  Northeast  Corridor  for  $15.0 
million. As of the filing of this report, closing of this transaction is still pending subject to certain conditions. Under the 
terms of the agreements, Company subsidiaries will pay $7.2 million for the club and $7.8 million for the real estate using 
$4.0 million in seller financing at 6.0% for the club with the balance of cash from an anticipated $11.0 million bank loan 
at a blended rate of 6.25%.

A list of our nightclub locations is in Item 2— “Properties.”

Bombshells Segment

As of September 30, 2019, we operated eight Bombshells, all in Texas with one in Dallas, one in Austin, and six in the 
Greater  Houston  area.  The  restaurant  concept  sets  itself  apart  with  décor  that  pays  homage  to  all  branches  of  the  U.S. 
military. Locations feature local DJs, large outdoor patios, and more than 75 state-of-the-art flat screen TVs for watching 
your  favorite  sports.  All  food  and  drink  menu  items  have  military  names.  Bombshell  Girls,  with  their  military-inspired 
uniforms,  are  a  key  attraction.  Their  mission,  in  addition  to  waitressing,  is  to  interact  with  guests  and  generate  a  fun 
atmosphere. Bombshells is also open to franchising under our subsidiary, BMB Franchising Services, Inc., which has been 
approved to sell franchises in all 50 states.

During fiscal 2019, Bombshells sales mix was 58% alcoholic beverages and 42% food, merchandise and other. Segment 
gross margin (revenues less cost of goods sold) was approximately 75%. We grew Bombshells segment revenue by 27.9% 
and income from operations by 13.1% from prior year.

We  opened  the  first  Bombshells  in  March  2013  in  Dallas,  quickly  becoming  one  of  the  most  popular  restaurant 
destinations in the area. Within six years, eight more opened in the Austin and Houston, Texas areas, including two that 
were opened in the current fiscal 2019. In September 2016, we closed one Bombshells location in Webster, Texas. In the 
current  fiscal  2019,  we  opened  one  Bombshells  on  Interstate  10  (BMB  I-10),  east  of  Houston  in  December  2018,  and 
another one on State Highway 249 (BMB 249), northwest of Houston in March 2019. BMB I-10 and BMB 249 generated 
revenues  of  $4.3  million  and  $2.3  million,  respectively,  during  fiscal  2019.  Of  the  eight  active  Bombshells  as  of 
September 30, 2019, six are freestanding pad sites and two are inline locations.

Subsequent to fiscal year 2019, we opened two new Bombshells units, one in October 2019 (BMB Katy) and another in 
January 2020 (BMB 59).

For a list of our Bombshells locations, refer to Item 2—“Properties.”

Other Segment

We  group  together  all  operating  segments  other  than  Nightclubs  and  Bombshells  as  Other  reportable  segment.  This  is 
made  up  of  several  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  composed  primarily  of  our  Media  Group  and  Drink  Robust.  Our  Media 
Group is the leading business communications company serving the multibillion-dollar adult nightclubs industry and the 
adult  retail  products  industry.  It  owns  a  national  industry  convention  and  tradeshow;  two  national  industry  trade 
publications; two national industry award shows; and more than a dozen industry and social media websites. Included in 
the Media Group is ED Publications, publishers of the bimonthly ED Club Bulletin, the only national business magazine 
serving the 2,200-plus adult nightclubs in North America, which collectively have annual revenues in excess of $5 billion, 
according to the Association of Club Executives. ED Publications, founded in 1991, also publishes the Annual VIP Guide 
of adult nightclubs, touring entertainers and industry vendors; produces the Annual Gentlemen’s Club Owners EXPO, a 
national  convention  and  tradeshow;  and  offers  the  exclusive  ED  VIP  Club  Card,  honored  at  more  than  850  adult 
nightclubs. The Media Group produces two nationally recognized industry award shows for the readers of both ED Club 
Bulletin and StorErotica magazines, and maintains a number of B-to-B and consumer websites for both industries. Drink 
Robust is licensed to sell Robust Energy Drink in the United States.

5 

OUR STRATEGY

Our  overall  objective  is  to  create  value  for  our  shareholders  by  developing  and  operating  profitable  businesses  in  the 
hospitality  and  related  space.  We  strive  to  achieve  that  by  providing  an  attractive  price-value  entertainment  and  dining 
experience; by attracting and retaining quality personnel; and by focusing on unit-level operating performance. Aside from 
our operating strategy, we employ a capital allocation strategy.

Capital Allocation Strategy

Our capital allocation strategy provides us with disciplined guidelines on how we should use our free cash flows; provided 
however,  that  we  may  deviate  from  this  strategy  if  the  circumstances  warrant.  We  calculate  free  cash  flow  as  net  cash 
flows from operating activities minus maintenance capital expenditures. Using the after-tax yield of buying our own stock 
as baseline, management believes that we are able to make better investment decisions.

Based on our current capital allocation strategy:

● We consider buying back our own stock if the after-tax yield on free cash flow is above 10%;

● We consider disposing of underperforming units to free up capital for more productive use;

● We consider acquiring or developing our own clubs or restaurants that we believe have the potential to provide a 

minimum cash on cash return of 25%-33%, absent an otherwise strategic rationale;

● We  consider  paying  down  our  most  expensive  debt  if  it  makes  sense  on  a  tax-adjusted  basis,  or  there  is  an 

otherwise strategic rationale.

COMPETITION

The adult entertainment and the restaurant/sports bar businesses are highly competitive with respect to price, service and 
location.  All  of  our  nightclubs  compete  with  a  number  of  locally  owned  adult  clubs,  some  of  whose  brands  may  have 
name  recognition  that  equals  that  of  ours.  The  names  “Rick’s”  and  “Rick’s  Cabaret,”  “Tootsie’s  Cabaret,”  “XTC 
Cabaret,”  “Scarlett’s,”  “Silver  City,”  “Club  Onyx,”  “Downtown  Cabaret,”  “Temptations,”  “The  Seville,”  “Jaguars,” 
“Hoops  Cabaret,”  and  “Foxy’s  Cabaret”  are  proprietary.  In  the  restaurant/sports  bar  business,  “Bombshells”  is  also 
proprietary.  We  believe  that  the  combination  of  our  existing  brand  name  recognition  and  the  distinctive  entertainment 
environment that we have created allows us to compete effectively in the industry and within the cities where we operate. 
Although we believe that we are well positioned to compete successfully, there can be no assurance that we will be able to 
maintain our high level of name recognition and prestige within the marketplace.

GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting our business activities. Particularly in Texas, the authority 
to issue a permit to sell alcoholic beverages is governed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (“TABC”), which 
has the authority, in its discretion, to issue the appropriate permits. We presently hold a Mixed Beverage Permit and a Late 
Hour  Permit  at  numerous  Texas  locations.  Minnesota,  North  Carolina,  Louisiana,  Arizona,  Pennsylvania,  Florida,  New 
York,  and  Illinois  have  similar  laws  that  may  limit  the  availability  of  a  permit  to  sell  alcoholic  beverages  or  that  may 
provide for suspension or revocation of a permit to sell alcoholic beverages in certain circumstances. It is our policy, prior 
to expanding into any new market, to take steps to ensure compliance with all licensing and regulatory requirements for 
the sale of alcoholic beverages, as well as the sale of food.

6 

In addition to various regulatory requirements affecting the sale of alcoholic beverages, in many cities where we operate, 
the location of an adult entertainment cabaret is subject to restriction by city, county or other governmental ordinance. The 
prohibitions  deal  generally  with  distance  from  schools,  churches  and  other  sexually  oriented  businesses,  and  contain 
restrictions  based  on  the  percentage  of  residences  within  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  sexually  oriented  business.  The 
granting  of  a  sexually  oriented  business  permit  is  not  subject  to  discretion;  the  permit  must  be  granted  if  the  proposed 
operation  satisfies  the  requirements  of  the  ordinance.  In  all  states  where  we  operate,  management  believes  we  are  in 
compliance  with  applicable  city,  county,  state  or  other  local  laws  governing  the  sale  of  alcohol  and  sexually  oriented 
businesses.

TRADEMARKS

Our rights to the trade names “RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.,” “Rick’s,” “Rick’s Cabaret,” “Tootsie’s Cabaret,” “Club 
Onyx,”  “XTC  Cabaret,”  “Temptations,”  “Jaguars,”  “Downtown  Cabaret,”  “Cabaret  East,”  Bombshells  Restaurant  and 
Bar,” and “Vee Lounge” are established under common law, based upon our substantial and continuous use of these trade 
names in interstate commerce, some of which have been in use at least as early as 1987. We have registered our service 
mark, “RICK’S AND STARS DESIGN,” and the “BOMBSHELLS RESTAURANT & BAR” logo design with the United 
States  Patent  and  Trademark  Office.  We  have  also  obtained  service  mark  registrations  from  the  Patent  and  Trademark 
Office  for  “RICK’S  AND  STARS  DESIGN”  logo,  “RCI  HOSPITALITY  HOLDINGS,  INC.,”  “RICK’S,”  “RICK’S 
CABARET,”  “CLUB  ONYX,”  “XTC  CABARET,”  “SCARLETT’S  CABARET,”  “SILVER  CITY  CABARET,” 
“BOMBSHELLS  RESTAURANT  AND  BAR”,  “THE  SEVILLE  CLUB”,  “DOWN  IN  TEXAS  SALOON”,  “CLUB 
DULCE”, “THE BLACK ORCHID”, “HOOPS CABARET”, “VEE LOUNGE,” “STUDIO 80”, “FOXY’S CABARET,” 
and  “EXOTIC  DANCER”  are  registered  through  service  mark  registrations  issued  by  the  United  States  Patent  and 
Trademark  Office.  As  of  this  date,  we  have  pending  registration  applications  for  the  names  “TOOTSIES  CABARET”, 
“Toys for Tatas”, “In The Biz”, “Better Flight, Better Price!” and “Bombshells Officer’s Club”. We also own the rights to 
numerous trade names associated with our media division. There can be no assurance that these steps we have taken to 
protect our service marks will be adequate to deter misappropriation of our protected intellectual property rights.

EMPLOYEES AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

As  of  September  30,  2019,  we  had  approximately  2,200  employees,  of  which  approximately  280  are  in  management 
positions, including corporate and administrative operations, and approximately 1,920 are engaged in entertainment, food 
and beverage service, including bartenders, waitresses, and certain entertainers. None of our employees are represented by 
a  union.  We  consider  our  employee  relations  to  be  good.  Additionally,  as  of  September  30,  2019,  we  had  independent 
contractor  entertainers,  who  are  self-employed  and  conduct  business  at  our  locations  on  a  non-exclusive  basis.  Our 
entertainers at Rick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis, Minnesota and at Jaguars Club in Phoenix, Arizona act as commissioned 
employees.  All  employees  and  independent  contractors  sign  arbitration  non-class-action  participation  agreements  where 
allowed by federal and state laws.

We believe that the adult entertainment industry standard of treating entertainers as independent contractors provides us 
with safe harbor protection to preclude payroll tax assessment. We have prepared plans that we believe will protect our 
profitability in the event that the sexually oriented business industry is required in all states to convert entertainers, who 
are now independent contractors, into employees. See related discussion in “Risk Factors” below.

7 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

An  investment  in  our  common  stock  involves  a  high  degree  of  risk.  You  should  carefully  consider  the  risks  described 
below  before  deciding  to  purchase  shares  of  our  common  stock.  If  any  of  the  events,  contingencies,  circumstances  or 
conditions described in the risks below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be 
seriously  harmed. The trading price of our  common stock could,  in  turn, decline  and  you could  lose all or part  of your 
investment.

Our business operations are subject to regulatory uncertainties which may affect our ability to continue operations of 
existing nightclubs, acquire additional nightclubs, or be profitable.

Adult  entertainment  nightclubs  are  subject  to  local,  state  and  federal  regulations.  Our  business  is  regulated  by  local 
zoning,  local  and  state  liquor  licensing,  local  ordinances,  and  state  and  federal time  place  and  manner  restrictions.  The 
adult  entertainment  provided  by  our  nightclubs  has  elements  of  speech  and  expression  and,  therefore,  enjoys  some 
protection  under  the  First  Amendment  to  the  United  States  Constitution.  However,  the  protection  is  limited  to  the 
expression, and not the conduct of an entertainer. While our nightclubs are generally well established in their respective 
markets,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  local,  state  and/or  federal  licensing  and  other  regulations  will  permit  our 
nightclubs to remain in operation or profitable in the future.

We have recorded impairment charges in past periods and may record additional impairment charges in future periods.

Our  nightclubs  are  often  acquired  with  a  purchase  price  based  on  historical  EBITDA  (Earnings  Before  Interest,  Taxes, 
Depreciation and Amortization). This results in certain nightclubs carrying a substantial amount of intangible asset value, 
mostly allocated to licenses and goodwill. Generally accepted accounting principles require an annual impairment review 
of these indefinite-lived intangible assets. As a result of our annual impairment review, we recorded impairment charges 
of $6.0 million in 2019 (representing $4.2 million property and equipment impairment on two clubs, $1.6 million goodwill 
impairment  on  four  clubs,  and  $178,000  of  license  impairment  on  one  club);  $5.6  million  in  2018  (representing  a  $1.6 
million of property and equipment impairment on one club and one Bombshells, $834,000 goodwill impairment on two 
clubs, and $3.1 million of license impairment on three clubs); and $7.6 million in 2017 (including $4.7 million of goodwill 
impairment on three operating clubs and one property held for sale, $385,000 of property and equipment impairment on 
one operating club, $1.4 million of license impairment on two clubs, and $1.2 million of other-than-temporary impairment 
recognized  on  our  cost  method  investment  in  Robust).  If  difficult  market  and  economic  conditions  materialize  over  the 
next year and/or we experience a decrease in revenue at one or more nightclubs or restaurants, we could incur a decline in 
fair value of one or more of our nightclubs or restaurants. This could result in future impairment charges of up to the total 
value  of  our  intangible  assets,  including  goodwill.  We  actively  monitor  our  clubs  and  restaurants  for  any  indication  of 
impairment.

We may deviate from our present capital allocation strategy.

We believe that our present capital allocation strategy will provide us with optimized returns. However, implementation of 
our capital allocation strategy depends on the interplay of several factors such as our stock price, our outstanding common 
shares, the interest rates on our debt, and the rate of return on available investments. If these factors are not conducive to 
implementing our present capital allocation strategy, or we determine that adopting a different capital allocation strategy is 
in the best interest of shareholders, we reserve the right to deviate from this approach. There can be no assurance that we 
will not deviate from or adopt an alternative capital allocation strategy moving forward.

8 

We may need additional financing, or our business expansion plans may be significantly limited.

If cash generated from our operations is insufficient to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditure requirements, 
we will need to raise additional funds through the public or private sale of our equity or debt securities. The timing and 
amount  of  our  capital  requirements  will  depend  on  a  number  of  factors,  including  cash  flow  and  cash  requirements  for 
nightclub  acquisitions  and  new  restaurant  development.  If  additional  funds  are  raised  through  the  issuance  of  equity  or 
convertible debt securities, the ownership percentage of our then-existing shareholders will be reduced. We cannot ensure 
that additional financing will be available on terms favorable to us, if at all. Any future equity financing, if available, may 
result in dilution to existing shareholders; and debt financing, if available, may include restrictive covenants. Any failure 
by  us  to  procure  timely  additional  financing,  if  needed,  will  have  material  adverse  consequences  on  our  business 
operations.

There  is  substantial  competition  in  the  nightclub  entertainment  industry,  which  may  affect  our  ability  to  operate 
profitably or acquire additional clubs.

Our  nightclubs  face  substantial  competition.  Some  of  our  competitors  may  have  greater  financial  and  management 
resources than we do. Additionally, the industry is subject to unpredictable competitive trends and competition for general 
entertainment dollars. There can be no assurance that we will be able to remain profitable in this competitive industry.

The adult entertainment industry standard is to classify adult entertainers as independent contractors, not employees. If 
federal or state law mandates that they be classified as employees, our business could be adversely impacted.

The adult entertainment industry standard is to classify adult entertainers as independent contractors, not employees. The 
Internal Revenue Service regulations and applicable state law guidelines regarding independent contractor classification 
are subject to judicial and agency interpretation, and it could be determined that the independent contractor classification 
is  inapplicable.  Further,  if  legal  standards  for  classification  of  independent  contractors  change,  it  may  be  necessary  to 
modify  our  compensation  structure  for  these  adult  entertainers,  including  by  paying  additional  compensation  or 
reimbursing expenses. While we take steps to ensure that our adult entertainers are deemed independent contractors, if our 
adult  entertainers  are  determined  to  have  been  misclassified  as  independent  contractors,  we  would  incur  additional 
exposure under federal and state law, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, employment and tort laws, 
including  for  prior  periods,  as  well  as  potential  liability  for  employee  benefits  and  tax  withholdings.  Any  of  these 
outcomes  could  result  in  substantial  costs  to  us,  could  significantly  impair  our  financial  condition  and  our  ability  to 
conduct our business as we choose, and could damage our ability to attract and retain other personnel.

The adult entertainment industry is extremely volatile.

Historically,  the  adult  entertainment,  restaurant  and  bar  industry  has  been  an  extremely  volatile  industry.  The  industry 
tends  to  be  extremely  sensitive  to  the  general  local  economy,  in  that  when  economic  conditions  are  prosperous,  adult 
entertainment industry revenues increase, and when economic conditions are unfavorable, entertainment industry revenues 
decline. Coupled with this economic sensitivity are the trendy personal preferences of the customers who frequent adult 
cabarets. We continuously monitor trends in our customers’ tastes and entertainment preferences so that, if necessary, we 
can make appropriate changes which will allow us to remain one of the premiere adult cabarets. However, any significant 
decline in general corporate conditions or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects that affect consumer spending 
could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we have historically catered to a clientele base from the 
upper end of the market. Accordingly, further reductions in the amounts of entertainment expenses allowed as deductions 
from income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, could adversely affect sales to customers dependent 
upon corporate expense accounts.

9 

Private advocacy group actions targeted at the kind of adult entertainment we offer could result in limitations and our 
inability to operate in certain locations and negatively impact our business.

Our  ability  to  operate  successfully  depends  on  the  protection  provided  to  us  under  the  First  Amendment  to  the  U.S. 
Constitution.  From  time  to  time,  private  advocacy  groups  have  sought  to  target  our  nightclubs  by  petitioning  for  non-
renewal  of  certain  of  our  permits  and  licenses.  Furthermore,  private  advocacy  groups  which  have  influences  on  certain 
financial  institutions  have  managed  to  sway  these  financial  institutions  into  not  doing  business  with  us.  In  addition  to 
possibly  limiting  our  operations  and  financing  options,  negative  publicity  campaigns,  lawsuits  and  boycotts  could 
negatively  affect  our  businesses  and  cause  additional  financial  harm  by  discouraging  investors  from  investing  in  our 
securities or requiring that we incur significant expenditures to defend our business.

Our revenues could be significantly affected by limitations relating to permits to sell alcoholic beverages.

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from the sale of alcoholic beverages. States in which we operate may have 
laws  which  may  limit  the  availability  of  a  permit  to  sell  alcoholic  beverages,  or  which  may  provide  for  suspension  or 
revocation  of  a  permit  to  sell  alcoholic  beverages  in  certain  circumstances.  The  temporary  or  permanent  suspension  or 
revocations of any such permits would have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition and results of 
operations. In all states where we operate, management believes we are in compliance with applicable city, county, state 
or other local laws governing the sale of alcohol.

Activities or conduct at our nightclubs may cause us to lose necessary business licenses, expose us to liability, or result 
in adverse publicity, which may increase our costs and divert management’s attention from our business.

We  are  subject  to  risks  associated  with  activities  or  conduct  at  our  nightclubs  that  are  illegal  or  violate  the  terms  of 
necessary  business  licenses.  Some  of  our  nightclubs  operate  under  licenses  for  sexually  oriented  businesses  and  are 
afforded some protection under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. While we believe that the activities at our 
nightclubs comply with the terms of such licenses, and that the element of our business that constitutes an expression of 
free speech under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is protected, activities and conduct at our nightclubs may 
be found to violate the terms of such licenses or be unprotected under the U.S. Constitution. This protection is limited to 
the  expression  and  not  the  conduct  of  an  entertainer.  An  issuing  authority  may  suspend  or  terminate  a  license  for  a 
nightclub  found  to  have  violated  the  license  terms.  Illegal  activities  or  conduct  at  any  of  our  nightclubs  may  result  in 
negative  publicity  or  litigation.  Such  consequences  may  increase  our  cost  of  doing  business,  divert  management’s 
attention  from  our  business  and  make  an  investment  in  our  securities  unattractive  to  current  and  potential  investors, 
thereby lowering our profitability and our stock price.

We have developed comprehensive policies aimed at ensuring that the operation of each of our nightclubs is conducted in 
conformance  with  local,  state  and  federal  laws.  We  have  a  “no  tolerance”  policy  on  illegal  drug  use  in  or  around  our 
facilities.  We  continually  monitor  the  actions  of  entertainers,  waitresses  and  customers  to  ensure  that  proper  behavior 
standards are met. However, such policies, no matter how well designed and enforced, can provide only reasonable, not 
absolute,  assurance  that  the  policies’  objectives  are  being  achieved.  Because  of  the  inherent  limitations  in  all  control 
systems  and  policies,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  our  policies  will  prevent  deliberate  acts  by  persons  attempting  to 
violate  or  circumvent  them.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  limitations,  management  believes  that  our  policies  are 
reasonably effective in achieving their purposes.

We  rely  heavily  on  information  technology  in  our  operations  and  any  material  failure,  weakness,  interruption  or 
breach of security could prevent us from effectively operating our business.

Our  operations  and  corporate  functions  rely  heavily  on  information  systems,  including  point-of-sale  processing, 
management  of  our  supply  chain,  payment  of  obligations,  collection  of  cash,  electronic  communications,  data 
warehousing  to  support  analytics,  finance  and  accounting  systems,  mobile  technologies  to  enhance  the  customer 
experience,  and  other  various  processes  and  procedures,  some  of  which  are  handled  by  third  parties.  Our  ability  to 
efficiently and effectively manage our business depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. The 
failure of these systems to operate effectively, maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms, or a 
breach  in  security  relating  to  these  systems  could  result  in  delays  in  consumer  service  and  reduce  efficiency  in  our 
operations.  These problems  could adversely affect our results of operations, and remediation could result in significant, 
unplanned capital investments.

10 

Security  breaches  of  confidential  customer  information  or  personal  employee  information  may  adversely  affect  our 
business.

A  significant  portion  of  our  revenues  are  paid  through  debit  and  credit  cards.  Other  restaurants  and  retailers  have 
experienced significant security breaches in which debit and credit card information or other personal information of their 
customers have been stolen. We also maintain certain personal information regarding our employees. Although we aim to 
safeguard our technology systems, they could potentially be vulnerable to damage, disability or failures due to physical 
theft,  fire,  power  outage,  telecommunication  failure  or  other  catastrophic  events,  as  well  as  from  internal  and  external 
security breaches, employee error or malfeasance, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems 
caused by hackers and cyber criminals. A  breach in our  systems  that  compromises the  information of our  customers  or 
employees  could  result  in  widespread  negative  publicity,  damage  to  our  reputation,  a  loss  of  customers,  and  legal 
liabilities. We may in the future become subject to lawsuits or other proceedings for purportedly fraudulent transactions 
arising  from  the  actual  or  alleged  theft  of  our  customers’  debit  and  credit  card  information  or  if  customer  or  employee 
information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately. Any such claim or proceeding, or any adverse 
publicity resulting from such an event, may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our acquisitions may result in disruptions in our business and diversion of management’s attention.

We  have  made  and  may  continue  to  make  acquisitions  of  complementary  nightclubs,  restaurants  or  related  operations. 
Any acquisitions will require the integration of the operations, products and personnel of the acquired businesses and the 
training  and  motivation  of  these  individuals.  Such  acquisitions  may  disrupt  our  operations  and  divert  management’s 
attention  from  day-to-day  operations,  which  could  impair  our  relationships  with  current  employees,  customers  and 
partners. We may also incur debt or issue equity securities to pay for any future acquisitions. These issuances could be 
substantially dilutive to our stockholders. In addition, our profitability may suffer because of acquisition-related costs or 
amortization,  or  impairment  costs  for  acquired  goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets.  If  management  is  unable  to  fully 
integrate  acquired  business,  products  or  persons  with  existing  operations,  we  may  not  receive  the  benefits  of  the 
acquisitions, and our revenues and stock trading price may decrease.

The impact of new club or restaurant openings could result in fluctuations in our financial performance.

Performance of any new club or restaurant location will usually differ from its originally targeted performance due to a 
variety of factors, and these differences may be material. New clubs and restaurants typically encounter higher customer 
traffic and sales in their initial months, which may decrease over time. Accordingly, sales achieved by new or reconcepted 
locations may not be indicative of future operating results. Additionally, we incur substantial pre-opening expenses each 
time we open a new establishment, which expenses may be higher than anticipated. Due to the foregoing factors, results 
for any one fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other fiscal quarter or for a full 
fiscal year.

We must continue to meet NASDAQ Global Market Continued Listing Requirements, or we risk delisting.

Our securities are currently listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market. We must continue to satisfy NASDAQ’s 
continued listing requirements or risk delisting which would have an adverse effect on our business. If our securities are 
ever delisted from NASDAQ, they may trade on the over-the-counter market, which may be a less liquid market. In such 
case, our shareholders’ ability to trade or obtain quotations of the market value of shares of our common stock would be 
severely limited because of lower trading volumes and transaction delays. These factors could contribute to lower prices 
and  larger  spreads  in  the  bid  and  ask  prices  for  our  securities.  Additionally,  we  are  presently  not  in  compliance  with 
NASDAQ Listing  Rule  5250(c)(1),  which requires  timely  filing  of all required periodic financial  reports with the SEC. 
Although we intend to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) by filing all such reports as soon as practicable, 
there  is  no  assurance  that  we  will  be  able  to  maintain  compliance  with  Listing  Rule  5250(c)(1)  or  any  of  the  other 
NASDAQ continued listing requirements.

11 

We  may  be  subject  to  allegations,  defamations, or other detrimental  conduct  by  third  parties,  which  could  harm  our 
reputation and cause us to lose customers and/or contribute to a deflation of our stock price.

We have been subject to allegations by third parties or purported former employees, negative internet postings, and other 
adverse  public  exposure  on  our  business,  operations  and  staff  compensation.  We  may  also  become  the  target  of 
defamations or other detrimental conduct by third parties or disgruntled former or current employees. Such conduct may 
include complaints, anonymous or otherwise, to regulatory agencies, media or other organizations. We may be subject to 
government or regulatory investigation or other proceedings as a result of such third-party conduct and may be required to 
spend significant time and incur substantial costs to address such third-party conduct, and there is no assurance that we 
will be able to conclusively refute each of the allegations within a reasonable period of time, or at all. Any government or 
regulatory  investigations  initiated  as  a  result  of  the  above  may  cause  a  deflation  in  our  stock  price.  Additionally, 
allegations, directly or indirectly against us, may be posted on the internet, including social media platforms by anyone, 
whether or not related to us, on an anonymous basis. Any negative publicity on us or our management can be quickly and 
widely  disseminated.  Social  media  platforms  and  devices  immediately  publish  the  content  of  their  subscribers  and 
participants post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. Information posted may be inaccurate 
and adverse to us, and it may harm our reputation, business or prospects. The harm may be immediate without affording 
us  an  opportunity  for  redress  or  correction.  Our  reputation  may  be  negatively  affected  as  a  result  of  the  public 
dissemination of negative and potentially false information about our business and operations, which in turn may cause us 
to lose customers.

We could be subject to liability, penalties and other restrictive sanctions and adverse consequences arising out of an 
SEC investigation.

We are cooperating with an SEC investigation as discussed in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We cannot predict the outcome or impact of this matter, and there exists the possibility 
that we could be subject to liability, penalties and other restrictive sanctions and adverse consequences if the SEC or any 
other government agency were to pursue legal action in the future. Moreover, we expect to incur costs in responding to 
related requests for information and subpoenas, and if instituted, in defending against any governmental proceedings.

We incur significant costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management devotes substantial time 
to new compliance initiatives.

We  will  incur  significant  legal,  accounting  and  other  expenses  that  our  non-public  competition  does  not  incur.  The 
Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002  (the  “Sarbanes-Oxley  Act”),  as  well  as  new  rules  subsequently  implemented  by  the  SEC, 
have imposed various requirements on public companies, including requiring certain corporate governance practices. Our 
management  and  other  personnel  devote  a  substantial  amount  of  time  to  these  compliance  initiatives.  Moreover,  these 
rules  and  regulations  increase  our  legal  and  financial  compliance  costs,  and  will  make  some  activities  more  time-
consuming and costly.

In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial 
reporting and effective disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we 
are  required  to  perform  system  and  process  evaluation  and  testing  on  the  effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over 
financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm is required to report on the effectiveness of our 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  In  performing  this  evaluation  and  testing,  both  our  management  and  our 
independent registered public accounting firm concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective 
as  of  September  30,  2019  because  of  a  material  weakness.  We  are,  however,  addressing  this  issue  and  remediating  our 
material  weakness.  Upon  finalizing  the  remediation  of  this  material  weakness,  we  believe  our  internal  control  will  be 
deemed  effective.  Correcting  this  issue,  and  thereafter  our  continued  compliance  with  Section  404  will  require  that  we 
incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. Moreover, if we are not able to correct 
our internal control issues and comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if in the future we or 
our independent registered public accounting firm identifies deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting 
that  are  deemed  to  be  material  weaknesses,  the  market  price  of  our  stock  could  decline,  and  we  could  be  subject  to 
sanctions  or  investigations  by  the  SEC  or  other  regulatory  authorities,  which  would  require  additional  financial  and 
management resources.

12 

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting

Management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  our  Chief  Financial  Officer,  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  our 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  September  30,  2019  and  concluded  that  we  did  not  maintain  effective 
internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, management identified a material weakness over financial statement 
close and reporting—see Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures,” below. While certain actions have been taken to implement 
a remediation plan to address this material weakness and to enhance our internal control over financial reporting, if this 
material weakness is not remediated, it could adversely affect our ability to report our financial condition and results of 
operations in a timely and accurate manner, which could negatively affect investor confidence in our company, and, as a 
result, the value of our common stock could be adversely affected.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate and could fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors 
due to seasonality and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, resulting in a decline in our stock price.

Our nightclub operations are affected by seasonal factors. Historically, we have experienced reduced revenues from April 
through September with the strongest operating results occurring from October through March. As a result, our quarterly 
and annual operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate significantly as a result of seasonality and the 
factors  discussed  above.  Accordingly,  results  for  any  one  fiscal  quarter  are  not  necessarily  indicative  of  results  to  be 
expected  for  any  other  fiscal  quarter  or  for  any  fiscal  year  and  same-store  sales  for  any  particular  future  period  may 
decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In that event, 
the price of our common stock would likely decrease.

We may have uninsured risks in excess of our insurance coverage.

We maintain insurance in amounts we consider adequate for personal injury and property damage to which the business of 
the  Company  may  be  subject.  However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  uninsured  liabilities  in  excess  of  the  coverage 
provided by insurance, which liabilities may be imposed pursuant to the Texas “dram shop” statute or similar “dram shop” 
statutes or common law theories of liability in other states where we operate or expand. For example, the Texas “dram 
shop” statute provides a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that 
wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to such person if it was apparent to the server that the individual being sold, served 
or provided with an alcoholic beverage was obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself 
and  others.  An  employer  is  not  liable  for  the  actions  of  its  employee  who  over-serves  if  (i)  the  employer  requires  its 
employees  to  attend  a  seller  training  program  approved  by  the  TABC;  (ii)  the  employee  has  actually  attended  such  a 
training program; and (iii) the employer has not directly or indirectly encouraged the employee to violate the law. It is our 
policy to require that all servers of alcohol working at our clubs in Texas be certified as servers under a training program 
approved by the TABC, which certification gives statutory immunity to the sellers of alcohol from damage caused to third 
parties by those who have consumed alcoholic beverages at such establishment pursuant to the TABC. There can be no 
assurance,  however,  that  uninsured  liabilities  may  not  arise  in  the  markets  in  which  we  operate  which  could  have  a 
material adverse effect on the Company.

Our previous liability insurer may be unable to provide coverage to us and our subsidiaries.

As  previously  reported,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  were  insured  under  a  liability  policy  issued  by  Indemnity 
Insurance  Corporation,  RRG  (“IIC”)  through  October  25,  2013.  The  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  changed  insurance 
companies on that date.

On  November  7,  2013,  the  Court  of  Chancery  of  the  State  of  Delaware  entered  a  Rehabilitation  and  Injunction  Order 
(“Rehabilitation  Order”),  which  declared  IIC  impaired,  insolvent  and  in  an  unsafe  condition  and  placed  IIC  under  the 
supervision  of  the  Insurance  Commissioner  of  the  State  of  Delaware  (“Commissioner”)  in  her  capacity  as  receiver 
(“Receiver”).  The  Rehabilitation  Order  empowered  the  Commissioner  to  rehabilitate  IIC  through  a  variety  of  means, 
including gathering assets and marshaling those assets, as necessary. Further, the order stayed or abated pending lawsuits 
involving IIC as the insurer until May 6, 2014.

On April 10, 2014, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered a Liquidation and Injunction Order With Bar 
Date  (“Liquidation  Order”),  which  ordered  the  liquidation  of  IIC  and  terminated  all  insurance  policies  or  contracts  of 
insurance issued by IIC. The Liquidation Order further ordered that all claims against IIC must have been filed with the 
Receiver before the close of business on January 16, 2015 and that all pending lawsuits involving IIC as the insurer were 
further  stayed  or  abated  until  October  7,  2014.  As  a  result,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  no  longer  had  insurance 
coverage  under  the  liability  policy  with  IIC.  The  Company  has  retained  counsel  to  defend  against  and  evaluate  these 
claims  and  lawsuits.  We  are  funding  100%  of  the  costs  of  litigation  and  will  seek  reimbursement  from  the  bankruptcy 
receiver. The Company filed the appropriate claims against IIC with the Receiver before the January 16, 2015 deadline 
and has provided updates as requested; however, there are no assurances of any recovery from these claims. It is unknown 
at  this  time  what  effect  this  uncertainty  will  have  on  the  Company.  As  previously  stated,  since  October  25,  2013,  the 
Company obtained general liability coverage from other insurers, which have covered and/or will cover any claims arising 
from  actions  after  that  date.  As  of  September  30,  2019,  we  have  2  remaining  unresolved  claims  out  of  the  original  71 
claims.

13 

The protection provided by our service marks is limited.

Our rights to the trade names “RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.,” “Rick’s,” “Rick’s Cabaret,” “Tootsie’s Cabaret,” “Club 
Onyx,”  “XTC  Cabaret,”  “Temptations,”  “Jaguars,”  “Downtown  Cabaret,”  “Cabaret  East,”  Bombshells  Restaurant  and 
Bar,” and “Vee Lounge” are established under common law, based upon our substantial and continuous use of these trade 
names in interstate commerce, some of which have been in use at least as early as 1987. We have registered our service 
mark, “RICK’S AND STARS DESIGN,” and the “BOMBSHELLS RESTAURANT & BAR” logo design with the United 
States  Patent  and  Trademark  Office.  We  have  also  obtained  service  mark  registrations  from  the  Patent  and  Trademark 
Office  for  “RICK’S  AND  STARS  DESIGN”  logo,  “RCI  HOSPITALITY  HOLDINGS,  INC.,”  “RICKS,”  “RICK’S 
CABARET,”  “CLUB  ONYX,”  “XTC  CABARET,”  “SCARLETT’S  CABARET,”  “SILVER  CITY  CABARET,” 
“BOMBSHELLS  RESTAURANT  AND  BAR”,  “THE  SEVILLE  CLUB”,  “DOWN  IN  TEXAS  SALOON”,  “CLUB 
DULCE”, “THE BLACK ORCHID”, “HOOPS CABARET”, “VEE LOUNGE,” “STUDIO 80”, “FOXY’S CABARET,” 
and  “EXOTIC  DANCER”  are  registered  through  service  mark  registrations  issued  by  the  United  States  Patent  and 
Trademark  Office.  As  of  this  date,  we  have  pending  registration  applications  for  the  names  “TOOTSIES  CABARET”, 
“Toys for Tatas”, “In The Biz”, “Better Flight, Better Price!” and “Bombshells Officer’s Club”. We also own the rights to 
numerous  trade  names  associated  with  our  media  division.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  steps  we  have  taken  to 
protect  our  service  marks  will  be  adequate  to  deter  misappropriation  of  our  protected  intellectual  property  rights. 
Litigation  may  be  necessary  in  the  future  to  protect  our  rights  from  infringement,  which  may  be  costly  and  time 
consuming. The loss of the intellectual property rights owned or claimed by us could have a material adverse effect on our 
business.

Anti-takeover effects of the issuance of our preferred stock could adversely affect our common stock.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to fix the 
number of shares constituting any such series, and to fix the rights and preferences of the shares constituting any series, 
without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The issuance of preferred stock by the Board of Directors could 
adversely  affect  the  rights  of  the  holders  of  our  common  stock.  For  example,  such  issuance  could  result  in  a  class  of 
securities outstanding that would have preferences with respect to voting rights and dividends and in liquidation over the 
common  stock,  and  could  (upon  conversion  or  otherwise)  enjoy  all  of  the  rights  appurtenant  to  common  stock.  The 
Board’s  authority  to  issue  preferred  stock  could  discourage  potential  takeover  attempts  and  could  delay  or  prevent  a 
change in control of the Company through merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making such attempts more 
difficult to achieve or costlier. There are no issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock; there are no agreements or 
understandings for the issuance of preferred stock; and the Board of Directors has no present intention to issue preferred 
stock.

Future  sales  or  the  perception  of  future  sales  of  a  substantial  amount  of  our  common  stock  may  depress  our  stock 
price.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in 
the public market, or as a result of the perception that these sales could occur. In addition, these factors could make it more 
difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of common stock.

14 

Our stock price has been volatile and may fluctuate in the future.

The trading price of our securities may fluctuate significantly. This price may be influenced by many factors, including:

● our performance and prospects;

● the depth and liquidity of the market for our securities;

● investor perception of us and the industry in which we operate;

● changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by analysts;

● general financial and other market conditions; and

● domestic economic conditions.

Public  stock  markets  have  experienced,  and  may  experience,  extreme  price  and  trading  volume  volatility.  These  broad 
market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our securities.

We are dependent on key personnel.

Our  future  success  is  dependent,  in  a  large  part,  on  retaining  the  services  of  Eric  Langan,  our  President  and  Chief 
Executive Officer. Mr. Langan possesses a unique and comprehensive knowledge of our industry. While Mr. Langan has 
no present plans to leave or retire in the near future, his loss could have a negative effect on our operating, marketing and 
financial performance if we are unable to find an adequate replacement with similar knowledge and experience within our 
industry. We maintain key-man life insurance with respect to Mr. Langan. Mr. Langan’s employment agreement recently 
expired. Although we are presently in the process of negotiating a new employment agreement with Mr. Langan, there can 
be no assurance that Mr. Langan will continue to be employed by us.

Cumulative voting is not available to our stockholders.

Cumulative voting in the election of Directors is expressly denied in our Articles of Incorporation. Accordingly, the holder 
or holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock may elect all of our Directors.

Our directors and officers have limited liability and have rights to indemnification.

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide, as permitted by governing Texas law, that our directors and officers 
shall  not  be  personally  liable  to  us  or  any  of  our  stockholders  for  monetary  damages  for  breach  of  fiduciary  duty  as  a 
director or officer, with certain exceptions. The Articles further provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers 
against expenses and liabilities they incur to defend, settle, or satisfy any civil litigation or criminal action brought against 
them on account of their being or having been its directors or officers unless, in such action, they are adjudged to have 
acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

The  inclusion  of  these  provisions  in  the  Articles  may  have  the  effect  of  reducing  the  likelihood  of  derivative  litigation 
against directors and officers and may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against 
directors  and  officers  for  breach  of  their  duty  of  care,  even  though  such  an  action,  if  successful,  might  otherwise  have 
benefited us and our stockholders.

15 

The Articles  provide  for  the  indemnification  of our  officers  and  directors, and  the  advancement  to  them  of expenses  in 
connection  with  any  proceedings  and  claims,  to  the  fullest  extent  permitted  by  Texas  law.  The  Articles  include  related 
provisions  meant  to  facilitate  the  indemnitee’s  receipt  of  such benefits.  These  provisions  cover,  among  other  things:  (i) 
specification  of  the method  of determining entitlement to  indemnification and  the  selection of  independent  counsel  that 
will  in  some  cases  make  such  determination,  (ii)  specification  of  certain  time  periods  by  which  certain  payments  or 
determinations must be made and actions must be taken, and (iii) the establishment of certain presumptions in favor of an 
indemnitee.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and 
controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore 
unenforceable.

A failure to maintain food safety throughout the supply chain and food-borne illness concerns may have an adverse 
effect on our business.

Food  safety  is  a  top  priority,  and  we  dedicate  substantial  resources  to  ensuring  that  our  guests  enjoy  safe,  quality  food 
products. However, food safety issues could be caused at the point of source or by food suppliers or distributors and, as a 
result, be out of our control. In addition, regardless of the source or cause, any report of food-borne illnesses such as E. 
coli, hepatitis A, trichinosis or salmonella, and other food safety issues including food tampering or contamination, at one 
of our restaurants or clubs could adversely affect the reputation of our brands and have a negative impact on our sales. 
Even  instances  of  food-borne  illness,  food  tampering  or  food  contamination  occurring  solely  at  restaurants  of  our 
competitors  could  result  in  negative  publicity  about  the  food  service  industry  generally  and  adversely  impact  our  sales. 
The  occurrence  of  food-borne  illnesses  or  food  safety  issues  could  also  adversely  affect  the  price  and  availability  of 
affected ingredients, resulting in higher costs and lower margins.

Other risk factors may adversely affect our financial performance.

Other  risk  factors  that  could  cause  our  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  indicated  in  the  forward-looking 
statements  by  affecting,  among  many  things,  pricing,  consumer  spending  and  consumer  confidence,  include,  without 
limitation, changes in economic conditions and financial and credit markets, credit availability, increased fuel costs and 
availability for our employees, customers and suppliers, health epidemics or pandemics or the prospects of these events 
(such  as  reports  on  avian  flu),  consumer  perceptions  of  food  safety,  changes  in  consumer  tastes  and  behaviors, 
governmental monetary policies, changes in demographic trends, terrorist acts, energy shortages and rolling blackouts, and 
weather (including, major hurricanes and regional snow storms) and other acts of God.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

As of September 30, 2019, we own 48 real estate properties. On 35 of these properties, we operate clubs or restaurants. 
We  lease  multiple  other  properties  to  third-party  tenants.  Three  of  our  owned  properties  are  in  locations  where  we 
previously  operated  clubs,  but  now  lease  the  buildings  to  third  parties.  Five  are  non-income-producing  properties  for 
corporate use, including our corporate office. We have two properties that are under construction for future Bombshells 
sites (one opened in October 2019 and the other opened in January 2020), with one adjacent property that may be offered 
for sale in the future. Eleven of our clubs and restaurants are in leased locations.

Our principal corporate office is located at 10737 Cutten Road, Houston, Texas 77066, consisting of a 21,000-square foot 
corporate office and an 18,000-square foot warehouse facility.

16 

Below is a list of locations we operated as of September 30, 2019:

Name of Establishment

Club Onyx, Houston, TX
Rick’s Cabaret, Minneapolis, MN
XTC Cabaret, Austin, TX
XTC Cabaret, San Antonio, TX
Rick’s Cabaret, New York City, NY
Club Onyx, Charlotte, NC
Rick’s Cabaret, San Antonio, TX
XTC Cabaret, South Houston
Rick’s Cabaret, Fort Worth, TX
Tootsie’s Cabaret, Miami Gardens, FL
XTC Cabaret, Dallas, TX
Rick’s Cabaret, Round Rock, TX
Cabaret East, Fort Worth, TX
Rick’s Cabaret DFW, Fort Worth, TX
Downtown Cabaret, Minneapolis, MN
Temptations, Aledo, TX
Silver City Cabaret, Dallas, TX
Jaguars Club, Odessa, TX
Jaguars Club, Phoenix, AZ
Jaguars Club, Lubbock, TX
Jaguars Club, Longview, TX
Jaguars Club, Tye, TX
Jaguars Club, Edinburg, TX
Jaguars Club, El Paso, TX
Jaguars Club, Harlingen, TX
Studio 80, Fort Worth, TX
Bombshells, Dallas, TX
Temptations, Sulphur, LA
Temptations, Beaumont, TX
Vivid Cabaret, New York, NY
Bombshells, Austin, TX
Rick’s Cabaret, Odessa, TX
Bombshells, Spring TX
Bombshells, Houston, TX
Foxy’s Cabaret, Austin TX
The Seville, Minneapolis, MN
Hoops Cabaret and Sports Bar, New York, NY
Bombshells, Highway 290 Houston, TX
Scarlett’s Cabaret, Washington Park, IL
Scarlett’s Cabaret, Miami, FL
Bombshells, Pearland, TX
Kappa Men’s Club, Kappa, IL
Rick’s Cabaret, Chicago, IL
Rick’s Cabaret, Pittsburgh, PA
Bombshells I-10, Houston, TX
Bombshells 249, Houston, TX

Fiscal Year 
Acquired/Opened
1995
1998
1998
1998
2005
2005(1)
2006
2006(1)
2007
2008
2008
2009
2010
2011
2011
2011(1)
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2013(1)
2013
2013
2013
2014(1)
2014(1)
2014
2014(1)
2014(1)
2015
2015
2016(1)
2017(1)
2017(2)
2017(1)
2018
2018
2019
2019
2019
2019

(1) Leased location.
(2) This location was temporarily closed due to a fire and reopened in November 2019.

Our property leases are typically for a fixed rental rate without revenue percentage rentals. The lease terms generally have 
initial terms of 10 to 20 years with renewal terms of 5 to 20 years. At September 30, 2019, certain of our owned properties 
were collateral for mortgage debt amounting to approximately $91.2 million. Also, see more information in Notes 6, 9 and 
11 to our consolidated financial statements.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

See  the  “Legal  Matters”  section  within  Note  11  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  within  this  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K for the requirements of this Item, which section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

17 

PART II

Item  5.  Market  for  Registrant’s  Common  Equity,  Related  Stockholder  Matters  and  Issuer  Purchases  of  Equity 
Securities.

Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “RICK.”

Holders

On February 6, 2020, the closing stock price for our common stock as reported by NASDAQ was $18.00, and there were 
approximately  150  stockholders  of  record  of  our  common  stock  (excluding  broker  held  shares  in  “street  name”). 
Currently, we estimate that there are approximately 5,900 stockholders having beneficial ownership in street name.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Colonial Stock Transfer Company, Inc., 66 Exchange Place, 1st 
Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.

Dividend Policy

Prior  to  2016,  we  had  not  paid  cash  dividends  on  our  common  stock.  Starting  in  March  2016,  in  conjunction  with  our 
share buyback program (see discussion below), our Board of Directors has declared regular quarterly cash dividends of 
$0.03 per share, except for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 when we paid $0.04 per share. During fiscal 2019, 2018, and 
2017, we paid an aggregate amount of $1.3 million, $1.2 million, and $1.2 million, respectively, for cash dividends.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

Following is a summary of our purchases during the quarter ended September 30, 2019:

Period
July 1-31, 2019
August 1-31, 2019
September 1-30, 2019
Total

Total Number of 
Shares (or Units) 
Purchased

Average Price 
Paid per Share (or 
Unit)(1)

-
-
25,927
25,927

$
$

20.74
20.74

Maximum 
Number (or 
Approximate 
Dollar Value) of 
Shares (or Units) 
That May Yet be 
Purchased Under 
the Plans or 
Programs
10,776,929
10,776,929
10,239,283

$
$
$

Total Number of 
Shares (or Units) 
Purchased as Part 
of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs(2)

-
-
25,927
25,927

(1) Prices include any commissions and transaction costs.

(2) All shares were purchased pursuant to the repurchase plans approved by the Board of Directors.

Subsequent to September 30, 2019 through the filing date of this report, we purchased 332,671 shares of the Company’s 
common  stock  for  a  total  of  $6.4  million.  On  February  6,  2020,  the  Board  of  Directors  increased  the  repurchase 
authorization by an additional $10.0 million.

18 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

We have no stock options nor any other equity award outstanding under equity compensation plans as of September 30, 
2019.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
(a)

(b)

Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights

(c)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation
Plans [Excluding
Securities Reflected
in Column (a)]

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by security 
holders

Equity compensation plans not approved by 
security holders

Total

    -

-

-

      -

429,435(1)

-

-

-

429,435

(1) Includes shares that may be granted in the form of either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options under 
the  2010  Stock  Option  Plan  (the  “2010  Plan”).  The  2010  Plan  is  administered  by  the  Board  of  Directors  or  by  a 
compensation  committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  The  Board  of  Directors  has  the  exclusive  power  to  select 
individuals to receive grants, to establish the terms of the options granted to each participant, provided that all options 
granted shall be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the common stock covered by the 
option on the grant date and to make all determinations necessary or advisable under the 2010 Plan.

Stock Performance Graph

The  following  chart  compares  the  5-year  cumulative  total  stock  performance  of  our  common  stock;  the  NASDAQ 
Composite Index (IXIC); and the Dow Jones U.S. Restaurant & Bar Index (DJUSRU), our peer index. The graph assumes 
a hypothetical investment of $100 on September 30, 2014 in each of our common stock and each of the indices, and that 
all dividends were reinvested. The measurement points utilized in the graph consist of the last trading day as of September 
30  each  year,  representing  the  last  day  of  our  fiscal  year.  The  calculations  exclude  trading  commissions  and  taxes.  We 
have  selected  the  Dow  Jones  U.S.  Restaurant  &  Bar  Index  as  our  peer  index  since  it  represents  a  broader  group  of 
restaurant and bar operators that are more aligned to our core business operations. RICK is a component of the NASDAQ 
Composite Index. The historical stock performance presented below is not intended to and may not be indicative of future 
stock performance.

19 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The  following  tables  set  forth  certain  of  the  Company’s  historical  financial  data.  The  selected  historical  consolidated 
financial position data as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 (as revised) and results of operations data for the years ended 
September 30, 2019, 2018 (as revised), and 2017 have been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial 
statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated 
financial data as of September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015 and for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 have been 
derived from the Company’s audited financial statements for such years, which are not included in this Annual Report on 
Form  10-K.  The  selected  historical  consolidated  financial  data  set  forth  are  not  necessarily  indicative  of  the  results  of 
future operations and should be read in conjunction with the discussion under the heading “Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations,”  and  the  historical  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
accompanying  notes  included  herein  to  enhance  understanding  of  these  data  (in  thousands,  except  per  share  data  and 
percentages).

Financial Statement Data:

Revenue
Income from operations(2)
Operating margin
Net income attributable to RCIHH(2)
Diluted earnings per share(2)
Capital expenditures
Dividends declared per share

Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets(2)
Total current liabilities (excluding current 
portion of long-term debt)
Long-term debt (including current portion)
Total liabilities
Total RCIHH stockholders’ equity(2)
Common shares outstanding

Non-GAAP Measures and Other Data:

Adjusted EBITDA(1)
Non-GAAP operating income(1)
Non-GAAP operating margin(1)
Non-GAAP net income(1)
Non-GAAP diluted net income per share
(1)
Free cash flow(1)
Same-store sales

$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$

$

$
$

2019
181,059
34,701

19.2%

19,175
1.99
21,184
0.13

2019

14,097
34,771
353,637

18,454
143,528
185,336
168,457
9,591

2019
46,242
37,945

21.0%

22,287

2.31
33,316

-0.3%

$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$

$

$
$

Years Ended September 30,
2017
144,896
23,139

$
$

$
$

2018
165,748
27,562

16.6%

20,879
2.15
25,263
0.12

$
$
$
$

16.0%
8,259
0.85
11,249
0.12

$
$
$
$

2016
134,860
20,693

15.3%

11,218
1.11
28,148
0.09

2018

17,726
36,802
329,732

14,798
140,627
176,400
153,435
9,719

September 30,
2017

$
$
$

$
$
$
$

9,922
26,242
299,884

13,671
124,352
164,659
132,745
9,719

$
$
$

$
$
$
$

2016

11,327
29,387
276,061

17,087
105,886
146,722
126,755
9,808

Years Ended September 30,
2017
37,348
30,668

$
$

$
$

2018
44,387
37,000

22.3%

21,160

2.18
23,242

4.6%

$

$
$

21.2%

13,953

1.43
19,281

4.9%

$

$
$

2016
34,531
27,566

20.4%

13,302

1.32
20,513

-1.3%

$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$

$

$
$

2015
135,449
20,727

15.3%
9,214
0.89
19,259
-

2015

8,020
16,935
266,527

15,580
94,349
138,973
121,691
10,285

2015
34,125
27,974

20.7%

13,873

1.34
14,889

-1.5%

(1) Reconciliation  and  discussion  of  non-GAAP  financial  measures  are  included  under  the  “Non-GAAP  Financial 
Measures”  section  of  Item  7  –  “Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations”  that  follows.  These  measures  should  be  considered  in  addition  to,  rather  than  as  a  substitute  for,  U.S. 
GAAP measures. Certain line items in the fiscal 2018 “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section have been revised, as 
affected by (2) below.

(2) We revised the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 and the consolidated statements of income and 
cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2018 due to certain misstatements in our goodwill impairment testing. 
See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.

20 

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

OVERVIEW

The  following  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  (“MD&A”)  is 
intended  to  help  the  reader  understand  RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.,  our  operations  and  our  present  business 
environment. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial 
statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained in Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of 
this report. This overview summarizes the MD&A, which includes the following sections:

● Our  Business  —  a  general  description  of  our  business  and  the  adult  nightclub  industry,  our  objective,  our 

strategic priorities, our core capabilities, and challenges and risks of our business.

● Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments 

and estimates.

● Operations  Review  —  an  analysis  of  our  Company’s  consolidated  results  of  operations  for  the  three  years 

presented in our consolidated financial statements.

● Liquidity and Capital Resources — an analysis of cash flows, aggregate contractual obligations, and an overview 

of financial position.

OUR BUSINESS

The following are our operating segments:

Nightclubs

Bombshells

Other 

Our  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  own  and/or  operate  upscale  adult  nightclubs  serving 
primarily  businessmen  and  professionals.  These  nightclubs  are  in  Houston,  Austin,  San 
Antonio,  Dallas,  Fort  Worth,  Beaumont,  Longview,  Harlingen,  Edinburg,  Abilene, 
Lubbock, El Paso and Odessa, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota; 
New  York,  New  York;  Miami  Gardens  and  Pembroke  Park,  Florida;  Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania;  Phoenix,  Arizona;  and  Washington  Park,  Kappa  and  Chicago,  Illinois.  No 
sexual  contact is  permitted at  any  of  our locations. We  also  own and operate  a Studio  80 
dance club in Fort Worth, Texas. We also own and lease to third parties real properties that 
are adjacent to (or used to be locations of) our clubs.

Our  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  own  and  operate  restaurants  and  sports  bars  in  Houston, 
Dallas, Austin, Spring and Pearland, Texas under the brand name Bombshells Restaurant & 
Bar.

Our  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  own  a  media  division  (“Media  Group”),  including  the 
leading  trade  magazine  serving  the  multibillion-dollar  adult  nightclubs  industry  and  the 
adult  retail  products  industry.  We  also  own  an  industry  trade  show,  an  industry  trade 
publication  and  more  than  a  dozen  industry  and  social  media  websites.  Included  here  is 
Drink Robust, which is licensed to sell Robust Energy Drink in the United States.

Our revenues are derived from the sale of liquor, beer, wine, food, merchandise; service revenues such as cover charges, 
membership fees, and facility use fees; and other revenues such as commissions from vending and ATM machines, real 
estate rental, valet parking, and other products and services for both nightclub and restaurant/sports bar operations. Other 
revenues  include  Media  Group  revenues  for  the  sale  of  advertising  content  and  revenues  from  our  annual  Expo 
convention, and Drink Robust sales. Our fiscal year-end is September 30.

21 

We calculate same-store sales by comparing year-over-year revenues from nightclubs and restaurants/sports bars starting 
in the first full quarter of operations after at least 12 full months for Nightclubs and at least 18 full months for Bombshells. 
We  consider  the  first  six  months  of  operations  of  a  Bombshells  unit  to  be  the  “honeymoon  period”  where  sales  are 
significantly higher than normal. We exclude from a particular month’s calculation units previously included in the same-
store sales base that have closed temporarily for more than 15 days until its next full month of operations. We also exclude 
from  the  same-store sales base  units that  are being reconcepted  or  are closed due to renovations or remodels. Acquired 
units  are  included  in  the  same-store  sales  calculation  as  long  as  they  qualify  based  on  the  definition  stated  above. 
Revenues outside of our Nightclubs and Bombshells reportable segments are excluded from same-store sales calculation.

Our  goal  is  to  use  our  Company’s  assets—our  brands,  financial  strength,  and  the  talent  and  strong  commitment  of  our 
management and employees—to become more competitive and to accelerate growth.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  are  based  upon  our  financial 
statements,  which  have  been  prepared in  accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States 
(“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires our management to make assumptions and 
estimates  about  future  events  and  apply  judgments  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and 
expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates are based on management’s historical 
and industry experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On a 
regular  basis,  we  evaluate  these  accounting  policies,  assumptions,  estimates  and  judgments  to  ensure  that  our  financial 
statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be 
determined with certainty, actual results may differ from our estimates, and such differences could be material.

A  full  discussion  of  our  significant  accounting  policies  is  contained  in  Note  2  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements, 
which is included in Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report. We believe that the following 
accounting  estimates  are  the  most  critical  to  aid  in  fully  understanding  and  evaluating  our  financial  results.  These 
estimates  require  our  most  difficult,  subjective  or  complex  judgments  because  they  relate  to  matters  that  are  inherently 
uncertain.  We  have  reviewed  these  critical  accounting  policies  and  estimates  and  related  disclosures  with  our  Audit 
Committee.

Long-Lived Assets

We  review  long-lived  assets,  such  as  property  and  equipment,  and  intangible  assets  subject  to  amortization,  for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may 
not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance 
relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or 
the strategy for the overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. Recoverability of assets to be 
held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted cash 
flows over the estimated remaining useful life of the primary asset included in the asset group. If the asset group is not 
recoverable, the impairment loss is calculated as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value. We define our asset 
group as an operating club or restaurant location, which is also our reporting unit or the lowest level for which cash flows 
can  be  identified.  Key  estimates  in  the  undiscounted  cash  flow  model  include  management’s  estimate  of  the  projected 
revenues and operating margins. If fair value is used to determine an impairment loss, an additional key assumption is the 
selection of a weighted-average cost of capital to discount cash flows. Assets to be disposed of are separately presented in 
the  balance  sheet  and  reported  at  the  lower  of  the  carrying  amount  or  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  and  are  no  longer 
depreciated. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we impaired two clubs for a total of $4.2 million; during the fourth quarter 
of 2018, we impaired one club and one Bombshells by a total of $1.6 million; and during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, 
we impaired one club by $385,000.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment during our fourth 
fiscal quarter, and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be 
impaired.

22 

Our  impairment  calculations  require  management  to  make  assumptions  and  to  apply  judgment  in  order  to  estimate  fair 
values. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, we may be exposed to impairments that 
could be material. We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a change in the estimates or 
assumptions we used that could cause a material change in our calculated impairment charges.

For our goodwill impairment review, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more 
likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. This assessment is based on several 
factors, including industry and market conditions, overall financial performance, including an assessment of cash flows in 
comparison to actual and projected results of prior periods. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value based on our qualitative analysis, or if we elect to skip this step, we 
perform a Step 1 quantitative analysis to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value is determined using 
market-related  valuation  models,  including  earnings  multiples,  discounted  cash  flows,  and  comparable  asset  market 
values.  Key  estimates  in  the  discounted  cash  flow  model  include  management’s  estimate  of  the  projected  revenues  and 
operating  margins,  along  with the  selection  of  a weighted-average  cost  of capital to  discount  cash  flows.  We  recognize 
goodwill impairment in the amount that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, 
not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit, based on the results of our Step 1 analysis. For the 
year  ended  September  30,  2019,  we  identified  four  reporting  units  that  were  impaired  and  recognized  a  goodwill 
impairment loss totaling $1.6 million. For the year ended September 30, 2018, we identified two reporting units that were 
impaired  and  recognized  a  goodwill  impairment  loss  totaling  $834,000.  For  the  year  ended  September  30,  2017,  we 
identified four reporting units that were impaired and recognized a goodwill impairment loss totaling $4.7 million.

For indefinite-lived intangibles, specifically SOB licenses, we determine fair value by estimating the multiperiod excess 
earnings of the asset with key assumptions being similar to those used in the goodwill impairment valuation model. For 
indefinite-lived  tradename,  we  determine  fair  value  by  using  the  relief  from  royalty  method.  The  fair  value  is  then 
compared  to  the  carrying  value  and  an  impairment  charge  is  recognized  by  the  amount  by  which  the  carrying  amount 
exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the  asset.  We  recorded  impairment  charges  for  SOB  licenses  amounting  to  $178,000  in  2019 
related to one club, $3.1 million in 2018 related to three clubs, and $1.4 million in 2017 related to two clubs.

Investment

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we also fully impaired our remaining investment in Drink Robust amounting to 
$1.2  million.  Available-for-sale  investments  are  carried  at  fair  value  with  the  unrealized  gain  or  loss  recorded  in  other 
comprehensive income until our adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 on October 1, 2018, at which the 
change in fair value is recorded in current earnings. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

We estimate certain components of our provision for income taxes. These estimates include depreciation and amortization 
expense allowable for tax purposes, allowable tax credits for items such as taxes paid on employee tip income, effective 
rates  for  state  and  local  income  taxes, and  the  deductibility  of  certain  other  items,  among  others.  We  adjust  our  annual 
effective income tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events becomes available.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. The Tax Act contains significant changes to corporate taxation, 
including reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, additional limitations on the tax deductibility of interest, 
immediate  deductions  for  certain  new  investments  instead  of  deductions  for  depreciation  expense  over  time,  and 
modification or repeal of many business deductions and credits. Our federal corporate income tax rate for fiscal 2018 was 
24.5% percent and represents a blended income tax rate for the current fiscal year. For fiscal 2019, our federal corporate 
income tax rate was 21%.

Legal and Other Contingencies

As mentioned in Item 3 – “Legal Proceedings” and in a more detailed discussion in Note 11 to our consolidated financial 
statements, we are involved in various suits and claims in the normal course of business. We record a liability when it is 
probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. There is significant judgment required in 
both  the  probability  determination  and  as  to  whether  an  exposure  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  In  the  opinion  of 
management, there was not at least a reasonable possibility that we may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in 
excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies for asserted legal and other claims. However, the outcome 
of  legal  proceedings  and  claims  brought  against  the  Company  is  subject  to  significant  uncertainty.  Therefore,  although 
management considers the likelihood of such an outcome to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved 
against  the  Company  in  a  reporting  period  for  amounts  in  excess  of  management’s  expectations,  the  Company’s 
consolidated financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected. In matters where there is 
insurance coverage, in the event we incur any liability, we believe it is unlikely we would incur losses in connection with 
these claims in excess of our insurance coverage.

23 

OPERATIONS REVIEW

Highlights of operations from fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 (with fiscal 2017 comparative data) are as follows:

● Revenues of $181.1 million compared to $165.7 million, a 9.2% increase

Nightclubs revenue of $148.6 million compared to $140.1 million in 2018, a 6.1% increase

Bombshells revenue of $30.8 million compared to $24.1 million in 2018, a 27.9% increase

Fiscal  2017  total  revenues  of  $144.9  million  (Nightclubs  revenue  of  $124.7  million  and  Bombshells 
revenue of $18.8 million)

● Consolidated  same-store  sales  decrease  of  0.3%  (0.6%  increase  for  Nightclubs  and  6.1%  decrease  for 

Bombshells)

Consolidated,  Nightclubs  and  Bombshells  same-store  sales  in  2018  (compared  to  2017)  of  +4.6%, 
+5.8% and -3.3%, respectively

Consolidated,  Nightclubs  and  Bombshells  same-store  sales  in  2017  (compared  to  2016)  of  +4.9%, 
+5.1% and +3.5%, respectively

● Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $1.99 compared to $2.15, a 7.4% decrease (non-GAAP diluted EPS* of 
$2.31 compared to $2.18, a 6.0% increase) (diluted EPS of $0.85 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.43 in fiscal 
2017)

● Free cash flow* of $33.3 million compared to $23.2 million, a 43.3% increase ($19.3 million in fiscal 2017)

* Reconciliation  and  discussion  of  non-GAAP  financial  measures  are  included  under  the  “Non-GAAP  Financial 
Measures” section of this Item. These measures should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, 
U.S. GAAP measures.

The following common size tables present a comparison of our results of operations as a percentage of total revenues for 
the past three fiscal years:

2019

2018
(As Revised)

2017

Revenues

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

Total revenues
Cost of goods sold

Alcoholic beverages
Food and merchandise
Service and other

Total cost of goods sold (exclusive of items shown 
separately below)

Salaries and wages
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Other charges, net

Total operating expenses

Income from operations
Other income (expenses)

Interest expense
Interest income
Unrealized loss on equity securities

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income

41.5%
14.3%
37.6%
6.6%
100.0%

20.4%
35.1%
0.7%

13.8%
27.5%
33.1%
5.0%
1.4%
80.8%
19.2%

-5.6%
0.2%
-0.3%
13.4%
2.7%
10.7%

41.7%
13.5%
38.7%
6.1%
100.0%

20.7%
36.3%
0.6%

13.8%
26.9%
32.5%
4.7%
5.5%
83.4%
16.6%

-6.0%
0.1%
-
10.8%
-1.9%
12.6%

41.7%
12.6%
40.1%
5.6%
100.0%

21.7%
40.5%
0.3%

14.3%
27.6%
32.3%
4.8%
5.0%
84.0%
16.0%

-6.0%
0.2%
-
10.1%
4.4%
5.7%

†

Percentages may not foot due to rounding. Percentage of revenue for individual cost of goods sold items pertains to 
their respective revenue line.

24 

Below  is  a  table  presenting  the  changes  in  each  line  item  of  the  income  statement  for  the  last  three  fiscal  years  (dollar 
amounts in thousands)

2019 vs. 2018

Amount

%

Increase (Decrease)

2018 vs. 2017

Amount

(As Revised)

%

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

Total revenues

Cost of goods sold

Alcoholic beverages
Food and merchandise
Service and other

Total cost of goods sold (exclusive of items 
shown separately below)

Salaries and wages
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Other charges, net

Total operating expenses

Income from operations
Other income/expenses

Interest expense
Interest income
Unrealized loss on equity securities

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense/benefit
Net income

Revenues

$

$

6,020
3,397
3,951
1,943
15,311

976
923
129

2,028
5,286
6,072
1,350
(6,564)
8,172
7,139

255
75
612
6,347
7,981
(1,634)

8.7% $

15.1%
6.2%
19.3%
9.2%

6.8%
11.3%
28.7%

8.9%
11.9%
11.3%
17.5%
-71.5%
5.9%
25.9%

2.6%
32.1%
100.0%
35.6%
256.0%

-7.8% $

8,681
4,177
5,972
2,022
20,852

1,213
735
240

2,188
4,518
7,049
802
1,872
16,429
4,423

1,190
(32)
-
3,201
(9,477)
12,678

14.4%
22.9%
10.3%
25.1%
14.4%

9.2%
9.9%
114.8%

10.6%
11.3%
15.1%
11.6%
25.6%
13.5%
19.1%

13.6%
-12.0%
0.0%
21.9%
-149.0%
153.1%

Consolidated revenues increased by $15.3 million, or 9.2%, from 2018 to 2019, and increased by $20.9 million, or 14.4%, 
from  2017  to  2018.  The  increase  from  2018  to  2019  was  mainly  due  to  a  10.9%  increase  from  newly  acquired  or 
constructed  units  and  a  0.3%  increase  in  other  revenues,  partially  offset  by  a  1.7%  decrease  from  closed  units  and  the 
impact  of  the  0.3%  decline  in  same-store  sales.  The  increase  from  2017  to  2018  was  primarily  due  to  11.5%  in  newly 
acquired or constructed or reconcepted locations, the impact of the 4.6% increase in consolidated same-store sales, and a 
minimal increase in other revenues, partially offset by a 1.8% decrease from closed locations.

25 

By reportable segment, revenues were as follows (in thousands):

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other

2019

2018

2017

$

$

148,606
30,828
1,625
181,059

$

$

140,060
24,094
1,594
165,748

$

$

124,687
18,830
1,379
144,896

Nightclubs  segment  revenues.  Nightclubs  revenues  increased  by  6.1%  and  12.3%  from  2018  to  2019  and  from  2017  to 
2018, respectively. A breakdown of the changes compared to total change in Nightclubs revenues is as follows:

Impact of 0.6% and 5.8% increase in same-store sales, respectively, to 
total revenues
Newly acquired and reconcepted units
Closed units
Other

2019 vs. 2018

2018 vs. 2017

0.5%
7.4%
(2.1)%
0.4%
6.1%

5.6%
8.5%
(1.8)%
0.1%
12.3%

By type of revenue line item, changes in Nightclubs segment revenue dollars are broken down as:

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

2019 vs. 2018

2018 vs. 2017

4.5%
2.5%
6.0%
22.6%

12.6%
12.2%
10.4%
27.0%

Nightclubs segment sales mix did not change much through the three fiscal years:

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

2019

2018

2017

38.5%
8.8%
45.7%
7.0%
100.0%

39.1%
9.1%
45.7%
6.1%
100.0%

39.0%
9.1%
46.5%
5.4%
100.0%

Included  in  the  2019  new  units  are  Rick’s  Cabaret  Chicago  and  Rick’s  Cabaret  Pittsburgh,  which  were  acquired  in 
November 2018 (see Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements) and contributed $5.0 million and $4.6 million in 
revenues  for  2019  since  acquisition  date.  Included  in  the  2018  new  units  is  Kappa  Men’s  Club,  which  was  acquired  in 
May 2018.

Included in other revenues of the Nightclubs segment is real estate rental revenue amounting to $1.7 million in 2019, $1.2 
million in 2018, and $1.1 million in 2017.

26 

Bombshells segment revenues. Bombshells revenues increased by 27.9% from 2018 to 2019 and by 28.0% from 2017 to 
2018. A breakdown of the changes compared to total changes in Bombshells revenues is as follows:

Impact of 6.1% and 3.3% decrease in same-store sales, respectively, to 
total revenues
New units
Closed units

2019 vs. 2018

2018 vs. 2017

(5.1)%
32.4%
0.6%
27.9%

(3.2)%
32.5%
(1.4)%
28.0%

By type of revenue line item, changes in Bombshells segment revenues are broken down as:

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

Bombshells segment sales mix for the three fiscal years is as follows:

2019 vs. 2018

2018 vs. 2017

24.7%
31.7%
224.0%
4.3%

21.5%
40.4%
(58.0)%
35.3%

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

2019

2018

2017

57.9%
41.5%
0.5%
0.1%
100.0%

59.4%
40.3%
0.2%
0.1%
100.0%

62.6%
36.7%
0.6%
0.1%
100.0%

Bombshells 290 was opened early in the fourth quarter of 2017. Bombshells Pearland was opened in the third quarter of 
2018. Bombshells I-10 was opened in the first quarter of 2019, while Bombshells 249 was opened in the second quarter of 
2019.

Other  segment  revenues.  Other  revenues  included  revenues  from  Drink  Robust  in  2019  and  2018.  After  a  brief  period 
when a majority of our interest in Drink Robust was sold, we later reacquired Drink Robust in March 2018 (see Note 15 to 
our  consolidated  financial  statements).  Drink  Robust  sales  were  $231,000,  $141,000,  and  $0  in  fiscal  2019,  2018,  and 
2017, respectively, which excludes intercompany sales to Nightclubs and Bombshells units. Media business revenues were 
$1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.2 million in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Operating Expenses

Total  operating  expenses,  as  a  percent  of  revenues,  were  80.8%,  83.4%,  and  84.0%  for  the  fiscal  year  2019,  2018,  and 
2017,  respectively.  Significant  contributors  to  the  change  in  operating  expenses  as  a  percent  of  revenues  are  explained 
below.

Cost of goods sold includes cost of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food, cigars and cigarettes, merchandise, media 
printing/binding and media. As a percentage of consolidated revenues, consolidated cost of goods sold was 13.8%, 13.8%, 
and 14.3% for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. See above for breakdown of percentages for each line item of 
consolidated cost of goods sold as it relates to the respective consolidated revenue line. For the Nightclubs segment, cost 
of goods sold was 11.2%, 11.8%, and 12.7% for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, which was primarily caused by 
sales mix shifting over to high-margin revenues. Bombshells cost of goods sold of 25.3%, 24.7%, and 24.8% for fiscal 
2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, which was mainly driven by food cost inflation.

27 

Consolidated salaries and wages increased by $5.3 million, or 11.9%, from 2018 to 2019 and by $4.5 million, or 11.3%, 
from 2017 to 2018. The dollar increase from 2018 to 2019 primarily came from newly opened units plus the impact of 
pre-opening salaries and wages on still under-construction Bombshells units. The dollar increase from 2017 to 2018 was 
mainly  from  new  club  and  restaurant  openings.  As  a  percentage  of  revenues,  consolidated  salaries  and  wages  has  been 
fairly stable at 27.5%, 26.9%, and 27.6% for fiscal year 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

By reportable segment, salaries and wages are broken down as follows (in thousands):

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other
General corporate

2019

2018

2017

32,267
8,887
617
8,062
49,833

$

$

30,788
5,804
789
7,166
44,547

$

$

28,329
4,393
970
6,337
40,029

$

$

Unit-level  manager  payroll  is  included  in  salaries  and  wages  of  each  location,  while  payroll  for  regional  manager  and 
above are included in general corporate.

The  components  of  consolidated  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  are  in  the  tables  below  (dollars  in 
thousands):

Taxes and permits
Advertising and marketing
Supplies and services
Insurance
Rent
Legal
Utilities
Charge card fees
Security
Accounting and professional fees
Repairs and maintenance
Other

$

$

Years Ended September 30,
2018

2017

2019
10,779 $
8,392
5,911
5,429
3,896
5,180
3,165
3,803
2,973
2,815
2,980
4,573
59,896 $

9,545 $
7,536
5,344
5,473
3,720
3,586
2,969
3,244
2,617
2,944
2,184
4,662
53,824 $

8,026
6,704
4,873
4,006
3,258
3,074
2,824
2,783
2,251
2,159
2,091
4,726
46,775

Percentage of Revenues
2018

2019

2017

6.0%
4.6%
3.3%
3.0%
2.2%
2.9%
1.7%
2.1%
1.6%
1.6%
1.6%
2.5%
33.1%

5.8%
4.5%
3.2%
3.3%
2.2%
2.2%
1.8%
2.0%
1.6%
1.8%
1.3%
2.8%
32.5%

5.5%
4.6%
3.4%
2.8%
2.2%
2.1%
1.9%
1.9%
1.6%
1.5%
1.4%
3.3%
32.3%

By reportable segment, selling, general and administrative expenses are broken down as follows (in thousands):

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other
General corporate

2019

2018

2017

$

$

40,033
10,441
356
9,066
59,896

$

$

28 

38,200
7,454
467
7,703
53,824

$

$

34,074
5,663
621
6,417
46,775

The significant variances in selling, general and administrative expenses are as follows:

Taxes and permits increased by $1.2 million, or 12.9%, from 2018 to 2019 primarily due to new units, higher taxes on 
those new units, and increases in patron taxes and property taxes as a result of increased sales revenues. Taxes and permits 
increased by $1.5 million, or 18.9%, from 2017 to 2018 primarily due to an increased operating activity and the previously 
mentioned sales tax audit settlements in 2018. As a percentage of revenues, taxes and permits were 6.0%, 5.8%, and 5.5% 
for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Advertising  and marketing increased  by $856,000, or 11.4%, from 2018 to 2019 and increased by  $832,000, or 12.4%, 
from 2017 to 2018 mainly due to new units. As a percentage of revenues, advertising and marketing was relatively flat at 
4.6%, 4.5%, and 4.6% for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Insurance decreased nominally by $44,000, or 0.8%, from 2018 to 2019. It increased by $1.5 million, or 36.6%, from 2017 
to 2018 primarily due to an increase in general liability insurance premiums and additional property insurance.

Rent expense increased by $176,000, or 4.7%, from 2018 to 2019 mainly due to adjustments in deferred rent liability in 
fiscal  year  2018.  Rent  expense  increased  by  $462,000,  or  14.2%  from  2017  to  2018  primarily  due  to  Scarlett’s  Miami, 
which was acquired in May 2017, and Bombshells 290, which was opened in July 2017. As a percentage of revenues, rent 
expense has been flat at 2.2% in all three years.

Legal  expenses  increased  in  2019  from  2018  by  $1.6  million,  or  44.5%,  mainly  due  to  SEC-related  matters.  Legal 
expenses  increased  by  $512,000,  or  16.7%,  from  2017  to  2018  primarily  due  to  increased  legal  activity  on  on-going 
litigation cases.

Charge card fees increased by $559,000, or 17.5%, from 2018 to 2019, and by $461,000, or 16.6%, from 2017 to 2018. 
Both  increases  were  directly  related  to  higher  revenues  from  prior  year.  As  a  percentage  of  revenues,  charge  card  fees 
were 2.1%, 2.0%, and 1.9% in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Accounting and professional fees decreased by $129,000, or 4.4%, from 2018 to 2019 mainly due to consulting services 
during our ERP implementation in 2018. Accounting and professional fees increased by $785,000, or 36.4%, from 2017 to 
2018  primarily  due  to  our  hiring  of  an  outside  internal  controls  consultant  in  2018  and  the  previously  mentioned  ERP 
implementation consultants.

29 

Depreciation  and  amortization  increased  by  $1.4  million,  or  17.5%,  from  2018  to  2019,  and  increased  by  $802,000,  or 
11.6%, from 2017 to 2018 coming from newly acquired and constructed units.

The components of other charges, net are in the table below (dollars in thousands):

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018
(As Revised)

2017

Percentage of Revenues
2018

2019

2017

Impairment of assets
Settlement of lawsuits
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and 
assets
Gain on insurance
Gain on settlement of patron tax
Total other charges, net

$

$

6,040 $
225

5,570 $
1,669

7,639
317

(2,877)
(768)
-
2,620 $

1,965
(20)
-
9,184 $

(542)
-
(102)
7,312

3.3%
0.1%

-1.6%
-0.4%
-
1.4%

3.4%
1.0%

1.2%
-0.0%
-
5.5%

5.3%
0.2%

-0.4%
-
-0.1%
5.0%

The significant variances in other charges, net are discussed below:

During the year ended September 30, 2017, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $7.6 million ($1.4 million in the 
third quarter and $6.2 million in the fourth quarter) for the goodwill of four club locations ($4.7 million), including one 
that we have put up for sale during the fiscal year; for property and equipment of one club ($385,000); for SOB license of 
two club locations ($1.4 million), and for our remaining investment in Drink Robust ($1.2 million). During the year ended 
September 30, 2018, we recorded a loss on the note owed to us the by former owner of Drink Robust in relation to our 
reacquisition  of  Drink  Robust  ($1.55  million  in  the  second  quarter),  impairment  related  to  licenses  of  three  clubs  ($3.1 
million  in  the  fourth  quarter),  impairment  related  to  goodwill  of  two  clubs  ($834,000  in  the  fourth  quarter),  and 
impairment related to long-lived assets of a club that closed and a still-operating Bombshells ($1.6 million in the fourth 
quarter).  During  the  year  ended  September  30,  2019,  we  recorded  aggregate  impairment  charges  amounting  to  $6.0 
million related to goodwill of four clubs ($1.6 million), SOB license of one club ($178,000), and property and equipment 
of two clubs ($4.2 million). See Notes 15 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Income from Operations

Below is a table which reflects segment contribution to income from operations (in thousands):

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other
General corporate

2019

2018
(As Revised)

2017

$

$

50,724
2,307
(309)
(18,021)
34,701

$

$

43,624
2,040
(252)
(17,850)
27,562

$

$

35,138
3,084
(522)
(14,561)
23,139

Our operating margin (income from operations divided by revenues) was 19.2% in 2019, 16.6% in 2018, and 16.0% in 
2017. Nightclubs operating margin was 34.1%, 31.1%, and 28.2% in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, primarily due to 
the closure of underperforming units, fixed expense leverage on increasing sales, and impairment of assets of $5.9 million, 
$4.4 million, and $6.5 million for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Bombshells operating margin was 7.4%, 8.5%, and 
16.4%  in  2019,  2018,  and  2017,  respectively,  mainly  due  to  pre-opening  expenses  in  2019  (particularly  in  salaries  and 
wages and selling, general and administrative expenses) and impairment of assets of $1.1 million in 2018.

30 

Excluding the impact of settlement of lawsuits, impairment of assets, gain on insurance, gain on patron tax settlement, and 
gain on sale of businesses and assets, operating margin for the Nightclub segment would have been 35.9%, 35.1%, and 
33.1% for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Excluding the impact of impairment of assets, loss on sale of assets, and 
settlement of lawsuits, Bombshells segment operating margin would have been 7.6%, 15.1%, and 16.4% for 2019, 2018, 
and 2017, respectively. Refer to discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures on page 32.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased by $255,000 from 2018 to 2019, and increased by $1.2 million from 2017 to 2018. The increase 
in interest expense is due to higher average debt balance partially offset by lower weighted average interest rate. During 
the first quarter of 2018, we significantly increased our debt balance with our $81 million refinancing, but that transaction 
also significantly reduced our weighted average interest rate. During 2019, our debt repayments were significantly higher 
than  our  borrowing,  excluding  borrowings  from  acquisitions,  thereby  reducing  interest  expense  as  a  percentage  of 
revenue.

We  consider  rent  plus  interest  expense  as  our  occupancy  costs  since  most  of  our  debts  are  for  real  property  where  our 
clubs and restaurants are located. For occupancy cost purposes, we exclude non-real-estate-related interest expense. As a 
percentage of revenues, total occupancy costs, with its components, are shown below.

Rent
Interest
Total occupancy cost

Income Taxes

2019

2018

2017

2.2%
5.6%
7.8%

2.2%
5.4%
7.7%

2.2%
6.0%
8.3%

Income taxes were an expense of $4.9 million in 2019, a benefit of $3.1 million in 2018, and an expense of $6.4 million in 
2017. Our effective income tax rate was a 20.1% expense in 2019, a 17.5% benefit in 2018, and a 43.4% expense in 2017. 
The components of our annual effective income tax rate are the following:

Computed expected income tax expense
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Deferred taxes on subsidiaries acquired/sold
Permanent differences
Change in deferred tax liability rate
Reserve for uncertain tax position
Tax credits
Other
Total effective income tax rate

2019

2018

2017

21.0%
2.8%
-
0.2%
-
-
-3.7%
-0.1%
20.1%

24.5%
4.5%
4.0%
0.5%
-49.5%
-
-4.5%
3.1%
-17.5%

34.0%
2.0%
-
0.7%
9.1%
2.8%
-3.9%
-1.3%
43.4%

During  fiscal  year  2017,  due  to  higher  income  before  tax,  our  income  tax  rate  has  increased  to  37%,  of  which  has 
impacted the fourth quarter with the change in rate from 35% in the first nine months of the year and in prior years. A full 
year impact in the change in rate of our deferred tax liability has also been recognized in the fourth quarter. The change in 
deferred tax liability rate for 2017 is due to the 1% increase in our effective tax rate from the increase in the federal rate 
and also an increase in the states rate. This amount results from increasing by 2% the rate applied to our entire deferred tax 
liabilities at the beginning of the year. The reserve for uncertain tax positions results from an audit of the returns of one of 
the states in which we operate. As a result of the items discussed above which affected the fiscal year, the fourth quarter 
effective tax rate rose to 99.6% expense on a pre-tax loss.

On December 22, 2017, during our first quarter 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted into law, 
which provides for significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such as a reduction in the 
statutory federal corporate tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate effective from January 1, 2018 forward and 
changes and limitations to certain tax deductions. The Company has a fiscal year end of September 30, so the change to 
the statutory corporate tax rate results in a blended federal statutory rate of 24.5% for its fiscal year 2018. The increase in 
state tax effective rate from 2017 to 2018 was mainly caused by the impact of return-to-provision true-up, which has an 
expense impact in 2018 while having a benefit in 2017.

During  fiscal  2019,  the  effective  income  tax  rate  has  normalized  to  20.1%,  with  the  rate  difference  from  the  statutory 
federal corporate tax rate of 21% coming from offsetting impact of state income tax, net of federal benefit, and tax credits 
that are mostly FICA tip credits.

31 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In  addition  to  our  financial  information  presented  in  accordance  with  GAAP,  management  uses  certain  non-GAAP 
financial  measures,  within  the  meaning  of  the  SEC  Regulation  G,  to  clarify  and  enhance  understanding  of  past 
performance  and  prospects  for  the  future.  Generally,  a  non-GAAP  financial  measure  is  a  numerical  measure  of  a 
company’s operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in 
or excluded from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We monitor 
non-GAAP financial measures because it describes the operating performance of the Company and helps management and 
investors gauge our ability to generate cash flow, excluding (or including) some items that management believes are not 
representative of the ongoing business operations of the Company, but are included in (or excluded from) the most directly 
comparable  measures  calculated  and  presented  in  accordance  with  GAAP.  Relative  to  each  of  the  non-GAAP  financial 
measures, we further set forth our rationale as follows:

Non-GAAP  Operating  Income  and  Non-GAAP  Operating  Margin.  We  calculate  non-GAAP  operating  income  and  non-
GAAP  operating  margin  by  excluding  the  following  items  from  income  from  operations  and  operating  margin:  (a) 
amortization  of  intangibles,  (b)  impairment  of  assets,  (c)  gains  or  losses  on  sale  of  businesses  and  assets,  (d)  gains  or 
losses on insurance, (e) settlement of lawsuits, and (f) gains or losses on settlement of patron tax case. We believe that 
excluding  these  items  assists  investors  in  evaluating  period-over-period  changes  in  our  operating  income  and  operating 
margin without the impact of items that are not a result of our day-to-day business and operations.

Non-GAAP  Net  Income  and  Non-GAAP  Net  Income  per  Diluted  Share.  We  calculate  non-GAAP  net  income  and  non-
GAAP net income per diluted share by excluding or including certain items to net income attributable to RCIHH common 
shareholders  and  diluted  earnings  per  share.  Adjustment  items  are:  (a)  amortization  of  intangibles,  (b)  impairment  of 
assets, (c) costs and charges related to debt refinancing, (d) gains or losses on sale of businesses and assets, (e) gains or 
losses on insurance, (f) unrealized gains or losses on equity securities, (g) settlement of lawsuits, (h) gains or losses on 
settlement of patron tax case, and (i) the income tax effect of the above described adjustments. Included in the income tax 
effect of the above adjustments is the net effect of the non-GAAP provision for income taxes, calculated at 20.1%, 24.5% 
and 37.0% effective tax rate of the pre-tax non-GAAP income before taxes for the 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 
the  GAAP  income  tax  expense  (benefit).  We  believe  that  excluding  and  including  such  items  help  management  and 
investors  better  understand  our  operating  activities.  The  calculated  amount  for  adjustment  (i)  above  in  fiscal  2018  was 
significantly affected by the change in the statutory federal corporate tax rate caused by the Tax Act.

Adjusted  EBITDA.  We  calculate  adjusted  EBITDA  by  excluding  the  following  items  from  net  income  attributable  to 
RCIHH  common  shareholders:  (a)  depreciation  and  amortization,  (b)  income  tax  expense  (benefit),  (c)  net  interest 
expense, (d) gains or losses on sale of businesses and assets, (e) gains or losses on insurance (f) unrealized gains or losses 
on  equity  securities,  (g)  impairment  of  assets,  (h)  settlement  of  lawsuits,  (i)  gains  or  losses  on  settlement  of  patron  tax 
case. We believe that adjusting for such items helps management and investors better understand our operating activities. 
Adjusted EBITDA provides a core operational performance measurement that compares results without the need to adjust 
for  federal,  state  and  local  taxes  which  have  considerable  variation  between  domestic  jurisdictions.  The  results  are, 
therefore, without consideration of financing alternatives of capital employed. We use adjusted EBITDA as one guideline 
to  assess  the  unleveraged  performance  return  on  our  investments.  Adjusted  EBITDA  multiple  is  also  used  as  a  target 
benchmark for our acquisitions of nightclubs.

We also use certain non-GAAP cash flow measures such as free cash flow. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section 
for further discussion.

32 

The  following  tables  present  our  non-GAAP  performance  measures  for  the  periods  indicated  (in  thousands,  except  per 
share amounts and percentages):

For the Year Ended
September 30,
2018

2019

2017

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Reconciliation of GAAP net income to Adjusted 
EBITDA
Net income attributable to RCIHH common 
shareholders(1)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Interest expense, net
Settlement of lawsuits
Gain on settlement of patron tax case
Impairment of assets(1)
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Depreciation and amortization
Unrealized loss on equity securities
Gain on insurance
Adjusted EBITDA

Reconciliation of GAAP net income to non-GAAP 
net income
Net income attributable to RCIHH common 
shareholders(1)
Amortization of intangibles
Settlement of lawsuits
Gain on settlement of patron tax case
Impairment of assets(1)
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Costs and charges related to debt refinancing
Unrealized loss on equity securities
Gain on insurance
Net income tax effect of adjustments above
Non-GAAP net income

Reconciliation of GAAP diluted earnings per share 
to non-GAAP diluted earnings per share
Diluted shares

GAAP diluted earnings per share(1)
Amortization of intangibles
Settlement of lawsuits
Gain on settlement of patron tax case
Impairment of assets(1)
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Costs and charges related to debt refinancing
Unrealized loss on equity securities
Gain on insurance
Net income tax effect of adjustments above
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share

Reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-
GAAP operating income
Income from operations(1)
Amortization of intangibles
Settlement of lawsuits
Gain on settlement of patron tax case
Impairment of assets(1)
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Gain on insurance
Non-GAAP operating income

Reconciliation of GAAP operating margin to non-
GAAP operating margin
GAAP operating margin(1)
Amortization of intangibles
Settlement of lawsuits
Gain on settlement of patron tax case
Impairment of assets(1)
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Gain on insurance

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

19,175
4,863
9,900
225
-
6,040
(2,877)
9,072
612
(768)
46,242

19,175
624
225
-
6,040
(2,877)
-
612
(768)
(744)
22,287

$

$

$

$

20,879
(3,118)
9,720
1,669
-
5,570
1,965
7,722
-
(20)
44,387

20,879
254
1,669
-
5,570
1,965
827
-
(20)
(9,984)
21,160

For the Year Ended
September 30,
2018

2019

$

$

$

$

9,657
1.99
0.06
0.02
-
0.63
(0.30)
-
0.06
(0.08)
(0.08)
2.31

34,701
624
225
-
6,040
(2,877)
(768)
37,945

19.2%
0.3%
0.1%
-
3.3%
-1.6%
-0.4%

9,719
2.15
0.03
0.17
-
0.57
0.20
0.09
-
(0.00)
(1.02)
2.18

27,562
254
1,669
-
5,570
1,965
(20)
37,000

16.6%
0.2%
1.0%
-%
3.4%
1.2%
-0.0%

2017

8,259
6,359
8,498
317
(102)
7,639
(542)
6,920
-
-
37,348

8,259
217
317
(102)
7,639
(542)
-
-
-
(1,835)
13,953

9,743
0.85
0.02
0.03
(0.01)
0.78
(0.06)
-
-
-
(0.18)
1.43

23,139
217
317
(102)
7,639
(542)
-
30,668

16.0%
0.1%
0.2%
-0.1%
5.3%
-0.4%
-

Non-GAAP operating margin

21.0%

22.3%

21.2%

* Per share amounts and percentages may not foot due to rounding.

(1) These amounts have been revised for fiscal 2018, as explained in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.

The adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to RCIHH common shareholders to non-GAAP net income exclude 
the impact of adjustments related to noncontrolling interests, which is immaterial. In the calculation of non-GAAP diluted 
earnings per share for fiscal 2017, we take into consideration the adjustment to net income from assumed conversion of 
debentures (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements).

33 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We believe our ability to generate cash from operating activities is one of our fundamental financial strengths. The near-
term outlook for our business remains strong, and we expect to generate substantial cash flows from operations in fiscal 
2020  and  beyond.  As  a  result  of  our  expected  cash  flows  from  operations,  we  have  significant  flexibility  to  meet  our 
financial commitments. The Company has not recently raised capital through the issuance of equity securities. Instead, we 
use debt financing to lower our overall cost of capital and increase our return on equity. We have a history of borrowing 
funds in private transactions and from sellers in acquisition transactions and continue to have the ability to borrow funds at 
reasonable  interest  rates  in  that  manner.  We  also  have  historically  utilized  these  cash  flows  to  invest  in  maintenance 
capital expenditures for existing units, adult nightclubs acquisitions, and restaurants/sports bars construction.

The  following  table  presents  a  summary  of  our  cash  flows  from  operating,  investing,  and  financing  activities  (in 
thousands):

Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

$

$

Year Ended September 30,
2018
25,769
(26,339)
8,374
7,804

2019
37,174
(27,147)
(13,656)
(3,629) $

$

$

$

2017
21,094
(18,524)
(3,975)
(1,405)

We require capital principally for the acquisition of new clubs, construction of new Bombshells, renovation of older units, 
and  investments in technology.  We also utilize capital to repurchase our common stock  as  part of our  share  repurchase 
program based on our capital allocation strategy guidelines and to pay our quarterly dividends.

As of September 30, 2019, we had negative working capital of $2.3 million (excluding the impact of assets held for sale 
amounting to $2.9 million) compared to working capital of $55,000 as of September 30, 2018 (excluding the impact of 
assets held for sale amounting to $2.9 million). The decrease in working capital is principally due to the following items:

● Net payments of long-term debt to our lenders;

● Business acquisitions and purchase of capital expenditures; and

● Partially offset by operating cash flow for the year.

We  believe  that  our  current  sources  of  liquidity  and  capital  will  be  more  than  sufficient  to  finance  our  continued 
operations and growth plans not only within the next 12 months, but for the next 18 to 24 months. Refer to sections on 
Debt Financing and Contractual Obligations and Commitments below for a discussion of long-term liquidity and capital 
resources.

34 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Following are our summarized cash flows from operating activities (in thousands):

Net income
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
Impairment of assets
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
Other

$

$

2019

$

Year Ended September 30,
2018
(As Revised)
20,960
$
7,722
(6,775)
5,570
(5,156)
3,448
25,769

19,326
9,072
821
6,040
3,941
(2,026)
37,174

$

$

2017

8,282
6,920
2,273
7,639
(3,645)
(375)
21,094

Net cash flows from operating activities increased from 2018 to 2019 primarily from higher income from operations plus 
lower  income  taxes  paid.  Net  cash  flows  from  operating  activities  increased  from  2017  to  2018  mainly  due  to  higher 
income from operations partially offset by higher income taxes and interest expense in 2018.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Following are our summarized cash flows from investing activities (in thousands):

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets
Proceeds from insurance and notes receivable
Issuance of notes receivable
Additions to property and equipment
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

Year Ended September 30,
2018

2017

2019

$

$

$

7,223
258
(420)
(20,708)
(13,500)
(27,147) $

$

811
147
-
(25,263)
(2,034)
(26,339) $

2,145
107
-
(11,249)
(9,527)
(18,524)

We opened four new units in 2019 (acquired two clubs in Chicago, Illinois and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and built two 
new Bombshells in Houston, Texas); opened two new units in 2018 (one acquired club in Kappa, Illinois and one built 
Bombshells in Pearland, Texas); and opened five new units in 2017 (including two acquired and one reconcepted from a 
Bombshells to a club). See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, 
we had $8.9 million, $6.4 million, and $1.6 million in construction-in-progress related mostly to Bombshells opening in 
the subsequent fiscal year.

Following is a reconciliation of our additions to property and equipment for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, 
and 2017 (in thousands):

Purchase of real estate*
New capital expenditures in new clubs and 
Bombshells units and equipment
Maintenance capital expenditures
Total capital expenditures, excluding business 
acquisitions

2019

$

Year Ended September 30,
2018
12,260

$

$

-

16,850
3,858

10,476
2,527

2017

6,024

3,412
1,813

$

20,708

$

25,263

$

11,249

* Excludes real estate acquired through business acquisitions.

35 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Following are our summarized cash flows from financing activities (in thousands):

Proceeds from long-term debt
Payments on long-term debt
Payment of dividends
Purchase of treasury stock
Payment of loan origination costs
Debt prepayment penalty
Distribution of noncontrolling interests

$

$

$

$

Year Ended September 30,
2018
84,233
(72,830)
(1,168)
-
(1,138)
(543)
(180)
8,374

2019
13,511
(22,924)
(1,252)
(2,901)
(20)
-
(70)
(13,656) $

$

2017
12,399
(13,080)
(1,170)
(1,099)
(735)
(75)
(215)
(3,975)

We purchased shares of our common stock representing 128,040 shares, 0 shares, and 89,685 shares in 2019, 2018, and 
2017, respectively. We have paid quarterly dividends of $0.03 per share for  fiscal  2019, 2018 and 2017, except for the 
fourth quarter of 2019 where we paid $0.04 per share. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for a detailed 
discussion of our debt obligations.

Non-GAAP Cash Flow Measure

Management also uses certain non-GAAP cash flow measures such as free cash flows. We define free cash flow as net 
cash provided by operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures. See table below (in thousands):

Net cash provided by operating activities
Less: Maintenance capital expenditures

Free cash flow

2019

2018

2017

$

$

37,174
3,858
33,316

$

$

25,769
2,527
23,242

$

$

21,094
1,813
19,281

We do not include total capital expenditures as a reduction from net cash flow from operating activities to arrive at free 
cash flow. This is because, based on our capital allocation strategy, acquisitions and development of our own clubs and 
restaurants are our primary uses of free cash flow. Our free cash flow after long-term debt repayments was $10.4 million, 
$(49.6)  million,  and  $6.2  million  during  fiscal  2019,  2018,  and  2017,  respectively.  Free  cash  flow  after  long-term  debt 
repayments in fiscal 2018 was significantly impacted by our $81.2 million refinancing in December 2017.

Debt Financing

See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for detail regarding our long-term debt activity.

36 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We have long-term contractual obligations primarily in the form of debt obligations and operating leases. The following 
table (in thousands) summarizes our contractual obligations and their aggregate maturities as well as future minimum rent 
payments. Future interest payments related to debt were estimated using the interest rate in effect at September 30, 2019.

Total

2020

Payments Due by Period
2022

2023

2021

Long-term debt – regular
Long-term debt – balloon
Interest payments
Operating leases(a)

$ 80,442 $
64,561
52,566
36,225

8,822 $
7,163
9,435
3,237

9,499 $
6,466
8,223
3,154

7,756 $
6,273
6,430
3,057

7,279 $
1,970
5,829
2,889

2024

Thereafter
7,685 $ 39,401
42,689
17,395
21,038

-
5,254
2,850

(a) Effective October 1, 2019, we will adopt Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which 
will  significantly  affect  our  accounting  of  all  leases.  See  Note  2  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements. 
However, we do not expect changes in our contractual obligations for future lease payments related to all of our 
leases  existing  as  of  September  30,  2019,  except  for  any  expected  exercise  of  renewal  options  allowed  in  the 
adoption of ASC 842.

Other  than  the  debt  refinancing  and  other  notes  payable  financing  described  in  Note  9  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements, we are not aware of any event or trend that would potentially significantly affect liquidity. In the event such a 
trend develops, we believe our working capital and capital expenditure requirements will be adequately met by cash flows 
from operations. In our opinion, working capital is not a true indicator of our financial status. Typically, businesses in our 
industry  carry  current  liabilities  in  excess  of  current  assets  because  businesses  in  our  industry  receive  substantially 
immediate  payment  for  sales,  with  nominal  receivables,  while  inventories  and  other  current  liabilities  normally  carry 
longer  payment  terms.  Vendors  and  purveyors  often  remain  flexible  with  payment  terms,  providing  businesses  in  our 
industry with opportunities to adjust to short-term business down turns. We consider the primary indicators of financial 
status  to  be  the  long-term  trend  of  revenue  growth,  the  mix  of  sales  revenues,  overall  cash  flow,  profitability  from 
operations, and the level of long-term debt.

The following table presents a summary of such indicators (dollars in thousands):

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

Total revenues

Net cash provided by operating activities
Adjusted EBITDA*
Free cash flow*
Long-term debt (end of period)

2019

75,140
25,830
68,055
12,034
181,059
37,174
46,242
33,316
143,528

$

$
$
$
$
$

Increase
(Decrease)

8.7% $

15.1%
6.2%
19.3%
9.2% $
44.3% $
4.2% $
43.3% $
2.1% $

2018

69,120
22,433
64,104
10,091
165,748
25,769
44,387
23,242
140,627

Increase
(Decrease)

14.4% $
22.9%
10.3%
25.1%
14.4% $
22.2% $
18.8% $
20.5% $
13.1% $

2017

60,439
18,256
58,132
8,069
144,896
21,094
37,348
19,281
124,352

*  See  definition  and  calculation  of  Adjusted  EBITDA  and  Free  Cash  Flow  under  Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures  and 
Liquidity and Capital Resources above.

37 

We  have  not  established  financing  other  than  the  notes  payable  discussed  in  Note  9  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on reasonable terms in the future, 
if at all, should the need arise.

Share Repurchase

As  part  of  our  capital  allocation  strategy,  we  buy  back  shares  in  the  open  market  or  through  negotiated  purchases,  as 
authorized by our Board of Directors. During fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, we paid for treasury stock amounting to 
$2.9 million, $0, and $1.1 million representing 128,040 shares, 0 shares, and 89,685 shares, respectively. We have $10.2 
million remaining to purchase additional shares as of September 30, 2019. Subsequent to September 30, 2019 through the 
filing date of this report, we purchased 332,671 shares of the Company’s common stock for a total of $6.4 million. On 
February 6, 2020, the Board of Directors increased the repurchase authorization by an additional $10.0 million.

For  additional  details  regarding  our  Board  approved  share  repurchase  plans,  please  refer  to  Item  5  –  Market  for 
Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

We have not experienced a material overall impact from inflation in our operations during the past several years. To the 
extent permitted by competition, we have managed to recover increased costs through price increases and may continue to 
do so. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so in the future.

SEASONALITY

Our nightclub operations are affected by seasonal factors. Historically, we have experienced reduced revenues from April 
through  September  (our  fiscal  third  and  fourth  quarters)  with  the  strongest  operating  results  occurring  during  October 
through March (our fiscal first and second quarters). Our revenues in certain markets are also affected by sporting events 
that cause unusual changes in sales from year to year.

GROWTH STRATEGY

We  believe  that  our  nightclub  operations  can  continue  to  grow  organically  and  through  careful  entry  into  markets  and 
demographic segments with high growth potential. Our growth strategy involves the following: (i) to acquire existing units 
in locations that are consistent with our growth and income targets and which appear receptive to the upscale club formula 
we have developed; (ii) to open new units after market analysis; (iii) to franchise our Bombshells brand; (iv) to form joint 
ventures or partnerships to reduce start-up and operating costs, with us contributing equity in the form of our brand name 
and  management  expertise;  (v)  to  develop  new  club  concepts  that  are  consistent  with  our  management  and  marketing 
skills; (vi) to develop and open our restaurant concepts as our capital and manpower allow; and (vii) to control the real 
estate in connection with club operations, although some units may be in leased premises.

We believe that Bombshells can grow organically and through careful entry into markets and demographic segments with 
high growth potential. All eight of the existing Bombshells as of September 30, 2019 are located in Texas. Our growth 
strategy is to diversify our operations with these units which do not require SOB licenses, which are sometimes difficult to 
obtain. While we are searching for adult nightclubs to acquire, we are able to also search for restaurant/sports bar locations 
that are consistent with our income targets.

38 

During  fiscal  2017,  we  acquired  two  clubs,  one  in  Florida  (Scarlett’s  Miami)  and  another  in  Illinois  (Hollywood 
Showclub)  and  certain  adjacent  real  estate  for  an  aggregate  purchase  price  of  $30.2  million.  See  Note  15  to  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  for  details  of  the  transactions.  We  subsequently  relaunched  Hollywood  Showclub  as 
Scarlett’s St. Louis.

During  fiscal  2018,  we  reacquired  Drink  Robust  (see  Note  15  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements).  Also  in  fiscal 
2018, we acquired a club in Kappa, Illinois for $1.5 million, financed by a $1.0 million seller note with interest at 8%. The 
Kappa transaction provides for the purchase of the real estate for $825,000 and other non-real-estate business assets for 
$180,000, with goodwill amounting to $495,000. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for details of the 
transactions.

During  fiscal  2019,  we  acquired  two  clubs,  one  in  Illinois  (rebranded  as  Rick’s  Cabaret  Chicago)  and  another  in 
Pennsylvania (rebranded as Rick’s Cabaret Pittsburgh) for an aggregate purchase price of $25.5 million. See Note 15 to 
the consolidated financial statements for details of the transactions.

We opened two Bombshells units in fiscal 2019.

In October 2018, the Company sold its nightclub in Philadelphia for a total sales price of $1.0 million, payable $375,000 
in cash at closing and a 9% note payable over a 10-year period. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for 
details of the disposition.

Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2019, we opened two Bombshells units.

On  November  5,  2019,  the  Company  announced  that  its  subsidiaries  have  signed  definitive  agreements  to  acquire  the 
assets  and  related  real  estate  of  a  well-established,  top  gentlemen’s  club  located  in  the  Northeast  Corridor  for  $15.0 
million. As of the filing of this report, closing of this transaction is still pending subject to certain conditions. Under the 
terms of the agreements, Company subsidiaries will pay $7.2 million for the club and $7.8 million for the real estate using 
$4.0 million in seller financing at 6.0% for the club with the balance of cash from an anticipated $11.0 million bank loan 
at a blended rate of 6.25%.

We  continue  to  evaluate  opportunities  to  acquire  new  nightclubs  and  anticipate  acquiring  new  locations  that  fit  our 
business model as we have done in the past. The acquisition of additional clubs may require us to take on additional debt 
or  issue  our  common  stock,  or  both.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  we  will  be  able  to  obtain  additional  financing  on 
reasonable terms in the future, if at all, should the need arise. An inability to obtain such additional financing could have 
an adverse effect on our growth strategy.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The items in our financial statements subject to market risk are potential debt instruments with variable interest rates. We 
do not carry any debt with a variable interest rate in effect as of September 30, 2019. Certain of our debt have variable 
interest rates, but will only be effective in future years.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The information required by this Item begins on page 40.

39 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

40 

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of 
September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ 
equity,  and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  years  in  the  three-year  period  ended  September  30,  2019,  and  the  related  notes 
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements 
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the 
results  of  its  operations  and  its  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  years  in  the  three-year  period  ended  September  30,  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”), RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (“COSO”)  and  our  report  dated  February  13,  2020  expressed  an  adverse 
opinion.

Basis for Opinion

These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to 
express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated 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 consolidated 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  consolidated  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  consolidated  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 consolidated financial 
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Friedman LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.

Marlton, New Jersey

February 13, 2020

41 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS
Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Current portion of notes receivable
Inventories
Prepaid insurance
Other current assets
Assets held for sale

Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Notes receivable, net of current portion
Goodwill
Intangibles, net
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt

Total current liabilities

Deferred tax liability, net
Long-term debt, net of current portion and debt discount and issuance costs
Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

Equity

Preferred stock, $0.10 par value per share; 1,000 shares authorized; none 
issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 20,000 shares authorized; 
9,591 and 9,719 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 
and 2018, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total RCIHH stockholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

September 30,

2019

2018
(As Revised)

$

$

$

14,097
6,289
954
2,598
5,446
2,521
2,866
34,771
183,956
4,211
53,630
75,951
1,118
353,637

3,810
14,644
15,754
34,208
21,658
127,774
1,696
185,336

17,726
7,320
-
2,353
4,910
1,591
2,902
36,802
172,403
2,874
43,591
71,532
2,530
329,732

2,825
11,973
19,047
33,845
19,552
121,580
1,423
176,400

-

-

96
61,312
107,049
-
168,457
(156)
168,301
353,637

$

97
64,212
88,906
220
153,435
(103)
153,332
329,732

$

$

$

$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

42 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018
(As Revised)

2017

Revenues

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other

Total revenues
Operating expenses

Cost of goods sold

Alcoholic beverages sold
Food and merchandise sold
Service and other

Total cost of goods sold (exclusive of items 
shown separately below)

Salaries and wages
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Other charges, net

Total operating expenses

Income from operations
Other income (expenses)

Interest expense
Interest income
Unrealized loss on equity securities

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to RCIHH common 
shareholders

Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding
Basic
Diluted

Dividends per share

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

75,140
25,830
68,055
12,034
181,059

15,303
9,056
578

24,937
49,833
59,896
9,072
2,620
146,358
34,701

(10,209)
309
(612)
24,189
4,863
19,326
(151)

19,175

1.99
1.99

9,657
9,657

$

$

$
$

69,120
22,433
64,104
10,091
165,748

14,327
8,133
449

22,909
44,547
53,824
7,722
9,184
138,186
27,562

(9,954)
234
-
17,842
(3,118)
20,960
(81)

20,879

2.15
2.15

9,719
9,719

0.13

$

0.12

$

60,439
18,256
58,132
8,069
144,896

13,114
7,398
209

20,721
40,029
46,775
6,920
7,312
121,757
23,139

(8,764)
266
-
14,641
6,359
8,282
(23)

8,259

0.85
0.85

9,731
9,743

0.12

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

43 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)

Net income
Amount reclassified from accumulated other 
comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income:

Unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale 
securities, net of tax of $85 in 2018

Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to RCI 
Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018
(As Revised)

2017

$

19,326

$

20,960

$

(220)

-

-
19,106

(151)

220
21,180

(81)

$

18,955

$

21,099

$

8,282

-

-
8,282

(23)

8,259

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

44 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017
(in thousands)

Common Stock Additional
Number
of Shares Amount Capital Earnings

Paid-In Retained Comprehensive Number

Accumulated
Other

Treasury Stock

of Shares Amount
- $

- $

Balance at September 30, 2016
Purchase of treasury shares
Canceled treasury shares
Payment of dividends
Payments to noncontrolling interests
Divestiture in Drink Robust
Net income

9,808 $
-
(89)
-
-
-
-

    97 $
-
-
-
-
-
-

64,552 $ 62,106 $

-
(1,099)
-
-
-
-

-
-
(1,170)
-
-
8,259

Balance at September 30, 2017
Payment of dividends
Payments to noncontrolling interests
Equity impact of additional investment 
in TEZ
Change in marketable securities
Net income (as revised)

9,719
-
-

-
-
-

97
-
-

-
-
-

63,453
-
-

69,195
(1,168)
-

759
-
-

-

20,879

Balance at September 30, 2018 (as 
revised)
Reclassification upon adoption of ASU 
2016-01
Purchase of treasury shares
Canceled treasury shares
Payment of dividends
Payments to noncontrolling interests
Divestiture in other entities
Net income

9,719

97

64,212

88,906

-
-
(128)
-
-
-
-

-
-
(1)
-
-
-
-

-
-
(2,900)
-
-
-
-

220
-
-
(1,252)
-
-
19,175

Income
                 -
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
220
-

220

(220)
-
-
-
-
-
-

(89)
89
-
-
-
-

(1,099)
1,099
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-
-
-

-

-
(128)
128
-
-
-
-

-
(2,901)
2,901
-
-
-
-

Interests

Noncontrolling Total
Equity
        2,584 $129,339
(1,099)
-
-
-
(1,170)
-
(215)
(215)
88
88
8,282
23

2,480
-
(180)

135,225
(1,168)
(180)

(2,484)
-
81

(1,725)
220
20,960

(103) 153,332

-
-
-
-
(70)
(134)
151

-
(2,901)
-
(1,252)
(70)
(134)
19,326

Balance at September 30, 2019

9,591 $

96 $

61,312 $ 107,049 $

-

- $

- $

(156) $168,301

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

45 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Impairment of assets
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
Unrealized loss on equity securities
Gain on insurance
Gain on settlement of patron tax
Deferred rent expense
Debt prepayment penalty
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid insurance, other current assets and 
other assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets
Proceeds from notes receivable
Proceeds from insurance
Issuance of notes receivable
Additions to property and equipment
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term debt
Payments on long-term debt
Purchase of treasury stock
Payment of dividends
Payment of loan origination costs
Debt prepayment penalty
Distribution to noncontrolling interests
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND 
CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 
BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF 
YEAR

CASH PAID DURING YEAR FOR:

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
Income taxes paid (net of refunds of $42, $42 and 
$794 in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively)

Non-cash investing and financing transactions:

Debt incurred with seller in connection with 
acquisition of businesses
Notes receivable received as proceeds from sale of 
assets
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
Note payable reduction from sale proceeds of 
property
Refinanced long-term debt
Net increase in notes payable from trade-in of 
aircraft

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018
(As Revised)

2017

$

19,326

$

20,960

$

8,282

9,072
821
(2,966)
6,040
334
612
(288)
-
282
-

1,576
(216)

(681)
3,262
37,174

7,223
158
100
(420)
(20,708)
(13,500)
(27,147)

13,511
(22,924)
(2,901)
(1,252)
(20)
-
(70)
(13,656)

(3,629)

17,726

14,097

9,797

3,686

$

$

$

7,722
(6,775)
2,162
5,570
560
-
(20)
-
203
543

(3,622)
(199)

(2,589)
1,254
25,769

811
127
20
-
(25,263)
(2,034)
(26,339)

84,233
(72,830)
-
(1,168)
(1,138)
(543)
(180)
8,374

7,804

9,922

17,726

9,685

5,832

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018

12,000

1,775
-

-
400

-

$

$
$

$
$

$

1,000

-
305

-
8,354

5,063

6,920
2,273
(838)
7,639
218
-
-
(102)
272
75

878
(19)

(1,526)
(2,978)
21,094

2,145
107
-
-
(11,249)
(9,527)
(18,524)

12,399
(13,080)
(1,099)
(1,170)
(735)
(75)
(215)
(3,975)

(1,405)

11,327

9,922

8,347

4,096

2017

20,552

-
-

1,500
8,000

-

$

$

$

$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$
$

$

Unpaid liabilities on capital expenditures

$

476

$

-

$

-

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

46 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Nature of Business

RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.  (the  “Company”)  is  a  holding  company  incorporated  in  Texas  in  1994.  Through  its 
subsidiaries,  the  Company  currently  owns  and  operates  establishments  that  offer  live  adult  entertainment,  restaurant, 
and/or  bar  operations.  These  establishments  are  located  in  Houston,  Austin,  San  Antonio,  Dallas,  Fort  Worth,  Odessa, 
Lubbock,  Longview,  Abilene,  Edinburg,  El  Paso,  Harlingen  and  Beaumont,  Texas,  as  well  as  Minneapolis,  Minnesota; 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Charlotte, North Carolina; New York, New York; Pembroke Park and Miami Gardens, Florida; 
Phoenix, Arizona; Sulphur, Louisiana; and Chicago, Washington Park and Kappa, Illinois. The Company also owns and 
operates media businesses for adults. The Company’s corporate offices are located in Houston, Texas.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The  accounts  are  maintained  and  the  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  using  the  accrual  basis  of 
accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP” or 
“GAAP”).

Principles of Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  in  which  a  controlling 
interest is owned. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year ends on September 30. References to years 2019, 2018, and 2017 are for fiscal years ended September 30, 
2019,  2018,  and  2017,  respectively.  Our  fiscal  quarters  chronologically  end  on  December  31,  March  31,  June  30  and 
September 30.

Use of Estimates

The  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S.  GAAP  requires  management  to  make 
estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying 
notes.  Estimates  and  assumptions  are  based  on  historical  experience,  forecasted  future  events,  and  various  other 
assumptions  that  we  believe  to  be  reasonable  under  the  circumstances.  Estimates  and  assumptions  may  vary  under 
different circumstances and conditions. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when 
purchased. The Company maintains deposits in several financial institutions, which may at times exceed amounts covered 
by insurance provided by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company has not experienced 
any losses related to amounts in excess of FDIC limits.

47 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

Accounts and Notes Receivable

Accounts receivable for club and restaurant operations are primarily comprised of credit card charges, which are generally 
converted  to  cash  in  two  to  five  days  after  a  purchase  is  made.  The  media  division’s  accounts  receivable  are  primarily 
comprised of receivables for advertising sales and Expo registration. Accounts receivable also include employee advances, 
construction advances, and other miscellaneous receivables. Long-term notes receivable, which have original maturity of 
more  than  one  year,  include  consideration  from  the  sale  of  certain  investment  interest  entities  and  real  estate.  The 
Company  recognizes  interest  income  on  notes  receivable  based  on  the  terms  of  the  agreement  and  based  upon 
management’s  evaluation  that  the  notes  receivable  and  interest  income  will  be  collected.  The  Company  recognizes 
allowances for doubtful accounts or notes when, based on management judgment, circumstances indicate that accounts or 
notes receivable will not be collected. Allowance for doubtful accounts balance was $101,000 and $0 as of September 30, 
2019 and 2018, respectively (see Note 5).

Inventories

Inventories  include  alcoholic  beverages,  energy  drinks,  food,  and  Company  merchandise.  Inventories  are  carried  at  the 
lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis), or net realizable value.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Provisions for depreciation and amortization are made using straight-line rates 
over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, and the shorter of useful lives or terms of the applicable leases for 
leasehold improvements. Buildings have estimated useful lives ranging from 29 to 40 years. Furniture and equipment have 
estimated  useful  lives  of  5  to  7  years,  while  leasehold  improvements  are  depreciated  at  the  shorter  of  the  lease  term  or 
estimated  useful  life.  Expenditures  for  major  renewals  and  betterments  that  extend  the  useful  lives  are  capitalized. 
Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost of assets sold, retired or abandoned 
and the related accumulated depreciation are written off from the accounts, and any gains or losses are charged or credited 
in  the  accompanying  consolidated  statement  of  income  of  the  respective  period.  Interest  expense  from  related  debt 
incurred during site construction is capitalized, which amounted to $597,000 in fiscal 2019, $319,000 in fiscal 2018, and 
$43,000 in fiscal 2017.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  with  indefinite  lives  are  not  amortized  but  reviewed  on  an  annual  basis  for 
impairment. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated lives.

The costs of transferable licenses purchased through open markets are capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets. The 
costs of obtaining non-transferable licenses that are directly issued by local government agencies are expensed as incurred. 
Annual license renewal fees are expensed over their renewal term.

Goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment during our fourth 
fiscal quarter and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be 
impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value.

48 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

For our goodwill impairment review, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more 
likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. This assessment is based on several 
factors, including industry and market conditions, overall financial performance, including an assessment of cash flows in 
comparison to actual and projected results of prior periods. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value based on our qualitative analysis, or if we elect to skip this step, we 
perform a Step 1 quantitative analysis to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value is determined using 
market-related  valuation  models,  including  earnings  multiples,  discounted  cash  flows,  and  comparable  asset  market 
values.  We  recognize  goodwill  impairment  in  the  amount  that  the  carrying  value  of  the  reporting  unit  exceeds  the  fair 
value of the reporting unit, not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit, based on the results of our 
Step  1  analysis.  For  the  year  ended  September  30,  2019,  we  identified  four  reporting  units  that  were  impaired  and 
recognized a goodwill impairment loss totaling $1.6 million. For the year ended September 30, 2018, we identified two 
reporting  units  that  were  impaired  and  recognized  a  goodwill  impairment  loss  totaling  $834,000.  For  the  year  ended 
September  30,  2017,  we  identified  four  reporting  units  that  were  impaired  and  recognized  a  goodwill  impairment  loss 
totaling $4.7 million. See Note 17.

For indefinite-lived intangibles, specifically SOB licenses, we determine fair value by estimating the multiperiod excess 
earnings of the asset. For indefinite-lived tradename, we determine fair value by using the relief from royalty method. The 
fair  value  is  then  compared  to  the  carrying  value  and  an  impairment  charge  is  recognized  by  the  amount  by  which  the 
carrying  amount  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the  asset.  We  recorded  impairment  charges  for  SOB  licenses  amounting  to 
$178,000 in 2019 related to one club, $3.1 million in 2018 related to three clubs, and $1.4 million in 2017 related to two 
clubs, which are included in other charges, net in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 17.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The  Company  reviews  long-lived  assets,  such  as  property,  plant,  and  equipment,  and  intangible  assets  subject  to 
amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or 
asset group may not be recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant 
underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of 
the  acquired  assets  or  the  strategy  for  the  overall  business,  and  significant  negative  industry  or  economic  trends. 
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the 
estimated  undiscounted  cash  flows  over  the  estimated  remaining  useful  life  of  the  primary  asset  included  in  the  asset 
group. If the asset group is not recoverable, the impairment loss is calculated as the excess of the carrying value over the 
fair value. We define our asset group as an operating club or restaurant location, which is also our reporting unit or the 
lowest level for which cash flows can be identified. Assets to be disposed of are separately presented in the balance sheet 
and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated. For assets 
held  for  sale,  we  measure  fair  value  using  an  estimation  based  on  quoted  prices  for  similar  items  in  active  or  inactive 
markets (level 2) developed using observable data. The assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale 
are presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet. During the fourth quarter of 
fiscal  2019,  the  Company  impaired  two  clubs  for  a  total  of  $4.2  million;  during  the  fourth  quarter  2018,  the  Company 
impaired one club and one Bombshells for a total of  $1.6 million; and during the  fourth quarter of 2017,  the Company 
impaired one club for $385,000. See Notes 6 and 17.

49 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company calculates the fair value of its assets and liabilities which qualify as financial instruments and includes this 
additional information in the notes to consolidated financial statements when the fair value is different than the carrying 
value  of  these  financial  instruments.  The  estimated  fair  value  of  accounts  receivable,  accounts  payable  and  accrued 
liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to the relatively short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value 
of notes receivable and short and long-term debt also approximates fair value since these instruments bear market rates of 
interest. None of these instruments are held for trading purposes.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive  income  is  the  total  of  net  income  or  loss  and  all  other  changes  in  net  assets  arising  from  non-owner 
sources,  which  are  referred  to  as  items  of  other  comprehensive  income.  An  analysis  of  changes  in  components  of 
accumulated other comprehensive income is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Revenue Recognition

See “Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards” section below regarding ASC 606 and Note 4.

Advertising and Marketing

Advertising  and  marketing  expenses  are  primarily  comprised  of  costs  related  to  public  advertisements  and  giveaways, 
which are used for promotional purposes. Advertising and marketing expenses are expensed as incurred and are included 
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. See Note 5.

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax and income taxes imposed in the state and local 
jurisdictions where we operate our businesses. Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. Deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial 
statement  carrying  amounts  of  existing  assets  and  liabilities  and  their  respective  tax  bases.  Deferred  tax  assets  and 
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary 
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates 
is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In addition, a valuation allowance is established to 
reduce any deferred tax asset for which it is determined that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax 
asset will not be realized.

50 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

U.S.  GAAP  creates  a  single  model  to  address  accounting  for  uncertainty  in  tax  positions  by  prescribing  a  minimum 
recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. We recognize 
penalties  related  to  unrecognized  tax  benefits  as  a  component  of  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses,  and 
recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense.

Investments

Investments in companies in which the company has a 20% to 50% interest are accounted for using the equity method, 
which  are  carried  at  cost  and  adjusted  for  the  Company’s  proportionate  share  of  their  undistributed  earnings  or  losses. 
Investments in companies in which the Company owns less than a 20% interest, or where the Company does not exercise 
significant influence, are accounted for at cost and reviewed for any impairment. Cost and equity method investments are 
included  in  other  assets  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  balance  sheets.  The  Company  sold  31%  of  Drink  Robust  on 
September  29,  2016,  retaining  20%.  Because  the  Company  had  no  ability  to  direct  the  management  of  the  investee 
company or exert significant influence, the investment was accounted for at cost beginning on the date of sale. During the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we determined our investment in Drink Robust was impaired and recognized an other-than-
temporary impairment totaling $1.2 million which brought our carrying value of this investment to zero. In relation to the 
reacquisition  of  Drink  Robust  in  2018,  we  have  consolidated  the  operations  of  Drink  Robust  and  eliminated  the 
investment in consolidation. See Note 15.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by 
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential 
dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company. Potential common stock shares consist of shares that 
may  arise  from  outstanding  dilutive  common  restricted  stock,  stock  options  and  warrants  (the  number  of  which  is 
computed  using  the  treasury  stock  method)  and  from  outstanding  convertible  debentures  (the  number  of  which  is 
computed using the if-converted method). Diluted earnings per share considers the potential dilution that could occur if 
the Company’s outstanding common restricted stock, stock options, warrants and convertible debentures were converted 
into common stock that then shared in the Company’s earnings or losses (as adjusted for interest expense, that would no 
longer be incurred if the debentures were converted).

51 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

Net earnings applicable to common stock and the weighted average number of shares used for basic and diluted earnings 
(loss) per share computations are summarized in the table that follows (in thousands, except per share data):

Numerator -

Net income attributable to RCIHH shareholders - 
basic
Adjustment to net income from assumed conversion 
of debentures(1)
Adjusted net income attributable to RCIHH 
shareholders - diluted

Denominator -

Weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding - basic
Effect of potentially dilutive convertible debentures
Adjusted weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding - diluted

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

$

$

$
$

For the Year Ended
September 30,
2018

2019

2017

19,175

$

20,879

$

8,259

-

-

5

19,175

$

20,879

$

8,264

9,657
-

9,657

9,719
-

9,719

1.99
1.99

$
$

2.15
2.15

$
$

9,731
12

9,743

0.85
0.85

(1) Represents interest expense on dilutive convertible securities that would not occur if they were assumed converted.

(2) There were no outstanding warrants and options to be considered for the EPS computation for all periods presented.

Convertible debentures amounting to $0, $0, and $0.9 million were dilutive in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Stock Options

The  Company  recognizes  all  employee  stock-based  compensation  as  a  cost  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements. 
Equity-classified  awards  are  measured  at  the  grant  date  fair  value  of  the  award  and  recognized  as  expense  over  their 
requisite service period. The Company estimates grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The 
critical estimates are volatility, expected life and risk-free rate.

At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company has no stock options outstanding.

52 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

Legal and Other Contingencies

The Company records a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. 
There  is  significant  judgment  required  in  both  the  probability  determination  and  as  to  whether  an  exposure  can  be 
reasonably  estimated.  In  the  opinion  of  management,  there  was  not  at  least  a  reasonable  possibility  that  we  may  have 
incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies for asserted 
legal and other claims. The Company recognizes legal fees and expenses, including those related to legal contingencies, as 
incurred.

Generally, the Company recognizes gain contingencies when they are realized or when all related contingencies have been 
resolved.

The Company maintains insurance that covers claims arising from risks associated with the Company’s business including 
claims  for  workers’  compensation,  general  liability,  property,  auto,  and  business  interruption  coverage.  The  Company 
carries substantial insurance to cover such risks with large deductibles and/or self-insured retention. These policies have 
been  structured  to  limit  our  per-occurrence  exposure.  The  Company  believes,  and  the  Company’s  experience  has  been, 
that such insurance policies have been sufficient to cover such risks.

Fair Value Accounting

The  Company  utilizes  valuation  techniques  that  maximize  the  use  of  observable  inputs  and  minimize  the  use  of 
unobservable  inputs  to  the  extent  possible.  The  Company  determines  fair  value  based  on  assumptions  that  market 
participants  would  use  in  pricing  an  asset  or  liability  in  the  principal  or  most  advantageous  market.  When  considering 
market  participant  assumptions  in  fair  value  measurements,  the  following  fair  value  hierarchy  distinguishes  between 
observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels.

U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in 
measuring fair value:

● Level  1  –  Observable  inputs  that  reflect  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities  in  active 

markets.

● Level 2 – Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.

● Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The  fair  value  hierarchy  also  requires  an  entity  to  maximize  the  use  of  observable  inputs  and  minimize  the  use  of 
unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The Company classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale, which are reported at fair value. Unrealized holding 
gains and losses, net of the related income tax effect, if any, on available-for-sale securities were excluded from income 
and were reported as accumulated other comprehensive income in equity until our adoption of ASU 2016-01 as of October 
1, 2018. Realized gains and losses (and unrealized gains and losses upon the adoption of ASU 2016-01) from securities 
classified  as  available-for-sale  are  included  in  comprehensive  income.  The  Company  measures  the  fair  value  of  its 
marketable securities based on quoted prices for identical securities in active markets, or Level 1 inputs. Available-for-sale 
securities, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, had a balance of $148,000 and $760,000 
as of September 30, 2019 and 2018.

53 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

In  accordance  with  U.S.  GAAP,  the  Company  reviews  its  marketable  securities  to  determine  whether  a  decline  in  fair 
value of a security below the cost basis is other than temporary. Should the decline be considered other than temporary, 
the  Company  writes  down  the  cost  basis  of  the  security  and  include  the  loss  in  current  earnings  as  opposed  to  an 
unrealized  holding  loss.  No  losses  or  other-than-temporary  impairments  in  our  marketable  securities  portfolio  were 
recognized during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets  and  liabilities  that  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  nonrecurring  basis  relate  primarily  to  tangible  property  and 
equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, which are remeasured when the derived fair value is below carrying value 
in the consolidated balance sheets. For these assets, the Company does not periodically adjust carrying value to fair value 
except  in  the  event  of  impairment.  If  it  is  determined  that  impairment  has  occurred,  the  carrying  value  of  the  asset  is 
reduced to fair value and the difference is included in other charges, net in the consolidated statements of income.

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are as follows (in thousands):

Description
Property and equipment, net
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Definite-lived intangibles
Goodwill
Other assets (equity securities)

Description
Goodwill
Property and equipment, net
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Notes receivable
Other assets (equity securities)

Fair Value at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Asset

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

$

-
-
-
-
148

$

        -
-
-
-
-

10,926
5,323
200
11,627
-

Fair Value at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Asset

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

$

-
-
-
-
760

$

       -
-
-
-
-

1,999
141
4,618
0
-

$

$

September 30,

2019

10,926
5,323
200
11,627
148

September 30,

2018

1,999
141
4,618
0
760

$

$

54 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

Description

Goodwill
Property and equipment, net
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Assets held for sale
Other assets (equity securities)

Unrealized Gain (Loss/Impairments) Recognized
Years Ended September 30,

2019

$

2018

(As Revised)

2017

$

(1,638)
(4,224)
(178)
-
(612)

$

(834)
(1,615)
(3,121)
-
305

(4,697)
(385)
(1,401)
-
(1,156)

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In  May  2014,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  (“ASU”)  No. 
2014-09,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (“ASU  2014-09”  and  codified  as  Accounting  Standards  Codification 
No. 606, “ASC 606”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The core principle 
of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that 
reflects  the  consideration  to  which  an  entity  expects  to  be  entitled  for  those  goods  or  services.  ASU  2014-09  defines  a 
five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the 
revenue recognition process than are required under existing GAAP. The standard’s effective date has been deferred by 
the  issuance  of  ASU  No.  2015-14,  and  is  effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2017,  and  interim 
periods  therein.  The  guidance  permits using either of  the following  transition methods:  (i)  a full retrospective  approach 
reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, 
or  (ii)  a  retrospective  approach  with  the  cumulative  effect  of  initially  adopting  ASU  2014-09  recognized  at  the  date  of 
adoption  (which  includes  additional  footnote  disclosures).  Early  application  is  permitted  but  not  before  December  15, 
2016,  the  ASU’s  original  effective  date.  The  Company  adopted  the  new  revenue  recognition  standard  as  of  October  1, 
2018 using the cumulative effect method, which did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 
See Note 4 for new disclosures as required by ASC 606.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and 
Measurement  of  Financial  Assets  and  Financial  Liabilities,  which  amends  the  guidance  on  the  classification  and 
measurement  of  financial  instruments.  Although  the  ASU  retains  many  current  requirements,  it  significantly  revises  an 
entity’s  accounting  related  to  (1)  the  classification  and  measurement  of  investments  in  equity  securities  and  (2)  the 
presentation  of  certain  fair  value  changes  for  financial  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value.  The  ASU  also  amends  certain 
disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The amendments of the ASU are effective 
for  us  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  2017,  including  interim  periods  within  those  fiscal  years.  The 
Company adopted ASU 2016-01 as of October 1, 2018. Our adoption required the Company to reclassify $220,000 from 
accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  to  retained  earnings  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  quarter  ended  December  31, 
2018.  All  succeeding  unrealized  gains  or  losses  related  the  changes  in  the  market  value  of  our  equity  securities  are 
included in other income/expenses in our consolidated statement of income.

In  February  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2016-02,  Leases  (Topic  842),  on  accounting  for  leases  which  requires 
lessees  to  recognize  most  leases  on  their  balance  sheets  for  the  rights  and  obligations  created  by  those  leases.  The 
guidance requires enhanced disclosures regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, 
and will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. In 
July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 providing for certain practical expedients in the implementation of ASU 2016-
02.  The  guidance  requires  the  use  of  a  modified  retrospective  approach.  We  will  adopt  ASU  2016-02  and  related 
amendments as of the beginning of our fiscal first quarter ending December 31, 2019. We will be electing the package of 
practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allows us 
to retain historical lease classification, as well as relief from reviewing expired and existing contracts to determine if they 
contain leases. We expect our total assets as of October 1, 2019 to have an increase of approximately $24.5 million due to 
the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets, and a corresponding increase in total liabilities due to the recognition 
of operating lease liabilities after the reversal of our deferred rent liability balance as of September 30, 2019. We do not 
expect ASC 842 to have an impact on our consolidated statements of income and cash flows. As a result of the adoption of 
ASC  842,  we  do  not  expect  our  future  minimum  lease  payments  for  the  fiscal  first  quarter  ending  December  31,  2019 
related  to  leases  existing  as  of  September  30,  2019  to  be  materially  different  from  the  amounts  disclosed  in  future 
minimum lease commitments in Note 11.

55 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - continued

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit 
Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU requires, among other things, the measurement of all expected credit losses 
for  financial  assets  held  at  the  reporting  date  based  on  historical  experience,  current  conditions,  and  reasonable  and 
supportable  forecasts.  ASU  2016-13  replaces  the  existing  incurred  loss  impairment  model  with  an  expected  loss  model 
which requires the use of forward-looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. It also eliminates the concept of 
other-than-temporary  impairment  and  requires  credit  losses  related  to  available-for-sale  debt  securities  to  be  recorded 
through  an  allowance  for  credit  losses  rather  than  as  a  reduction  in  the  amortized  cost  basis  of  the  securities.  These 
changes will result in earlier recognition of credit losses. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within 
those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, 
and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. We are still evaluating the impact of this 
ASU, including all related updates, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

In  February  2018,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2018-02,  Income  Statement—Reporting  Comprehensive  Income  (Topic  220): 
Reclassification  of  Certain  Tax  Effects  from  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive  Income.  This  ASU  provides  financial 
statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within AOCI to retained earnings in each period in 
which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) is 
recorded.  The  ASU  requires  financial  statement  preparers  to  disclose  (1)  a  description  of  the  accounting  policy  for 
releasing income tax effects from AOCI; (2) whether they elect to reclassify the stranded income tax effects from the Tax 
Act; and (3) information about the other income tax effects that are reclassified. The amendments affect any organization 
that is required to apply the provisions of Topic 220, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income, and has items 
of other comprehensive income for which the related tax effects are presented in other comprehensive income as required 
by  GAAP.  The  ASU  is  effective  for  all  organizations  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  2018,  and  interim 
periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Organizations should apply the proposed amendments either 
in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal 
corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act is recognized. We believe that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material 
impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In  August  2018,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2018-13,  Fair  Value  Measurement  (Topic  820):  Disclosure 
Framework—Changes  to  the  Disclosure  Requirements  for  Fair  Value  Measurement.  ASU  2018-13  modifies  the 
disclosure requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 with certain removals, modifications, 
and additions. Eliminated disclosures that may affect the Company include (1) transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the 
fair value hierarchy, and (2) policies related to valuation processes and the timing of transfers between levels of the fair 
value  hierarchy.  Modified  disclosures  that  may  affect  the  Company  include  (1)  a  requirement  to  disclose  the  timing  of 
liquidation  of  an  investee’s  assets  and  the  date  when  restrictions  from  redemption  might  lapse  if  the  entity  has 
communicated the timing publicly for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value, and (2) clarification that 
the  measurement  uncertainty  disclosure  is  to  communicate  information  about  the  uncertainty  in  measurement  as  of  the 
reporting date. Additional disclosures that may affect the Company include (1) disclosure of changes in unrealized gains 
and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring level 3 fair value measurements held at the 
end of the reporting period, and (2) disclosure of the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used 
to develop level 3 fair value measurements. The update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal 
years,  beginning  after  December  15,  2019.  Early  adoption  is  permitted  for  any  removed  or  modified  disclosures  upon 
issuance of the ASU and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until the effective date. We are still evaluating the 
impact of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. ASU 2019-01 aligns 
the guidance for fair value of the underlying asset by lessors with existing guidance in Topic 842. The ASU requires that 
the fair value of the underlying asset at lease commencement is its cost reflecting in volume or trade discounts that may 
apply.  However,  if  there  has  been  a  significant  lapse  of  time  between  the  date  the  asset  was  acquired  and  the  lease 
commencement date, the definition of fair value as outlined in Topic 820 should be applied. In addition, the ASU exempts 
both lessees and lessors from having to provide certain interim disclosures in the fiscal year in which a company adopts 
the new leases standard. The update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning 
after  December  15,  2019.  We  are  still  evaluating  the  impact  of  this  ASU  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial 
statements.

In  December  2019,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2019-12,  Income  Taxes  (Topic  740):  Simplifying  the  Accounting  for  Income 
Taxes.  This  ASU  simplifies  accounting  for  income  taxes  by  removing  the  following  exceptions:  (1)  exception  to  the 
incremental  approach  for  intraperiod  tax  allocation,  (2)  exceptions  to  accounting  for  basis  differences  when  there  are 
ownership  changes  in  foreign  investments,  and  (3)  exception  in  interim  period  income  tax  accounting  for  year-to-date 
losses  that  exceed  anticipated  losses.  The  ASU  also  improves  financial  statement  preparers’  application  of  income  tax 
related guidance for franchise taxes that are partially based on income; transactions with a government that result in a step 
up  in  the  tax  basis  of  goodwill;  separate  financial  statements  of  legal  entities  that  are  not  subject  to  tax;  and  enacted 
changes in tax laws in interim periods. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after 
December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for public business entities 
for periods for which financial statements have not been issued. An entity that elects early adoption in an interim period 
should reflect any adjustments as of the beginning of the annual period that includes that interim period. Additionally, an 
entity that elects early adoption should adopt all the amendments in the same period. We are still evaluating the impact of 
this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

56 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3. Revision of Prior Year Immaterial Misstatement

During  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2018  (first  quarter  of  fiscal  2019),  the  Company  identified  certain  mechanical 
errors  in  its  goodwill  impairment  analysis  that  was  performed  for  its  annual  impairment  testing  for  fiscal  year  ended 
September 30, 2018. These errors related to the use of an incorrect income tax rate assumption and the exclusion of certain 
debt  service  payments  as  part  of  our  goodwill  impairment  testing  for  two  of  our  reporting  units,  which  resulted  in  a 
goodwill impairment charge of $834,000.

The Company assessed the materiality of these errors considering both qualitative and quantitative factors and determined 
that for both the quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the errors were immaterial. The Company has decided 
to  correct  these  immaterial  errors  as  revisions  to  our  previously  issued  financial  statements  and  has  adjusted  this  Form 
10-K insofar as fiscal 2018 is concerned.

The tables below present the impact of the revision in the Company’s consolidated financial statements (in thousands):

Statement of Income/Comprehensive Income:
Other charges, net
Total operating expenses
Income from operations
Income before income taxes
Net income
Net income attributable to RCIHH common stockholders
Earnings per share - basic
Earnings per share - diluted
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to RCI Hospitality 
Holdings, Inc.

Balance Sheet/Statement of Changes in Equity
Goodwill
Total assets
Retained earnings
Total RCIHH stockholders’ equity
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018

As Previously 
Reported

Adjustments

As Revised

8,350 $

137,352
28,396
18,676
21,794
21,713

2.23 $
2.23 $
22,014 $

21,933

834 $
834
(834)
(834)
(834)
(834)
(0.08) $
(0.08) $
(834) $

(834)

9,184
138,186
27,562
17,842
20,960
20,879
2.15
2.15
21,180

21,099

September 30, 2018

As Previously 
Reported

Adjustment

As Revised

44,425 $

330,566
89,740
154,269
154,166
330,566

(834) $
(834)
(834)
(834)
(834)
(834)

43,591
329,732
88,906
153,435
153,332
329,732

$

$
$
$

$

57 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3. Revision of Prior Year Immaterial Misstatement - continued

The table below presents the impact of the revision in the Company’s notes to its consolidated financial statements related 
to unaudited quarterly results of operations (in thousands):

Quarter Ended September 30, 2018

As Previously 
Reported

Adjustment

As Revised

Income from operations
Net loss attributable to RCIHH common stockholders
Loss per share - basic
Loss per share - diluted

$

$
$

1,533 $
(2,672)
(0.27) $
(0.27) $

(834) $
(834)
(0.09) $
(0.09) $

699
(3,506)
(0.36)
(0.36)

The consolidated statements of cash flows are not presented because there is no impact on total cash flows from operating 
activities,  investing  activities  and  financing  activities.  Certain  components  of  net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities 
changed, as caused by the revision, but the net change amounted to zero for both quarter and fiscal year ended September 
30, 2018.

4. Revenues

On  October  1,  2018,  the  Company  adopted  ASC  Topic  606,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (formerly  ASU 
2014-09). The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages, food and merchandise, service and other 
revenues  at  the  point-of-sale  upon  receipt  of  cash,  check,  or  credit  card  charge,  net  of  discounts  and  promotional 
allowances  based  on  consideration  specified  in  implied  contracts  with  customers.  Sales  and  liquor  taxes  collected  from 
customers  and  remitted  to  governmental  authorities  are  presented  on  a  net  basis  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
statements of income. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation (point in time of sale) 
by transferring control over a product or service to a customer.

Commission  revenues,  such  as  ATM  commission,  are  recognized  when  the  basis  for  such  commission  has  transpired. 
Revenues  from  the  sale  of  magazines  and  advertising  content  are  recognized  when  the  issue  is  published  and  shipped. 
Revenues and external expenses related to the Company’s annual Expo convention are recognized upon the completion of 
the convention, which normally occurs during our fiscal fourth quarter. Other rental revenues are recognized when earned 
(recognized over time) and are more appropriately covered by guidance under ASC Topic 840, Leases (under ASC 842 
commencing on October 1, 2019).

58 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Revenues - continued

Revenues, as disaggregated by revenue type, timing of recognition, and reportable segment (see also Note 18), are shown 
below (in thousands).

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other revenues

Recognized at a point in time
Recognized over time

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other revenues

Recognized at a point in time
Recognized over time

Sales of alcoholic beverages
Sales of food and merchandise
Service revenues
Other revenues

Recognized at a point in time
Recognized over time

Nightclubs

Bombshells

Other

Total

Fiscal 2019

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

57,277
13,051
67,893
10,385
148,606

146,938
1,668
148,606

Nightclubs

54,800
12,732
64,054
8,474
140,060

138,847
1,213
140,060

Nightclubs

48,655
11,346
58,013
6,673
124,687

123,557
1,130
124,687

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

17,863
12,779
162
24
30,828

30,828
-
30,828

$

$

$

$

-
-
-
1,625
1,625

1,572
53
1,625

Fiscal 2018

Bombshells

Other

14,320
9,701
50
23
24,094

24,094
-
24,094

$

$

$

$

-
-
-
1,594
1,594

1,516
78
1,594

Fiscal 2017

Bombshells

Other

11,784
6,910
119
17
18,830

18,830
-
18,830

$

$

$

$

-
-
-
1,379
1,379

1,273
106
1,379

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

75,140
25,830
68,055
12,034
181,059

179,338
1,721
181,059

Total

69,120
22,433
64,104
10,091
165,748

164,457
1,291
165,748

Total

60,439
18,256
58,132
8,069
144,896

143,660
1,236
144,896

*  Rental  revenue  (included  in  Other  Revenues)  is  covered  by  ASC  Topic  840  until  the  end  of  fiscal  2019.  Effective 
October 1, 2019, rental revenue will be reported under the guidance of ASC 842. All other revenues are covered by ASC 
Topic 606.

59 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Revenues - continued

The  Company  does  not  have  contract  assets  with  customers.  The  Company’s  unconditional  right  to  consideration  for 
goods and services transferred to the customer is included in accounts receivable, net in our consolidated balance sheet. A 
reconciliation of contract liabilities with customers, included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, is 
presented below:

Ad revenue
Expo revenue
Other

Balance at September 30, 
2018

Consideration 
Received

Recognized in 
Revenue

Balance at September 30, 
2019

$

$

126 $
-
8
134 $

602 $
602
52
1,256 $

(652) $
(602)
(53)
(1,307) $

76
-
7
83

5. Selected Account Information

The components of accounts receivable, net are as follows (in thousands):

Credit card receivables
Income tax refundable
Insurance receivable
ATM-in-transit
Other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $101 and $0, respectively)

September 30,

2019

2018

$

$

1,396
1,781
1,197
780
1,135
6,289

$

$

2,273
2,137
-
933
1,977
7,320

Notes receivable consist primarily of secured promissory notes executed between the Company and various buyers of our 
businesses and assets with interest rates ranging from 6% to 9% per annum and having terms ranging from 1 to 20 years.

The components of accrued liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

Insurance
Payroll and related costs
Property taxes
Sales and liquor taxes
Patron tax
Lawsuit settlement
Unearned revenues
Other

September 30,

2019

2018

4,937
2,892
1,675
3,086
595
115
83
1,261
14,644

$

$

3,807
2,293
1,796
1,883
532
230
134
1,298
11,973

$

$

60 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5. Selected Account Information - continued

The components of selling, general and administrative expenses are as follows (in thousands):

Taxes and permits
Advertising and marketing
Supplies and services
Insurance
Rent
Legal
Utilities
Charge cards fees
Security
Accounting and professional fees
Repairs and maintenance
Other

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018

2017

$

$

10,779
8,392
5,911
5,429
3,896
5,180
3,165
3,803
2,973
2,815
2,980
4,573
59,896

$

$

9,545
7,536
5,344
5,473
3,720
3,586
2,969
3,244
2,617
2,944
2,184
4,662
53,824

$

$

8,026
6,704
4,873
4,006
3,258
3,074
2,824
2,783
2,251
2,159
2,091
4,726
46,775

The components of other charges, net are as follows (in thousands):

Impairment of assets
Settlement of lawsuits
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses and assets
Gain on insurance
Gain on settlement of patron tax

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

Buildings and land
Equipment
Leasehold improvements
Furniture
Total property and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation

Property and equipment, net

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018
(As Revised)

2017

$

$

6,040
225
(2,877)
(768)
-
2,620

$

$

$

5,570
1,669
1,965
(20)
-
9,184

$

$

7,639
317
(542)
-
(102)
7,312

September 30,

2019

2018

$

159,969
37,031
32,868
9,393
239,261
(55,305)

149,683
34,572
30,414
8,739
223,408
(51,005)

$

183,956

$

172,403

Included in buildings and leasehold improvements above are construction-in-progress amounting to $8.9 million and $6.4 
million as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which are mostly related to Bombshells projects.

Depreciation  expense  was  approximately  $8.4  million,  $7.5  million,  and  $6.7  million  for  fiscal  years  2019,  2018,  and 
2017, respectively. Impairment loss for property and equipment was $4.2 million, $1.6 million, and $385,000 for fiscal 
2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

61 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7. Assets Held for Sale

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had five real estate properties for sale. The aggregate estimated fair value of the 
properties less cost to sell as of September 30, 2018 was approximately $2.9 million and reclassified to assets held for sale 
in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The assets were measured at the carrying value as adjusted for depreciation 
which was lower than the fair value at the date reclassified.

During fiscal 2019, we sold all the properties held for sale as of September 30, 2018. See Note 15.

In  September  2019,  the  Company  classified  as  held-for-sale  two  separate  parcels  of  land  subdivided  from  previously 
constructed Bombshells pad sites located in Houston, Texas. The aggregate estimated fair value of the properties less cost 
to sell as of September 30, 2019 was approximately $2.9 million.

The Company expects the properties held for sale, which are primarily comprised of land and buildings, to be sold within 
12 months through property listings by our real estate brokers.

The assets held for sale do not have liabilities associated with them that need to be directly settled from the proceeds in the 
event of a transaction. The gain or loss on the sale of these properties held for sale is included in other charges, net in our 
consolidated statements of income.

62 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

Indefinite useful lives:

Goodwill
Licenses
Tradename

Definite useful lives:
Discounted leases
Non-compete agreements
Software
Distribution agreement

Total goodwill and other intangible assets

September 30,

2019

2018
(As Revised)

53,630
72,597
2,215
128,442

101
565
315
158
1,139
129,581

$

$

43,591
67,523
2,215
113,329

108
588
834
264
1,794
115,123

$

$

Amortization Period

18 & 6 years
5 years
5 years
3 years

Definite- 
Lived 
Intangibles

2019
Indefinite- 
Lived 
Intangibles

Goodwill

Definite- 
Lived 
Intangibles

2018
Indefinite- 
Lived 
Intangibles

Beginning balance
Acquisitions
Impairment
Amortization
Ending balance

$

$

1,794 $
243
-
(898)
1,139 $

69,738 $
5,252
(178)
-
74,812 $

43,591 $
11,677
(1,638)
-

53,630 $

1,565 $
483
-
(254)
1,794 $

Goodwill
(As Revised)
43,866
559
(834)
-
43,591

72,859 $
-
(3,121)
-

69,738 $

As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, the accumulated impairment balance of indefinite-lived intangibles was $6.1 million 
and $5.9 million, respectively, while the accumulated impairment balance of goodwill was $6.3 million and $4.7 million, 
respectively.  Future  amortization  expense  related  to  definite-lived  intangible  assets  that  are  subject  to  amortization  at 
September  30,  2019  is:  2020  -  $519,000;  2021  -  $353,000;  2022  -  $134,000;  2023  -  $59,000;  2024  -  $11,000;  and 
thereafter - $63,000.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of sexually oriented business licenses and tradename, which were obtained as part 
of  acquisitions.  These  licenses  are  the  result  of  zoning  ordinances,  thus  are  valid  indefinitely,  subject  to  filing  annual 
renewal applications, which are done at minimal costs to the Company. The discounted cash flow of the income approach 
method was used in calculating the value of these licenses in a business combination, while the relief from royalty method 
was  used  in  calculating  the  value  of  tradenames.  During  the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  2019,  the  Company 
recognized  a  $178,000  impairment  related  to  one  club’s  SOB  license  and  a  $1.6  million  impairment  related  to  the 
goodwill of four reporting units. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized a $3.1 million 
impairment  related  to  three  clubs’  SOB  licenses  and  an  $834,000  impairment  related  to  the  goodwill  of  two  reporting 
units. During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $4.7 million related to 
the goodwill of four reporting units, including one held for sale, as well as an impairment loss of $1.4 million related to 
two locations’ SOB licenses. See Note 17.

63 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Long-term Debt

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

Notes payable at 5.5%, matures January 2023
Non-interest-bearing debts to State of Texas, mature March 2022 and May 2022, 
interest imputed at 9.6%
Note payable at 5.45%, matures December 2027
Note payable at 5.95%, matures December 2027
Note payable at 12%, matures October 2021
Note payable at 4.99%, collateralized by aircraft, paid June 2019
Notes payable at 12%, mature May 2020
Note payable at 8%, matures May 2020, as amended, subsequently extended
Note payable at 8%, matures May 2029
Note payable at 5.75%, matures December 2027
Note payable at 5.99%, matures December 2032
Note payable at 5%, matures August 2029
Note payable at 5%, matures April 2020
Note payable initially at prime plus 0.5% with a 5.5% floor, matures September 2030
Note payable at 8%, matures May 2021
Note payable at 5.95%, matures August 2039
Note payable at 12%, matures August 2021
Note payable at 9%, matures September 2028
Note payable at 6.1%, paid February 2019
Note payable at 5.95%, matures September 2028
Note payable at 7%, paid April 2019
Note payable at 6%, matures February 2040
Note payable at 5.49%, matures December 2038
Note payable at 7%, matures November 2024
Note payable at 7%, matures November 2020
Notes payable at 12%, mature November 2021
Note payable at 8%, matures November 2028
Total debt
Less unamortized debt discount and issuance costs
Less current portion

September 30,

2019

2018

*

$

981 $

1,071

*(a)
*(a)

(a)

**
**
*(a)

*(a)
*(a)
*(a)
*
*(a)

*
*(a)
*(a)

*(a)

**
**

**

3,379
9,877
6,776
5,518
-
2,040
3,025
13,569
51,167
6,555
3,709
2,099
2,619
771
6,858
4,000
1,263
-
1,511
-
3,608
2,156
3,982
2,000
2,350
5,190
145,003
(1,475)
(15,754)

4,470
10,258
7,544
6,219
912
2,940
3,025
14,464
58,826
6,877
4,257
3,079
960
945
3,168
4,000
1,350
1,500
1,550
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
142,415
(1,788)
(19,047)

Total long-term portion of debt

$

127,774 $

121,580

* Collateralized by real estate
** Collateralized by stock in subsidiary
(a) These commercial bank debts are guaranteed by the Company’s CEO. See Note 20.

64 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Long-term Debt - continued

Following is a summary of long-term debt at September 30 (in thousands):

Secured by real estate
Secured by stock in subsidiary
Secured by other assets
Unsecured

2019

2018

$

$

90,257
27,766
8,711
18,269
145,003

$

$

93,437
17,489
7,789
23,700
142,415

In connection with the acquisition of Silver City in January 2012, the Company executed notes to the seller in the amount 
of $ 1.5 million. The notes are payable over eleven years at $12,256 per month including interest and have an adjustable 
interest rate of 5.5%. The rate adjusts to prime plus 2.5% in the 61st month, not to exceed 9%. In the same transaction, the 
Company also acquired the related real estate and executed notes to the seller for $6.5 million. The notes are also payable 
over  eleven  years  at  $53,110  per  month  including  interest  and  have  the  same  adjustable  interest  rate  of  5.5%.  The  real 
estate notes, with original principal of $6.5 million, has been fully paid in relation to the first note of the December 2017 
Refinancing Loan, as discussed below.

In 2015, the Company reached a settlement with the State of Texas over payment of the state’s Patron Tax on adult club 
customers. To resolve the issue of taxes owed, the Company agreed to pay $10.0 million in equal monthly installments of 
$119,000, without interest, over 84 months, beginning in June 2015, for all but two nonsettled locations. For accounting 
purposes,  the  Company  has  discounted  the  $10.0  million  at  an imputed  interest  rate  of  9.6%,  establishing  a  net  present 
value for the settlement of $7.2 million. In March 2017, the Company settled with the State of Texas for one of the two 
remaining unsettled Patron Tax locations. The Company agreed to pay a total of $687,815 with $195,815 paid at the time 
the  settlement  agreement  was  executed  followed  by  60  equal  monthly  installments  of  $8,200  without  interest. Going 
forward, the Company agreed to remit the Patron Tax on a regular basis, based on the current rate of $5 per customer.

On July 30, 2015, a subsidiary of the Company acquired the building in which the Company’s Miami Gardens, Florida 
nightclub  operates.  The  cost  was  $15,300,000  and  was  purchased  with  an  $11,325,000  note,  payable  in  monthly 
installments of approximately $78,000 including interest at 5.45% and matures in five years, and the balance with cash. 
The  building  has  several  other  third-party  tenants  in  addition  to  the  Company’s  nightclub.  There  are  certain  financial 
covenants with which the Company must be in compliance related to this financing. This note has been fully refinanced in 
relation to the second note of the December 2017 Refinancing Loan, as discussed below.

In August 2016, the Company refinanced two notes payable with an aggregate carrying value of $6.1 million with a $9.0 
million bank note at an interest rate of 5.95%. The note matures in 10 years with monthly installments of $100,062 and a 
balloon payment at maturity for the remaining balance. This note has been fully refinanced in relation to the third note of 
the December 2017 Refinancing Loan, as discussed below.

On  October  5,  2016,  the  Company  refinanced  $8.0  million  of  long-term  debt  by  borrowing  $9.9  million.  The  new 
unsecured  debt  is  payable  $118,817  per  month,  including  interest  at  12%,  and  matures  in  five  years  with  a  balloon 
payment  for  the  remaining  balance  at  maturity.  This  note  has  been  partially  paid  in  relation  to  the  first  note  of  the 
December 2017 Refinancing Loan, as discussed below.

In June 2010, the Company borrowed $518,192 from a lender. The funds were used to purchase an aircraft. The debt bore 
interest  at  6.30%  with  monthly  principal  and  interest  payments  of  $3,803  beginning  in  July  2010,  maturing  June  2030. 
This note was refinanced with a bank in April 2017 with the borrowing of $952,690 at 4.99% for 20 years, together with a 
purchase of a new aircraft. Monthly payments for the new note was at $6,286, including interest, beginning in May 2017. 
This note has been paid off in 2019.

On  May  1,  2017,  the  Company  raised  $5.4  million  through  the  issuance  of  12%  unsecured  promissory  notes  to  certain 
investors,  which  notes  mature  on  May  1,  2020.  The  notes  pay  interest-only  in  equal  monthly  installments,  with  a  lump 
sum principal payment at maturity. On August 15, 2018 and September 26, 2018, the Company refinanced $2.0 million 
and $500,000 of the notes, respectively. The $2.0 million note was exchanged for a $4.0 million 12% note maturing in 
three  years  with  interest-only  payments  until  maturity,  where  the  full  principal  is  to  be  paid.  The  $500,000  note  was 
exchanged for a $1.35 million 9% note maturing in 10 years with monthly payments of $17,101, including interest. On 
November  1,  2018,  the  Company  refinanced  two  notes  with  a  total  principal  of  $400,000  with  certain  investors.  See 
succeeding  paragraph  related  to  November  1,  2018  financing  below.  Included  in  the  balance  of  long-term  debt  as  of 
September 30, 2019 and 2018 is a $200,000 note, that is a part of the May 1, 2017 financing, borrowed from a non-officer 
employee in which the terms of the note are the same as the rest of the lender group.

On May 8, 2017, in relation to the Scarlett’s acquisition (see Note 15), the Company executed two promissory notes with 
the sellers: (i) a 5% short-term note for $5.0 million payable in lump sum after six months from closing date and (ii) a 12-
year  amortizing  8%  note  for  $15.6  million.  The  12-year  note  is  payable  $168,343  per  month,  including  interest.  The 
Company  amended  the  $5.0  million  short-term  note  payable,  which  had  a  remaining  balance  of  $3.0  million  as  of 
amendment date, several times extending the maturity date to October 1, 2022 and increasing the interest rate to 8% for its 
remaining term.

65 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Long-term Debt - continued

On December 14, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement (“December 2017 Refinancing Loan”) with a bank 
for $81.2 million. The December 2017 Refinancing Loan fully refinanced 20 of the Company’s notes payable and partially 
paid down 1 note payable (collectively, “Repaid Notes”) with interest rates ranging from 5% to 12% covering 43 parcels 
of  real  properties  the  Company  previously  acquired  (“Properties”).  The  December  2017  Refinancing  Loan  consists  of 
three promissory notes:

i) The first note amounts to $62.5 million with a term of 10 years at a 5.75% fixed interest rate for the first five 
years, then repriced one time at the then current U.S. Treasury rate plus 3.5%, with a floor rate of 5.75%, and 
payable in monthly installments of $442,058, based upon a 20-year amortization period, with the balance payable 
at maturity;

ii) The second note amounts to $10.6 million with a term of 10 years at a 5.45% fixed interest rate until July 2020, 
after which to be repriced at a fixed interest rate of 5.75% until the fifth anniversary of this note, and then to be 
repriced again at the then interest rate of the first note. This note is payable $78,098 monthly for principal and 
interest until July 2020, based upon a 20-year amortization period, after which the monthly payment for principal 
and interest is adjusted accordingly based on the repricing, with the balance payable at maturity; and

iii) The third note amounts to $8.1 million with a term of 10 years at a 5.95% fixed interest rate until August 2021, 
after which to be repriced at 5.75% until the fifth anniversary of this note, and then to be repriced again at the 
then interest of the first note. This note is payable $100,062 monthly for principal and interest until August 2021, 
based upon a 20-year amortization period, after which the monthly payment for principal and interest is adjusted 
accordingly based on the repricing, with the balance payable at maturity.

In addition to the monthly principal and interest payments as provided above, the Company paid monthly installments of 
principal of $250,000, applied to the first note, until the loan-to-value ratio of the Properties, based upon reduced principal 
balance of the December 2017 Refinancing Loan and the then current value of the Properties, is not greater than 65%. The 
loan-to-value ratio of the Properties fell below 65% in October 2019, hence, we stopped paying the additional $250,000 
monthly. The December 2017 Refinancing Loan has eliminated balloon payments of the Repaid Notes worth $2.9 million 
originally scheduled in fiscal 2018, $19.4 million originally scheduled in fiscal 2020 and $5.3 million originally scheduled 
in  fiscal  2021.  There  are  certain  financial  covenants  with  which  the  Company  must  be  in  compliance  related  to  this 
financing.

66 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Long-term Debt - continued

In connection with the Repaid Notes, we wrote off $279,000 of unamortized debt issuance costs to interest expense. Prior 
to September 30, 2017, the Company paid a portion of debt issuance costs amounting to $612,500, which was included in 
other  assets  until  the  closing  of  the  transaction.  At  closing,  the  Company  paid  an  additional  $764,000  in  debt  issuance 
costs, which together with the $612,500 prepayment will be amortized for the term of the loan using the effective interest 
rate  method.  We  also  paid  prepayment  penalties  amounting  to  $543,000  on  the  Repaid  Notes,  which  was  included  in 
interest expense in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended September 30, 2018.

Included in the $62.5 million first note of the December 2017 Refinancing Loan was $4.6 million that was escrowed at 
closing due to the bank lender of one of the Repaid Notes. The amount was released from escrow in June 2018 when the 
construction, for which the original note was borrowed, was completed.

On December 7, 2017, the Company borrowed $7.1 million from a lender to purchase an aircraft at 5.99% interest. The 
transaction was partly funded by trading in an aircraft that the Company owned with a carrying value of $3.4 million, with 
an  assumption  of  the  old  aircraft’s  note  payable  liability  of  $2.0  million.  The  aircraft  note  is  payable  in  15  years  with 
monthly payments of $59,869, which includes interest.

On February 15, 2018, the Company borrowed $3.0 million from a bank for the purchase of land at a cost of $4.0 million 
with the difference paid by the Company in cash. The bank note bears interest at 5.25% adjusted after 36 months to prime 
plus 1% with a floor of 5.2% and matures on February 15, 2038. The bank note is payable interest-only during the first 18 
months, after which monthly payments of  principal and interest will  be made based on a 20-year  amortization with the 
remaining balance to be paid at maturity. On August 28, 2018, this note was refinanced for additional construction loan 
having a maximum availability of $7.4 million. The new note has an initial interest rate of 5.95%, subject to a repricing 
after 72 months to prime plus 1% with a 5.9% floor. The note is payable $53,084 per month, including interest, for 72 
months, then adjusted based on repriced interest rate until its August 2039 maturity.

On February 20, 2018, the Company refinanced a bank note with a balance of $1.9 million, bearing interest of 2% over 
prime  with  a  5.5%  floor,  with  the  same  bank  for  a  construction  loan  with  maximum  availability  of  $4.7  million.  The 
construction  loan  agreement  bears  an  interest  rate  of  prime  plus  0.5%  with  a  floor  of  5.0%  and  matures  on  August  20, 
2029. During the first 18 months of the construction loan, the Company will make monthly interest-only payments, and 
after such, monthly payments of principal and interest will be made based on a 20-year amortization with the remaining 
balance  to  be  paid  at  maturity.  There  are  certain  financial  covenants  with  which  the  Company  must  be  in  compliance 
related to this financing.

On April 24, 2018, the Company acquired certain land for future development of a Bombshells in Houston, Texas for $5.5 
million,  financed  with  a  bank  note  for  $4.0  million,  payable  interest  only  at  prime  plus  0.5%  with  a  floor  of  5%  per 
annum.  The  note  matures  in  24  months,  by  which  date  the  principal  is  payable  in  full.  On  September  17,  2018,  the 
Company  and  the  bank  lender  agreed  to  carve  out  a  portion  of  the  loan  that  relates  to  the  land  where  the  Bombshells 
location is to be built amounting to $960,000, and added a construction loan with a maximum availability of $2.9 million. 
The new $2.9 million construction loan has an interest rate of prime plus 0.5%, with a 5.5% floor, and payable in 12 years. 
The first 24 months will be interest-only payments, after which monthly payments of principal and interest will be made 
based on a 20-year amortization. There are certain financial covenants with which the Company must be in compliance 
related to this financing.

On May 25, 2018, the Company acquired a club in Kappa, Illinois for $1.5 million, financed by a $1.0 million seller note 
with interest at 8%. The note matures in three years and is payable in monthly installments of $20,276, including interest, 
based on a five-year amortization with the remaining balance to be paid at maturity.

67 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Long-term Debt - continued

On  August  15,  2018,  the  Company  refinanced  a  $2.0  million  note  payable  for  $4.0  million  from  a  private  lender  by 
executing  a  12%  3-year  note  payable  $40,000  monthly  starting  September  15,  2018,  with  the  remaining  principal  and 
interest balance payable at maturity.

On  September  6,  2018,  the  Company  borrowed  $1.55  million  from  a  bank  lender  to  finance  the  acquisition  of  the 
remaining not-owned interest in a joint venture. The 10-year note payable has an initial interest rate of 5.95% until after 
five years when the interest rate is adjusted to the U.S. Treasury rate plus 3.5%, with a 5.95% floor. Monthly payments of 
$11,138,  including  interest,  is  due  for  five  years  until  an  adjustment  in  monthly  payments  based  on  the  interest  rate 
repricing. The Company paid approximately $40,000 in debt issuance costs at closing.

On September 14, 2018, the Company acquired land worth $2.75 million for a future Bombshells location by executing a 
note with a bank lender for $1.5 million and paying the remainder in cash. The 6.1% one-year note has monthly interest-
only payments of $7,625 with the full principal payable at maturity. The Company paid approximately $22,000 in debt 
issuance costs at closing.

On September 25, 2018, the Company borrowed $5.0 million through a credit facility with a bank lender. The loan has a 
7% fixed interest rate. The loan was payable $200,000 weekly, which included interest, until maturity. This loan was fully 
paid in April 2019.

On September 26, 2018, the Company refinanced a $500,000 12% note payable for $1.35 million from a private lender by 
executing a 9% 10-year note payable $17,101 monthly, including interest, until maturity. 

On  November  1,  2018,  the  Company  raised  $2.35  million  through  the  issuance  of  12%  unsecured  promissory  notes  to 
certain investors, which notes mature on November 1, 2021. The notes pay interest-only in equal monthly installments, 
with a lump sum principal payment at maturity. Among the promissory notes are two notes with a principal of $450,000 
and $200,000. The $450,000 note was in exchange for a $300,000 12% note and the $200,000 note was in exchange for a 
$100,000 note, both of which were included in the May 1, 2017 financing to acquire Scarlett’s Cabaret in Miami. Also 
included in the $2.35 million borrowing is a $500,000 note  borrowed from a related party (see Note 20) and two notes 
totaling $400,000 borrowed from a non-officer employee and a family member of a non-officer employee in which the 
terms of the notes are the same as the rest of the lender group.

On November 1, 2018, we acquired a club in Chicago that was partially financed by a $4.5 million 6-year 7% seller note. 
See additional details in Note 15.

On  November  5,  2018,  we  acquired  a  club  in  Pittsburgh  that  was  partially  financed  by  two  seller  notes  payable.  See 
additional details in Note 15.

On December 11, 2018, the Company purchased an aircraft for $2.8 million with a $554,000 down payment and financed 
the  remaining  $2.2  million  with  a  5.49%  promissory  note  payable  in  20  years  with  monthly  payments  of  $15,118, 
including interest.

On February 8, 2019, the Company refinanced a one-year bank note with a balance of $1.5 million, bearing an interest rate 
of 6.1%, with a construction loan with another bank, which has an interest rate of 6.0% adjusted after five years to prime 
plus 0.5% with a 6.0% floor per annum. The new construction loan, which has a maximum availability of $4.1 million, 
matures in 252 months from closing date and is payable interest-only for the first 12 months, then principal and interest of 
$29,571 monthly for the next 48 months, and the remaining term monthly payments of principal and interest based on the 
adjusted  interest  rate.  The  Company  paid  approximately  $69,000  in  loan  costs  of  which  approximately  $19,600  was 
capitalized  as  debt  issuance  costs  on  the  new  construction  loan  with  the  remaining  charged  to  interest  expense.  The 
Company also wrote off the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs of the old bank note to interest expense. There are 
certain financial covenants with which the Company must be in compliance related to this financing.

68 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Long-term Debt – continued

Future maturities of long-term debt consist of the following (in thousands):

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter

10. Income Taxes

Regular 
Amortization

Balloon 
Payments

$

$

8,822
9,499
7,756
7,279
7,685
39,401
80,442

$

$

7,163
6,466
6,273
1,970
-
42,689
64,561

Total Payments
15,985
$
15,965
14,029
9,249
7,685
82,090
145,003

$

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017, and includes, among other items, a reduction 
in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Our federal corporate income tax rate 
for fiscal 2018 was 24.5% percent and represents a blended income tax rate for the current fiscal year. For fiscal 2019, our 
federal corporate income tax rate was 21%.

Additionally, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, we remeasured our 
deferred tax balances to reflect the reduced rate that will apply when these deferred taxes are settled or realized in future 
periods. The remeasurement resulted in a $8.8 million one-time adjustment of our net deferred tax liabilities reflected in 
our  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of  September  30,  2018  and  a  corresponding  income  tax  benefit  reflected  in  our 
consolidated  statements  of  earnings  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  2018.  We  recorded  no  remeasurement 
adjustment related to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.

Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):

Current

Federal
State and local
Total current income tax expense

Deferred
Federal
State and local
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018

2017

$

$

3,005
1,037
4,042

$

2,438
1,219
3,657

913
(92)
821

(8,096)
1,321
(6,775)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

$

4,863

$

(3,118)

$

The Company and its subsidiaries do not operate in tax jurisdictions outside of the United States.

69 

2,989
1,097
4,086

1,545
728
2,273

6,359

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10. Income Taxes - continued

Income  tax  expense  (benefit)  differs  from  the  “expected”  income  tax  expense  computed  by  applying  the  U.S.  federal 
statutory rate to earnings before income taxes for the years ended September 30 as a result of the following (in thousands):

Computed expected income tax expense
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Deferred taxes on subsidiaries acquired/sold
Permanent differences
Change in deferred tax liability rate
Reserve for uncertain tax position
Tax credits
Other
Total income tax expense (benefit)

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018

2017

$

$

5,080
672
-
45
-
-
(900)
(34)
4,863

$

$

4,371
804
709
85
(8,832)
-
(808)
553
(3,118)

$

$

4,979
291
-
108
1,329
406
(564)
(190)
6,359

Deferred  income  taxes  reflect  the  net  tax  effects  of  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The significant components of 
the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

Deferred tax assets:

Patron tax
Capital loss carryforwards

Deferred tax liabilities:

Intangibles
Property and equipment
Other

Net deferred tax liability

September 30,

2019

2018

$

$

621
420
1,041

(14,491)
(8,024)
(184)
(22,699)
(21,658)

$

$

948
763
1,711

(13,110)
(7,206)
(947)
(21,263)
(19,552)

Included  in  the  Company’s  deferred  tax  liabilities  at  September  30,  2019  and  2018  is  approximately  $19.3  million  and 
$17.3 million, respectively, representing the tax effect of indefinite-lived intangible assets from club acquisitions which 
are not deductible for tax purposes. These deferred tax liabilities will remain in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet 
until the related clubs are sold or impaired.

The Company may recognize the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is at least 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 a position should be measured based on the largest benefit 
that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. We recognize 
accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of accrued liabilities. We recognize penalties related 
to  unrecognized  tax  benefits  as  a  component  of  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses,  and  recognize  interest 
accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense. During the year ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the 
Company has accrued $0 and $165,000, respectively, (all related to previous years’ taxes) in uncertain state tax positions. 
In  fiscal  2018,  the  Company  released  $700,000  of  uncertain  tax  positions  due  to  a  settlement  with  New  York  state.  In 
fiscal 2019, the Company released the remaining amount accrued when the examination was closed.

70 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10. Income Taxes - continued

The following table shows the changes in the Company’s uncertain tax positions (in thousands):

Balance at beginning of year

Additions for tax positions of prior years
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities
Reduction due to lapse from closed examination

Balance at end of year

2019

Years Ended September 30,
2018

2017

$

$

$

165
-
-
(165)

$

865
-
(700)
-

-

$

165

$

240
625
-
-

865

The full balance of uncertain tax positions, if recognized, would affect the Company’s annual effective tax rate, net of any 
federal tax benefits. The Company does not expect any changes that will significantly impact its uncertain tax positions 
within the next twelve months.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states. Fiscal 
year ended September 30, 2016 and subsequent years remain open to tax examination. The Company’s federal income tax 
returns for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service with 
no  changes.  These  years  are  now  under  examination  for  payroll  taxes.  The  Company  is  also  being  examined  for  state 
income taxes, the outcome of which may occur within the next twelve months.

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The  Company  leases  certain  equipment  and  facilities  under  operating  leases,  of  which  rent  expense  was  approximately 
$3.9 million, $3.8 million, and $3.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. These 
leases  include  a  house  that  the  Company’s  CEO  rented  to  the  Company  for  corporate  housing  for  its  out-of-town 
Bombshells  management  and  trainers,  of  which  rent  expense  totaled  $78,000,  $55,250,  and  $0  for  the  years  ended 
September  30,  2019,  2018,  and  2017,  respectively  (this  lease  terminated  on  December  31,  2019).  Rent  expense  for  the 
Company’s  operating  leases,  which  generally  have  escalating  rentals  over  the  term  of  the  lease,  is  recorded  using  the 
straight-line method over the initial lease term whereby an equal amount of rent expense is attributed to each period during 
the term of the lease, regardless of when actual payments are made. Generally, this results in rent expense in excess of 
cash payments during the early years of a lease and rent expense less than cash payments in the later years. The difference 
between rent expense recognized and actual rental payments is accumulated and included in other long-term liabilities in 
the consolidated balance sheets.

71 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

11. Commitments and Contingencies - continued

Undiscounted future minimum annual lease obligations as of September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter

Total future minimum lease obligations

$

$

3,237
3,154
3,057
2,889
2,850
21,038
36,225

Included  in  the  future  minimum  lease  obligations  are  billboard  and  outdoor  sign  leases.  These  leases  were  recorded  as 
advertising  and  marketing  expenses,  and  included  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  in  our  consolidated 
statements of income, in the amount of $255,000, $254,000, and $106,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, 
2018, and 2017, respectively.

Legal Matters

Texas Patron Tax

In 2015, the Company reached a settlement with the State of Texas over the payment of the state’s Patron Tax on adult 
club  customers.  To  resolve  the  issue  of  taxes  owed,  the  Company  agreed  to  pay  $10.0  million  in  equal  monthly 
installments of $119,000, without interest, over 84 months, beginning in June 2015, for all but two non-settled locations. 
The  Company  agreed  to  remit  the  Patron  Tax  on  a  monthly  basis,  based  on  the  current  rate  of  $5  per  customer.  For 
accounting purposes, the Company has discounted the $10.0 million at an imputed interest rate of 9.6%, establishing a net 
present value for the settlement of $7.2 million. As a consequence, the Company has recorded an $8.2 million pre-tax gain 
for the third quarter ending June 30, 2015, representing the difference between the $7.2 million and the amount previously 
accrued for the tax.

In March 2017, the Company settled with the State of Texas for one of the two remaining unsettled Patron Tax locations. 
To resolve the issue  of taxes owed, the Company  agreed to pay  a total of $687,815  with $195,815 paid at the  time the 
settlement agreement was executed followed by 60 equal monthly installments of $8,200 without interest.

The aggregate balance of Patron Tax settlement liability, which is included in long-term debt in the consolidated balance 
sheets, amounted to $3.4 million and $4.5 million as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

A  Declaratory  judgment  action  was  brought  by  five  operating  subsidiaries  of  the  Company  to  challenge  a  Texas 
Comptroller  administrative  rule  related  to  the  $5  per  customer  Patron  Tax  Fee  assessed  against  Sexually  Oriented 
Businesses. An administrative rule attempted to expand the fee to cover venues featuring dancers using latex cover as well 
as traditional nude entertainment. The administrative rule was challenged on both constitutional and statutory grounds. On 
November 19, 2018, the Court issued an order that a key aspect of the administrative rule is invalid based on it exceeding 
the scope of the Comptroller’s authority. Constitutional challenges remain and will be resolved at trial.

72 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Legal Matters – continued

Indemnity Insurance Corporation

As  previously  reported,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  were  insured  under  a  liability  policy  issued  by  Indemnity 
Insurance  Corporation,  RRG  (“IIC”)  through  October  25,  2013.  The  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  changed  insurance 
companies on that date.

On  November  7,  2013,  the  Court  of  Chancery  of  the  State  of  Delaware  entered  a  Rehabilitation  and  Injunction  Order 
(“Rehabilitation  Order”),  which  declared  IIC  impaired,  insolvent  and  in  an  unsafe  condition  and  placed  IIC  under  the 
supervision  of  the  Insurance  Commissioner  of  the  State  of  Delaware  (“Commissioner”)  in  her  capacity  as  receiver 
(“Receiver”).  The  Rehabilitation  Order  empowered  the  Commissioner  to  rehabilitate  IIC  through  a  variety  of  means, 
including gathering assets and marshaling those assets as necessary. Further, the order stayed or abated pending lawsuits 
involving IIC as the insurer until May 6, 2014.

On April 10, 2014, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered a Liquidation and Injunction Order With Bar 
Date  (“Liquidation  Order”),  which  ordered  the  liquidation  of  IIC  and  terminated  all  insurance  policies  or  contracts  of 
insurance issued by IIC. The Liquidation Order further ordered that all claims against IIC must have been filed with the 
Receiver before the close of business on January 16, 2015 and that all pending lawsuits involving IIC as the insurer were 
further  stayed  or  abated  until  October  7,  2014.  As  a  result,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  no  longer  have  insurance 
coverage  under  the  liability  policy  with  IIC.  The  Company  has  retained  counsel  to  defend  against  and  evaluate  these 
claims  and  lawsuits.  We  are  funding  100%  of  the  costs  of  litigation  and  will  seek  reimbursement  from  the  bankruptcy 
receiver. The Company filed the appropriate claims against IIC with the Receiver before the January 16, 2015 deadline 
and has provided updates as requested; however, there are no assurances of any recovery from these claims. It is unknown 
at  this  time  what  effect  this  uncertainty  will  have  on  the  Company.  As  previously  stated,  since  October  25,  2013,  the 
Company has obtained general  liability coverage from other insurers, which have covered and/or will  cover any  claims 
arising from actions after that date. As of September 30, 2019, we have 2 unresolved claims out of the original 71 claims.

Shareholder Class and Derivative Actions

In May and June 2019, three putative securities class action complaints were filed against RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. 
and certain of its officers in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. The complaints allege violations of Sections 
10(b) and  20(a)  of  the  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and  10b-5 promulgated thereunder based on  alleged materially 
false  and  misleading  statements  made  in  the  Company’s  SEC  filings  and  disclosures  as  they  relate  to  various  alleged 
transactions  by  the  Company  and  management.  The  complaints  seek  unspecified  damages,  costs,  and  attorneys’  fees. 
These lawsuits are Hoffman v. RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., et al. (filed May 21, 2019, naming the Company and Eric 
Langan); Gu v. RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., et al. (filed May 28, 2019, naming the Company, Eric Langan, and Phil 
Marshall); and Grossman v. RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., et al. (filed June 28, 2019, naming the Company, Eric Langan, 
and Phil Marshall). The plaintiffs in all three cases moved to consolidate the purported class actions. On January 10, 2020 
an order consolidating the Hoffman, Grossman, and Gu cases was entered by the Court. The consolidated case is styled In 
re RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., No. 4:19-cv-01841. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this action. This 
action is in its preliminary phase, and a potential loss cannot yet be estimated.

On August 16, 2019, a shareholder derivative action was filed in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division against 
officers  and  directors,  Eric  S.  Langan,  Phillip  Marshall,  Nour-Dean  Anakar,  Yura  Barabash,  Luke  Lirot,  Travis  Reese, 
former  director  Steven  Jenkins,  and  RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.,  as  nominal  defendant.  The  action  alleges  that  the 
individual  officers  and  directors  made  or  caused  the  Company  to  make  a  series  of  materially  false  and/or  misleading 
statements and omissions regarding the Company’s business, operations, prospects, and legal compliance and engaged in 
or caused the Company to engage in, inter alia, related party transactions, questionable uses of corporate assets, and failure 
to maintain internal controls. The action asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, 
gross  mismanagement,  waste  of  corporate  assets,  and  violations  of  Sections  14(a),  10(b)  and  20(a)  of  the  Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, restitution, costs, and attorneys’ fees. The case, 
Cecere v. Langan, et al., is in its early stage, and a potential loss cannot yet be estimated.

73 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Legal Matters – continued

SEC Matter and Internal Review

In mid- and late 2018, a series of negative articles about the Company was anonymously published in forums associated 
with the short-selling community. Subsequently in 2019, the SEC initiated an informal inquiry. In connection with these 
events,  a  special  committee  of  the  Company’s  audit  committee  engaged  independent  outside  counsel  to  conduct  an 
internal  review.  Management  of  the  Company  fully  cooperated  with  the  internal  review  conducted  by  the  special 
committee  and  its  outside  counsel.  The  board  of  directors  has  implemented  the  recommendations  resulting  from  the 
internal review.  As  of  the date hereof, the  internal review has  been completed  subject  to  any ongoing  cooperation with 
regulatory authorities.

Since  the  initiation  of  the  informal  inquiry  by  the  SEC  in  early  2019,  the  Company  and  its  management  have  fully 
cooperated and continue to fully cooperate with the SEC matter, which has now converted to a formal investigation and is 
ongoing.  At  this  time,  the  Company  is  unable  to  predict  the  duration,  scope,  result  or  related  costs  associated  with  the 
investigation. The Company is also unable to predict what, if any, action may be taken as a result of the investigation. Any 
determination by the SEC that the Company’s activities were not in compliance with federal securities laws or regulations, 
however, could result in the imposition of fines, penalties, disgorgement, or equitable relief, which could have a material 
adverse effect on the Company.

Other

On March 26, 2016, an image infringement lawsuit was filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York against 
the Company and several of its subsidiaries. Plaintiffs allege that their images were misappropriated, intentionally altered 
and  published  without  their  consent  by  clubs  affiliated  with  the  Company.  The  causes  of  action  asserted  in  Plaintiffs’ 
Complaint include alleged violations of the Federal Lanham Act, the New York Civil Rights Act, and other statutory and 
common law theories. The Company contends that there is insurance coverage under an applicable insurance policy. The 
insurer has raised several issues regarding coverage under the policy. At this time, this disagreement remains unresolved. 
The Company has denied all allegations, continues to vigorously defend against the lawsuit and continues to believe the 
matter is covered by insurance.

The  Company  has  been  sued  by  a  landlord  in  the  333rd  Judicial  District  Court  of  Harris  County,  Texas  for  a  Houston 
Bombshells which was under renovation in 2015. The plaintiff alleges RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.’s subsidiary, BMB 
Dining  Services  (Willowbrook),  Inc.,  breached  a  lease  agreement  by  constructing  an  outdoor  patio,  which  allegedly 
interfered with the common areas of the shopping center, and by failing to provide Plaintiff with proposed plans before 
beginning construction. Plaintiff also asserts RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. is liable as guarantor of the lease. The lease 
was  for  a  Bombshells  restaurant  to  be  opened  in  the  Willowbrook  Shopping  Center  in  Houston,  Texas.  Both  RCI 
Hospitality Holdings, Inc. and BMB Dining Services (Willowbrook), Inc. have denied liability and assert that Plaintiff has 
failed  to  mitigate  its  claimed  damages.  Further,  BMB  Dining  Services  (Willowbrook),  Inc.  asserts  that  Plaintiff 
affirmatively represented that the patio could be constructed under the lease and has filed counter claims and third-party 
claims  against  Plaintiff  and  Plaintiff’s  manager  asserting  that  they  committed  fraud  and  that  the  landlord  breached  the 
applicable  agreements.  The  case  was  tried  to  a  jury  in  late  September  2018  and  an  adverse  judgment  was  entered  in 
January 2019 in the amount totaling $1.0 million, which includes damages, attorney fees and interest. The matter is being 
appealed. The appeal process required that a check be deposited in the registry of the court in the amount of $690,000, 
which was deposited in April 2019 and included in other current assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 
30, 2019. Management believes that the case has no merit and is vigorously defending itself in the appeal.

74 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Legal Matters – continued

On  June  23,  2014,  Mark  H.  Dupray  and  Ashlee  Dupray  filed  a  lawsuit  against  Pedro  Antonio  Panameno  and  our 
subsidiary  JAI  Dining  Services  (Phoenix)  Inc.  (“JAI  Phoenix”)  in  the  Superior  Court  of  Arizona  for  Maricopa  County. 
The suit alleged that Mr. Panameno injured Mr. Dupray in a traffic accident after being served alcohol at an establishment 
operated  by  JAI  Phoenix.  The  suit  alleged  that  JAI  Phoenix  was  liable  under  theories  of  common  law  dram  shop 
negligence and dram shop negligence per se. After a jury trial proceeded to a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs against both 
defendants,  in  April  2017  the  Court  entered  a  judgment  under  which  JAI  Phoenix’s  share  of  compensatory  damages  is 
approximately $1.4 million and its share of punitive damages is $4 million. In May 2017, JAI Phoenix filed a motion for 
judgment as a matter of law or, in the alternative, motion for new trial. The Court denied this motion in August 2017. In 
September  2017,  JAI  Phoenix  filed  a  notice  of  appeal.  In  June  2018,  the  matter  was  heard  by  the  Arizona  Court  of 
Appeals. On November 15, 2018 the Court of Appeals vacated the jury’s verdict and remanded the case to the trial court. 
It  is  anticipated  that  a  new  trial  will  occur  at  some  point  in  the  future.  JAI  Phoenix  will  continue  to  vigorously  defend 
itself.

As set forth in the risk factors included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the adult entertainment industry 
standard is to classify adult entertainers as independent contractors, not employees. While we take steps to ensure that our 
adult entertainers are deemed independent contractors, from time to time, we are named in lawsuits related to the alleged 
misclassification  of  entertainers.  Claims  are  brought  under  both  federal  and  where  applicable,  state  law.  Based  on  the 
industry standard, the manner in which the independent contractor entertainers are treated at the clubs, and the entertainer 
license  agreements  governing  the  entertainer’s  work  at  the clubs,  the  Company  believes  that  these  lawsuits  are  without 
merit. Lawsuits are handled by attorneys with an expertise in the relevant law and are defended vigorously.

General

In the regular course of business affairs and operations, we are subject to possible loss contingencies arising from third-
party litigation  and  federal,  state, and local  environmental,  labor, health and safety  laws  and  regulations.  We assess  the 
probability  that  we  could  incur  liability  in  connection  with  certain  of  these  lawsuits.  Our  assessments  are  made  in 
accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  as  codified  in  ASC  450-20,  and  is  not  an  admission  of  any 
liability on the part of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. In certain cases that are in the early stages and in light of the 
uncertainties  surrounding  them,  we  do  not  currently  possess  sufficient  information  to  determine  a  range  of  reasonably 
possible liability. In matters where there is insurance coverage, in the event we incur any liability, we believe it is unlikely 
we would incur losses in connection with these claims in excess of our insurance coverage.

Settlement  of  lawsuits  for  the  years  ended  September  30,  2019,  2018,  and  2017  total  $225,000,  $1.7  million,  and 
$317,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company has accrued $115,000 and $230,000 in accrued 
liabilities, respectively, related to settlement of lawsuits.

75 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

12. Common Stock

During the year ended September 30, 2017, the following common stock transactions occurred:

● The  Company  acquired  89,685  shares  of  its  own  common  stock  at  a  cost  of  $1.1  million.  These  shares  were 

subsequently retired.

● The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.03 per share for an aggregate amount of $1.2 million.

During  the  year  ended  September  30,  2018,  the  Company  paid  quarterly  dividends  of  $0.03  per  share  for  an  aggregate 
amount of $1.2 million.

During the year ended September 30, 2019, the following common stock transactions occurred:

● The  Company  acquired  128,040  shares  of  its  own  common  stock  at  a  cost  of  $2.9  million.  These  shares  were 

subsequently retired.

● The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.03 per share, except for the fourth quarter when $0.04 per share was 

paid, for an aggregate amount of $1.3 million.

Subsequent to September 30, 2019 through the filing date of this report, we purchased 332,671 shares of the Company’s 
common  stock  for  a  total  of  $6.4  million.  On  February  6,  2020,  the  Board  of  Directors  increased  the  repurchase 
authorization by an additional $10.0 million. 

13. Employee Retirement Plan

The  Company  sponsors  a  Simple  IRA  plan  (the  “Plan”),  which  covers  all  of  the  Company’s  corporate  employees.  The 
Plan allows corporate employees to contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by law, with the Company making a 
matching  contribution  of  up  to  3%  of  the  employee’s  salary.  Expenses  related  to  matching  contributions  to  the  Plan 
approximated $164,000, $160,000, and $131,000 for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

14. Insurance Recoveries

One of our clubs in Washington Park, Illinois was temporarily closed due to a fire during the third quarter of 2019, and 
another club in Fort Worth, Texas sustained weather-related damage toward the end of fiscal 2018. We wrote off the net 
carrying value of the assets destroyed in the said events and recorded corresponding recovery of losses or gains in as much 
as the insurers have paid us or where contingencies relating to the insurance claims have been resolved.

In relation to these casualty events, we recorded the following in our consolidated financial statements (in thousands):

Consolidated balance sheets (period end)

Insurance receivable

Account receivable, net

Included in

Consolidated statements of income

Business interruption
Net property insurance claims

Other charges, net
Other charges, net

Consolidated statements of cash flows

Business interruption
Proceeds from property insurance claims

Operating activity
Investing activity

For the Year Ended September 30,
2018

2019

2017

$

$
$

$
$

1,197

(484)
(284)

100
100

$

$
$

$
$

-

-
(20)

-
20

$

$
$

$
$

-

-
-

    -
-

The net property insurance claims amount in fiscal 2019 is net of assets written off and expenses amounting to $629,000.

The $1.2 million balance of insurance receivable as of September 30, 2019 was collected in October and November 2019.

15. Acquisitions and Dispositions

2017 Acquisitions

On April 26, 2017, subsidiaries of the Company acquired the assets of the Hollywood Showclub in the Greater St. Louis 
area, as well as the club’s building and land, adjacent land, and a nearby building and land that can be used for another 
gentlemen’s club. The total purchase price for all the acquired assets and real properties was $4.2 million, paid in cash at 
closing.

The  following  information  summarizes  the  allocation  of  fair  values  assigned  to  the  assets  at  acquisition  date  (in 
thousands):

Land and building
Furniture and equipment
Noncompete
Other assets

$

2,320
141
200
74

Goodwill
Accrued liability
Net assets

1,539
(75)
4,199

$

Management  believes  that  the  recorded  goodwill  represents  the  Company’s  expansion  into  the  Greater  St.  Louis  area. 
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested at least annually for impairment. The goodwill amount of $1.5 million, which was 
recognized in the Nightclubs segment, is deductible for tax purposes.

76 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Acquisitions and Dispositions - continued

On  May  8, 2017, a  subsidiary of  the  Company acquired  the  company that  owns Scarlett’s Cabaret  Miami  in  Pembroke 
Park,  Florida  along  with  certain  related  intellectual  property  for  a  total  consideration  of  $26.0  million,  payable  $5.4 
million  at  closing,  $5.0  million  after  six  months  through  a  short-term  5%  note,  and  $15.6  million  through  a  12-year 
amortizing 8% note. See Note 9.

The  following  information  summarizes  the  allocation  of  fair  values  assigned  to  the  assets  at  acquisition  date  (in 
thousands):

Inventory
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and equipment
Noncompete
SOB license
Tradename
Goodwill
Net assets

$

$

109
1,222
633
400
20,196
2,215
1,177
25,952

Management believes that the recorded goodwill represents the Company’s strong market positioning in the South Florida 
area and with its different clientele from Tootsie’s Cabaret, which is five miles away, the two are complementary to each 
other  including  management  synergies.  Goodwill  for  this  acquisition  is  not  amortized  but  is  tested  at  least  annually  for 
impairment. The goodwill amount of $1.2 million, which was recognized in the Nightclubs segment, is deductible for tax 
purposes.

In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company made an election under IRS Code 338(h)10 to treat the acquisition as an 
asset purchase for tax purposes. As a result, no deferred taxes were recorded upon acquisition.

The  Company’s  pro  forma  results  of  operations  for  the  2017  acquisitions  have  not  been  presented  because  it  is 
impracticable for management to provide assumptions and estimates in pre-acquisition prior periods without undue cost 
and effort, notwithstanding the effect of the acquisitions was not material to our consolidated financial statements. Since 
the  acquisition  dates,  the  two  acquisitions  generated  combined  revenues  of  $5.6  million  and  combined  income  from 
operations  of  $2.2  million  that  are  included  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  statements  of  income  for  the  year  ended 
September 30, 2017. We estimate their combined revenues to be $14.6 million and combined income from operations to 
be $6.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 if the acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year.

2017 Dispositions

On January 13, 2017, we closed the sale on one of our non-income-producing properties, included in assets held for sale in 
our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016, for $2.2 million in cash, recognizing approximately $116,000 
loss on the sale. Proceeds were used to pay off the remaining $1.5 million of a related 11% balloon note, which was due in 
2018. The Company paid a $75,000 prepayment penalty to pay off the debt.

On June 6, 2017, the Company closed on the sale of another non-income-producing property, which was included in assets 
held  for  sale  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of  September  30,  2016,  for  $1.5  million,  recognizing 
approximately $0.9 million gain on the sale. The buyer owned one of the Company’s notes payable, hence, the Company 
exchanged the property for a $1.5 million reduction in its note payable.

77 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Acquisitions and Dispositions - continued

2018 Acquisitions

At  September  30,  2017,  the  Company  held  a  $2.0  million  note  receivable  related  to  the  Drink  Robust,  Inc.  (“Drink 
Robust”) disposition that occurred in September 2016. The note required interest-only monthly payments at a per annum 
rate of 4% beginning January of 2017 and principal and interest payments due monthly commencing in January 2018 and 
ending December 2032. Interest payments from January 2017 through December 2017 were made in the form of shares of 
the common stock of a manufacturing company. Cash was received for the January 2018 principal and interest payment; 
however, in April of 2018, the Company was informed that the note holder did not intend to make any future principal or 
interest payments due on the note. The Company had recourse to the personal assets of the note holder in the amount of 
$500,000 and entered into negotiations for settlement of the note in April 2018. On April 26, 2018, the Company forgave 
the  $500,000  guaranteed  portion  of  the  note  for  750,000  shares  of  common  stock  of  the  manufacturing  company. 
Additionally, as part of the settlement, the Company acquired 78.5% of the remaining 80% ownership interest in Drink 
Robust,  bringing  its  ownership  interest  to  98.5%  with  the  payment  of  an  outstanding  liability  to  the  Drink  Robust 
distributor of $250,000. As a result of the payment, Drink Robust also obtained a three-year exclusive right of distribution 
for  the  Robust  Energy  Drinks  in  the  United  States.  The  Company  estimated  of  the  fair  value  of  the  shares  of  the 
manufacturing company and the interest acquired in Drink Robust. The estimated fair value totals $450,000, which is net 
of  the  consideration  of  $250,000  owed  to  the  Drink  Robust  distributor.  As  a  result  of  the  transaction,  the  Company 
impaired  $1.55  million  of  the  note  receivable  during  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2018,  with  a  remaining  balance  of 
$450,000  recorded  within  long-term  assets  at  June  30,  2018.  The  Company  accounted  for  the  acquisition  in  the  third 
quarter of 2018, when the transaction was executed and has finalized its estimate of the fair value of the shares acquired in 
the transaction, as well as its accounting for such ownership. The Company then acquired the remaining 1.5% interest in 
Drink Robust from an individual investor to complete its 100% ownership.

On May 25, 2018, the Company acquired a club in Kappa, Illinois for $1.5 million, financed by a $1.0 million seller note 
with  interest  at  8%.  The  transaction  provides  for  the  purchase  of  the  real  estate  for  $825,000  and  other  non-real  estate 
business  assets  for  $180,000,  with  goodwill  amounting  to  $495,000,  which  is  deductible  for  tax  purposes.  Since  the 
acquisition  date,  the  acquired  club  generated  revenues  of  approximately  $442,000  that  are  included  in  the  Company’s 
consolidated statements of income for the year ended September 30, 2018.

On September 6, 2018, a subsidiary acquired the remaining 49% of TEZ Real Estate that it did not own for $1,550,000 in 
cash. The acquisition was principally funded by a loan on the property from a commercial bank. The Company accounted 
for  the  transaction  as  an  equity  transaction  in  accordance  with  ASC  505.  The  difference  between  the  fair  value  of  the 
consideration  paid  and  the  amount  by  which  the  noncontrolling  interest  was  adjusted,  in  the  amount  of  approximately 
$759,000 (net of tax), was recognized in additional paid-in capital.

2018 Disposition

On  December  11,  2017,  the  Company  sold  one  of  the  properties  held  for  sale  for  $675,000,  recognizing  a  gain  of 
$481,000. During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, the Company decided to offer for sale a real estate property in Dallas, 
Texas,  which  was  a  location  of  a  recently  closed  club,  with  an  estimated  fair  value  of  $2.0  million.  During  the  quarter 
ended September 30, 2018, the Company reclassified two properties held for sale with an aggregate carrying value of $7.2 
million into held and used property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018. Also, 
during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company decided to offer four real estate properties for sale, with an 
aggregate fair value less cost to sell of approximately $2.5 million.

2019 Acquisitions

On November 1, 2018, the Company acquired the stock of a club in Chicago for $10.5 million with $6.0 million cash paid 
at  closing  and  the  $4.5  million  in  a  6-year  seller-financed  note  with  interest  at  7%.  The  Company  paid  approximately 
$37,000 in acquisition-related costs for this transaction, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses 
in our consolidated statement of income. The club generated revenue of approximately $5.0 million since acquisition date. 
In relation to this acquisition, on September 25, 2018, the Company borrowed $5.0 million through a credit facility with a 
bank lender. The loan has a 7% fixed interest rate with a maturity date in May 2019. The loan was fully paid as of June 30, 
2019.  Goodwill  and  SOB  license  for  the  Chicago  acquisition  are  not  amortized  but  are  tested  at  least  annually  for 
impairment.  Goodwill  recognized  for  this  transaction  is  not  deductible  for  tax  purposes.  Noncompete  is  amortized  on  a 
straight-line basis over five years from acquisition date.

78 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Acquisitions and Dispositions - continued

The  following  information  summarizes  the  allocation  of  fair  values  assigned  to  the  assets  at  acquisition  date  (in 
thousands):

Land and building
Inventory
Furniture and equipment
Noncompete
SOB license
Goodwill
Deferred tax liability
Net assets

$

$

4,325
57
50
100
5,252
2,003
(1,287)
10,500

On November 5, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of a club in Pittsburgh for $15.0 million, with $7.5 million cash 
paid at closing and two seller notes payable. The first note is a 2-year 7% note for $2.0 million, and the second is a 10-year 
8%  note  for  $5.5  million.  The  Company  paid  acquisition-related  costs  for  this  transaction  of  approximately  $134,000, 
which  is  included  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  in  our  consolidated  statement  of  income.  The  club 
generated  revenue  of  approximately  $4.6  million  since  acquisition  date.  Goodwill  for  the  Pittsburgh  acquisition  is  not 
amortized  but  is  tested  at  least  annually  for  impairment.  Goodwill  recognized  for  this  transaction  is  deductible  for  tax 
purposes. Noncompete is amortized on a straight-line basis over five years from acquisition date.

The  following  information  summarizes  the  allocation  of  fair  values  assigned  to  the  assets  at  acquisition  date  (in 
thousands):

Land and building
Inventory
Furniture and equipment
Noncompete
Goodwill
Net assets

2019 Dispositions

$

$

5,000
23
200
100
9,677
15,000

In October 2018, the Company sold its nightclub in Philadelphia for a total sales price of $1.0 million, payable $375,000 
in cash at closing and a $625,000 9% note payable to us over a 10-year period. The note is payable interest-only for twelve 
months at the conclusion of which time a balloon payment of $250,000 is due, and then the remainder of the principal and 
interest is payable in 108 equal installments of $5,078 per month until October 2028. The buyer will lease the property 
from  the Company’s real estate subsidiary  under the  following terms: $36,000 per  month lease  payments  for  ten  years; 
renewal option for a succeeding ten years at a minimum of $48,000 per month; lessee has option to purchase the property 
for $6.0 million during a term beginning November 2023 and expiring in October 2028. The Company recorded a gain on 
the  sale  transaction  of  approximately  $879,000,  which  is  included  in  other  charges  (gains),  net  in  our  consolidated 
statement  of income  during the  quarter ended  December 31, 2018.  In  July  2019,  the  Company  and  the  buyer agreed  to 
modify the promissory note to include in principal (i) rental payments from April to September 2019, (ii) accrued property 
taxes, (iii) accrued occupancy taxes, and (iv) two months of outstanding interest payments for a total principal balance of 
$879,085. The note, as modified, still bears interest at 9% and is payable in 108 equal monthly installments of $11,905, 
including principal and interest, until July 2028.

79 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Acquisitions and Dispositions - continued

In November 2018, the Company sold two assets held for sale in Houston and San Antonio, Texas for a combined sales 
price  of  $868,000.  Net  gain  on  the  two  transactions  amounted  to  $273,000  after  closing  costs.  The  Company  used  the 
proceeds to pay down $945,000 in loans related to the properties.

On January 24, 2019, the Company sold a held-for-sale property in Dallas, Texas for a total sales price of $1.4 million, 
payable  $163,000  in  cash  at  closing,  net  of  closing  costs  and  property  taxes  of  $87,000,  and  a  $1.15  million  8%  note 
payable over a three-year period. The note is payable $9,619 per month, principal and interest, for the first 35 months with 
the remaining balance payable at maturity. The buyer has the option to extend the maturity date by one year at least 60 
days  prior  to  maturity,  as  long  as  the  buyer  is  not  in  default.  The  Company  recorded  a  gain  on  the  sale  transaction  of 
approximately $383,000.

On March 21, 2019, the Company sold a held-for-sale property adjacent to our Bombshells 249 location for a total sales 
price  of  $1.4  million  in  cash.  Net  gain  on  the  transaction  amounted  to  approximately  $628,000  after  closing  costs.  The 
Company used $980,000 of the proceeds to pay off a loan related to the property.

In April 2019, the Company sold another held-for-sale property adjacent to our Bombshells I-10 location for a total sales 
price  of  $1.1  million  in  cash.  Net  gain  on  the  transaction  amounted  to  approximately  $331,000  after  closing  costs.  The 
Company used $942,000 of the proceeds to pay off a loan related to the property.

In June 2019, the Company sold a property located in Lubbock, Texas for $350,000 in cash. Net loss on the transaction 
amounted to $376,000 after closing costs. The Company used $331,000 of the proceeds from the sale to pay down debt.

In  June 2019,  the Company sold  an  aircraft  for  $690,000 in  cash. Net loss on  the  transaction  amounted  to  $9,000 after 
closing costs. The Company used $666,000 of the proceeds from the sale to pay down related debt.

On July 23, 2019, the Company sold an aircraft for a total sales price of $382,000 for net gain of $16,000. Proceeds were 
used to pay off the remaining note payable balance of approximately $217,000.

On September 30, 2019, the Company sold its Bombshells Webster location for a total sales price of $85,000 in cash. Net 
loss on the transaction amounted to approximately $156,000.

2020 Acquisition

On  November  5,  2019,  the  Company  announced  that  its  subsidiaries  have  signed  definitive  agreements  to  acquire  the 
assets  and  related  real  estate  of  a  well-established,  top  gentlemen’s  club  located  in  the  Northeast  Corridor  for  $15.0 
million. As of the filing of this report, closing of this transaction is still pending subject to certain conditions. Under the 
terms of the agreements, Company subsidiaries will pay $7.2 million for the club and $7.8 million for the real estate using 
$4.0 million in seller financing at 6.0% for the club with the balance of cash from an anticipated $11.0 million bank loan 
at a blended rate of 6.25%.

80 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following tables summarize unaudited quarterly data for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 (in thousands, except per share 
data):

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

$
$

Revenues
Income from operations(1)
Net income attributable to 
RCIHH shareholders(1)
Earnings per share(1)
Basic and diluted

Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding

Basic and diluted

Revenues
Income from operations(2)
Net income (loss) attributable 
to RCIHH shareholders(2)
Earnings (loss) per share(2)

Basic and diluted

Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding

Basic and diluted

Revenues
Income from operations(3)
Net income (loss) attributable 
to RCIHH shareholders(3)
Earnings (loss) per share(3)

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding

Basic
Diluted

December 31, 2018

March 31, 2019

June 30, 2019

September 30, 2019

For the Three Months Ended

44,023 $
11,132 $

44,826 $
11,166 $

47,027 $
9,974 $

6,344 $

6,735 $

5,638 $

0.65 $

0.70 $

0.59 $

45,183
2,429

458

0.05

9,713

9,679

9,620

9,616

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

June 30, 2018

September 30, 2018

For the Three Months Ended

41,212 $
9,140 $

41,226 $
8,231 $

42,634 $
9,492 $

14,311 $

4,685 $

5,389 $

1.47 $

0.48 $

0.55 $

40,676
699

(3,506)

(0.36)

9,719

9,719

9,719

9,719

December 31, 2016

March 31, 2017

June 30, 2017

September 30, 2017

For the Three Months Ended

33,739 $
6,333 $

34,518 $
7,487 $

37,429 $
7,883 $

2,898 $

3,759 $

3,841 $

0.30 $
0.30 $

0.39 $
0.39 $

0.40 $
0.40 $

9,768
9,814

9,719
9,721

9,719
9,719

81 

39,210
1,436

(2,239)

(0.23)
(0.23)

9,719
9,719

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Fiscal year 2019 income from operations, net income attributable to RCIHH shareholders, and earnings per share 
included the impact of a $6.0 million in asset impairments in the fourth quarter, a $2.9 million net gain on sale of 
businesses and assets ($1.2 million in the first quarter, $1.1 million in the second quarter, $0.3 million in the third 
quarter and $0.4 million in the fourth quarter), and a $0.8 million net gain on insurance ($0.1 million net loss in 
the third quarter and $0.9 million net gain in the fourth quarter). Quarterly effective income tax expense (benefit) 
rate was 22.0%, 22.3%, 24.1%, and (371.7%) from first to fourth quarter, respectively.

(2) Fiscal year 2018 income from operations, net income attributable to RCIHH shareholders, and earnings per share 
included  the  impact  of  a  $1.6  million  loss  on  disposition  in  the  second  quarter,  a  $5.6  million  in  asset 
impairments  ($1.6  million  in  the  second  quarter  and  $4.0  million  in  the  fourth  quarter),  and  a  $8.8  million 
deferred income tax benefit related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities ($9.7 million credit in 
the first quarter, $38,000 expense in the second quarter, and $827,000 expense in the fourth quarter). Quarterly 
effective income tax expense (benefit) rate was (134.3%), 24.2%, 25.3%, and 103.8% from first to fourth quarter, 
respectively. See Note 3 related to revision of prior year immaterial misstatement.

(3) Fiscal year 2017 income from operations, net income attributable to RCIHH shareholders, and earnings per share 
included the impact of $7.6 million in asset impairment ($1.4 million in the third quarter and $6.2 in the fourth 
quarter) and $1.3 million additional income tax expense due to change in deferred tax liability rate in the fourth 
quarter. Quarterly effective income tax expense rate was 33.3%, 33.7%, 32.9%, and 99.6% from first to fourth 
quarter, respectively.

Our nightclub operations are affected by seasonal factors. Historically, we have experienced reduced revenues from April 
through  September  (our  fiscal  third  and  fourth  quarters)  with  the  strongest  operating  results  occurring  during  October 
through March (our fiscal first and second quarters). Our revenues in certain markets are also affected by sporting events 
that cause unusual changes in sales from year to year.

82 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

17. Impairment of Assets

During the year ended September 30, 2017, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $7.6 million comprised of $4.7 
million for the goodwill of four club locations, including one that we have put up for sale during the fiscal year, $385,000 
for  property  and  equipment  of  one  club,  $1.4  million  for  SOB  license  of  two  club  locations,  and  $1.2  million  of 
investment impairment.

During the year ended September 30, 2018, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $5.6 million comprised of $1.6 
million for long-lived assets of one club and one Bombshells, $834,000 for goodwill impairment of two clubs, and $3.1 
million for SOB licenses of three clubs.

During the year ended September 30, 2019, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $6.0 million comprised of $1.6 
million for the goodwill of four club locations, $4.2 million for property and equipment of two clubs, and $178,000 for 
SOB license of one club.

18. Segment Information

The  Company  owns  and  operates  adult  nightclubs  and  Bombshells  Restaurants  and  Bars.  The  Company  has  identified 
such segments based on management responsibility and the nature of the Company’s products, services and costs. There 
are no major distinctions in geographical areas served as all operations are in the United States. The Company measures 
segment  profit  (loss)  as  income  (loss)  from  operations.  Segment  assets  are  those  assets  controlled  by  each  reportable 
segment.  The  Other  category  below  includes  our  media  and  energy  drink  divisions  that  are  not  significant  to  the 
consolidated financial statements.

83 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

18. Segment Information - continued

Below is the financial information related to the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):

2019

2018

2017

Revenues (from external customers)

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other

Income (loss) from operations(1)

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other
General corporate

Capital expenditures

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other
General corporate

Depreciation and amortization

Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other
General corporate

Total assets(1)
Nightclubs
Bombshells
Other
General corporate

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

148,606
30,828
1,625
181,059

50,724
2,307
(309)
(18,021)
34,701

6,645
10,933
27
3,579
21,184

6,401
1,374
416
881
9,072

September 30, 2019

274,071
44,144
1,773
33,649
353,637

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

140,060
24,094
1,594
165,748

43,624
2,040
(252)
(17,850)
27,562

2,052
22,522
33
656
25,263

5,404
1,265
179
874
7,722

September 30, 2018

252,335
39,560
1,978
35,859
329,732

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

124,687
18,830
1,379
144,896

35,138
3,084
(522)
(14,561)
23,139

5,142
4,489
14
1,604
11,249

5,186
1,025
50
659
6,920

September 30, 2017

254,432
18,870
780
25,802
299,884

(1) See Note 3 for a discussion of revision of prior year immaterial misstatement.

Excluded  from  revenues  in  the  table  above  are  intercompany  rental  revenues  of  the  Nightclubs  segment  amounting  to 
$10.0 million, $9.0 million, and $8.8 million for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and intercompany sales of Robust 
Energy Drink of Other segment amounting to $140,000, $26,000, and $0, for the same respective years. These revenue 
items are eliminated upon consolidation.

General  corporate  expenses  include  corporate  salaries,  health  insurance  and  social  security  taxes  for  officers,  legal, 
accounting and information technology employees, corporate taxes and insurance, legal and accounting fees, depreciation 
and other corporate costs such as automobile and travel costs. Management considers these to be non-allocable costs for 
segment purposes.

84 

RCI HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

19. Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling  interests  represent  the  portion  of  equity  in  a  consolidated  entity  held  by  owners  other  than  the 
consolidating  parent.  Noncontrolling  interests  are  reported  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  within  equity.  Revenue, 
expenses and net income attributable to both the Company and the noncontrolling interests are reported in the consolidated 
statements of income.

Until September 2018, our consolidated financial statements included noncontrolling interests related to the Company’s 
ownership  of  51%  of  an  entity  which  owns  the  real  estate  for  the  Company’s  nightclub  in  Philadelphia.  The  Company 
acquired the remaining not-owned portion of the entity in September 2018.

Our consolidated financial statements include noncontrolling interests related principally to the Company’s ownership of 
51% of an entity which owns one of the Company’s nightclubs in New York City.

20. Related Party Transactions

Presently, our Chairman and President, Eric Langan, personally guarantees all of the commercial bank indebtedness of the 
Company. Mr. Langan receives no compensation or other direct financial benefit for any of the guarantees. The balance of 
our commercial bank indebtedness, net of debt discount and issuance costs, as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 is $86.8 
million and $90.4 million, respectively.

Included in the $2.35 million borrowing on November 1, 2018 (see Note 9) was a $500,000 note borrowed from a related 
party (Ed Anakar, an employee of the Company and brother of our director Nourdean Anakar). The terms of this related 
party note are the same as the rest of the lender group in the November 1, 2018 transaction.

We used the services of Sherwood Forest Creations, LLC (“Sherwood Forest”) and its predecessor, Creative Steel Designs 
(“Creative  Steel”),  furniture  fabrication  companies  that  manufacture  tables,  chairs  and  other  furnishings  for  our 
Bombshells locations, as well as providing ongoing maintenance. Sherwood Forest is owned by a brother of Eric Langan, 
and Creative Steel was owned by his father. Amounts billed to us for goods and services provided by Sherwood Forest 
were approximately $134,000 in fiscal 2019, $321,000 in fiscal 2018, and an aggregate of $135,000 by Sherwood Forest 
and Creative Steel in fiscal 2017. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, we owed Sherwood Forest $6,588 and $73,377, 
respectively, in unpaid billings.

TW Mechanical LLC (“TW Mechanical”) provided plumbing and HVAC services to both a third-party general contractor 
providing  construction  services  to  the  Company,  as  well  as  directly  to  the  Company  during  fiscal  2018  and  2019.  TW 
Mechanical is 20% owned by the son-in-law of Eric Langan. Amounts billed by TW Mechanical to the third-party general 
contractor were $452,000, $120,000, and $0 for the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively. Amounts billed 
directly to the Company were $47,000, $7,000 and $0 for the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018, and 2017 respectively. As of 
September 30, 2019 and 2018, we owed TW Mechanical $0 and $0, respectively, in unpaid direct billings.

85 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

There have been no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In  connection  with  the  preparation  of  this  report,  an  evaluation  was  carried  out  by  certain  members  of  Company 
management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of 
the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission’s (“SEC”) Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) as of 
September 30, 2019. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed 
in  reports  filed  or  submitted  under  the  Exchange  Act  is  recorded,  processed,  summarized,  and  reported  within  the  time 
periods  specified  in  the  SEC’s  rules  and  forms,  and  that  such  information  is  accumulated  and  communicated  to 
management, including the CEO and the CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Due to a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below, management concluded that the 
Company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  not  effective  as  of  September  30,  2019.  Notwithstanding  the 
existence of this material weakness, management believes that the consolidated financial statements in this annual report 
filed on  Form 10-K present,  in  all  material respects, the Company’s  financial condition as  reported, in conformity with 
United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management  of  the  Company  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to 
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external  purposes  in  accordance  with  U.S.  GAAP  and  includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that:  (1)  pertain  to  the 
maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and the dispositions of our 
assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that our receipts and expenditures are being 
made  only in  accordance  with  appropriate  authorizations;  and  (3)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or 
timely  detection  of  unauthorized  acquisition,  use  or  disposition  of  our  assets  that  could  have  a  material  effect  on  our 
consolidated financial statements.

Because of its 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 the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under  the  supervision  of  and  with  the  participation  of  our  management,  we  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  our  internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  September  30,  2019,  using  the  criteria  set  forth  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (“COSO”)  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  (2013).  A  material 
weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a 
reasonable  possibility  that  a  material  misstatement  of  the  Company’s  annual  or  interim  financial  statements  will  not  be 
prevented or detected on a timely basis.

We identified a material weakness in internal control related to ineffective financial statement close and reporting controls 
in the areas of management review of financial statement information, independent review of journal entries, disclosure of 
related  party  transactions  and  accounting  for  loss  contingencies.  Based  on  this  material  weakness,  the  Company’s 
management  concluded  that  at  September  30,  2019,  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  not 
effective.

86 

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Friedman, LLP, has expressed an adverse opinion on our 
internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019 in the audit report that appears at the end of Part II of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Remediation Plan for Existing Material Weakness

Management  is  committed  to  the  remediation  of  the  material  weakness  described  above,  as  well  as  the  continued 
improvement  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  Management  has  been  implementing,  and 
continues to implement, measures designed to ensure that control deficiencies contributing to the material weakness are 
remediated, such that these controls are designed, implemented, and operating effectively.

To address the material weakness, management has completed, or is in the process of:

● developing  policies  and  procedures  to  enhance  the  precision  of  management  review  of  financial  statement 

information;

● implementing policies and procedures to enhance independent review of journal entries;
● developing and implementing procedures to ensure the completeness of related party disclosures; and
● developing and implementing procedures related to the identification and accounting for loss contingencies.

We  believe  that  these  actions  will  remediate  the  material  weakness.  The  material  weakness  will  not  be  considered 
remediated, however, until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, 
through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.

Previously Reported Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As disclosed in Part II Item 9A Controls and Procedures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
September 30,  2018,  we  identified  material  weaknesses  in  internal  control  related  to  the  control  environment,  risk 
assessment  and  monitoring,  revenues,  complex  accounting  and  management  estimates,  financial  statement  close  and 
reporting, information technology and segregation of duties.

Remediation Efforts to Address Material Weaknesses

Control Environment, Risk Assessment and Monitoring

Our  Board  of  Directors  has  directed  senior  management  to  ensure  that  a  proper,  consistent  tone  is  communicated 
throughout the organization. We have implemented a new Code of Conduct and Disclosure Committee charter, appointed 
a  new  Chief  Compliance  Officer  and  retained  an  external  consulting  firm  to  act  as  an  internal  audit  department  and  to 
assist in implementing an enterprise risk assessment.

Control Activities

Revenues – We designed and implemented mitigating or compensating controls around the revenue process.

Complex Accounting and Management Estimates – We added review procedures and controls over complex accounting 
and  estimates  to  prevent  instances  of  incorrect  accounting,  financial  statement  preparation,  and  valuation  decisions,  by 
increasing our own level of competency as well as using third-party consultants to assist where necessary.

Information Technology – We improved and strengthened the operation of Information Technology controls in fiscal year 
2019, including the review of security logs and analysis of segregation of duty conflicts.

87 

Segregation of Duties – Our Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system includes proper segregation of duties within 
our journal entry process and an analysis of segregation of duties conflicts, which were more fully utilized in fiscal year 
2019. We also hired a Director of ERP & Business Intelligence.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, we completed our testing of the operating effectiveness of the implemented controls 
and, with the exception of the remaining material weakness in financial close and reporting described above, management 
has concluded that the previously reported material weaknesses have been remediated.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except for the changes in connection with our implementation of the remediation plan discussed above, there have been 
no  other  changes  in  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  defined  in  Rules  13a-15(f)  or  15d-15(f)  of  the 
Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to 
materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None

88 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

Adverse Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We  have  audited  RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.’s  (the  “Company’s”)  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
September  30,  2019,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, because of the effect of 
the material weakness described in the following paragraph on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the 
Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, 
such  that  there  is  a  reasonable  possibility  that  a  material  misstatement  of  the  Company’s  annual  or  interim  financial 
statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and 
included in management’s assessment:

Ineffective  financial  statement  close  and  reporting  controls  in  the  areas  of  management  review  of  financial 
statement  information,  independent  review  of  journal  entries,  disclosure  of  related  party  transactions  and 
accounting for loss contingencies.

This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of 
the 2019 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated February 13, 2020, on those 
consolidated financial statements.

We  do  not  express  an  opinion  or  any  other  form  of  assurance  on  management’s  statements  referring  to  any  corrective 
actions taken by the Company after the date of management’s assessment.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United 
States)  (“PCAOB”),  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  income,  comprehensive 
income,  stockholders’  equity,  and  cash  flows  of  the  Company,  and  our  report  dated  February  13,  2020,  expressed  an 
unqualified opinion.

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  “Item  9A  - 
Management’s 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 its 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 the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Friedman LLP

Marlton, New Jersey

February 13, 2020

89 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

PART III

Our  Directors  are  elected  annually  and  hold  office  until  the  next  annual  meeting  of  our  stockholders  or  until  their 
successors are elected and qualified. Officers are appointed by the Board of Directors annually and serve at the discretion 
of  the  Board  of Directors  (subject  to any existing employment  agreements). There is no family  relationship between  or 
among any of our directors and executive officers. Our Board of Directors consists of seven persons. The following table 
sets forth our Directors and executive officers:

Name
Eric S. Langan
Phillip Marshall
Travis Reese
Luke Lirot
Nourdean Anakar
Yura Barabash
Elain J. Martin
Arthur Allan Priaulx

Age
51
70
50
63
62
44
62
79

Position
Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President
Chief Financial Officer
Director and Executive Vice President
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director

Eric S. Langan has been a director since 1998, and our President, CEO and Chairman since 1999. He began his career in 
the hospitality industry in 1989 and has developed significant expertise in sports bar/restaurants and adult entertainment 
nightclubs, including related areas of real estate development and finance. Mr. Langan built the XTC Cabaret nightclub 
brand  and  merged  it  into  RCI  in  1998,  expanding  the  scope  of  the  company.  He  has  been  instrumental  in  bringing 
professional marketing, management, finance, and technology practices and systems to the gentlemen’s club industry. As 
one  of  the  original  founders  of  the  National  Association  of  Club  Executives  (ACE),  Mr.  Langan  has  been  an  active 
member of its Board of Directors since 1999. Through these activities, Mr. Langan has acquired the knowledge and skills 
necessary to successfully operate adult entertainment businesses.

Phillip  Marshall  has  served  as  our  Chief  Financial  Officer  since  May  2007.  He  was  previously  controller  of  Dorado 
Exploration, Inc., an oil and gas exploration and production company, from February 2007 to May 2007. He previously 
served  as Chief Financial  Officer  of CDT  Systems,  Inc., a  publicly  held water  technology  company, from  July  2003  to 
September 2006. In 1972, Mr. Marshall began his public accounting career with the international accounting firm, KMG 
Main Hurdman. After its merger with Peat Marwick, Mr. Marshall served as an audit partner at KPMG for several years. 
After leaving KPMG, Mr. Marshall was partner in charge of the audit practice at Jackson & Rhodes in Dallas from 1992 
to 2003, where he specialized in small publicly held companies. Mr. Marshall is also a trustee of United Mortgage Trust, 
United Development Funding IV and United Development Funding V, publicly held real estate investment trusts.

Travis Reese became a director and our Executive Vice President in 1999. From 1997 through 1999, Mr. Reese had been a 
senior network administrator at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico. During 1997, Mr. Reese was a computer 
systems engineer with Deloitte & Touche. From 1995 until 1997, Mr. Reese was Vice President with Digital Publishing 
Resources, Inc., an Internet service provider. From 1994 until 1995, Mr. Reese was a pilot with Continental Airlines. From 
1992 until 1994, Mr. Reese was a pilot with Hang On, Inc., an airline company. Mr. Reese has an Associate’s Degree in 
Aeronautical  Science  from  Texas  State  Technical  College.  Mr.  Reese  has  been  involved  in  the  adult  entertainment 
industry since 1992. His experience and knowledge in this industry is essential to the Board’s oversight of our businesses.

90 

Luke Lirot became a director on July 31, 2007. Mr. Lirot received his law degree from the University of San Francisco in 
1986. After serving as an intern in the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office in 1986, Mr. Lirot returned to Florida and 
established a private law practice where he continues to practice and specializes in adult entertainment issues. He is a past 
President of the First Amendment Lawyers’ Association and has actively participated in numerous state and federal legal 
matters. Mr. Lirot represents as counsel scores of individuals and entities within our industry. Having practiced in this area 
for over 30 years, he is aware of virtually every type of legal issue that can arise, making him an important member of the 
Board.

Nourdean  Anakar  became  a  director  on  September  14,  2010.  Mr.  Anakar  is  a  seasoned  gaming  and  hospitality  senior 
executive with a 28-year successful track record in leading the development and management of top ranked gaming and 
hospitality operations in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. He was Chairman and CEO of Sorteo Games Inc. 
from 2002 through 2014 and since 2015 has been a partner of the McKinney Capital Group and oversees all international 
developments. He received his BA in Management Science from Duke University and CHA in Hospitality Management 
from  the  Conrad  Hilton  College  at  the  University  of  Houston.  Mr.  Anakar’s  experience  managing  and  developing 
businesses in industries with similar characteristics to ours make him an excellent fit to the Board.

Yura Barabash became a director on September 19, 2017. Mr. Barabash has been a Director of SportUpdate BV, private 
digital  media  company  in  the  Netherlands,  since  December  2017.  Mr.  Barabash  has  extensive  corporate  finance 
experience across multiple industries domestically and internationally, and has been involved in multiple equity and debt 
financings and M&A transactions for public and private companies in the US, China, Brazil, EU and Russia. From 2016 to 
June  2019  he  was  a  Senior  Vice  President  of  Finance  at  Motorsport  Network  LLC  (www.motorsportnetwork.com)  in 
Miami, the largest motorsport data enabled digital media company in the world. Prior to joining Motorsport Network, he 
was an investment banker at Primary Capital from 2011 until 2016. Previously, Mr. Barabash was an investment banker at 
Rodman  &  Renshaw  and  Merrill  Lynch.  He  holds  a  B.A.  from  Sevastopol  City  University  in  Ukraine  and  a  Master  in 
International Affairs from Columbia University in New York City, and is fluent in Russian. Mr. Barabash is a valuable 
member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  based  on  his  extensive  corporate  finance  and  investment  banking  experience  across 
multiple industries domestically and internationally with a wide range of transactions (debt and equity). He also possesses 
extensive financial modeling and investor relationship experience and experience in diligence, governance and accounting.

Elaine  J.  Martin  became  a  director  on  August  8,  2019.  She  is  co-founder  and  general  partner  of  two  privately-held 
Houston area businesses for which she provides a broad array of management and accounting functions on a day-to-day 
basis. In 1993, she co-founded Medco Manufacturing LLC, which develops, manufactures and sells, under Food and Drug 
Administration  (FDA)  guidelines,  equipment  and  disposable  products  used  by  plastic  surgeons  in  domestic  and 
international  markets.  In  1989,  Ms.  Martin  co-founded  Aero  Tech  Aviation  LLC,  which  trains  foreign  nationals  for  the 
Federal  Aviation  Administration  (FAA)  Air  Frame  and  Power  Plant  examination,  for  their  license  to  repair  US-origin 
aircraft. Earlier in her career, she was a Registered Nurse specializing in cosmetic surgery. Ms. Martin received her BS in 
Biology and Chemistry from Houston Baptist University. Her volunteer activities have included serving as a member of 
the  Board  of  Directors  of  Texas  A&M  University  Mothers’  Club  (Aggie  Moms).  Ms.  Martin’s  business  acumen  and 
experience running companies make her an important member of the Board.

Arthur  Allan  Priaulx  became  a  director  on  August  8,  2019.  He  has  more  than  45  years  of  experience  in  the 
communications industry. Earlier in his career, he was Vice President and General Manager of King Features Division of 
Hearst  Corporation,  in  charge  of  worldwide  newspaper  activities  and  product  licensing.  He  was  also  publisher  of 
American Banker, a leading trade publication in the financial services industry, when it was owned by Thomson Financial. 
In 1993, he founded Resource Media Group, a New York-based financial media and investor relations firm. His clients 
included a wide range of companies, including RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., for which he provided public and investor 
relations  services  from  1994  to  2013.  Mr.  Priaulx  has  been  retired  since  2014.  He  attended  Dartmouth  College  and 
University  of  Southampton  in  the  U.K.  He  has  also  completed  graduate-level  courses  at  INSEAD  Business  School  in 
France  and  the  Wharton  School  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  His  volunteer  activities  have  included  serving  as 
national vice president of United Cerebral Palsy.

On  August  8,  2019,  Steven  Jenkins  resigned  from  the  board.  He  has  confirmed  that  his  decision  was  not  due  to  a 
disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

91 

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AUDIT COMMITTEE

We have an Audit Committee whose members are Yura Barabash, Elaine Martin and Arthur Allan Priaulx. All members 
of the Audit Committee are independent directors. The purpose of the Audit Committee is to (i) oversee our accounting 
and financial reporting processes, our disclosure controls and procedures and system of internal controls and audits of our 
consolidated  financial  statements,  (ii)  oversee  the  relationship  with  our  independent  auditors,  including  appointing  or 
changing our auditors and ensuring their independence, and (iii) provide oversight regarding significant financial matters. 
The  Audit  Committee  meets  privately  with  our  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  with  our  independent  registered  public 
accounting  firm  and  evaluates  the  responses  by  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  both  to  the  facts  presented  and  to  the 
judgments  made  by  our  outside  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm.  Yura  Barabash  serves  as  the  Audit 
Committee’s financial expert.

In August 2015, our Board adopted a new Charter for the Audit Committee. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter can 
be  found  on  our  website  at  www.rcihospitality.com/investor.  The  Charter  establishes  the  independence  of  our  Audit 
Committee and sets forth the scope of the Audit Committee’s duties. The Audit Committee conducts an ongoing review of 
our financial reports and other financial information prior to their being filed with the SEC, or otherwise provided to the 
public.  The  Audit  Committee  also  reviews  our  systems,  methods  and  procedures  of  internal  controls  in  the  areas  of: 
financial reporting, audits, treasury operations, corporate finance, managerial, financial and SEC accounting, compliance 
with  law,  and  ethical  conduct.  NASDAQ  Stock  Market  Rules  require  all  members  of  the  Audit  Committee  to  be 
independent. The Audit Committee is objective, and reviews and assesses the work of our independent registered public 
accounting firm and our internal accounting department.

92 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

We  have  a  Nominating  Committee  whose  current  members  are  Elaine  Martin,  Luke  Lirot,  Yura  Barabash  and  Arthur 
Allan Priaulx. In July 2004, the Board unanimously adopted a Charter with regard to the process to be used for identifying 
and  evaluating  nominees  for  director.  The  Charter establishes  the  independence  of  our  Nominating  Committee  and  sets 
forth  the  scope  of  the  Nominating  Committee’s  duties.  NASDAQ  Stock  Market  Rules  require  all  members  of  the 
Nominating Committee to be independent. Pursuant to its Charter, the Committee has the power and authority to consider 
Board  nominees  and  proposals  submitted  by  our  stockholders  and  to  establish  any  procedures,  including  procedures  to 
facilitate stockholder communication with the Board of Directors, and to make any such disclosures required by applicable 
law  in  the  course  of  exercising  such  authority.  A  copy  of  the  Nominating  Committee’s  Charter  can  be  found  on  our 
website at www.rcihospitality.com/investor.

COMPENSATION COMMITEE

We have a Compensation Committee whose current members are Elaine Martin, Luke Lirot, Yura Barabash and Arthur 
Allan  Priaulx.  In  June  2014,  the  Compensation  Committee  adopted  a  Charter  with  regard  to  the  Compensation 
Committee’s responsibilities, including evaluating, reviewing and determining the compensation of our Chief Executive 
Officer and other executive officers. A copy of the Compensation Committee’s Charter can be found on our website at 
www.rcihospitality.com/investor.

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own 
beneficially more than ten percent of our common stock, to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission. Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to us during the fiscal 
year ended September 30, 2019, we believe that the directors, executive officers, and greater than ten percent beneficial 
owners have complied with all applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, except for 
an untimely Form 4 filed on February 12, 2020 for each of Eric Langan, our Chief Executive Officer; Phillip Marshall, our 
Chief Financial Officer; and Travis Reese, our Director and Executive Vice President.

CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a code of ethics for our principal executive and senior financial officers, a copy of which can be found 
on our website at www.rcihospitality.com.

93 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This compensation discussion and analysis describes the material elements of the Company’s compensation programs as 
they  relate  to  our  executive  officers  who  are  listed  in  the  compensation  tables  appearing  below.  This  compensation 
discussion and analysis focuses on the information contained in the following tables and related footnotes. The individuals 
who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during fiscal 2019, as well as any other 
individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table, are referred to as “named executive officers.”

Overview of Compensation Committee Role and Responsibilities

The  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  oversees  our  compensation  plans  and  policies,  reviews  and 
approves  all  decisions  concerning  the  named  executive  officers’  compensation,  which  may  further  be  approved  by  the 
Board,  and  administers  our  stock  option  and  equity  plans,  including  reviewing  and  approving  stock  option  grants  and 
equity awards under the plans. The Compensation Committee’s membership is determined by the Board and is composed 
entirely of independent directors.

Management plays a role in the compensation-setting process. The most significant aspects of management’s role are to 
evaluate  employee  performance  and  recommend  salary  levels  and  equity  compensation  awards.  Our  Chief  Executive 
Officer often makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee and the Board concerning compensation for other 
executive  officers.  Our  Chief  Executive  Officer  is  a  member  of  the  Board  but  does  not  participate  in  Board  decisions 
regarding  any  aspect  of  his  own  compensation.  The  Compensation  Committee  can  retain  independent  advisors  or 
consultants.

Compensation Committee Process

The  Compensation  Committee  reviews  executive  compensation  in  connection  with  the  evaluation  and  approval  of  an 
employment agreement, an increase in responsibilities or other factors. With respect to equity compensation awarded to 
other employees, the Compensation Committee or the Board grants stock options, often after receiving a recommendation 
from our Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee also evaluates proposals for incentive and performance 
equity awards, and other compensation.

Compensation Philosophy

The  Compensation  Committee  emphasizes  the  important  link  between  the  Company’s  performance,  which  ultimately 
affects stockholder value, and the compensation of its executives. Therefore, the primary goal of the Company’s executive 
compensation policy is to try to align the interests of the executive officers with the interests of the stockholders. In order 
to achieve this goal, the Company attempts to (i) offer compensation opportunities that attract and retain executives whose 
abilities and skills are critical to the long-term success of the Company and reward them for their efforts in ensuring the 
success  of  the  Company,  (ii)  align  the  Company’s  compensation  programs  with  the  Company’s  long-term  business 
strategies and objectives, and (iii) provide variable compensation opportunities that are directly linked to the Company’s 
performance  and  stockholder  value,  including  an  equity  stake  in  the  Company.  Our  named  executive  officers’ 
compensation  utilizes  two  primary  components  —  base  salary  and  long-term  equity  compensation  —  to  achieve  these 
goals.  We  have  not,  however,  granted  any  equity  awards  to  our  executive  officers  since  2014.  Additionally,  the 
Compensation Committee may award discretionary bonuses to certain executives based on the individual’s contribution to 
the achievement of the Company’s strategic objectives.

94 

Setting Executive Compensation

We  fix  executive  base  compensation  at  a  level  we  believe  enables  us  to  hire  and  retain  individuals  in  a  competitive 
environment  and  to  reward  satisfactory  individual  performance  and  a  satisfactory  level  of  contribution  to  our  overall 
business  goals.  We  also  take  into  account  the  compensation  that  is  paid  by  companies  that  we  believe  to  be  our 
competitors and by other companies with which we believe we generally compete for executives.

In  establishing  compensation  packages  for  executive  officers,  numerous  factors  are  considered,  including  the  particular 
executive’s  experience,  expertise  and  performance,  our  company’s  overall  performance  and  compensation  packages 
available  in  the  marketplace  for  similar  positions.  In  arriving  at  amounts  for  each  component  of  compensation,  our 
Compensation  Committee  strives  to  strike  an  appropriate  balance  between  base  compensation  and  incentive 
compensation.  The  Compensation  Committee  also  endeavors  to  properly  allocate  between  cash  and  non-cash 
compensation and between annual and long-term compensation.

The Role of Shareholder Say-on-Pay Votes

At our annual meeting of shareholders held on August 29, 2018, approximately 96% of the shareholders who voted on the 
“say-on-pay” proposal approved the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in the proxy statement. 
Although  this  advisory  shareholder  vote  on  executive  compensation  is  non-binding,  the  Compensation  Committee  will 
consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for named executive officers.

Base Salary

The Company provides executive officers and other employees with base salary to compensate them for services rendered 
during the fiscal year. Subject to the provisions contained in employment agreements with executive officers concerning 
base salary amounts, base salaries of the executive officers are established based upon compensation data of comparable 
companies in our market, the executive’s job responsibilities, level of experience, individual performance and contribution 
to the business. We believe it is important for the Company to provide adequate fixed compensation to highly qualified 
executives in our competitive industry. In making base salary decisions, the Compensation Committee uses its discretion 
and judgment based upon personal knowledge of industry practice but does not apply any specific formula to determine 
the base salaries for the executive officers.

Equity-Based Awards—Equity Compensation Plans

Although we have not granted any equity awards to our executive officers since 2014, the Compensation Committee has 
historically used equity awards, usually in the form of stock options, primarily to motivate our named executive officers to 
realize  benefits  from  longer-term  strategies  that  increase  stockholder  value,  and  to  promote  commitment  and  retention. 
Equity awards may vest either at a particular date in the future or upon the achievement of performance criteria that the 
Company believes are critical to its long-term success.

The  Compensation  Committee  believes  that  stock  options  are  an  important  form  of  long-term  incentive  compensation 
because they align the executive officer’s interests with the interests of stockholders, since the options have value only if 
our  stock  price  increases  over  time.  From  time  to  time,  the  Compensation  Committee  may  consider  circumstances  that 
warrant  the  grant  of  full  value  awards  such  as  restricted  stock  units.  Examples  of  these  circumstances  include,  among 
others, attracting a new executive to the team; recognizing a promotion to the executive team; retention; and rewarding 
outstanding long-term contributions.

Our  equity  grant  practices  require  that  stock  options  and  other  equity  compensation  have  prices  not  less  than  the  fair 
market value on the date of grant. The fair market value of our stock option awards has historically been the NASDAQ 
closing price on the date of grant.

95 

Retirement Savings Plan

The Company maintains a retirement savings plan for the benefit of our executives and employees. Our Simple IRA Plan 
is intended to qualify as a defined contribution arrangement under the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Participants 
may elect to defer a percentage of their eligible pretax earnings each year or contribute a fixed amount per pay period up 
to  the  maximum  contribution  permitted  by  the  Code.  All  participants’  plan  accounts  are  100%  vested  at  all  times.  All 
assets  of  our  Simple  IRA  Plan  are  invested  based  on  participant-directed  elections.  We  make  certain  matching 
contributions to the Simple IRA Plan, which are also 100% vested.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

The Company’s executive officers participate in the Company’s other benefit plans on the same terms as other employees 
on a non-discriminatory basis. These plans include medical, dental, life and disability insurance. Relocation benefits also 
are reimbursed and are individually negotiated when they occur. The Company reimburses each executive officer for all 
reasonable  business  and  other  expenses  incurred  by  them  in  connection  with  the  performance  of  their  duties  and 
obligations  under  their  employment  agreements.  The  Company  does  not  provide  named  executive  officers  with  any 
significant  perquisites  or  other  personal  benefits  except  for  personal  travel  using  Company-owned  automobiles  and/or 
aircrafts.  In  September  2019,  the  board  of  directors  approved  an  aircraft  policy  allowing  personal  use  of  Company 
aircrafts as follows: (1) 25 hours per fiscal quarter for our CEO, and (2) 12 hours each per fiscal quarter for our CFO and 
our EVP.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table reflects all forms of compensation for services to us for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 
2018, and 2017 of our named executive officers.

Name and

Principal Position
Eric S. Langan

President and Chief Executive Officer

Phillip K. Marshall

Chief Financial Officer

Travis Reese

Executive Vice President

Stock

Option

Salary

Awards

Awards

All Other
Compensation
(1)

Year
2019
2018
2017

($)
1,200,000
1,015,384
900,000

2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

325,000
294,231
263,942

390,000
346,854
320,000

($)

($)

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

($)
81,355
119,904
158,673

34,067
32,580
27,396

76,622
73,722
66,579

-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

Total

($)
1,281,355
1,135,288
1,058,673

359,067
326,811
291,338

466,622
420,576
386,579

(1) All Other Compensation consists of SIMPLE IRA matching contributions, automobile expenses, and personal use of 
aircraft. We account for personal use of aircraft to be the aggregate incremental cost of personal use of the company 
aircraft  as  calculated  based  on  a  cost-per-flight-hour  charge  developed  by  a  nationally  recognized  and  independent 
service. The charge reflects the direct cost of operating the aircraft, including fuel, additives, lubricants, maintenance 
labor, airframe parts, engine restoration, major periodic maintenance, and an allowance for propeller maintenance. We 
added actual airport/hangar fees charged to the company on a per-flight basis. The charge does not include fixed costs 
that  do  not  change  based  on  usage,  such  as  aircraft  depreciation,  home  hangar  expenses,  and  general  taxes  and 
insurance. We value automobile expenses based on the annual depreciation rate of automobiles assigned for use by 
the particular officer, plus cost of insurance, registration, repairs, maintenance, and fuel.

A table of All Other Compensation for fiscal 2019 for our named executive officers is presented below:

Name
Eric S. Langan

Phillip K. Marshall

Travis Reese

SIMPLE IRA 
Matching 
Contribution

($)

16,630

9,750

11,700

Automobile 
Expenses

Personal Use of 
Aircraft

Total All Other 
Compensation

($)

46,877

-

8,444

($)

81,355

34,067

76,622

($)

17,848

24,317

56,478

96 

CEO Pay Ratio

We reviewed a comparison of annual total compensation of our CEO to the annual compensation of our median employee 
who was selected from all employees who were employed (other than the CEO) during our fiscal year ended September 
30, 2019.

The SEC’s rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s 
annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make 
reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices. As a result, the 
pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported below, as other companies have 
different employee populations and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates 
and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios.

We used the same median employee that was identified in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

The compensation for our CEO in fiscal 2019 of $1,281,355 was approximately 62 times the compensation of our median 
employee of $20,534.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

There were no grants of plan-based awards for the year ended September 30, 2019.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

There were no outstanding equity awards as of September 30, 2019.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED IN FISCAL YEAR 2019

There were no stock options exercised nor stock that vested during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

97 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

We  pay  the  expenses  of  our  directors  in  attending  board  meetings.  We  paid  no  equity-based  compensation  during  the 
fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  2019,  and  we  paid  our  independent  directors  $20,000  in  cash  for  the  fiscal  year. 
Following is a schedule of all compensation paid to our directors in the year ended September 30, 2019:

Name
Nourdean Anakar
Steve L. Jenkins
Luke C. Lirot
Yura Barabash
Elaine Martin
Arthur Allan Priaulx
Eric S. Langan
Travis Reese

Fees earned 
or paid in 
cash
($)

20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
-
-
-
-

During September 2019, the board of directors unanimously approved increasing the compensation of the non-executive 
directors to $30,000 in cash for the 2020 fiscal year, payable $7,500 each quarter.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

On January 31, 2020, the employment agreements with each of our executive officers, including Eric S. Langan, our Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  President,  Phillip  Marshall,  our  Chief  Financial  Officer,  and  Travis  Reese,  our  Executive  Vice 
President,  expired.  We  are  presently  in  the  process  of  negotiating  new  employment  agreements  with  each  of  these 
individuals. During this process, the Compensation Committee has determined that these executive officers will continue 
to receive the pay and benefits provided under their previous employment agreements. Under their respective agreements, 
Mr. Langan’s annual salary was $1,200,000, Mr. Marshall’s annual salary was $325,000, and Mr. Reese’s annual salary 
was  $390,000.  Each  of  the  agreements  also  provided  for  bonus  eligibility,  expense  reimbursement,  participation  in  all 
benefit plans maintained by us for salaried employees and two weeks paid vacation.

Currently, our executive officers do not have long-term incentive plans or defined benefit or actuarial plans outstanding.

EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLANS

As of September 30, 2019, there are no stock options outstanding under our 2010 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

98 

COMPENSATION POLICIES AND PRACTICES AS THEY RELATE TO RISK MANAGEMENT

We attempt to make our compensation programs discretionary, balanced and focused on the long term. We believe goals 
and objectives of our compensation programs reflect a balanced mix of quantitative and qualitative performance measures 
to  avoid  excessive  weight  on  a  single  performance  measure.  Our  approach  to  compensation  practices  and  policies 
applicable  to  employees  and consultants  is  consistent  with  that  followed  for  our  executives.  Based  on  these factors,  we 
believe  that  our  compensation  policies  and  practices  do  not  create  risks  that  are  reasonably  likely  to  have  a  material 
adverse effect on us.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis 
to be included in this Form 10-K. Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Compensation Committee 
recommends to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis referred to above be included in 
this report. This report is furnished by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, whose members are:

Elaine Martin
Luke Lirot
Yura Barabash
Arthur Allan Priaulx

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The  Compensation  Committee  is  comprised  of  Ms.  Martin  and  Messrs.  Lirot,  Barabash,  and  Priaulx.  No  interlocking 
relationship exists between any member of the Compensation Committee and any member of any other company’s Board 
of Directors or compensation committee.

99 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The following table sets forth certain information at February 6, 2020, with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares 
of  common  stock  by  (i)  each  person  known  to  us  who  owns  beneficially  more  than  5%  of  the  outstanding  shares  of 
common  stock,  (ii)  each  of  our  directors,  (iii)  each  of  our  executive  officers  and  (iv)  all  of  our  executive  officers  and 
directors  as  a  group.  Unless  otherwise  noted  below,  the  address  of  each  beneficial  owner  listed  in  the  table  is  c/o  RCI 
Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.,  10737  Cutten  Road,  Houston,  Texas  77066.  We  have  determined  beneficial  ownership  in 
accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information 
furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect 
to  all  shares  of  common  stock  that  they  beneficially  own,  subject  to  applicable  community  property  laws.  Applicable 
percentage ownership is based on 9,258,000 shares of common stock outstanding at February 6, 2020. In computing the 
number  of  shares  of  common  stock  beneficially  owned  by  a  person  and  the  percentage  ownership  of  that  person,  we 
deemed outstanding  shares  of common  stock subject to stock options  or warrants held  by that  person  that  are  currently 
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of February 6, 2020 and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 
other securities held by that person that are currently convertible or convertible within 60 days of February 6, 2020. We 
did  not  deem  these  shares  outstanding,  however,  for  the  purpose  of  computing  the  percentage  ownership  of  any  other 
person. Beneficial ownership representing less than 1% is denoted with an asterisk (*).

Name/Address
Executive Officers and Directors

Eric S. Langan

Phillip K. Marshall

Yura Barabash

Travis Reese

Nourdean Anakar

Luke Lirot

Elaine Martin

Arthur Allan Priaulx

Number of
shares

Title of class

Percent of
Class (1)

701,870(2)

Common stock

7.58%

16,000(3)

Common stock

-0-

Common stock

14,141(4)

Common stock

-0-

518

975

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

2,000

Common stock

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

All of our Directors and Officers as a Group of eight persons

731,764

Common stock

7.90%

Other > 5% Security Holders (5)

Cooper Capital Securities, L.P. (6)

547,170

Common stock

BlackRock, Inc. (7)

596,667

Common stock

5.91%

6.44%

(1) These percentages exclude treasury shares in the calculation of percentage of class.

(2) Includes  1,870  shares  held  in  an  investment  club  over  which  Mr.  Langan  has  shared  voting  and  investment 

power. As of the date of this report, Mr. Langan owns approximately 21.7% of the investment club.

(3) Includes  1,870  shares  held  in  an  investment  club  over  which  Mr.  Marshall  has  shared  voting  and  investment 

power. As of the date of this report, Mr. Marshall owns approximately 4.6% of the investment club.

(4) Includes 1,870 shares held in an investment club over which Mr. Reese has shared voting and investment power. 

As of the date of this report, Mr. Reese owns approximately 0.9% of the investment club.

(5) A  representative  of  Renaissance  Technologies  LLC  (“RTC”)  has  communicated  to  us  that  RTC  no  longer 
beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock. RTC has not yet filed with the SEC 
a Schedule 13G/A to reflect this change, but the change is consistent with RTC’s latest Form 13F report. RTC’s 
most  recently  available  Schedule  13G/A  filed  on  February  13,  2019  by  RTC  and  Renaissance  Technologies 
Holdings  Corporation  (the  majority  owner  of  RTC)  reflects  that  RTC  beneficially  owned  703,700  shares  of 
common  stock  (which  would  represent  7.32%  of  outstanding  common  stock),  with  sole  voting  power  over 
613,400  shares,  sole  dispositive  power  over  652,575  shares,  and  shared  dispositive  power  over  51,125  shares. 
The address for both entities is 800 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

(6) Based  on  the  most  recently  available  Schedule  13G/A  filed  with  the  SEC  on  February  10,  2020  by  Cooper 
Capital  Securities,  L.P.,  Cooper  Capital  Management,  LLC,  Adam  Mikkelsen  and  Yilaap  Lai.  Cooper  Capital 
Management is the general partner of Cooper Capital Securities; Adam Mikkelsen is the managing member of 
Cooper Capital Management; and Yilaap Lai is the limited partner of Cooper Capital Securities. Cooper Capital 
Securities  beneficially  owned  547,170  shares,  with  shared  voting  power  over  425,852  shares,  and  shared 
dispositive power over 425,852 shares. The address of Cooper Capital Securities is 520 Newport Center Drive, 
Suite 500, Newport Beach, California 92660.

(7)

Based on the most recently available Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 7, 2020 by BlackRock Inc. 
BlackRock beneficially owned 596,667 shares, with sole voting power over 581,097 shares and sole dispositive 
power over 596,667 shares. The address of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

The Company is not aware of any arrangements that could result in a change in control of the Company.

The  disclosure  required  by  Item  201(d)  of  Regulation  S-K  is  set  forth  in  Item  5  herein  and  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference.

100 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Presently, our Chairman and President, Eric Langan, personally guarantees all of the commercial bank indebtedness of the 
company. Mr. Langan receives no compensation or other direct financial benefit for any of the guarantees.

We  paid  Ed  Anakar,  our  director  of  operations  –  club  division,  employment  compensation  of  $550,000,  $488,462,  and 
$450,000  during  the  fiscal  years  ended  September  30,  2019,  2018,  and  2017  respectively.  Ed  Anakar  is  the  brother  of 
Nourdean Anakar, a director of the Company.

In  November  2018, we borrowed  $500,000 from  Ed Anakar. The  note bears interest at  the rate of  12% per  annum  and 
matures  in  November  2021.  The  note  is  payable  in  monthly  installments  of  interest  only  with  a  balloon  payment  of  all 
unpaid principal and interest due at maturity.

We used the services of Sherwood Forest Creations, LLC (“Sherwood Forest”) and its predecessor, Creative Steel Designs 
(“Creative  Steel”),  furniture  fabrication  companies  that  manufacture  tables,  chairs  and  other  furnishings  for  our 
Bombshells locations, as well as providing ongoing maintenance. Sherwood Forest is owned by a brother of Eric Langan, 
and Creative Steel was owned by his father. Amounts billed to us for goods and services provided by Sherwood Forest 
were approximately $134,000 in fiscal 2019, $321,000 in fiscal 2018, and an aggregate of $135,000 by Sherwood Forest 
and Creative Steel in fiscal 2017. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, we owed Sherwood Forest $6,588 and $73,377, 
respectively, in unpaid billings.

TW Mechanical LLC (“TW Mechanical”) provided plumbing and HVAC services to both a third-party general contractor 
providing  construction  services  to  the  Company,  as  well  as  directly  to  the  Company  during  fiscal  2018  and  2019.  TW 
Mechanical is 20% owned by the son-in-law of Eric Langan. Amounts billed by TW Mechanical to the third-party general 
contractor were $452,000, $120,000, and $0 for the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively. Amounts billed 
directly to the Company were $47,000, $7,000 and $0 for the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018, and 2017 respectively. As of 
September 30, 2019 and 2018, we owed TW Mechanical $0 and $0, respectively, in unpaid direct billings.

Review, Approval, or Ratification of Related Transactions

On September 23, 2019, the Board of Directors, acting upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee, adopted a new 
written related party transaction policy, under which related party transactions are subject to review, approval, rejection, 
modification and/or ratification by the Audit Committee. The policy provides that prior to the entry into any transaction 
between the Company and one of its officers, directors, 5% shareholders or an immediate family member of any of the 
foregoing  (a  “related  party”),  such  transaction  will  be  reported  to  the  Company’s  chief  compliance  officer.  The 
Company’s chief compliance officer will undertake an evaluation of the transaction. If that evaluation indicates that the 
transaction  would  require  the  Audit  Committee’s  approval,  the  Company’s  chief  compliance  officer  will  report  this 
transaction to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will review the material facts of all related party transactions 
that  require  the  Audit  Committee’s  approval  and  either  approve  or  disapprove  of  the  entry  into  the  related  party 
transaction.  If  advance  Audit  Committee  approval  of  a  related  party  transaction  is  not  feasible,  then  the  related  party 
transaction  will  be  considered  and,  if  the  Audit  Committee  determines  it  to  be  appropriate,  ratified  at  the  Audit 
Committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting. In determining whether to approve or ratify a related party transaction, the 
Audit Committee will take into account factors it deems appropriate. In the event that the Audit Committee determines not 
to ratify and approve the related party transaction, then the Audit Committee will instruct that the related party transaction 
be rescinded or unwound. The Audit Committee will not approve or ratify any related party transaction unless it deems 
that  the  transaction  is  on  terms  no  less  favorable  than  terms  generally  available  to  an  unaffiliated  third-party  under  the 
same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. No director will participate 
in any discussion or approval of a related party transaction for which he or she is a related party, except that the director 
shall provide all material information concerning the transaction to the Audit Committee.

In reviewing related party transactions under the policy, the Audit Committee will review and consider one or more of the 
following as it seems appropriate for the circumstances: (1) the related party’s interest in the related party transaction; (2) 
the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the related party transaction; (3) the approximate dollar value of 
the amount of the related party’s interest in the transaction without regard to the amount of any profit or loss; (4) whether 
the transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of business of the Company; (5) whether the transaction with the 
related party is proposed to be, or was, entered into on terms no less favorable to the Company than terms that could have 
been reached with an unrelated third party; (6) the purpose of, and the potential benefits to the Company of, the related 
party  transaction;  (7)  whether  the  related  party  transaction  would  impair  the  independence  of  an  outside  director;  (8) 
required public disclosure, if any; and (9) any other information regarding the related party transaction or the related party 
in the context of the proposed transaction that would be material to investors in light of the circumstances of the particular 
transaction. The Audit Committee will review all relevant information available to it about the related party transaction. 
The Audit Committee may approve or ratify the related party transaction only if the Audit Committee determines in good 
faith  that,  under  all  of  the  circumstances,  the  transaction  is  fair  as  to  the  Company.  The  Audit  Committee,  in  its  sole 
discretion,  may  impose  such  condition  as  it  deems  appropriate  on  the  Company  or  the  related  party  in  connection  with 
approval of the related party transaction.

Our Audit Committee is composed of all independent directors, including Yura Barabash, Elaine Martin and Arthur Allan 
Priaulx.  We  additionally  have  two  other  independent  directors,  Nourdean  Anakar  and  Luke  Lirot,  who  are  not  on  the 
Audit Committee. The definition of “independent” used herein is based on the independence standards of The NASDAQ 
Stock Market LLC.

101 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees paid or accrued for professional services and the aggregate fees paid or 
accrued for audit-related services and all other services rendered by BDO USA, LLP for the audit of our annual financial 
statements fiscal year 2018, partial fiscal 2019 and by Friedman LLP for partial fiscal 2019 (in thousands).

Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax fees
All other fees

Total

Friedman 2019

BDO 2019

BDO 2018

$

$

$

401
-
-
-

$

670
-
208
237

879
-
351
-

401

$

1,115

$

1,230

“Audit  fees”  include  fees  billed  for  professional  services  rendered  in  connection  with  the  annual  audit  and  quarterly 
reviews  of  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  audit  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as 
required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and assistance with securities filings other than periodic reports.

There were no “Audit-related fees” in Fiscal 2019 or 2018.

The category of “Tax fees” includes consultation related to tax compliance and tax structuring.

“All other fees” include fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with the SEC investigation.

All  above  audit  services,  audit-related  services  and  tax  services  were  pre-approved  by  the  Audit  Committee,  which 
concluded that the provision of such services by Friedman, LLP or BDO USA, LLP was compatible with the maintenance 
of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee’s outside auditor independence 
policy provides for pre-approval of all services performed by the outside auditors.

102 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

Exhibit No.

Description

PART IV

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

4.1

4.2

4.3

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

16.1

21.1

23.1 

Articles of Incorporation dated December 9, 1994. (Incorporated by reference from Form SB-2 filed with 
the SEC on January 11, 1995.) *

Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated September 9, 2008. (Incorporated by reference 
from Definitive Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on July 21, 2008.) *

Certificate  of  Amendment  to  Articles  of  Incorporation  dated  August  6,  2014.  (Incorporated  by  reference 
from Definitive Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on June 24, 2014.) *

Amended and Restated Bylaws (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 
16, 2016.) *

Consolidated,  Amended  and  Restated  Promissory  Note  for  $62,539,366.08  with  Centennial  Bank 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2017) *

Amended  and  Restated  Promissory  Note  for  $10,558,311.35  with  Centennial  Bank  (Incorporated  by 
reference from Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2017) *

Amended  and  Restated  Promissory  Note  for  $8,147,572.57  with  Centennial  Bank  (Incorporated  by 
reference from Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2017) *

Employment  Agreement  with  Eric  S.  Langan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  from  Form  8-K  filed  with  the 
SEC on May 4, 2018.) *

Employment Agreement with Travis Reese. (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed with the SEC 
on May 4, 2018.) *

Employment Agreement with Phillip K. Marshall. (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed with the 
SEC on May 4, 2018.) *

Loan Agreement between RCI Holdings, Inc. and Centennial Bank (Incorporated by reference from Form 
8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2017) *

Absolute  Unconditional  and  Continuing  Guaranty  of  RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.  to  Centennial  Bank 
(Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2017) *

Absolute Unconditional and Continuing Guaranty of Eric S. Langan to Centennial Bank (Incorporated by 
reference from Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2017) *

Letter from BDO USA, LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Incorporated by reference from 
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2019) *

Subsidiaries 

Consent of Friedman LLP

103 

31.1

31.2

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. required by Rule 13a-14(1) or 
Rule  15d  -  14(a)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  adopted  pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification  of  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.  required  by  Rule  13a-14(1)  or 
Rule  15d  -  14(a)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  adopted  pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification  of  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc. 
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 1350 of 18 U.S.C. 63.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

* Incorporated by reference from our previous filings with the SEC.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

None.

104 

In accordance with the requirements of Section 13 of 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this 

report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on February 13, 2020.

SIGNATURES

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

By: /s/ Eric S. Langan
Eric S. Langan
Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons in 

the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Eric S. Langan
Eric S. Langan

/s/ Phillip K. Marshall
Phillip K. Marshall

/s/ Travis Reese
Travis Reese

/s/ Nourdean Anakar
Nourdean Anakar

/s/ Yura Barabash
Yura Barabash

/s/ Luke Lirot
Luke Lirot

/s/ Elaine Martin
Elaine Martin

/s/ Arthur Allan Priaulx
Arthur Allan Priaulx

Director, Chief Executive Officer, and President

February 13, 2020

Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

February 13, 2020

Director and Executive Vice President

February 13, 2020

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

105 

February 13, 2020

February 13, 2020

February 13, 2020

February 13, 2020

February 13, 2020

Name

12291 CBW LLC
2151 Manana, Inc.
BGC 135 9th Street, Inc.
BMB Dining Services (249), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (290), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (59), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Austin), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Beaumont), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Frisco), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Fuqua), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (I-10 East), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Katy), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Pearland), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Spring), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Stemmons), Inc.
BMB Dining Services (Willowbrook), Inc.
BMB Franchising Services, Inc.
CA Ault Investments, Inc.
Cabaret North Parking, Inc.
California Grill LLC
Citation Land LLC
Drink Robust, Inc.
E. D. Publications, Inc.
Fantastic Dining, Inc.
Fine Dining Club Inc.
Global Marketing Agency, Inc.
Green Star Inc.
Hotel Development Texas Ltd.
Jaguars Acquisition, Inc.
Jaguars Holdings, Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Beaumont), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Edinburg), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (El Paso), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Harlingen), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Longview), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Lubbock), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Odessa II), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Odessa), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Phoenix), Inc.
JAI Dining Services (Tye), Inc.
Joint Ventures, Inc.
JW Lee, Inc.
Kingsbury Acquisition, Inc.
Manana Entertainment, Inc.
Miami Gardens Square One, Inc.
New Spiros, LLC
North IH 35 Investments, Incorporated
Peregrine Enterprises, Inc.
Pooh Bah Enterprises, Inc.
RB Restaurants, Inc.
RCI 33rd Street Ventures, Inc.
RCI Dating Services, Inc.
RCI Debit Services, Inc.
RCI Dining (DFW), LLC

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Exhibit 21

State of Organization

Texas
Texas
Pennsylvania
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
 Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Florida
Illinois
Texas
Florida
Texas
Texas
New York
Illinois
Texas
New York
Texas
Texas
Texas

Name

State of Organization

RCI Dining Services (16328 I-35), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (37th Street), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Airport Freeway), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Beaumont), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Charlotte), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Glenwood), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Harvey), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Hobby), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Imperial Valley), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Inwood), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Kappa), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Manana), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (New York), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Pembroke Park), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Round Rock), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Stemmons), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Stemmons2), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Sulphur), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Superior Parkway), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Tarrant County), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Vee), Inc.
RCI Dining Services (Washington Park), Inc.
RCI Dining Services MN (4th Street), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (3105 I-35), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (3315 N FWY FW), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Austin), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Dallas), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Fort Worth), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Media Holdings), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Minnesota), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (New York), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (North Carolina), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (North FW), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Northwest Hwy), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Philadelphia), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (San Antonio), Inc.
RCI Entertainment (Texas), Inc.
RCI Entertainment MN (300 South 3rd Street), Inc.
RCI Holdings, Inc.
RCI IH 635 Property, Inc.
RCI Internet Services, Inc.
RCI Leasing LLC
RCI Management Services, Inc.
RCI Wireway, Inc.
S Willy’s Lubbock LLC
Sadco, Inc.
SP Administration, Inc.
Spiros Partners Ltd.
Stellar Management Corporation
StorErotica, Inc.
Tantra Dance, Inc.
Tantra Parking, Inc.
TEZ Management LLC
TEZ Real Estate LP
Top Shelf Entertainment LLC
Trumps, Inc.
TRR Leasing, Inc.
TT Leasing LLC
WKC, Inc.
XTC Cabaret (Dallas), Inc.
XTC Cabaret, Inc.

Texas
New York
Texas
Texas
North Carolina
Minnesota
Illinois
Texas
Texas
Texas
Illinois
Texas
New York
Florida
Texas
Texas
Texas
Louisiana
Texas
Texas
Texas
Illinois
Minnesota
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Minnesota
New York
North Carolina
Texas
Texas
Pennsylvania
Texas
Texas
Minnesota
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Florida
Delaware
Texas
Texas
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
North Carolina
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-174207 and No. 
333-194343)  and  Form  S-8  (No.  333-193114)  of  RCI  Hospitality  Holdings,  Inc.  (the  “Company”)  of  our  reports  dated 
February  13,  2020,  relating  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  and  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal 
control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form 10-K. Our report on the effectiveness of internal control over 
financial  reporting  expresses  an  adverse  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as of September 30, 2019.

Exhibit 23.1

/s/ Friedman LLP

Marlton, New Jersey
February 13, 2020

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Eric S. Langan, Chief Executive Officer of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., certify that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial 
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to 
be  designed  under  my  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant, 
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly 
during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting to be designed under my supervision, 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;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that 
occurred  during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  year  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably 
likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  have  disclosed,  based  on  our  most  recent  evaluation  of  internal 
control  over  financial  reporting,  to the  registrant’s  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  and  the  audit 
committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

(b)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 
financial  reporting  which  are  reasonably  likely  to  adversely  affect  the  registrant’s  ability  to  record, 
process, summarize and report financial information; and

Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other  employees  who  have  a 
significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 13, 2020

By: /s/ Eric S. Langan
Eric S. Langan
Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 31.2

I, Phillip K. Marshall, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., certify 
that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial 
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to 
be  designed  under  my  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant, 
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly 
during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting to be designed under my supervision, 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;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that 
occurred  during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  year  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably 
likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  have  disclosed,  based  on  our  most  recent  evaluation  of  internal 
control  over  financial  reporting,  to the  registrant’s  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  and  the  audit 
committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

(b)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 
financial  reporting  which  are  reasonably  likely  to  adversely  affect  the  registrant’s  ability  to  record, 
process, summarize and report financial information; and

Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other  employees  who  have  a 
significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 13, 2020

By: /s/ Phillip K. Marshall
Phillip K. Marshall
Chief Financial Officer/Principal Accounting Officer

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b) OR
RULE 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Sec.1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32.1

In connection with the annual report of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the 
year ended September 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), 
the  undersigned  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  the  Company,  certify,  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  § 
1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that based on their knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 

results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Eric S. Langan
Eric S. Langan
Chief Executive Officer
February 13, 2020

/s/ Phillip K. Marshall
Phillip K. Marshall
Chief Financial Officer
February 13, 2020

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or 
otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required 
by Section 906, has been provided to RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. and will be retained by RCI Hospitality Holdings, 
Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-K 
and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-K.